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Phaser – Definition
A phaser is an audio effect that creates a sweeping, swirling sound by shifting the phase of an audio signal and blending it with the original signal.
What is a Phaser?
A phaser works by passing part of an audio signal through a series of phase-shifting filters. As the amount of phase shift changes over time, moving peaks and notches are created across the frequency spectrum, producing the effect’s characteristic swirling sound.
Although often compared with a flanger, a phaser uses a different signal-processing method and produces a smoother, more subtle modulation.
How is a Phaser used in piano playing?
Phaser effects are commonly used with electric pianos, keyboards, synthesizers, and vintage keyboard sounds such as the Rhodes and Wurlitzer. They add movement, width, and texture without changing the notes being played.
Understanding phaser effects helps keyboard players shape expressive sounds for pop, rock, funk, jazz, ambient music, and modern music production.