With analogue-modelling software filter plugins long having established parity with their actual analogue hardware counterparts, today’s sound designer and music producer is spoilt for choice when it comes to superb in-the-box frequency-shaping options. But what makes a filter plugin particularly viable for ‘creative’ application? Modulation, essentially – the ability to internally automate (at least) cutoff frequency and resonance in order to carve rhythmic filtering patterns and grooves out of the source material. We offer 6 of the best filter plugins for creative sound design, all put such functionality front and centre, alongside stellar sound quality, of course – read on…
Sugar Bytes WOW2
Sugar Bytes’ wildly creative plugin not only boasts 21 diverse filter types – from various low-, high- and band-pass designs to Peak, Comb, and more – but also throws in a routable distortion stage (pre or post) with a choice of seven algorithms (Parabolic, Sine, Crush, etc), and a wicked morphing Vowel Mode. At the bottom of the interface, the modulation section offers a formidable arsenal of signal-moving mechanisms, comprising an envelope follower with sidechain filtering, a timeline-locked LFO, a flexible 16-step sequencer, and the performance-orientated Wobbler, which enables sequential sweeping through 12 contiguous LFOs, each with its own waveform and rate setting, for all manner of bonkers bass music tomfoolery.
WOW2 also benefits from an expansive library of factory and artist presets that showcases its acrobatic frequency-battering potential nicely, and supplies a wealth of inspiring starting points for your own sonic machinations.
FabFilter Volcano 2
It’s been around for well over a decade now, but the second-generation filter plugin from Dutch virtual effects masters FabFilter hasn’t aged a day in all that time. Volcano 2’s four independent multimode filters are each configurable in high-pass, low-pass, or band-pass modes, at 12, 24, or 48dB/octave roll-off, and can be switched through an array of stereo and mid-side routing schemes. 11 Filter Characteristic algorithms (Raw, Extreme, Tube, etc) give plenty of scope for coloration and distortion, and the developer’s proprietary open-ended modulation system lets you call up whatever combination of LFOs, step sequencers, XY controllers, envelopes (generators and followers) and MIDI sources your imagination and sound design needs demand.
The sheer number of filters and modulation sources it brings to bear makes Volcano 2 pretty much unrivaled in its creative headroom; and coming from FabFilter, flawless analog authenticity is a given.
Universal Audio Moog UAD Filter Collection
You can’t say ‘filter’ without saying ‘Moog’, and the main event in this three-pack for Universal Audio’s UAD-2 and Apollo systems is an absolute belter. Moog Multimode Filter XL draws on several Moog designs but is most heavily informed by the Sub 37 synth, and features low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch modes, with four slope options from 6-24dB/octave. It sounds incredible, with all the fatness, warmth, and overdrive capacity for which Moog filters are known; but it’s the deep modulation that takes it to another level, most notably the freely assignable four-track step sequencer.
You also get the original UAD Moog Multimode Filter in standard and lighter ‘SE’ versions, but they’re really just there for compatibility with old projects – XL is where it’s at, and we’d go as far as to say that it’s the ultimate virtual Moog filter.
Soundtoys FilterFreak
Establishing itself as something of a modern classic since its release in 2004, Soundtoys’ ubiquitous plugin stands as one of the most capable modulated filters money can buy – and one of the best sounding. Separate single- and dual-filter versions are included, and the filter model serves up the usual gamut of modes – LP, HP, BP, and notch – at 12-48dB/octave slopes, driven into any of seven analog saturation algorithms. The modulation setup, meanwhile, isn’t the most intuitive in town, but its six signal generators are fantastic, especially Step (triggered sample+hold), LFO (with multi-breakpoint wave/sequence editing), and Rhythm (complex sequencing and groove control).
The idiosyncrasies of FilterFreak’s UI can make it feel a little old-fashioned at times, but the quality and mobility of its filtering can’t be faulted.
Cableguys FilterShaper 3
Despite having been largely superseded by the much newer FilterShaper Core 2, running in their ShaperBox multi-effects plugin, Cableguys’ original dual filter is still an absurdly powerful and uniquely creative proposition. Each filter is independently panned and leveled, and there’s an extensive selection of Clean and Sallen-Key filter types to choose from, the latter with overdrive for toughening distortion effects. The magic, however, lies in the envelope followers and dual LFOs hardwired to both filters’ cutoff, resonance, volume, and pan controls, as well as master volume and pan, and the depths of the LFOs themselves. The envelopes provide adjustment of Attack, Hold and Decay times, while Cableguys’ famous free-drawing waveform editor allows total customization of each and every LFO. It all adds up to a mind-bogglingly versatile setup with which to animate the two characterful filters at the heart of the plugin, and a dream come true for the sound designer who likes to really get into the details.
Cytomic The Drop
Another dual filter with overdrive, The Drop features ten core filter algorithms loosely modeling the circuits of various classic synths, including the Roland Juno-6, Korg MS20, EDP Wasp, and ARP Odyssey. The two filters are fixed in their respective high- and low-pass responses, but can be combined into band-pass and notch configurations using the Shift and routing controls, and 12 and 24dB/octave slopes are selectable for each.
On to the crucial modulation architecture, and The Drop has it all going on. There are two LFOs, one basic, the other a much more advanced rhythmic pattern generator housing 16 patterns of up to 32 highly programmable steps each; two AHR envelopes for triggering (with MIDI or audio) or following (keyed off the input or an external signal), with Lag mode for pseudo-step sequencing; and FM and MIDI input modules. Assignments are hardwired and accessed via a straightforward matrix, and the display up top does an excellent job of visualizing your modulations. Extraordinary signal maneuverability aside, though, the best thing about The Drop it is phenomenally ‘analog’ sound – crank it into self-oscillation and go nuts!
Do you have creative filter plugins that are your favorite? Tell us about it in the comments.