Need a suggestion from all you filter nuts

[bigchiefbc]

First of all, please everyone don't just reply with your favorite envelope filter. I have a specific tone I'm looking for.

I've been using a 440 clone, and its a great filter, but it's not quite the sound I want. So let me start with what I don't want. I don't play funk. I don't want anything "quacky" or "wet" (i.e. not looking for Q-Tron or Mutron-type pedals). Basically, I want a filter that can be dialed down to the point where it never really opens fully. So it can do a "Buwoww" sound, rather than the quacking that I hear in most of the sample clips. Filters around here tend to be described as either funky or synthy. I have a BMS already, so I'm not necessarily looking for synthy. And I'd like the voicing to be in the lower frequencies if possible.

Thanks for any thoughtful recommendations

[Bjazzman]

the first one that comes to mind is the dod fx25

[bassteban]

Yeah, I have the -B model, and turning the sensitivity way back yields a very deep, closed-filter sound.

[Smurf-o-Deth]

The SWAW has a wide sensitivity range, which, when combined to its excellent touch responsiveness, allows you to dial it in so that it barely opens, or opens partially, with your attack. So, you can leave it at "buwwoww" and never proceed to "bwip" if you so desire.

[NortyFiner]

The 3Leaf Groove Regulator sounds right up your alley. Built for bass, smoother than the Q-Tron family and its many imitators, and can get that low "wow" sound you want very easily. Clips here:

http://www.3leafaudio.com/?page_id=62

[markjazzbassist]

EHX bassballs or TWA Lil Dipper get my vote.

for that buow type sound low sens settings on the BB has always gotten me there. the TWA just has more adjustability to it.

[bongomania]

I often set my FX25 that way, by adjusting the sensitivity knob and the signal level going into the pedal (many people neglect that part of the equation). Sure it can also do quacky wet sounds, but it's not limited to that.

I'd love to try out that Godlyke Lil Dipper though.

[bigchiefbc]

Originally Posted by bongomania

I often set my FX25 that way, by adjusting the sensitivity knob and the signal level going into the pedal (many people neglect that part of the equation). Sure it can also do quacky wet sounds, but it's not limited to that.

I'd love to try out that Godlyke Lil Dipper though.

Attenuating the input volume is gonna be an issue. This filter will be used in conjunction with other effects, including dirt that will be before it in the signal chain. Yes, I know that will f with my dynamics, but I need the sound of dirt -> filter. So whichever filter I go with, it needs to have a very wide range of sensitivity, so that it can handle a pretty hot signal without fully opening.

I will probably pick up an FX25 since they're relatively cheap. As for the Groove Regulator, I'll think about it. Can someone point me to a clip of the GR being used in a non-quacky way? It seems that whenever people demo a filter around here, they only do Bootsy stuff. Thanks for the recommendations so far. Any others?

[fightthepower]

The Grinder comes to mind first with its excellent envelope control. The Fatman might be up your alley, as it has a similar feel and sound to the Grinder in the types of settings I use most, though the resonance has a different character that I actually prefer over the Grinder; with the Grinder, you have more control over the decay and can do snappy stuff, or open at any rate into a low-freq wall without a fast decay. The Prometheus can do this pretty well also, but I think I'd recommend the Fatman over it, as its a little fatter and more envelope control. The Groove Regulator might be a candidate as well, though the Grinder has an 'extended EG range' over the meatball and its envelope had a different feel than the GR, at least in the settings I preferred.

[RCCollins]

I find that "up" mode on the EBS bassIQ is a very practical "non quacky" envelope filter (hi-Q mode is closer to that q-tron vibe you dont want). Down mode is useful too. The attack control allows you to tweak that "Bwah" and it is not synthy sounding. Swampy, perhaps

[G0rilla]

Digitech BSW can do some, but from what i have heard, best would be Guyatone BR-2 and Subdecay Prometheus. I think it more depends on time in which filter opens, and less on hi freq and resonance.
Also, check out those cheap Ibanez AW-7 and SB-7. Tryed SB-7 once, and had confusing feelings on that one. Good side is, it is really low, it never goes so hi as BSW (which is very similiar), but bad side is that sensitivity knob is almost useless, unless you want to make some very low dronning noise, or call an earthquake. It changes nothing on 50-75% of its possitions.
It is good in some way, but price is too high for me, for functions it does. But i think this would work in your case.

[BobaMosfett]

I have used EBS Bass IQ in that way. With an L2000, wich has a pretty high output. So that's my suggestion!

IMO, the Groove Regulator opens much easier, so I wouldn't recommend it for that purpose. Although I like it a lot for what it does!

[tigerbass]

The Xotic Robotalk 2 is very flexible. Between having 2 channels, all the internal trims and all the blendability it covers SO much ground. Maybe if you want to check it out, PM me and I can send it to you for a trial if you'd like if you can't find any samples.

[gastric]

The other nice thing about the EBS BassIQ is there's an internal trimpot which lets you dial out the high end, so you can totally drive it down to low end mud if you want. But in general I think it'd do what you're looking for. You can turn the Threshold down to keep the filter from totally opening, and the Attack drives the speed of the filter so you can slow it down which is key for getting rid of that quick quack type attack of the filter.

[Jared Lash]

Trying to figure out exactly what you're looking for. I think I have an idea but I'm trying to be sure. How close is this clip to what you're looking for? If that's the case, quite a few of the suggested filters will fit the bill including the Groove Regulator (or other Meatball variants), EBS and Robotalk 2 as well as the 00Funk that I used to make it. I love the FX25 and it would work for this purpose but is tougher to control than most filters.

One more possibility for this is the Subdecay Prometheus. I didn't try to get a "not fully opening" sound out of it during the brief time I had one, but it always springs to mind when people are looking for a non-funky filter.

[Bassnut62]

i reckon the Groove Regulator could be the one. While I like funk alot, i am not in a funk band and wanted a more subtle filter. the Q-tron was too in your face and too obviously 70s funk for my needs; but the GR is very flexible and can be dialled right back without closing down completely. The feedback switch helps reel it in without losing too much too. Also the FX loop on it gives lots of interesting options that others don't seem to have. I currently have a ZVex Mastotron and an MXR Deluxe Bass Octave in the loop in that order and they give tons of fun. For a cheaper option that I find more restrained, I think the big old analogue EHX Bass balls can be quite subtle with sensitivity very low. The distortionswitch is nice too.

[kevteop]

My Meatwad will do it, so I suppose that's all the Meatball clones recommended now.

My Squeezer will do it too (and sounds super-thick when it does), so presumably the 00Funk is capable too.

[Poor Tom]

EHX Enigma. I just got it and it can definitely do the sound you are thinking of. It can do a lot though, maybe more than you need and maybe too pricey.

Mine made me breakfast this morning, and probably will make me smores down by the fire tonight.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

Can someone point me to a clip of the GR being used in a non-quacky way?

I can if you can wait a couple hours.

[Jerry J]

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

I can if you can wait a couple hours.

...tapping foot....waiting patiently...