📖 Signal Guide

Signal Flow Basics

• Audio flows from source → processing → output
• Order matters: EQ before compression sounds different than compression before EQ
• Gain staging: keep levels consistent through the chain to avoid distortion

Common Effects

EQ

Boost/cut frequency ranges — low = bass, mid = body, high = presence/air.

Compressor

Reduces dynamic range. Threshold = where it kicks in · Ratio = how much · Attack/Release = speed.

Distortion / Overdrive

Adds harmonics — warmth to grit depending on amount.

Chorus

Duplicates signal with slight pitch/time variation — thickens sound.

Phaser / Flanger

Comb filtering effects — swooshy/jet sounds.

Typical Signal Chain Order

1. Tuner
2. Wah / Filter
3. Compressor
4. Overdrive / Distortion
5. EQ
6. Modulation (chorus / phaser)
7. Delay
8. Reverb