I ended up finding the TWA version - it's supposed to be the same filter response/sound, but easier to tame and with some additional features ... I guess we'll see!
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Envelope filter/follower addict support group
- Thread starter moon-bass
- Start date
they make good stuff for sure! I tried a few other Meatball clones from a few other builders and they were less than inspiring, tbh - I was beginning to wonder what all the fuss was about!
I tried the FTelettronica version awhile back and sold it - not because I didn't like it, but at the time I was looking for a MuTron clone. I have the Artisanal Effects Meathead now and I love it, I would expect the FT version to be just as good, and tbh I regret selling it. Could have saved me some $$$ in the long run ...
PSA - looking for a MuTron but can't quite swallow the prices? Check out the SMG and it's clones - some of them go under the name "Funky Filter" - Univox, Fernandes ... they are all officially licensed from back in the day.
TBH I think I like this better than my MuTron .... it's got great response and it's beefier.
I've always wondered what is meant by "drifting out of calibration" and the interwebs aren't a huge amount of help. I'm wondering if one of the reasons why some of these sound different is due to calibration drift ...
TBH I think I like this better than my MuTron .... it's got great response and it's beefier.
I've always wondered what is meant by "drifting out of calibration" and the interwebs aren't a huge amount of help. I'm wondering if one of the reasons why some of these sound different is due to calibration drift ...
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About how much lower was the price of the clone compared to an original Musitronics Mu-Tron III? The last time I looked, the '70s clones were cheaper but still quite expensive.
This one came from Reverb, amazingly enough. That and eBay tend to be my go-to's.
I picked mine up for $400, and I got a steal on it. It's in excellent shape. They seem to be going for around $600-$800 - I have found a few that are less (there's one on Reverb right now for $480), but yeah still not cheap - but not as expensive as a MuTron.
That is a steal, and I would've jumped all over that, too! Congrats!
I have one. I always thought it sounded better than my Mutron III. Fear of death threats kept me from saying it.
Without digging through whole thread, how does the newer mutron stuff actually compare to these offbrand ones you guys are talking about?I like the microtron iv but I’m not going to say it’s my favorite… really I mostly just like the down sweep setting…
I would describe the difference like this...
The newer Mu-Tron stuff is like a modern R&B singer. The '70s clones are like an old-school soul singer. The newer stuff is polished and nice; the older stuff is raw and gritty, but in the best way!
I feel like I've landed on a realization with my use of envelope filters and bass guitar... And that is that Envelope filters/Low Pass are not as useful as band pass with a clean blend.
Obviously this is just my opinion, YMMV, this is all just us stepping on boxes to make different noises, blah-blah who gives a crap, etc...
It's taken me a while to get here. I had always assumed "for bass, it needs to be a low pass filter"...
...Yet I always keep coming back to the MXR Bass Envelope Filter. I think the opening/closing of a band pass filter is much more "musical" than just the low pass variant. Having the dry signal gives the note enough "heft" in the low end/midrange that you need in a mix without sounding like something has dropped out of the mix, yet you still have the attack of the filter prominent.
I think I probably would like low pass env filters on an actual synth when I can slam the pedal with an aggressive signal.
So I offer this simple post in praise of the humble MXR BEF. It's good enough.
Obviously this is just my opinion, YMMV, this is all just us stepping on boxes to make different noises, blah-blah who gives a crap, etc...
It's taken me a while to get here. I had always assumed "for bass, it needs to be a low pass filter"...
...Yet I always keep coming back to the MXR Bass Envelope Filter. I think the opening/closing of a band pass filter is much more "musical" than just the low pass variant. Having the dry signal gives the note enough "heft" in the low end/midrange that you need in a mix without sounding like something has dropped out of the mix, yet you still have the attack of the filter prominent.
I think I probably would like low pass env filters on an actual synth when I can slam the pedal with an aggressive signal.
So I offer this simple post in praise of the humble MXR BEF. It's good enough.
I don't know the tech jargon, but I agree on the end result. I've tried a few fancy/boutique EFs, but the MXR is what stayed. It just works for me.
In case anyone wants to make a Japanese Mutron III clone, here's the schematic and instructions sheet. Believe it or not, this is the original instructions sheet that came with this pedal.
Envelope filters are personal ime. What works for one might not work for another. I myself have nobuse for a clean blend or the down sweep - but - vive la difference!
This is one truth we ought all remember when reading reviews and opinions and not just on envelope filter pedals.
One person's circuit of joyful bliss may be another's doom or poop.
Newest arrived. Putting it thru it's paces right now!
I think the last time I tried this was almost 10 years ago when I was following along with what Juan Alderete was putting on YouTube...
*checks reverb sale history*
Crap. Yeah, almost 10 years.
Knowing how I approach filters now, I wouldn't mind giving it another shot.
It kinda reminds me of a Seamoon Funk Machine, but with an up sweep in guitar mode. Some tweaking of the knobs and some clean blend in and it's reminiscent of the MXR. In bass mode, kinda like the Funk A Duck a little, but deeper and bassier. A lot deeper and bassier.
I think you could do some cool things with this pedal. I'll try and get some sound samples up.
And if you're interested I'll probably be selling it sometime soon. Cool pedal, but I'm not sure it's my thang.
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It really depends on the what you play, how you play, what your core sound is… I like LPFs a bit more.. I’ve always had a love hate with the MXR, I still have mine but mostly out of sentimental reasons…. The one I keep coming back to is the fx25, I’ve owned 4…. The 4th I got to mod to lpf but it’s an older Kermit green one and it pcb is different from the sparkle green ones… so I’m going to have to find a supped up clone or get a 5th… also the two I have do sound different…
