Learning Objectives⌗

  • Identify core characteristics of common effects by ear.
  • Practice fast parameter vocabulary (threshold, feedback, decay, rate, mix).
  • Make quick, confident decisions under time constraints.

Tools⌗

Related: Delay, Reverb, EQ

Setup⌗

Use a short, dry loop or a duplicate of your PSA VO so you don’t overwrite your main mix.

  1. Add the following effects to your project. Each effect can be placed on a different track. Make sure the effects are deactivated or unchecked at the start:
    • ReaComp
    • ReaDelay
    • ReaEQ
    • ReaPitch
    • ReaVerb
    • ReaVerbate
    • JS: Flanger
    • JS: Distortion
    • JS: Chorus
    • JS: Tremolo
  2. There will be seven rounds, with each round having a decreasing time limit.
  3. For each round, spin the wheel to choose a random effect, and activate the selected effect on your track. You will have the allotted time to experiment with the effect.
  4. Repeat this for every round, activating only the effect chosen in that round. Adjust that effect’s parameters freely during the timer; avoid other mix changes (no level/pan edits) until the timer ends.

Quick Parameter Prompts⌗

List of two key parameters to focus on for each effect:

  • ReaComp: Threshold, Ratio
  • ReaDelay: Time, Feedback
  • ReaEQ: Frequency, Gain
  • ReaPitch: Shift (Full Range), Mix
  • ReaVerb: Choose preset, Mix
  • ReaVerbate: Room Size, Mix
  • JS: Flanger: Length, Depth
  • JS: Distortion: Gain
  • JS: Chorus: Chorus Length, Rate
  • JS: Tremolo: Frequency

Game Rounds⌗

  • Round 1: 5 minutes
  • Round 2: 4 minutes
  • Round 3: 3 minutes
  • Round 4: 2 minutes
  • Round 5: 1:30 minute
  • Round 6: 1:00 minute
  • Round 7: 30 seconds

Optional variants:

  • Cumulative mode (advanced): keep each chosen effect active so the chain grows every round.

Wrap-Up and Sharing⌗

  • After completing the timed rounds, take an additional 5 minutes to further develop your project.
  • We will listen to each composition in class. Consider the following during the listening session:
    • Which effects did you enjoy using the most? The least?
    • Were any effects confusing or challenging to use?

Deliverables (upload to D2L):

  • A 30–60 second stereo render named Lastname_Firstname_FXRoulette.wav
  • A brief 3–4 sentence reflection: what worked, what didn’t, and one parameter insight you learned.