Renowned for its flexibility, SoundToys' FilterFreak is one the most established filters around. It actually includes two versions - the simpler, one-filter FilterFreak 1, and the two-filter FilterFreak 2. Understandably, the latter is more flexible, but that's only because of the parallel and serial configuration options.
FilterFreak includes four filter types (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass and band reject), each available with four slopes (2-. 4-.6- and 8-pole). Frequency is adjustable from 20Hz to 20kHz, and resonance from gentle to very sharp. Each filter also includes level trim (+/-24dB), and there are global input and output levels that influence the effected signal only (again +1-24dB). The two filters can run in parallel or in series, and the three rotary controls can be linked (with any prevailing offsets). FilterFreak was designed to sound as analogue as possible, and to that end you can engage an analogue-modelled input and output stage.
So far, so straightforward - but FilterFreak has one standout feature up its sleeve, and that's the modulation. Hiding behind a button in the modulation section on the right are six types: LFO, Rhythm, Envelope, Random, Step and ADSR. These enable you to conjure up everything from non-synced modulations (there are eight LFO shapes) and tempo-matched ones (up to 16-bar cycle) to threshold-based random effects (Step) and sample-and-hold-type random effects (Random). Finally, you've got two envelope options, one of which includes a rather nifty manual trigger.
FilterFreak has been around for a long time, so you'd expect it to have plenty of presets - and you'd be right. Categorised by intended use, these really show off how creative this plugin can be. There are even some artist presets from Richard Devine.
FilterFreak sounds great, and the input/ output analogue modelling gives it a further dimension. But it's the simplicity with which you can add modulation to this classic sound that makes it a plugin that you'll turn to again and again, any time you need a lush and evocative filter. Great stuff!
Web: www.soundtoys.com
Format: TDM, RTAS, AU, VST
Web: www.fabfilter.com
Format: VST, VST3, AU, AAX, RTAS
Volcano 2 includes four multimode filters (high-, low- and band-pass) with three slope options (12. 24 and 48dB per octave). Each filter has 11 sonic styles to choose from. ranging from Smooth to Extreme, and including the FabFilter One style. Filters are activated on an 'as needed' basis, with one set of controls acting on the currently selected curve, and you can easily deactivate a filter without losing all your settings.
Filter signal flow options are quite extensive and enable you to operate in series and in parallel. Obviously. with up to four filters active, this can lead to quite a few routing options. You can also work in stereo, dual mono or mid/side. The main filter controls are Cutoff, Pan, Peak (resonance) and Delay, and you can link two or more filters together and adjust their cutoff and resonance from one display handle.
Modulation is the big news in Volcano 2. and you can add up to six envelope generators, four followers, six step-based XLFOs and four X/Y controllers. Throwing all of these at a sound would obviously be a bit absurd, but if you're just after straightforward modulation, the system is easy to use and quick to set up. The XLFO is particularly handy, with up to 16 adjustable steps. Other nice touches include A/B comparison and undo/redo.
Although the core filters are relatively basic - with four to choose from and a multitude of modulation options including the excellent step-based XLFO, plus of course filter delay (up to 50ms) - Volcano 2 can be used to conjure up a surprisingly expansive host of effects. Creating these from scratch is certainly not a task for the faint-hearted, however, so the many presets provided are very welcome. These include tempo-based effects, distortions,
enhancers, phasers, flangers, arpeggiators and sequencers, and a rather cool category of 'synth' effects. All of these take Volcano 2 into super creative territory, but it's worth remembering that it can handle the simple stuff too. Like so many FabFilter plugins, Volcano 2 is a pleasure to use, and it looks and sounds fabulous.
Web: www.ohmforce.com
Format: VST, AU, RTAS
Quad Frohmage is a four-channel multi-filter. Each channel includes eight main filter types: low-pass. high-pass, band-pass, peak, notch, Moog, comb and ring modulator. Each type gets its own additional options, including such parameters as Slope, Fatness and Colour. There's also a self-oscillating SVF mode.
The filter sections are followed by distortion (Gain, Shape and Fatness), and then volume and pan. Prior to the filter section each channel also includes an input delay (up to four beats), and delays across all four bands can be linked, forcing them into a preset delay ratio.
Quad Frohmage offers three global signal configurations - mono, stereo and dual mono - but it also includes many ways of configuring the four filter channels. Thankfully. when you've got your parameters set up, each channel's source appears in the window just above the delay slider, so that you can always see what's going where.
Modulation is a big part of Quad Frohmage, which includes an LFO, envelope follower and ADSR envelope for each parameter. There are ten LEO shapes, including random, brown noise and red noise, and modulation sources can be triggered by MIDI velocity and pitch. This all adds up to pretty powerful stuff, and you'll be glad to hear that there are lots of presets to help get things moving. Categories include Voice, Lead, Drums, Distortion and Miscellaneous, as well some effects types (flanger-chorus and tap-delays).
Although there are some 'classic' presets too, it's obvious that Quad Frohmage is a creative processor at heart. Often these patches distort or mangle the sound, making them ideal for special effects creation rather than typical filtering duties. And while it includes a lush Moog-inspired filter, Quad Frohmage definitely shares more with the ideology of classic hardware such as the Sherman Filter Bank than it does with the smoother classic Moog filters. If you like your sounds down and dirty, this one is definitely worth a look.
Web: www.tone2.com
Format: VST, AU
Synth designers Tone2 also produce a rather nifty little filter called BiFilter2. As you can guess from the name, it's somewhat more than your run-of-the-mill design, and at the core are a multitude of filter types. There are 47 in total, although this does include slope variants for some of them. Even so, with seven vowel types, three comb filters and four FM types, as well as both analogue and digital types for the more obvious ones, you really can't complain.
The plugin also includes pre-/post-distortion (eight types), dry/wet mix and a bunch of presets. However, its most useful extra is the display, which gives excellent feedback on the shape of your filter. The only thing missing is onboard modulation, although you can of course automate parameters from your DAW. If you do want modulation you might want to consider Tone2's more pricey FilterBank3, but BiFilter2 is capable of producing an amazing array of effects at a bargain price.
Web: www.vengeance-sound.com
Format: VST, AU, RTAS
Vengeance Sound's Philta XL is a twin-filter design with dedicated low- and high-pass filters. Each has four slope options (12,24.48 and 96dB per octave), resonance (with variable width) and cutoff control. Cutoffs can be linked so that they move together, and the interaction of the two filters can be set to band-pass or notch.
Philta XL also offers a wealth of further options, including ring modulation, frequency modulation, distortion, limiter, envelopes and LFO. These are all accessed from pop-up windows that sit over the main frequency display. Rather usefully. the action of both the LEO and envelopes is superimposed as an animated curve over the filter curve, so you can always see what's happening.
In use, Philta XL sounds great, and its filter sweeps are wonderfully smooth. If you want to dig deeper, the modulation options are extensive, and there are a bunch of excellent presets. Given the price, this should definitely be on your list.
