Audio Source Spectrum

[dbbltime]

So I find my self interested in the Audio Source Spectrum Intelligent Filter. But before I submit to GAS, I wanted to see if anyone may have some experience with the pedal. You Know how its all about the Pros, and Cons. Thanks for your input.

 

[TheLopp]

Check out this thread.

Source Audio Spectrum Inteligent Filter!!!

 

[Roland GR 88]

I've had one for a couple of weeks and although it's a very good envelope filter I've found the control set to be a bit of a pain. Having dual function controls means that your knob positions often have no visual indication of their positions until the patch is saved and then the light will flash as you pass the setting point. The 6 second time window for alt. functions is short and you'll have to remember when you've been kicked back to the primary settings.
For people that enjoy deep editing capabilities and don't mind a computer interface to get there it's a great pedal. For those like me that prefer a row of single function knobs it might not replace any of my current filters.
I tweaked up my 6 patches for easy access and have a Tron setting that is one of the cleanest, bold and spanky envelope sounds I've played but I'm on the fence still until I get more familiar with the settings or decide I need something completely different.

 

[dbbltime]

Thanks Lopp, and Roland. Just what I was looking for, a reason to stifle the Gas. I am looking for something more strait forward to give me those funky sounds that were demonstrated on their videos.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

Once you get your patch saved it is very straight forward to the sweetness. I have had some of the best envelope Pedals and the SA Spectrum kicked them all off my board. If you need to tweek on the fly then what you need to get at usually is right there again once you set up your patches. And with an external controller like Disastrer Area you can set up 128 different patches so you can set up just about anything you want. You don't need to carry a computer with you to be able to use this pedal and there are a lot of patches already set up in the community to either use or use as a starting point.

 

[henryjurstin13]

I've had one for a couple of weeks and although it's a very good envelope filter I've found the control set to be a bit of a pain. Having dual function controls means that your knob positions often have no visual indication of their positions until the patch is saved and then the light will flash as you pass the setting point. The 6 second time window for alt. functions is short and you'll have to remember when you've been kicked back to the primary settings.
For people that enjoy deep editing capabilities and don't mind a computer interface to get there it's a great pedal. For those like me that prefer a row of single function knobs it might not replace any of my current filters.
I tweaked up my 6 patches for easy access and have a Tron setting that is one of the cleanest, bold and spanky envelope sounds I've played but I'm on the fence still until I get more familiar with the settings or decide I need something completely different.

Once you get your patch saved it is very straight forward to the sweetness. I have had some of the best envelope Pedals and the SA Spectrum kicked them all off my board. If you need to tweek on the fly then what you need to get at usually is right there again once you set up your patches. And with an external controller like Disastrer Area you can set up 128 different patches so you can set up just about anything you want. You don't need to carry a computer with you to be able to use this pedal and there are a lot of patches already set up in the community to either use or use as a starting point.

This & This.

I'm still in the honeymoon phase & I've been focused on guitar tones more than bass (but, bass tones are just as great).... I hate apps & menus. I want knobs/switches. That being said, the secondary functions aren't that bad to access, but the visual cues from an "invisible knob" take a lil getting used to. There are loads of features & you can do some crazy sounds when you factor in the phase/fuzz/octaves/etc... Smart phone app allows you to edit or send a preset to your pedal really quick via a cable (that comes with the pedal).

I'm still trying other filters because at the end of the day I like analog pedals with knobs/switches more than I like digital pedals. That's not a loaded statement, snobbery, trickery, or anything else. Try the Spectrum, it's pretty great - but, only you can decided if it has too many drawbacks for you.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

Just FYI there are very Few Analog Envelope filters.

 

[Roland GR 88]

I guess that depends on your interpretation of analog.
Aguilar, EarthQuaker, Keeley, Mooer, Carl Martin, MXR, Solidgoldfx and Maxon make analog filters as well as all the Q-Trons and the Tube Zipper from EHX.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

There are only two types Analog and Digital Now if you are talking external controls as Knobs being analog then yes

 

[TheLopp]

I thought most envelope filters were analog unless obvious digital like Strymon or SA or multifx. I tried to google but came up short. But I found an interesting article if someone wants to learn some more.

An Introduction to Envelope Filters | Hochstrasser Electronics

 

[dbbltime]

Thanks for the input Nighttrain, and henry. I need to step back and reassess this purchase.

 

[dbbltime]

Thanks TheLopp. That was an informative article.

 

[Bo0tsy]

Most envelope filters are analog. The ones that definitely aren't are the Source Audio ones, the Fwonkbeta, Stereo Talking Machine and the Iron Ether Xerograph Deluxe.

Pretty much everything else: such as: 3Leaf filters, Mu-Tron, Moog MF-101, MXR M82 BEF, EHX Q-Trons, Bassballs, Enigma, DrQ, Emma Discumbobulator, Chunk Systems 00Funk, Octavius Squeezer, Frostwave Funk-a-Duck, Lovetone Meatball, Aguilar Filter Twin, DoD FX25, Keeley Neutrino, SolidGold Funkzilla, FunkLite, EBS BassIQ, etc, are all analog.

 

[henryjurstin13]

The Spectrum was designed to be knob friendly, right out of the box. I think they executed this design very well, considering that 8 or more knobs would turn a lot of players away from even considering their offerings. It's pretty easy to push the "control" button on the back, and then turn the knobs to dial in the secondary feature... but, remembering where you are, finding the right spot - that can be tricky. NOT impossible, just a little bit of a learning curve. Would I prefer the extra knobs/switches - yes, I would. But, that's just me & I'm not an entire target market. Which is why I bought the Spectrum & keep shopping for the next filter to enter the pedal collection... but, that's a different story altogether.

The Spectrum is wildly versatile & can do things other filters can't even imagine. Now, only you/your ears can decide if this pedal is for you or not... think of the Spectrum maybe as a way to find your filter & really fine tune it to your rig. I try not to think of it as the end-all/be-all/best-of-all filter. Lots of companies offer fantastic trial periods/easy returns, just in case it doesn't live up to the hype. It hasn't totally satisfied my LowPass/Up Sweep Qtron sound that is in my head, but on the other hand - it's really helped me dial in (and enjoy) some BandPass Jerry tones on my guitar. Now, that Dumpling starts me down the path of all the reasons I loved my 6 knob Agent 00 Funk, but got rid of because it wasn't as easy to keep dialed in... so, that's a huge plus for me. Then, you factor in the phase, octave, and distortion factors and is a BEAST!!!