Envelope Filter 2019

[Bo0tsy]

I looked into the Proton a little deeper when I found out (if I'm understanding correctly) that the v3 is older than the v2?

Does anyone know the story behind this?

From what I understand, the V2 is a simplified Chromatron, while the v1 & v3 are Mu-tron III clones?

Feel free to confirm or deny my half a**ed findings.....

That's my understanding too. Earlier 3Leaf Proton versions were based on the Mu-Tron III, whilst the newer V2 Proton is based on the Chromatron instead, albeit with fewer controls.

The Wonderlove itself is a descendant/upgrade to the GR2 and GR1 and these three are broadly based on the Lovetone Meatball.

 

[Grahams Groove]

Regarding the Protons, look at it as 4 versions (with color variations throughout the first three).

V1 - 2 knobs
V2 - 3 knobs
V3 - 4 knobs
V4 - 4 knobs with the updated 3leaf logo & its a simplified chromatron.

The first 3 were Mu-Tron reminiscent and developed/revised when the Groove Regulators and Wonderloves were his big-box filters.

Edited to add...
V1:

V2:

V3:

V4:

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Regarding the Protons, look at it as 4 versions (with color variations throughout the first three).

V1 - 2 knobs
V2 - 3 knobs
V3 - 4 knobs
V4 - 4 knobs with the updated 3leaf logo & its a simplified chromatron.

The first 3 were Mu-Tron reminiscent and developed/revised when the Groove Regulators and Wonderloves were his big-box filters.

Edited to add...
V1:
View attachment 3826404

V2:
View attachment 3826405

V3:
View attachment 3826406

V4:
View attachment 3826407

Thanks for the clarification. Looks like I got the v4, not the v2.

 

[FilterFunk]

Here's an interesting one:
https://www.drscientist.ca/pedals/dusk-coming-soon/

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

Here's an interesting one:
Dusk

I don't need another envelope filter... I don't need another envelope filter.
The paint job alone makes me want one, that has some really interesting things going on!

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Here's an interesting one:
https://www.drscientist.ca/pedals/dusk-coming-soon/

Interesting youtube videos. I don't think this is my flavor though. I'm looking for 70s and this is late 80s, early 90s synthwave sounding.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

As effects go, I'm new to the envelope filter. I have quickly determined that the filter acts in a similar fashion as a compressor in that they share elements of attack, release, and threshold. While the compressor "flattens the curve" (sorry for that reference, BTW) it seems the key to a good envelope filter tone is being able to manipulate its filters to engage.

I'm curious how some people with more experience have their envelope filter set up.

For example, I have to boost my instrument volume to 10 to open up the filter. To compensate for volume, I have a limiter pedal right after. I tried putting an EHX LPB-1 right before the filter to see if that would open it up, but I got virtually no positive result (maybe the limiter squashed the signal too much?). Maybe this is where active basses shine?

So what's your secret to getting funky tones? Thanks in advance!

 

[cosmicevan]

I've had the Wonderlove, Chromatron and Micro-Tron. The original Protons are based on the Wonderlove and the new 2020 Proton is based on the Chromatron.

I hated the Wonderlove. The Micro-Tron was cool. I loved the Chromatron, but it was a tad too big for my board (PT Nano+). I sold them all and regret selling the Chromatron. I contacted 3 Leaf Audio a couple of days ago, and they said:

"[T]he new Proton is pretty much the same circuit as the Chromatron but with some controls removed to make it smaller and easier to use. The Proton has a fixed fast attack control that, while it doesn't allow for as many different sounds, makes the pedal much easier to dial in compared to the Chromatron. The Proton also has a wider range to the tone knob. Whenever I get around to doing another run of Chromatrons, I'm going to modify the tone knob to have the same range as the Proton - it's a really nice change."​

I should be getting my new 2020 Proton tomorrow

Really curious to hear your thoughts. I have a chromatron that I love but wouldnt mind something simpler/smaller. I have a Joshwah coming my way that I'm eager to check out. New proton might be what Im seeking...

 

[FunkyYeti]

Really curious to hear your thoughts. I have a chromatron that I love but wouldnt mind something simpler/smaller. I have a Joshwah coming my way that I'm eager to check out. New proton might be what Im seeking...

The proton is by far my favourite filter ever.

I’ve had many filters (aside from those aforementioned, I’ve also had a variant of the Q Tron, Spectrum, MF101, MXR Bass envelope filter...).

Besides the MF101, the Chromatron was the best sounding one. But it was a tad big and too many options made it easy to make it sound bad.

