I’ve been watching this, but now I just heard about the Emma DiscumBOBulator v3. Any ideas how this compares to the PX-101 (or the Moog)?
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PastFx PX-101 Lowpass Filter (Moogerfooger MF-101 Clone)
- Thread starter Bassology
- Start date
I mean, at least from a controls/knobs perspective, it's a complete apples-to-oranges comparison. The Emma appears to have very little in common with either the MF-101, or this updated clone.
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Yeah and they probably sound different too. But the Moog has a reputation for having a rich deep synthy sound. I wonder how they compare on that front.
There’s a few threads around where people compare the Discumbobulator to other filters, including the MF101 - I’m pretty sure they are completely different types of envelope filters.
A better comparison would be PF-101 vs the Triungolo Labs Barbanera as they are both moogerfooger style envelope filters
Awesome. If you still have the Barbanera I'm really curious about your thoughts on both.
The vast majority of pedal envelope filters (including the Emma) use a 2-pole filter topology that has a brighter and more aggressive tone (since the filter rolloff is not so dramatic). The Emma is also known for having a very funky and "slurpy"/ wet envelope response envelope. The Moog filter, at least how most of us use it, utilizes the classic 4-pole Moog ladder-filter topology (there is a 2-pole switch as well) which provides a fatter tone (steeper rolloff of the filter) more reminiscent of the classic Moog synth bass tones we've heard in countless recordings. The Moog envelope shape is also to my ears less "bubbly" and more linear than some of the more funky options like the Emma (even in the "slow" envelope position on the Moog which is closer to that response), and in generally seems to offer a smoother and more predictable response all-around (of course artists like Thundercat showcase that the Moog can be VERY funky still!). The Moog also has an always-active "Drive" circuit that adds soft-clipping and character to the tone going into the envelope even with the pedal bypassed (apparently the drive is bypassed with the pedal in the PastFX take, which is a plus for some, maybe not for others!).
One of the things that set the Moog apart was all the control input/output versatility to link with external CV gear and expression pedals. This take on the Moog is certainly loads more practical for the typical pedalboard though! I just ordered one myself and look forward to comparing to the Moog I have.
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I have and like the Barbanera, but it stopped working so I have to get it repaired before I can compare... For that I'll probably have to send it to Will in Italy, unless maybe @johnk_10 can do the repair...Awesome. If you still have the Barbanera I'm really curious about your thoughts on both.
In case anybody might have an idea might be wrong with it, the pedal doesn't pass any audio even when bypassed and regardless of knob/switch settings. But, the tap tempo and LFO settings seem to work, as the LFO tap led responds properly to knobs and switches.
Oh great, I like both fat/moogy and funky/slurpy. I guess I have to buy an Emma to compare then.
I love filters and I'm very picky about the sound, but I hardly ever get a chance to use them in a band situation. But for some reason I still want the best most awesomest filter in the world so if I ever do turn it on, it will be the greatest 3 seconds of bass squirrelchiness ever.
Yeah there’s definitely no single “do it all” filter that I’ve tried. I have never owned the Emma, but did try one loooong ago (maybe a v1) in local shop before I really knew anything about filters apart from the old DOD FX25 I had - I recall preferring it to the DOD and liking it but also have no conceivable use for it at the time (especially given it was fairly expensive for a pedal in that period before the boutique pedal boom). The Emma has been a well loved option on TB for many years FWIW. Currently my top 3 filters are the Moog for synthy stuff, a Chunk Agent 00 Funk clone (I think capable of being the closest to the Emma based on my research) for downward envelope (something the Moog lacks) and wetter envelopes (it can also get synth, but a wetter sound and more versatile somewhat to its detriment), and an EHX Enigma for Mutron-y stuff and other general use stuff. Even when set as close as they can I don’t find any of them to act all that similar for the sounds I prefer. None of the three have an output volume control, which is weirdly an uncommon feature on filters and something I’m looking forward too from the PX-101!I have and like the Barbanera, but it stopped working so I have to get it repaired before I can compare... For that I'll probably have to send it to Will in Italy, unless maybe @johnk_10 can do the repair...
In case anybody might have an idea might be wrong with it, the pedal doesn't pass any audio even when bypassed and regardless of knob/switch settings. But, the tap tempo and LFO settings seem to work, as the LFO tap led responds properly to knobs and switches.
Oh great, I like both fat/moogy and funky/slurpy. I guess I have to buy an Emma to compare then.
I love filters and I'm very picky about the sound, but I hardly ever get a chance to use them in a band situation. But for some reason I still want the best most awesomest filter in the world so if I ever do turn it on, it will be the greatest 3 seconds of bass squirrelchiness ever.
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Very curious about this one. Thanks to all for your notes and opinions here.
I'm using the filter section of the Meris Ottobit Jr with an expression pedal and it definitely has that synthy Moog feel, but since it isn't designed to be a filter pedal, it's limited in the features for it.
I'm using the filter section of the Meris Ottobit Jr with an expression pedal and it definitely has that synthy Moog feel, but since it isn't designed to be a filter pedal, it's limited in the features for it.
- May 16, 2007
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- 4,869
- Disclosures
- Volunteer developer/beta tester with Source Audio, Morningstar Engineering & MORTRIX
I’m scratching my head as to why the labels are above the knobs for envelope amount and cutoff but below them for mix and resonance. 
I’m scratching my head as to why the labels are above the knobs for envelope amount and cutoff but below them for mix and resonance.
Because life is hard and rife with mysteries.
(Haha! Sorry... Just an old designer trying to lighten it up.)
I second this. The Agent 00Funk has a different thing going on than most. Maybe the non-optical, logarithmic sweep circuit is what gives it its mojo, I don't know. It reminded me of the XD with its big sweep.
My PX-101 is scheduled to arrive within the hour.
I am as ready as I can be. The pedal board slot is freed up, power and cables are connected.
I have a sick envelope filter addiction. Let me know how it sounds!
EDIT: shag it I ordered one.
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That’s the Talkbass spirit!
LOL!
I was the same. Looking at it, I wanted to know how it sounds, then looked at the price, thought it's cheap. Then realized it's aussie dollars and clicked the button.
The mail contact was super nice and they sent it out with DHL express, which was pretty darn fast!
