NF2: Unique Notch Filter by Samsara Cycle Audio
In the world of sound processing, there are tools that seem to perform a simple function, but can dramatically change the character of your mix or a single instrument. The Notch filter is certainly one of them. And when this filter is created with love for vintage equipment, the result can be truly inspiring.
Introducing NF2 by Samsara Cycle Audio, a Notch filter plugin that takes its inspiration from the legendary Notch filter section of the Ibanez MSP 1000 amplifier. This VST effect for Windows (32-bit) offers a unique approach to frequency filtering that can add a special flavor to your music or help solve specific sound problems.
What Is a Notch Filter and Why Is It Needed?
A notch filter, or bandpass filter, is designed to dramatically attenuate or completely remove a very narrow band of frequencies. Unlike conventional equalizers, which can work with wide or moderately narrow bands, a Notch filter focuses on one specific frequency, “cutting out” it.
This makes it an indispensable tool in a number of situations:
- Removing unwanted hum or background noise at a specific frequency (e.g., 50/60 Hz mains hum or harmonics).
- Suppress resonances in recordings of acoustic instruments, vocals, or room recordings.
- Combat feedback during live performances or recording.
- Creative sound processing to create radio, telephone, or other interesting tonal changes.
- Remove very specific recording artifacts.
NF2 offers exactly this functionality, allowing you to precisely target the problematic frequency and effectively eliminate it, or use this tool as part of your creative arsenal.
Ibanez MSP 1000 inspiration: Vintage vibes
What makes the NF2 special is its connection to the filter section of the legendary Ibanez MSP 1000. Although Samsara Cycle Audio does not provide detailed technical specifications for modeling, the reference to this vintage device itself hints at the special nature of the filtering. Equipment of past eras often has its own unique “sound signature”, which is formed due to the peculiarities of analog circuits.
It can be assumed that the NF2 seeks to reproduce not just the Notch filter function, but also certain sound nuances associated with the original equipment: perhaps it concerns the shape of the “notch” (Q parameter), the filter’s behavior at different signal levels, or the overall “musicality” of its operation.
For musicians and sound engineers who appreciate vintage sound and are looking for an alternative to overly “clean” modern digital plug-ins, NF2 can be an interesting tool for experimenting and adding warmth or character to their tracks.
Using NF2 in your work
With its single function focus, NF2 promises to be easy and intuitive to use. A typical Notch filter has only a few basic parameters:
- Frequency: Selects the center frequency to be cut.
- Q or Bandwidth: How narrow or wide the attenuated frequency band will be. A high Q value means a very narrow “cut”.
- Depth or Gain: How much the selected frequency will be attenuated. For complete removal, the value is set to the maximum (for example, -30 dB or more).
NF2 probably implements these or similar parameters, giving you precise control over the filtering process. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice when you need to remove a specific frequency quickly and effectively without resorting to the complexities of multi-band equalizers.
Try the NF2 on a variety of instruments: remove amp hum from a guitar recording, remove unwanted resonance from a bass guitar, clean up vocals from microphone noise, or use it to create a filtered synth effect. The Notch filter’s capabilities go far beyond just cleaning.
Conclusion.
The NF2 by Samsara Cycle Audio is not just another filter. It’s a compact, purposeful tool with vintage roots that can add character or solve specific sound problems in your mix. Whether you’re looking for an effective Notch filter with a touch of old-school charm, or just want a reliable tool for surgical frequency removal, NF2 is worth your attention, especially considering its affordability (the plugin is probably free, although this information was not provided directly in the source code).
Add NF2 to your collection of VST effects on Windows and discover the possibilities of point filtering inspired by classic hardware.