The Proton is the Chromatron in a smaller, simpler form. If you want options, go with the Chromatron. If you want a simple envelope filter that will sound amazing on any settings, go with the Proton.

If you have the space, a loop box, a centre positive cable, go with the MF101. And a Proton.

 

[Grahams Groove]

Here's an interesting one:
https://www.drscientist.ca/pedals/dusk-coming-soon/

I bought one and flipped it within a couple days. It’s cool, but I didn’t have much use for the LFO sounds, and the envelope filter function does not get very wet/fat/funky. Not that it was bad, but for $200 you can get a much better and more flexible EF. I would really only recommend the dusk if you want/need the LFO features - that’s the most dense part of the Dusk for sure. I saw the LPF and EF as bonus features with the base being LFO.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Now that I have the Fwonk Beta and Proton v4, I might keep them both!

 

[Aragrim]

I'm gonna buy my first envelope filter.
I was debating between the MXR M82 or the Emma discumbobulator v2.
Emma it's gonna be

 

[Les Fret]

Now that I have the Fwonk Beta and Proton v4, I might keep them both!

Which one do you prefer?

And what about the Mutron 3X? Very expensive but is it better than the Proton and Fwonk?

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Which one do you prefer?

And what about the Mutron 3X? Very expensive but is it better than the Proton and Fwonk?

I ended up getting the C4 Synth. It can do envelope filters and so much more. The Proton v4 is easily one of the best envelope filters while I found the Fwonk more user friendly.

The controls of the Fwonk have a smaller range, but would be easier to use when playing live. With the Proton, one small turn of one knob usually means adjusting 2 more knobs.

I used a Fairfield Circuitry Accountant compressor as a limiter for both (after the filter) and this allowed me to slam the filters with input volume. I found this necessary to really open up the filters. The limiter volume control would bring it back to normal volume.

 

[Les Fret]

I ended up getting the C4 Synth. It can do envelope filters and so much more. The Proton v4 is easily one of the best envelope filters while I found the Fwonk more user friendly.

The controls of the Fwonk have a smaller range, but would be easier to use when playing live. With the Proton, one small turn of one knob usually means adjusting 2 more knobs.

I used a Fairfield Circuitry Accountant compressor as a limiter for both (after the filter) and this allowed me to slam the filters with input volume. I found this necessary to really open up the filters. The limiter volume control would bring it back to normal volume.

Ok Thanks. I have the Spectrum. Really like it. But for live use it is a bit hard to adjust on the fly because of the secondary functions. They stay only on for 5 seconds or so which is too little for adjusting. Don't know why they made it like that. I guess that's the same for the C4. That's why I was thinking about buying a second envelope filter with a Mutron like sound which is easy to adjust on a gig. I was thinking about a Proton. Too bad version 4 has no level control. That's a must for me.

 

[Bassist30]

Had the proton 2 version. I must had gotten the lesser version cause I never thought it was all that great. Sold it for the Aguilar twin which had a little more of a envelope sound I like. But i have my eyes open all the time.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

I found out after the fact that the V4 Proton is based on the Chromatron and previous versions of the Proton are based on the Wonderlove.

 

[Les Fret]

Had the proton 2 version. I must had gotten the lesser version cause I never thought it was all that great. Sold it for the Aguilar twin which had a little more of a envelope sound I like. But i have my eyes open all the time.

What is it that you didn't like about the Proton? Which version is the best sounding of the four?

 

[cosmicevan]

I found out after the fact that the V4 Proton is based on the Chromatron and previous versions of the Proton are based on the Wonderlove.

Isn't each version based on the larger sibling?
v1 = groove regulator
v2 = gr2
v3 = wonderlove
v4 = chromatron

I've been looking for a second hand v4 Proton and they never come up. I have a chromatron and LOVE it, nothing else compares that I've tried (and I've tried a bunch)...if the proton v4 captures that magic in a smaller package w less knobs, I'm all aboard!

 

[Matt Dean]

Isn't each version based on the larger sibling?
v1 = groove regulator
v2 = gr2
v3 = wonderlove
v4 = chromatron

I've been looking for a second hand v4 Proton and they never come up. I have a chromatron and LOVE it, nothing else compares that I've tried (and I've tried a bunch)...if the proton v4 captures that magic in a smaller package w less knobs, I'm all aboard!

The original Proton was based the Mutron III, not the GR. So, I do not think the subsequent versions of the Proton are based on the larger box filters by 3Leaf.

FWIW, the MicroTron III is the envelope filter that has remained on my board the longest.