Towers Soundscape Generator
Behold! Betwixt the mists of time and the digital depths comes forth the mighty Towers Stereo Soundscape Generator. At the heart of Towers lies an architectural marvel of aural alchemy—your input signal is fed into an array of infinitely repeating micro-echoes, creating dynamic generative impulses which feed an immense cathedral-style reverb. This reverberant foundation is then interwoven with a resonant low-pass filter that intersects the delay and reverb pathways at multiple points, crafting a massive, unearthly sound that transcends the limitations of traditional hardware. The result is not merely an effect, but an experiential journey into the expanse.
Towers features a resonant low-pass filter, reminiscent of those found in many beloved vintage synthesizers, which generates warm and ringy tones that impart layers of dark atmosphere into the reverberated echoes. The filter frequency is your spectral guide through these hazy realms, offering three distinct modes of navigation. In Manual Mode, you are the commander of your own frequency. By turning the Frequency control, you can create opposing movements between left and right channels. Envelope Mode transforms playing dynamics into filter movement, where each strike of the strings becomes a catalyst for harmonic resonance while the Frequency control maintains proper sensitivity. LFO Mode surrenders control to a slow-moving oscillator that sweeps across the stereo field, and the Frequency adjusts the rate at which it sways.
Towers can be further pulled across space and time by initiating the extraordinary phenomenon known as Stretch. This feature doubles the length of the reverb effect by slowing the processor speed, which generates a lo-fi effect that pulls apart the delay lines while smearing the filter and lowering the frequency responses. With the stretch footswitch, you can tap it for an instantaneous effect or hold it and observe the entire system of Towers creating unique artifacts. Eight user-assigned presets await to capture and recall your most cherished settings.
Towers is built by EarthQuaker Devices in Akron, Ohio.
Controls
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Mix – Sets the overall level of the effect, balancing the ethereal with the earthly.
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Length – Controls the length of the reverb. Lower settings are shorter, higher settings are longer. Also adjusts the speed of the Stretch feature.
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Filter – Controls how much the resonant low-pass filter is mixed into the reverb pathways.
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Frequency – Controls the filter frequency; function varies depending on mode.
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Mode – 3-position toggle switch:
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Manual – Filter frequency is manually adjusted. Left and right channels move oppositely.
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Envelope – Filter frequency is adjusted by picking dynamics; Frequency control sets envelope sensitivity.
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LFO – Filter frequency is controlled by a slow-moving LFO; Frequency sets the rate. Sweeps across the stereo field.
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Preset – Selects which user preset to use.
Footswitches
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Activate Footswitch – Turns the effect on or off.
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Stretch Footswitch – Engages the Stretch function, doubling the reverb length and altering the frequency spectrum.