Fletcher is a spectral audio effect that smooths sound over time using FFT processing, with per-frequency attack and decay controls, spectral fitting, and playable shimmer harmonics via MIDI.
Purpose
Fletcher is a time-smoothing audio tool that operates in the spectral domain. It captures the current frequency spectrum of the incoming signal and uses it as a target, gradually morphing the output sound toward that target over time. This creates a natural, evolving texture that responds to changing input.
The effect also includes a decay mode that adds extra sound over time, allowing the morphing to continue even after the input signal stops. This makes Fletcher useful for generating ambient tails, long evolving pads, or reverb-like swells from any source material.
Key Capabilities
Attack and decay are controlled through a Factor Bands system, similar to those in Strum and Sweep. This divides the spectrum into multiple frequency sections, each with its own independent attack and decay settings, ramping smoothly across the spectrum. This allows precise sculpting of how different frequencies evolve over time.
The Fitting control automatically detects non-uniform parts of the spectrum and levels them out, creating a more even response. Setting this control to negative values turns it into a spectral contrast tool, adding an extra layer of shaping before the attack and decay stages. This offers flexibility for both smoothing and emphasis.
Workflow
In a typical workflow, you feed a monophonic or polyphonic source into Fletcher, then adjust the Factor Bands to set per-frequency attack and decay times. The Fitting control can be dialed in to tame peaks or enhance spectral contrast, depending on the desired texture.
The Shimmer control adds extra harmonics on top of the signal, auto-detecting pitch and generating upper partials for a brighter, more ethereal sound. This system also accepts MIDI input, allowing you to play the harmonic content externally, which is ideal for live performance or integrating with a keyboard or sequencer.
Practical Applications
Fletcher excels at creating evolving pads, ambient washes, and cinematic transitions. It can transform simple synth stabs or guitar chords into slowly morphing soundscapes, with per-band control shaping the attack and decay of each frequency region.
The MIDI-playable Shimmer makes it suitable for harmonic layering in music production, while the decay feature lets you generate long tails for sound design or post-production. It is a versatile tool for experimental, ambient, and electronic genres.
Key features
- Spectral processing using FFTs for time-smoothing
- Factor Bands system with independent attack and decay per frequency section
- Fitting control for automatic spectral leveling or contrast
- Shimmer control with pitch detection and harmonic generation
- MIDI input for playing harmonics externally
- Decay mode that adds extra sound over time
Best for
Fletcher is best for sound designers and electronic musicians seeking evolving, spectral textures. It suits ambient pads, transitions, and harmonic layering, especially with MIDI control. Its per-band attack and decay provide detailed shaping for cinematic or experimental audio, making it a valuable tool for creative studio work and live performance.