Pitch-Shifted Delays

Pitch-shifted feedback delays create evolving echoes by changing pitch each time the signal circulates through the loop.

Basic structure

A simple voice is:

Input -> Delay -> PitchShift -> feedback filter/gain -> back to Delay
                         \\-> wet output

If the pitch shifter is inside the feedback loop, each repeat can accumulate another interval. If it is outside the loop, every repeat receives the same one-time shift.

Stable feedback first

Build and listen to the delay loop at unity pitch before adding transposition. This separates two problems: feedback stability and pitch behaviour.

Use filtering and gain control inside the loop. Pitch shifting can change perceived brightness and peak level, so a feedback value that was comfortable before the shifter may need to be reduced.

Stereo spread

Create independent left/right paths or use a multi-voice pitch processor. Small differences in interval, delay time, feedback filtering and pan often produce a wider result than simply duplicating the exact same voice on both sides.

Modulating pitch

Use a mapped LFO/control path when you want pitch to drift continuously. Use a TextSelector/ControlTable style path when you want discrete musical choices.

For slow stepped harmonic movement, parameter/control rate is appropriate. For intentionally fast continuous pitch modulation, choose a processor/input path designed for smooth modulation.

Variants as voicings

Variants are useful for saving different interval sets without duplicating the patch: for example Fifth, Octave Up, Octave Down, and Cluster. Keep the graph identical and capture only the modules that define the voicing and related feedback balance.