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Looking for a Funky, Versatile Envelope Filter Pedal... (how original, I know)

DinnerWithAGypsy

DinnerWithAGypsy

Jun 11, 2008
1,095
55
Louisville, KY
twitter.com
#1
I'm not much of an effect-junkie but have recently expanded my previously nonexistent pedal inventory to a Sonic Research ST-200 Strobe Tuner and a Wounded Paw Battering Ram (overdrive & fuzz).

Next, I'm thinking I definitely want a solid, versatile envelope filter pedal.

In terms of describing the tone I'm looking for, to be honest, I don't feel incredibly well-versed in the subject to say with much clarity... The sole reason I want to get an envelope filter pedal is because I really dig funk, and I think a choice envelope filter pedal sounds sick as hell in that type of setting.

I'm thinking specifically of a lot of the bass work on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' albums One Hot Minute and Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Whether you dig the Chili Peppers or not, there is some sick funky goodness on those two albums, specifically on the latter of the two mentioned, oftentimes incorporating an envelope filter... "Falling into Grace" I can specifically think of off the top of my head.

Anyway, the point is: I appreciate envelope filters as heard in funk, specifically older RHCP material, and I'm looking for a well-made, versatile envelope filter pedal.

I'm interested in the new MXR M82 pedal and have also read numerous good things about the Subdecay Prometheus, although I feel like with the "Step" function on the Prometheus the pedal is more geared towards just making ridiculous (yet cool), really out-of-this-world sounds based around a filter-type sound. Is that untrue? Can it also produce a range of different, more traditional sounding envelope filter sounds?

Sorry for making this so open-ended. And I recognize that threads like this must come up almost as often as "Which fuzz should I buy?" but I find it's easier to garner more applicable information to my own situation if I create a thread specifically catered to it.

Thanks guy, I appreciate the input! :D
 
#4
kevin_lindsay said:
I've just ordered one of these units - great piece of kit!
http://www.3leafaudio.com/
Click to expand...

I'm digging the look of that and the reviews I'm reading on it after a quick search. Thanks for the suggestion!

Anyone else have any personal input regarding the 3Leaf Audio Groove Regulator?

BassInUrFace said:
I own and love a 3leaf Audio Groove Regulator, which are currently on sale, and would be a great choice. But I have a feeling that the MXR Envelope Filter would suit your needs perfectly. They're not quite as versatile as the Groove Regulator but can get a lot more wet.
Click to expand...

Wet meaning really out there in terms of the intensity of the actual filter sound?
Is the Groove Regulator versatile yet limited in this area in comparison to the MXR M82?
 
#6
there are lots of good ones... Depends on which sound you are looking for.

The groove regulator is a very good simplified meatball-ish pedal... Lots of options, but still very smooth... without any horrid peaks... It's not an agressive or harsh one, but the tone it gives rocks.

If you like RHCP stuff, check the DOD envelope filters, since flea uses one. From what I've heard their not the best engineering-wise and these thingies would have some flaws... (volume pikes, etc). Advantage is that they are said to sound great.

MXR was also one of the more versatile ones, I heard. No info on how they sound.

If you dig the bootsy vibe, search for a mutron (clone).
 
#12
Zerstorte Zelle said:
Why does the Moog MF101 never get mentioned in these? Just wondering.
Click to expand...

I've got one and I'd recommend the 3leaf Groove Regulator as it's a far easier pedal to use, and the sounds are usable accross the range rather than being overtly "sci-fi". The Moog unit is more of a synthy style sound shaper rather than an envelope filter. You can hear sound samples of the Moog MF101 on this page:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#14
The Qballs is going to be wet, funky, and very, very versatile. The MXR is going to be much less versatile, but much smaller, easier to use, and will nail that old DOD-style filter sound. Either one of those are going to be your best bets here, I'd say. The Groove Regulator is not a top candidate for you, in my opinion--everyone is just gaga over it, so they plug it in every filter thread, regardless of whether or not it's the right fit--it's pretty tame, overall, which is not what you are describing yourself as looking for. As far as the Jacques Trinity, while versatile, I'd strongly advise against it for bass--both the range and nature of the sweep combine to make it simply not very audible on bass (yes, I've owned one), and it does not compete with the other suggestions in the thread, in my opinion. Also, the Prometheus is not a particularly funky filter (more "spacey"), so probably not what you are looking for.
 
#17
with your monicker being Cloverfield, there is only one choice for you my man...the 3Leaf Groove Regulator.

I have a GR and love it. I say it is plenty wet and if you want it to peak you can make it do that too. The trick is in careful tweakage of the various knobs, especially Sensitivity & Intensity, as well as prudent choice with the middle switch.

I have also tried the MXR and was surprisingly underwhelmed and i do like MXR gear normally. I found the MXR a bit too cold and clinical in tone, especially compared to the delious warmth and squelchyness of the GR.

