The phaser is one of the most popular effects in music production. While explaining exactly how it works can be challenging even to some sound engineers, the effect is really easy to recognize due to its distinctive sweeping sound, similar to a “whoosh”. Even DJs use it extensively during their sets to make some buildups of breakdowns a bit more exciting. While overusing the phaser (or its more extreme-sounding cousin, the flanger) can be tiresome, it remains a go-to effect that never really sounds bad if it’s used properly.

The phaser started to be used prominently in the 1960s, especially as a guitar effect, but it was later used in electronic music as well. Plenty of producers today wish to add analog-sounding phasers to their mixes, and for that reason many developers create audio plugins that emulate the effects of old. One example is Fazortan2 by D16 Group.

The plugin was created as an emulation of a 1970s’ retro phaser, and inspired partially by Jean-Michel Jarre’s pioneering synth sounds. At its core are two low-frequency oscillators, each with adjustable frequency rate, depth, and seven types of waveforms to choose from. Fartozan2 also comes with many presets that highlight its capabilities and serve as a good starting point for those who wish to learn how to use the plugin.