What is the Arturia Flanger BL-20?

It is a digital plug-in recreation of a classic late-1970s rack-mounted flanger unit. It uses advanced modelling technology to provide authentic analogue modulation sounds within a computer-based recording setup.

Which artists are associated with the original hardware unit?

The original hardware was famously used by artists such as Phil Collins, The Rolling Stones, and the band Yes. It was also a staple effect at the renowned AIR Studios.

What technologies does Arturia use to model the BL-20?

Arturia uses TAE (True Analog Emulation) and Phi physical modelling technologies. These methods ensure the software behaves and sounds exactly like the original analogue circuitry.

How many modulation sources does the BL-20 have?

The plug-in features three simultaneous modulation sources. This allows for far more complex and layered movement than a standard flanger with a single LFO.

Can the Flanger BL-20 produce 'jet-engine' sounds?

Yes, it is specifically designed to produce the classic, sweeping jet-engine flanging effect. Its advanced controls allow users to dial in this signature sound with high precision.

Is this a guitar pedal or a software plug-in?

The Arturia Flanger BL-20 is a software plug-in designed for use in a Digital Audio Workstation. While it emulates hardware effects, it is not a physical guitar pedal.

How does the BL-20 handle stereo signals?

It features ultra-flexible stereo control and flexible stereo routing. This allows users to create wide, immersive modulation effects that move across the stereo field.

What is the typical price for the Flanger BL-20?

The typical price for this plug-in is approximately £39. This makes it an affordable professional-grade alternative to purchasing vintage rack hardware.

Does it offer features not found on the original hardware?

Yes, Arturia has expanded the functionality beyond the original unit. It includes additional modulation possibilities and enhanced control modes for modern production needs.

How does it compare to a standard chorus pedal like the Behringer UC200?

While both provide modulation, the BL-20 is a flanger that uses short delays and feedback for a more intense, metallic sweep. It also offers significantly more complex controls than a basic chorus pedal.

Is the Flanger BL-20 suitable for professional mixing?

Yes, its history at AIR Studios and its use by major recording artists demonstrate its professional pedigree. Its high-fidelity modelling makes it suitable for demanding studio environments.

What makes the BL-20 sound 'unpredictable'?

The unpredictability stems from the interaction between its three modulation sources. When combined, they create complex interference patterns that go beyond simple, repetitive sweeps.

Gear article

Arturia Flanger BL-20

The Arturia Flanger BL-20 is a professional-grade software plug-in that recreates a celebrated rack-mounted flanger unit from the late 1970s. It utilises Arturia’s proprietary TAE and Phi technologies to emulate the complex, unpredictable modulation characteristics of original analogue hardware.

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Background and History

The Flanger BL-20 is based on a classic rack-mounted hardware effect that rose to prominence at the end of the 1970s. During this era, flanging transitioned from a manual tape-reel technique to a sophisticated rack-mounted electronic process. The original hardware was adopted by high-profile recording facilities such as AIR Studios and became a staple for prominent artists including Phil Collins, Yes, and The Rolling Stones. Arturia's modern recreation seeks to preserve this historical sonic footprint while making it accessible within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) environment.

Modulation and Control

A defining feature of the BL-20 is its use of three simultaneous modulation sources, allowing for more complex movement than standard single-LFO flangers. The plug-in features ultra-flexible stereo control, allowing users to manipulate the width and movement of the effect across the stereo field. Beyond a simple copy of the original, Arturia has included advanced 'Control Modes' that expand the modulation possibilities, enabling both traditional 'jet-engine' sweeps and more contemporary, unpredictable textures.

Technological Foundation

To achieve a sound that is indistinguishable from the original hardware, Arturia employs two primary technologies:

TAE (True Analog Emulation): Used for accurate modelling of electronic circuits, ensuring the plug-in responds like real hardware components.
Phi: A physical modelling technology that captures the complex interactions between different parts of the effect unit.

These technologies allow the BL-20 to replicate the specific non-linearities and warmth associated with 1970s analogue circuitry.

Sound Character

The sound of the Flanger BL-20 is characterized by its ability to produce the signature 'jet-engine' flanging effect, a deep and harmonically rich sweep. Because of its multiple modulation sources, the character can range from subtle thickening and chorus-like textures to intense, metallic, and unpredictable sonic transformations. It maintains a distinct analogue warmth that avoids the sterile quality sometimes found in basic digital modulation effects.

Suitability and Comparisons

This plug-in is primarily suited for studio engineers and producers looking for authentic vintage modulation without the maintenance or cost of hardware units. Compared to standard stompbox emulations like the Fender Hammertone Flanger or the Boss DD-3T (a delay with limited modulation), the BL-20 offers significantly deeper routing and stereo control. While pedal-style alternatives such as the Behringer UC200 focus on simplicity, the BL-20 is designed for precise sound design and professional mix applications.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Arturia Flanger BL-20?: It is a digital plug-in recreation of a classic late-1970s rack-mounted flanger unit. It uses advanced modelling technology to provide authentic analogue modulation sounds within a computer-based recording setup.
Which artists are associated with the original hardware unit?: The original hardware was famously used by artists such as Phil Collins, The Rolling Stones, and the band Yes. It was also a staple effect at the renowned AIR Studios.
What technologies does Arturia use to model the BL-20?: Arturia uses TAE (True Analog Emulation) and Phi physical modelling technologies. These methods ensure the software behaves and sounds exactly like the original analogue circuitry.
How many modulation sources does the BL-20 have?: The plug-in features three simultaneous modulation sources. This allows for far more complex and layered movement than a standard flanger with a single LFO.
Can the Flanger BL-20 produce 'jet-engine' sounds?: Yes, it is specifically designed to produce the classic, sweeping jet-engine flanging effect. Its advanced controls allow users to dial in this signature sound with high precision.
Is this a guitar pedal or a software plug-in?: The Arturia Flanger BL-20 is a software plug-in designed for use in a Digital Audio Workstation. While it emulates hardware effects, it is not a physical guitar pedal.
How does the BL-20 handle stereo signals?: It features ultra-flexible stereo control and flexible stereo routing. This allows users to create wide, immersive modulation effects that move across the stereo field.
What is the typical price for the Flanger BL-20?: The typical price for this plug-in is approximately £39. This makes it an affordable professional-grade alternative to purchasing vintage rack hardware.
Does it offer features not found on the original hardware?: Yes, Arturia has expanded the functionality beyond the original unit. It includes additional modulation possibilities and enhanced control modes for modern production needs.
How does it compare to a standard chorus pedal like the Behringer UC200?: While both provide modulation, the BL-20 is a flanger that uses short delays and feedback for a more intense, metallic sweep. It also offers significantly more complex controls than a basic chorus pedal.
Is the Flanger BL-20 suitable for professional mixing?: Yes, its history at AIR Studios and its use by major recording artists demonstrate its professional pedigree. Its high-fidelity modelling makes it suitable for demanding studio environments.
What makes the BL-20 sound 'unpredictable'?: The unpredictability stems from the interaction between its three modulation sources. When combined, they create complex interference patterns that go beyond simple, repetitive sweeps.