Chorus, flanger or phaser: what's the difference?
2 min read · Updated
Chorus, flanger and phaser are all modulation effects: they make the sound move over time. Yet they rely on different principles and aren't used for the same things. Here is how to recognize them and when to choose each.
In short
- Chorus: a slightly delayed, detuned copy, to thicken.
- Ensemble: several chorus voices, for strings and pads.
- Flanger: a very short sweeping delay, the “jet plane” sound.
- Phaser: notches moving through the spectrum, a “swirling” sound.
Chorus and ensemble
Chorus blends the sound with a copy delayed by 10 to 30 ms whose delay varies gently: the copy is slightly detuned, like a second musician playing the same part. It thickens and widens clean guitars, synths and backing vocals.
Ensemble stacks several offset chorus voices: it is the sound of string pads on vintage synths, very wide and very smooth.
Flanger
Same principle as chorus, but with a much shorter delay (under 10 ms) and often some feedback: the copies create a comb of frequencies that sweeps across the spectrum. It is the metallic “jet plane” sound, very pronounced on drums or a distorted guitar.
Phaser
A phaser doesn't delay the sound: it runs the signal through filters that shift its phase, then blends it with the original. The result is a few notches in the spectrum that move around. The more stages, the more notches and the stronger the effect. The sound “swirls” gently, ideal on an electric piano, a rhythm guitar or a pad.
All four in one plugin
Lontana Mod combines chorus, ensemble, flanger and a 4-, 6-, 8- or 12-stage phaser. Starting points: slow Mod Rate and moderate Mod Depth for a natural chorus; higher Feedback in flanger or phaser for a more metallic effect; Mix around 50% for flanger and phaser; Stereo Spread to widen.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a chorus and a flanger?
- Chorus uses a 10 to 30 ms delay that thickens the sound; flanger uses a delay under 10 ms, often with feedback, which creates a metallic sweep.
- What is the difference between a flanger and a phaser?
- A flanger blends in a delayed copy, which creates many evenly spaced notches; a phaser shifts the phase with filters, which creates a few notches. The phaser is gentler.
- Should chorus go on an insert or a send?
- Usually on an insert, with a moderate mix. On a send, it lets you keep the original sound intact in the center.
- What is an ensemble effect?
- Several layered chorus voices, for a very wide, smooth sound, typical of string pads.
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