EarthQuaker Devices Towers Stereo Reverberant Filter

Towers teleports your sound into a vast stereophonic expanse, weaving it into its unique resonant filtered feedback networks. Reflections hang in the air and move in and out of a sprawling multidimensional soundscape, where they don’t just fade away—they radiate, breathe and drift endlessly into the void.

The filter frequency offers three distinct modes of navigation: Manual Mode puts the player in charge of the filter frequencies.  Envelope Mode where playing dynamics breathe and morph into everchanging filter movements. LFO Mode where the player surrenders control to a slow-moving oscillator that sweeps across the stereo field.

Manual Mode
The filter frequency is manually changed by adjusting the Frequency control. This works across the stereo field, with the left channel opposite the right.

Envelope Mode
The filter frequency is changed with an envelope that is controlled by picking dynamics. In this mode, the Frequency control adjusts the sensitivity of the envelope.

LFO Mode
The filter frequency is controlled by a slow moving LFO, and the Frequency control adjusts the rate. This mode also sweeps across the stereo field creating a slow panning filter effect.

Design Notes

At the heart of Towers lies an architectural marvel of aural alchemy—your input signal is fed into an array of infinitely repeating micro-echoes, creating dynamic generative impulses which feed an immense cathedral style reverb where the Length control shapes the decay time and density of reflections. This reverberant foundation is then interwoven with a resonant low-pass filter that intersects the delay and reverb pathways at multiple points, crafting a massive, unearthly sound that transcends the limitations of traditional hardware. The result is not merely an effect, but an experiential journey into the expanse. 

The filter frequency is your spectral guide through these hazy realms, offering three distinct modes of navigation. In Manual Mode, you are the commander of your own frequency. By turning the Frequency control, you can create opposing movements between left and right channels. Envelope Mode transforms playing dynamics into filter movement, where each strike of the strings becomes a catalyst for harmonic resonance while the Frequency control maintains proper sensitivity. LFO Mode surrenders control to a slow-moving oscillator that sweeps across the stereo field, and the Frequency adjusts the rate at which it sways. 

The resonant low-pass filter, reminiscent of those found in many beloved vintage synthesizers, generates warm and ringy tones that impart layers of dark atmosphere into the reverberated echoes. Through the Filter control, you determine how intensely this harmonic disturbance intertwines with the reverb pathways, while the Mix control becomes your balance between the celestial realms above and the grounded reality below. Eight user assignable presets await to capture and recall your most cherished settings with the turn of a knob and press of a switch. 

Towers can be further pulled across space and time by initiating the extraordinary phenomenon known as Stretch. This spellbinding feature doubles the length of reverb effect by slowing the processor speed which generates a lo-fi effect that pulls apart the delay lines while smearing the filter and lowering the frequency responses. Pleasant surprises and delightful musical inaccuracies will emerge, creating unique atmospheres that serve as the ultimate vibe setter. With the stretch footswitch, you can tap it for an instantaneous effect or hold it and marvel as the entire system of Towers descends into the abyss, spawning mesmerizing artifacts along the way. 

Controls;

Mode: This is a 3-position toggle switch that changes the mode of operation.

Length: Controls the length of the reverb – lower settings are shorter, higher settings are longer. This control also has a secondary function to adjust the speed of the Stretch feature. 

Mix: This sets the overall level of the effect, balancing the ethereal with the earthly. 

Stretch Footswitch: Stretch slows down the entire digital system of Towers. As a result, the reverb length is doubled, the spectrum of frequencies is altered and a pitch bending effect can be heard throughout the morphing process.

Frequency: This controls the filter frequency and has several different functions depending on which mode is selected. 

Filter: Controls how much the resonant low pass filter is mixed into the reverb pathways, determining the depth of harmonic resonance. 

Preset: Selects which user preset to use in preset mode, allowing you to recall your favorite mystical configurations.

Activate Footswitch: This turns the effect on and off.