FL Studio Mobile

Wow & Flutter

Wow & Flutter refers to 'unwanted' variations in the speed of playback on analog recordings like cassette tapes, vinyl records and film. These speed fluctuations cause noticeable changes in pitch. Wow is a slow variation in speed, typically below 6 Hz (cycles per second). The music slows down and speeds up in a slow wave. Flutter is a faster variation in speed, typically above 6 Hz. It sounds like a vibrato or warble. You can use these effects to create a vintage sound.

NOTE: To load presets tap the 'Default' (upper right) and choose from the Presets List.

Parameters

  • Wow Rate - Sinusoidal playback speed changes over time.
  • Wow Amount - Intensity of the Wow effect.
  • Random Rate - Random changes to the Wow Rate. NOTE: The random control modulates the Wow rate, and does not apply if the Wow Amount is set to 0%.
  • Random Amount - Degree of randomness.
  • Sync - Switch left for Wow & Flutter time in ms, right for time measured in tempo units.
  • Flutter Rate - Flutter speed.
  • Flutter Amount - Flutter intensity.

Display

  • Speed - If the playback speed is constant the display will show a horizontal line half way up the display. Above the middle is faster, below the middle is slower.
  • Wow & Flutter - Wow will generally be a slow sine wave change. Flutter is a smaller amplitude and generally higher frequency modulation. Wow and Flutter are additive.

Mechanics of Wow & Flutter

The mechanical nature of playback media like Tape, Vinyl or Film makes them highly susceptible to Wow & Flutter. Cassette decks are, for example, highly susceptible to flutter effects, particularly when the pinch roller gets very dirty. Digital audio formats such as WAV, MP3 etc have absolutely no Wow or Flutter and so adding a little bit of this effect to your song can evoke a vintage vibe.

Typical causes of Wow include:

  • Unevenness - Inconsistent thickness or imperfections in the recording medium itself, tape, film, or vinyl, can cause the playback speed to vary as it passes the playback head.
  • Warped records - Vinyl records can warp due to heat or improper storage that creates changes in speed if the radius from the center of the spindle to needle changes dramatically.
  • Motor fluctuations - Slight inconsistencies in the speed or stability of the motor driving the turntable, tape deck, or film projector can translate to wow in the playback. Worn-out components like belts, pulleys, or capstans can introduce wobbles and inconsistencies in the playback speed.

Typical causes of Flutter include:

  • Imperfections at the microscopic level - Tiny inconsistencies or variations in the thickness or magnetic properties of the recording medium can cause rapid fluctuations in playback speed. Dust, dirt, or other debris on the capstan can create momentary disruptions as the playback head passes over them, leading to flutter.
  • Rapid motor fluctuations - Unlike the slower variations causing wow, flutter often arises from very brief, high-frequency instabilities in the motor speed of the playback device.
  • Mechanical imperfections - Small imbalances or irregularities in moving parts like bearings, belts, or capstans can create rapid vibrations or stick-start slipping that translate to flutter in the playback.

Plugin Credits

Code & UI: Nico Berriochoa.