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	WPI Technical Theatre Handbook: Effects Processors
	Effects Processors Special audio effects such as pitch shifting, reverberation, and delay are often desirable in a theatre application. Discrete reverb and delay units are common, but are often replaced with effects processors or multi-effects units, which can provide a number of audio effects in one box. There is no standard type of effects processor. Each offer a different number of effects, different sound quality, and a different user interface. Some common effects are listed below: Delay. The audio signal is delayed by a certain period of time before it is played. Times from a few milliseconds to several seconds are common. Echo effects are commonly done with delays. Reverb. Reverb effects simulate room characteristics, and are often adjustable to simulate different sizes and types of rooms. Reverb is often confused with echo, but rest assured, it's different. Flanging and Phasing. Two effects that are difficult to describe, but most everyone has heard both. Both can be said to make a sound appear to ``swish''. Pitch Shifting. Pitch shifters increase or decrease the pitch of the sound. This effect, combined with others, is what gives Darth Vader his characteristic voice. Effects processors can be used as inserts on channels or with aux sends. Aux sends are more commonly used because more than one channel can ``share'' an effect. Also it allows mixing of the wet and dry signals, which is very desirable in most cases. Figure 6.8: A roadcase with several pieces of signal processing equipment, including a dbx compresser/limiter, a Yamaha effects processor, and a Klark-Technic graphic equalizer. Use of information in this document implies understanding and agreement with the copyright and terms of use. Specifically, no warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of the information contained within. YOU USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. You must obtain permission from the author before using the contents of The Handbook for anything other than private use.	Table of Contents [Whole book in PDF 5.3MB] Contents Introduction Goals Sources Methods Conclusions Costumes Introduction Procurement Fabrics Color Patterns Fitting Rehearsal Clothing Design How to Begin Color Practicality Documents The Set Introduction Set Pieces Platforms Flats Stairs Rakes Other Structures Floor Coverings Construction Materials Tools Finishing Painting Types of Paint Mixing Paints Applying Paint Draperies Design How to Begin Documents Computer-Aided Design A Typical Set Construction at WPI Rigging Introduction Common Rigging Hardware Rope Wire Rope Thimbles, Wire Rope Clips, and Swages Shackles, Turnbuckles and Hooks Chain & Rapid Links Slings Fly Methods Non-Counterweighted Pulley Systems Counterweighted Fly Systems Lifts Chain Motors Flying Set Pieces Lighting Introduction Lighting Instruments Scoops Cyclorama Lights Parabolic Reflector Cans Fresnel Spotlights Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlights Automated Instruments Color Color Theory Primary, Secondary and Complementary Colors of Light Light Mixing Practical Use of Color Glass, Gelatine and Plastics Dichroic Color Filters Patterns Dimmers Dimmer History Cables and Connectors Lighting Boards Control Design Washes Specials Cyclorama Lighting Color Lighting Angle Simulating Exteriors Lighting Design Paperwork Shop Order Instrument Plots Focus Sheets Computer-Aided Lighting Design A Typical Lighting Hang at WPI Audio Introduction Input Microphones Converting Sound to Electricity Directionality Analog Tape Digital Audio Tape (DAT) Compact Disc (CD) Mini-Disc (MD) Digital Samplers Computer Sound Cards Mixing Boards Signal Processing Equipment Equalizers Compressors and Limiters Noise Gates Effects Processors Output Power Amplifiers Speakers Crossovers Cabling and Connectors Line-Level Speaker-Level Automation Design Creating and Obtaining Effects Editing and Processing Effects Designing the Sound System The Input Section Signal Processing The Output Section A Typical Audio Setup at WPI Power Introduction Basic Theory Power Feeds Power Distribution Boxes Power Protection Important Considerations Special Effects Introduction Animated Costuming Smoke and Fog Pyrotechnics Acknowledgements References List of Figures Index About this document ...

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