Virsyn multi-band frequency shifter

[mosc]

On for the first and best sound processing modules was the now-rare Bode frequency shifter. The was a very complex analog module made by Moog back in the 1960's. Very few people have every seen or used one.

A frequency shifter is basically a single-sideband modulator. It's a multiplier (ring modulator) with only one sideband. It hasn't shown up on many digital instruments over the years, so it's not well-know today. The Nord Modulars are on significant exception, and NM patcher know and lover the single-sideband sound.

A frequency shifter is not a pitch shifter. The latter shifts all of the harmonics a different interval, like a minor third, for example. Thus, the timber is change very little. It is useful for pitch correction and harmonizer functions.

The frequency shifter shifts every frequency up by a fixed number. The timber is dramatically changed. The result is more ring modulator like, but more gentle; less aggressive.

Virsyn has just released Bandshift, an iOS app which takes the Bode frequency shifter up to a new level. I don't think this app will be a game changer, but it's worth looking into. I've been using frequency shifters for quite a while to enrich the sound of keyboards and guitars.

https://youtu.be/RMKCuPdTW0s