Exciting times

One often overlooked effect that can be particularly useful when building textural sounds is the exciter. Many people misunderstand the difference between exciters and EQs, as the ‘fizzy air’ which exciters produce can sometimes be achieved – in part – by adding a high-shelf EQ band and boosting upper frequencies. However, there is a crucial difference: whereas EQs can only boost or cut the volume of existing frequency content, exciters artificially create harmonics, using a chosen frequency point and building new harmonics above it to thicken duller sounds. As a result, they offer a hybrid, synthesised approach that can be anything from dreamy to fierce. A sound designer’s secret weapon!