The Mu-tron III+

Just my two cents, and maybe you've already done this, but before you get comfy with your III+, try an original Mu-Tron III made by Musitronics in the 70s/80s. I owned the Haz years ago before I knew about the originals and it simply does not compare in depth and range. (It is a little quieter however.) Besides, the Haz is an unauthorized copy of the original Mu-Tron III. They go for $300-350 or so on ebay and used shops. They are pretty easy to find. Mike Beigel, the original designer of the Mu-Tron III also helped design the Electro Harmonix Q-Tron/+...you might like that one as well. Other fine choices...Ibanez AF201, Moogerfooger Envelope Filter, and the Lovetone Meatball (for something completely different).

Enjoy getting funky!

 

I used to worship my Mutron III+.....that is until I tried the real deal. The re-issue is well built with top quality components but so what? My old beater Mutron III is so much deeper and authoritative. My re-issue turned out to be frail and weak by comparison. Now....both in series; that is quite the sound I'll tell you.
Save your cash.

 

You've got to try the Meatball with a fuzz pedal (such as a Zvex Fuzz Factory) in the effects loop. That's a tasty Meatball!

Try an original III. If you are true filter junkie (as I once was as well) you need to have one in your stable. Also, compare it side by side to the Ibanez AF9 or AF201. I did and I ended up selling my original III and keeping the Ibanez. The Ibanez was more compact, used only one battery, had the same controls, and I thought actually sounded a little better. And, you can find them for about $200 cheaper than an original Mu-Tron III. Tough decision.

 

The HAZ isn't a ripoff...they purchased the rights to re-issue. Mike Beigel company sold their claim to the name ages ago during that whole gizmotron debacle. He is just sore because of their DUMB-ASS buisness move they made in selling the Musictronics line. Check out his web page here: http://www.mu-tron.org/
My Mustictronics Mutron III is whisper quiet! Folks keep telling me how noisy theirs are but mine sure isn't and it's a beater!
I'd be interested in a side by side comparison of the original and the Q-tron+. I have heard more than a few times that it wasn't the best for bass? Maybe too touchy or bitchy, I don't know. Some EV filters sound great on paper but are way too tricky to involve in a live context. The Frostave Funk-a duck for example.

 

So I am wrong about the unauthorized use thing. Oh well. Thanks for the clarification.

I agree with your filter comment...Also, I'm not impressed by the EH Q-Trons at all. I'm pretty much set with the AF201 and the Meatball. While it sounds great when you get the "right" settings, I find the Meatball is extremely touch and difficult to use live.
-Ken

 

Seems to be a common feature with these things, no? Wicked, greasey filters that while sounding amazing end up being to "testy" to be used in a live context; very frustrating. I recently purchased the Chunk systems Agent 00Funk( http://www.chunk.com.au/a00f.htm ) and have to say that it is one of the finest filters I have come across. It actually sounds better than my Mutron III. This only holds true in the "up" mode however. In "down", the only mode I use, it is so damnably touchy as to render it useless. Violent speaker shredding sweeps.....not good. So frustrating as it does sound soooo good otherwise. My 'Tron is less sensitive in the lower ranges, what makes it so good for bass maybe. Same hassle as your 'Ball it seems.
What about the Q-trons do you not like? They seem good but I keep hearing a lingering discontent amongst some folk.....?

 

I haven't heard of that one. I'll have to check it out.

thought the Q-Trons sounded thin, but this was from only a short demo. They didn't bowl me over. I've sort of lost my drive for the perfect EV, but have heard very good things about the rack-mounted Mutator (very pricey) and the Beigel Sound Labs control filter (also usually pricey. I passed on one for $500 last year. I could have justified that in hindsight.) I really love the AF201, but still am open to checking out others.

The Meatball takes the cake for finnicky, but it has sounds that no other filter that I have heard does. I also had an Oberheim VCF for a while. That's another cool one, but pricey because they are collectible and rare. I sold one to a "rock star" for a considerable profit.

 

Profit works....! I'd like to stick to floor boxes for now, kinda funkier and more tweakably fun? Last thing i want to do during a set is scroll through menus and such. that Mutator looks amazing....heard god things about the beigel box....the Line 6 thing seems ok but I can't wrap my head around "modelling" just yet...plus it's digital. Does your AF201 REALLY compare to the Mutron III?! Comparable depth and tone? They go for quite a few clams so I'd have to buy one w/o hearing it first...I doubt I'd ever stumble across one in the flesh (plastic?) Alot of popular filters just don't have a whole lot of character...too safe and careful sounding; the EBS for example. I don't want clean or "studio"...I want grease darn it.

 

KPO2000...What's your opinion on this puppy....?http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1467053657

 

IMHO, I a/b'd it to my Mu-Tron and sold the Mu-Tron. They are not identical and no doubt the Mu-Tron may do some things better, but for the things I do, the AF201 suffices 90% of the time. Besides, the need for only one battery and the compact size made the Ibanez much more useful to me. Don't get the one on ebay...

This is the one you should get...
http://tonefrenzy.com/2/ibanez_af_201_auto_filter.htm

Cheers!

 

What applications do you use your AF201 for? I need something that will work well in "down" mode....so many filters just don't. The Mooger Fooger looks great and all but no "down" mode! Frustrating...

 

I use it mostly for the up "waompf" effect. I think it works well in the down as well, but as you know they take fiddlin'. Good luck!

 

MOOGERFOOGER!!!!

I want one

 

What about the filter section on the EH Bass Micro Synth? Anyone compare it to the other envelopes?

 

Sorry, don't know about the Soundtanks. You might want to check Check Harmony Central.