TUTORIAL
FILESTo install Chorus CM, grab the install
files found on the print edition’s cover
DVD or this issue’s FileSilo page (filesilo.
co.uk/computermusic). Drag these to
your desktop, then copy the files to the
appropriate locations on your computer.1
To put Chorus CMthroughitspaces,
load up a raw initialisedsynthpatchin
your DAW, then callupaninstanceof
Chorus CM on the synth’schannel.Chorus
CM’s GUI can be resizedbydraggingthe
small yellow trianglefoundonthebottom-
right of the main window.2
Theleftmostthreeknobs– Input,
OutputandDryLevel– allrangefrom
-70dBto+24dB.Inputsetstheinput
signal’slevel,Outputsetsthelevelofthe
overalloutputsignal,andDryLevelmixes
intheunprocessedsignal.TheInputand
OutputVUmetersgivea handyvisual
representationofsignal– yellowequates
to-12dBFS, whileredis-6dBFS.3
A chorus effect mixes the input signal
with delayed, pitchshifted copies of
itself. Chorus CM features three main
delay lines – One, Two and Three – which
are adjusted via the main three columns
of knobs. Use the Level knobs to balance
the volume of each delay line.4
The current ‘flavour’ofchoruscanbe
changed by modulatingthetime– and
therefore pitch – of thesedelays.Eachof
Chorus CM’s three delaylinesis
modulated by its owntriangle-shaped
LFO. Each delay’s LFOrunsata speed
ranging from 0.1Hz(whenSpeedisat0%)
to 2Hz (at 100%), waveringeachdelay
line’s time between2msto5ms.5
Eachdelaylinecanbepannedleftand
rightaroundthestereofieldwithits
bipolarPanknob.Usethesecontrolsto
preciselyadjustwhereyouwanteach
delaylinetositinthemix– bydefault,the
firsttwoarehard-pannedapart,andthe
thirdsitsinthemiddle,butthere’snothing
stoppingyoufrompocketingallthreein
morebespokestereopositions.6
When the Analog button is engaged,
the delay lines emulate bucket-
brigade delay (BBD) lines, losing some
definition in the high end of the spectrum
for a more analogue sound. This button
also enables the saturation typical of
operational amplifiers used in electronic
circuits. When Analog is disengaged, the
overall effect is brighter and more ‘hi-fi’.7
Most analogue circuitsproducesome
form of transistorhiss,contributingto
hardware’s much-lovednoisysound.This
can be emulated bylightinguptheNoise
button, which adds a-90dBhisstothe
output of each delayline.8
Step by step (^) 1. Getting started with HoRNet ChorusCM
POWER TIP
Going further
When dialling in Chorus CM settings,
the key is getting the right amount
of Dry Level balance in relation to
the final Output level – too much
dry signal, and the chorus lines will
be lost in the mix; too little dry
signal, and the chorusing will ‘blur’
everything too much.
Once you’re familiar with Chorus
CM’s controls, you’re free to
experiment with settings that suit
your source material. The most
obvious candidates are mono synth
leads and pads, but don’t be afraid
to try the effect out on centred bass
parts, sterile hi-hats and lacklustre
guitars, either.July 2019 / COMPUTER MUSIC / 53hornet chorus cm / free software <