Harmonic Exciter AUv3 Plugin 1.02

Harmonic Exciter is an AUv3 Compatible plugin designed for various DAWs such as Cubasis, Auria, AUM, Meteor, BM3, or GarageBand.

The primary function of a Harmonic Exciter is to enhance instruments' presence in a mix, providing edge and clarity to the sound by introducing additional harmonics. It can even mimic tube or transistor-based saturation and harmonic distortion.

How it works:

Every sound can be deconstructed into a series of sine waves, with the fundamental sine wave representing the perceived frequency. By incorporating additional harmonics, which are multiples of the fundamental frequency, a simple sine wave can transform into more complex waveforms like square or sawtooth waves. These richer waveforms add punch and brightness at the same volume level. By increasing harmonics, a sound can be elevated to appear louder, brighter, and more prominent in the mix. Additionally, it can saturate specific frequency ranges, enhancing bass frequencies without requiring additional EQ adjustments that may lead to compression for control. Consequently, the harmonic exciter serves as a valuable tool for achieving an impeccable mix, a technique that audio engineers have utilized for decades.

In Practice:

The 4Pockets Harmonic Exciter provides a visual representation of the incoming audio spectrum across frequency bands, enabling immediate identification of mix imbalances. Users can select a frequency range (such as bass, mid, high, or even specify instruments like kick drums) and employ the 10 harmonic sliders for real-time synthesis of additional harmonics and phase manipulation.

Typically, 'odd' harmonics (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) contribute to melodic enhancements in a mix, while 'even' harmonics (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) introduce a touch of discordance or emulate valve amp distortions. By integrating saturation in this manner, users can achieve pleasing overdriven valve/transistor-like amplification effects.

Advantages over EQ:

Unlike traditional EQ methods using Graphic or Parametric EQs that amplify existing harmonics—prompting the need for compression to prevent clipping—the Harmonic Exciter modifies a sound's tonal properties to saturate without a simultaneous volume boost. This results in enhanced impact and improved mix penetration without compromising volume levels. The effect often produces more natural and aesthetically pleasing saturation than conventional overdrive effects.

If your DAW supports MIDI-based effects, you can further customize the Harmonic Exciter by controlling specific features via CC controllers or utilizing tools like pitch bend and modulation wheels (or CCs 20, 21, and 22 for controlling exciter parameters).