what envelope filter do you like?

no_fret · #1 03-09-2011, 08:34 AM

I'm looking for a new envelope filter and need some recommendations. I've got the Boss AW-3 now - it's just OK - and I tried the Source Audio and was disappointed. One feature I'd like is the ability to blend dry signal with the effect. Also, I hate noisy pedals so the EH stuff is probably out of the question. I'm leaning toward the Aguilar Twin Filter because I have an Octamizer and really like it.
Your thoughts?

**TFish** · #2 03-09-2011, 08:59 AM

From what I have heard and read around here, the Proton from 3 Leaf Audio is a great one. Also the MXR bass envelope filter seems to get good reviews. I don't own either but am leaning towards the Proton.

d180fuzz · #3 03-09-2011, 09:33 AM

The XOTIC Robotalk II has 2 tunable filters and 2 blend knobs, and I haven't noticed it to be noisy at all.

warwick.hoy · #4 03-09-2011, 09:54 AM

Did you try the Source Audio Bass Envelop Filter or the Tri Mod Wah?

The BEF is an awesome filter,...a sounds good at any setting type of pedal. The TMW is not so much suited for bass IMO but I love the LFO on it.

That said,...the 3leaf Groove Regulator is my 2nd favorite filter. I'd love to have the newer GR2 which does feature a blend (and did away with a weird; somewhat befuddling "feedback" switch that didn't really seem to do anything).

groooooove · #5 03-09-2011, 09:59 AM

DOD FX25, vintage mutron III, the built in filter in the korg AX3000b are my 3 favs.

BigOldHarry · #6 03-09-2011, 10:08 AM

MXR M82

FilterFunk · #7 03-09-2011, 10:19 AM

EHX Qballs. Not noisy at all, unless you really have the distortion cranked, and even then the noise is minimal. It has a blend knob, so you can get great sounds from the BP and HP as well as the LP. It has 8 knobs, so it's a tweaker's box, but once you figure it out, it's pretty easy to dial in. It rewards patience in a big way. If I didn't already have a Qballs, I'd be looking at the Proton.

Gomeztool · #8 03-09-2011, 10:30 AM

If you can swing it, the Robot Factory Photron can do just about every filter sound you will ever want. Sir Psycho Sexy? Check. Mothership Connection? Check. It will do fast quacks and very sloooooow "sounds like a giant dog barking at you in slow motion" sounds which most filters can't do. It will even do portamento filter sounds and dubstep throbbing.
It can be too much at first but once you figure it out, the depth of features is what makes it great.

Yes it is EXPENSIVE but watch the Classifieds because resale is decently low.

OhulahanBass · #9 03-09-2011, 10:30 AM

A great, quiet, small blendable filter would be the MXR M82.
The Holly Grail of Filters is the Original Mutron III.
One filter pedal that makes almost every filter sound is the Source Audio Bass Envelope Filter.
My personal GAS at the moment is a Mutron III clone in small M82 size package with a clean blend knob and true Mutron tone. I have not found this yet.

fuNKmaster83 · #10 03-09-2011, 10:40 AM

any maxon or ibanez AF9 its the best filter there is next one i prefer is the ebs BASS IQ

fasto · #11 03-09-2011, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_fret

and I tried the Source Audio and was disappointed.

What exactly disappointed you with the Source Audio Bass Envelope Filter?

I´m also checking out a new filter - you should know: only 1 envelope filter on the pedal board make no sense, you need more .... , my GAS-list:
- 3 Leaf Audio Proton
- MXR M82 BEF
- Mu-Tron III (but toooo expensive, noisy? i might build a clone)

I already own:
- 3 Leaf Audio Groove Regulator (= great, my favorite)
- Exar Pig Nose (= also great)
- Ibanez AF-9 (= sux, hard to find good settings)
- EHX Q-Tron+ (= sux, volume spike, not easy to find settings)
- DOD FX 25B (= sux, heavy volume drop)

Gomeztool · #12 03-09-2011, 11:46 AM

Most of these volume issues with env filters (and synths) are cured with a volume pedal at the end of the chain. An EBVP Jr really opens up your filter options because you are not slaved to the output and can really play the filter with various bass volume settings while controlling/compensating for the output with the EBVP Jr.

Smurf-o-Deth · #13 03-09-2011, 11:51 AM

Post-filter limiting is another option.

sillyfabe · #14 03-09-2011, 11:59 AM

Of all the filters that I have tried/owned the winner is the 3-Leaf Audio Groove Regulator, its nice and wet,can get synthy and the feedback switch helps with too much fuzz killing its dynamics (to my ears). Here is what I've tried...

Q-TRON 18V
Q-TRON XO
EHX Enigma Q:BALLS
MXR Bass Env Filter
Boss AW-3

4OnTheFloor · #15 03-09-2011, 12:03 PM

I have a moog MF-101 and a WMD Super Fatman. The moog is not a traditional envelope filter and gets very spacey, but it can quack if the resonance is turned up, you lose low end when you turn up the res on the moog

it has a blend knob but the interaction gets weird. No true bypass on the moog if you require that. Any expression pedal with an env filter will give you at least 50% more functionality and tons more flexibility when you are playing, moog is amazing for that. The WMD is very versatile and I like the sound. I use it with OC-2 -> Fuzz -> Fatman -> Moog Lpf -> amplifier. This is a very versatile setup in terms of a synthesizedish sound. The reason I picked the WMD is it has a range selector and it can bubble in the sub frequencies with headroom and sounds good. If you are looking for an easy solution that sounds great try the 3 leaf groove regulator or GR2. I also had an mxr m82 but sold it because I did not like the sounds.

BrandonBass · #16 03-09-2011, 12:48 PM

nothing quite as wet as the micro qtron, shame about the volume swell

FromTheBassMent · #17 03-09-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

MXR M82

THIS^^^^

Unless you've got deep pockets and want to get all boutiquey (like in the $200-300 range, where the Proton and Xotic Robotalk shine), you can't go wrong with the MXR. You can get a brand spankin new M82 on eBay for around $130. Killer sound, very flexible controls (the "Decay" knob is a bit deceptive at first, but very cool once you figure out what it actually does), separate level controls for dry and wet signals, tiny footprint, solid as a brick, no noise, no tone suck on bypass, sexy purple sparkle paint job.

What's not to like?

NortyFiner · #18 03-09-2011, 01:16 PM

3Leaf. Groove Regulator, GR2, Proton, doesn't matter. Pick your poison, they're all good.

DiscoDave · #19 03-09-2011, 01:17 PM

I have one big problem with the MXR-82. I can't turn it off. I'm addicted. I love the range I can get from it. Blending a little fx in with a mainly dry mix and it brings some bass lines to life or I go nasty for that fat 70's bubble bass. Been playing around with it on my fretless lately and I still can't stop smiling. Other pedals will come and go but this baby is my personal mojo.

silky smoove · #20 03-09-2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NortyFiner

3Leaf. Groove Regulator, GR2, Proton, doesn't matter. Pick your poison, they're all good.

I really like Spencer's work as well. The original Groove Regulator beat out the EBS envelope filter (BassIQ? can't remember the model name), a few of the more modern EHX Q-Tron versions and replaced my old Boss AW-3. I couldn't be happier with it and think it's a solid choice if you don't need envelope filter voicings that are super "out there."