04) Exploring Transfer Functions: The Foundation of ORANGE Processing
What is a Transfer Function?
To understand what a wave shaper is, it's essential first to learn how to read a transfer function. A transfer function visually represents the relationship between the input signal and the output signal in a non-linear process like Orange Clip 3.
The image below illustrates a linear relationship between input and output. The X-axis represents the input (source), while the Y-axis represents the output (destination). The dotted line indicates the direct, proportional relationship between the input and output.
In the next image, an input signal of -5dBFS results in an output signal of -5dBFS. The arrow illustrates the signal entering the processor from the bottom and exiting to the left. Since there is no change to the signal, this represents a linear process: -5 dBFS input equals -5 dBFS output.
The next image illustrates a non-linear process where the output signal is lower than the input signal. For instance, an input signal of -5 dBFS results in an output signal of -9 dBFS. The curvature of the gain change from input to output is what shapes the distinctive sound of the wave shaper. Perfecting this curve was a significant challenge in developing Orange Clip 3.
When a traditional transfer function is used as a visual representation for a processor, such as Orange Clip 3, it is typically assumed that the wave shaping is symmetric—meaning it affects both the positive and negative sides of the waveform equally. While not all wave shapers are symmetric, Orange Clip 3 is.
In a DAW, we see both the positive and negative sides of the waveform. However, a traditional transfer function typically displays only the positive side of the waveform. If we were to show both sides, the wave shaper's display would resemble the orange line in image below. Here, the dotted line represents the input, while the orange line represents the wave-shaped output. The peaks of both the positive and negative side of the wave form are equally reduced.
In the below image, I superimposed Orange Clip 3’s transfer function over both the positive and negative sides of a waveform to better illustrate this concept.
Understanding how Orange Clip 3's transfer function works will give you deeper insight into the unique sound of Orange Processing, which we'll explore further in the next post.
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Be well,
Ryan Schwabe
Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum mixing & mastering engineer
Founder of Schwabe Digital