Also the GRs sweep reverse switch is very cool. Check out the clips on web - how are they not wet and funky and you can get those tones quite easily IME.
 
#18
Another player you might consider is the Subdecay Prometheus. Pricey? Yes, but it has a multitude of sounds from mild to wild. It sounds a bit more "synthy" than the GR, at least to my ears.

I have both on my pedalboard. Of course, and this again is my opinion, the Q-tron beats them all, but Q-tron has its own problems.
 
#19
seventhson said:
the jacques trinity is the most compact versatile envelope filter imho. it even has a detachable "pedal" for manual wah that is really just a tiny dome. check out the sound clips...

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...ight=flea+gear
Click to expand...

The fact that that pedal is directly associated with Trinity from The Matrix series requires me to reject it solely based upon principle. :ninja:

Tekken said:
EHX ENIGMA Q Balls: very very wet!

Great funk machine!
Click to expand...

That's essentially the bass-version of the Q-Tron and Q-Tron Plus, correct?

Bassmike62 said:
check out this link, if you're an RHCP fan. Might provide a few ideas.

+ 1 on the Groove regulator.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...ight=flea+gear
Click to expand...

Thanks! I checked out the thread, and honestly, with all the different gear Flea used at one time or another, it sort of just created more questions rather than help provide a solution. haha No, but seriously, educating myself on all that stuff and gathering more knowledge in this area is definitely profitable. Thanks.

Smurf-o-Deth said:
The Qballs is going to be wet, funky, and very, very versatile. The MXR is going to be much less versatile, but much smaller, easier to use, and will nail that old DOD-style filter sound. Either one of those are going to be your best bets here, I'd say. The Groove Regulator is not a top candidate for you, in my opinion--everyone is just gaga over it, so they plug it in every filter thread, regardless of whether or not it's the right fit--it's pretty tame, overall, which is not what you are describing yourself as looking for. As far as the Jacques Trinity, while versatile, I'd strongly advise against it for bass--both the range and nature of the sweep combine to make it simply not very audible on bass (yes, I've owned one), and it does not compete with the other suggestions in the thread, in my opinion. Also, the Prometheus is not a particularly funky filter (more "spacey"), so probably not what you are looking for.
Click to expand...

Yeah, after doing some research I sort of gathered that the Subdecay Prometheus, while totally badass, was geared more towards creating pretty out-there type sounds as opposed to focusing on a solid, versatile more-standard filter sound.

I know some are opposing your statement that the 3Leaf Groove Regulator is more on the tame side, but to be honest, I'm leaning towards your opinion just because I don't want to risk getting a filter pedal that is in any way tame in its capabilities. I don't plan on always using oozes and oozes of wet filter (goodness), but I want to be able to if the situation calls for it or if I'm playing Chili Peppers' tunes, etc.

Bassnuts62 said:
with your monicker being Cloverfield, there is only one choice for you my man...the 3Leaf Groove Regulator.

I have a GR and love it. I say it is plenty wet and if you want it to peak you can make it do that too. The trick is in careful tweakage of the various knobs, especially Sensitivity & Intensity, as well as prudent choice with the middle switch.

I have also tried the MXR and was surprisingly underwhelmed and i do like MXR gear normally. I found the MXR a bit too cold and clinical in tone, especially compared to the delious warmth and squelchyness of the GR.

Also the GRs sweep reverse switch is very cool. Check out the clips on web - how are they not wet and funky and you can get those tones quite easily IME.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm actually not particularly fond of said monicker since creating my name, so disregard that point of potential support for the GR. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the GR recommendation. I have a hard decision ahead of me... :hmm:



So guys, I pretty much am considering the 3Leaf Groove Regulator, the MXR M82, and the EHX Enigma Qballs.
Has anyone tried all three who can provide some objective-as-possible yet subjective input?

Again, I'm not planning on using crazy amounts of wet filter all the time, but I want that option if the situation calls for it (again, see certain old RHCP tunes).
I also dig Bootsy Collins' filter sound.
 
#20
Another one to look at, though spendy, is the Chunk Systems Agent 00Funk. Lots of sounds, capable of getting very wet, though a little more synthy in character than, say, a Qballs (which I'd say should be your first look). I've owned a plethora of filters (including the GR), and I'm telling you the GR is not that wet--that's by design. It's great at being warm and well-behaved, but it isn't even capable of serious squelch. The clips on the 3Leaf site are pretty much as wet as it gets. Spencer has a great product and I want him to get as many sales as possible, but I want to give you the best advice I can based on your goals, too. FWIW, my hands-down favorite filter is the Mad Professor Snow White AutoWah, but it would be a bad suggestion for you based on what you have said, and I'd say the same thing about the GR.
 

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