Utilizing Harmonic Distortion

Harmonic distortion can add color, depth, presence, and warmth to a sound. Learn how to utilize it to enrich the frequency content of a mix or individual instruments.

Izotope Exciter

Izotope Exciter is a harmonic exciter/enhancer capable of adding sparkle or shine to the upper frequencies of the mix. You can use it on mid or low frequencies to add boost or presence. It offers four individual bands on which you can apply different saturation modes: warmth, tube, tape, triode, dual triode, and retro. I have already made a sequence containing rhythm, bass, synth, lead, etc. As usual, let's start by adding a new instance of the Izotope Exciter to the master channel of the SoundBridge: DAW.  

 

Frequency Bands

As you can see from the picture above, four bands are taking the dominant part of the Izotope Exciter's interface. By default, the saturation style is set to Triode, but you can choose different modes, as mentioned before. Also, the band faders control the amount and mix for every band. You can adjust the right amount of the effect for every band.  

Frequency Spectrum

Above the faders, there is a mini spectrum window that operates in two modes. The first one contains adjustable frequency ranges, and you can drag them around the spectrum.  

You can enter the second mode of the mini spectrum window by clicking on the icon on the far left. I have highlighted it in blue. This mode offers the post filter, an adjustable high-shelf filter on the saturation meter. It allows you to adjust the frequency output of the exciter module.

 

Stereo or Mid-Side

On the right of the band faders section, there is a part of the interface for switching between stereo and mid-side mode. This button allows you to change between "stereo" processing or mid-side. When "stereo" is selected, the Izotope Exciter module will perform basic stereo signal processing. When "mid-side" is selected, all mid-side features become available.  

 

Presets

Moving further, Izotope Exciter offers many presets. You can enter the presets window by clicking on the magnifying icon at the bottom part of the overall interface. Here, you can save or delete your own presets, as well as move them to different folders.

 

Metering

Last but not least, there is a dedicated metering section on the right side of the interface. Here, you can control the amount of the input and output signals and monitor the possible peaking.

Finally, let's hear this awesome plugin in action. Although it can be used on individual or group tracks of your mix, for this example, I'll add it to the master channel.

~Full mix - without Izotope Exciter

~Full mix - with Izotope Exciter