Phaser effect in MainStage

The Phaser effect combines the original signal with a copy that is slightly out of phase with the original. This means that the amplitudes of the two signals reach their highest and lowest points at slightly different times. The timing differences between the two signals are modulated by two independent LFOs. In addition, Phaser includes a filter circuit and a built-in envelope follower that tracks volume changes in the input signal, generating a dynamic control signal. This control signal alters the sweep range.

Sonically, phasing is used to create whooshing, sweeping sounds that wander through the frequency spectrum. It is a commonly used guitar effect, but it is suitable for a range of signals.

To add Phaser to your concert, choose Modulation > Phaser in a channel strip Audio Effect plug-in menu. See Add and remove plug-ins in MainStage.

Phaser parameters

Stages knob and field: Choose phaser algorithms (even numbers) or comb filtering (odd numbers).
- The 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 settings switch between five different phaser algorithms. All are modeled on analog circuits, with each designed for a specific application.
- The 5, 7, 9, and 11 settings don’t generate actual phasing effects. The more subtle comb filtering effects produced by odd-numbered settings can, however, be useful.
Sweep Mode pop-up menu: Choose a mode that determines the impact of incoming signal levels on the frequency range. Set the frequency range with the Ceiling and Floor controls.
Ceiling/Floor sliders and fields: Determine the frequency range affected by LFO modulations. Drag the green slider area between Ceiling and Floor to move the entire range.
Rate 1/2 knobs and fields: Set the speed for each LFO.
Sync buttons: Synchronize the modulation speed of each LFO with the project tempo. Choose musical note values with the Rate 1 and Rate 2 knobs.
Phase knob and field: Control the phase relationship between individual channel modulations. Available only in stereo instances. At 0°, extreme modulation values are achieved simultaneously for both channels. At 180° or −180°, there is the greatest possible distance between channel modulation phases.
(LFO) Mix slider and fields: Determine the ratio between the two LFOs.
Level knob and field: Determine the amount of effect signal routed back to the input.
Warmth button: Enable or disable a distortion circuit, suitable for warm overdrive effects.
Low/High Cut sliders and fields: Set the cutoff frequency of the lowpass (LP) and highpass (HP) filters.
Filter button: Enable or disable the filter section.
(Out) Mix slider and field: Determine the balance of dry and wet signals. Negative values result in a phase-inverted mix of the effect and direct (dry) signal.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

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