Welcome to the world of rhythmic filtering and dynamic sound transformations! If you are looking for a tool that can breathe life into your static sounds, add movement and unpredictability, then the sfilter plugin from de la Mancha is exactly what you need. It’s not just a filter, it’s a full-fledged step sequencer that allows you to create complex rhythmic patterns, pulsating sweeps and unique frequency cut-off modulation, opening up new horizons for your sound design.
What is sfilter?
sfilter is a powerful VST plugin for Windows (Win32) that combines a flexible state-variable filter and an intuitive step sequencer, synchronized with the tempo of your project. Forget about monotonous filters! With sfilter, you can program up to 32 steps, each of which sets a certain cut-off frequency value between two set limits – upper and lower. This allows you to create gating effects, captivating filter sweeps that move up or down, or complex rhythmic patterns that fit perfectly into the groove of your composition.
Key features and capabilities
The sfilter plugin is equipped with a number of features that make it an extremely versatile tool for audio processing:
- Step sequencer synchronized with tempo: The heart of the plugin is its step sequencer. You can adjust the number of steps from 2 to 32, as well as the length of the sequence from 2 to 32 beats. This gives you full control over the rhythm and complexity of the filter modulation. Each step can have a different cut-off value, creating dynamic and interesting patterns.
- Resonant state-variable filter: sfilter offers four filter types: Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Notch. Each of these filters has adjustable resonance, which allows you to emphasize the cut-off frequency and add a characteristic “singing” effect to the sound. The choice of filter type determines which part of the frequency spectrum will be subject to modulation.
- Cut-off frequency range: The filter is modulated between two adjustable cut-off values – upper and lower. You can set this range to limit or expand the amplitude of the modulation, allowing you to create both subtle movements and extreme sweeps. The direction of the modulation (up or down between values) can also be controlled.
- Tempo-synced LFO: To add an extra layer of movement and modulation, sfilter includes an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), which is also synchronized with the project’s tempo. 6 different LFO waveforms are available, and you can set its speed from 1/16 beat to 96 beats. The LFO can modulate the filter’s cut-off frequency independently of the step sequencer or in combination with it, creating even more complex and organic movements.
- Random swing for step sequencer: Add an element of humanity and groove with the random swing function. This option introduces small, random changes in the timing of the step sequencer steps, making rhythmic patterns less “machine-like” and more lively.
- Wet/Dry mix control: The Wet/Dry knob allows you to mix the processed signal (Wet) with the original unprocessed signal (Dry). This is extremely useful for parallel processing, allowing you to preserve part of the original sound while adding filtering effects. This is ideal for many scenarios, from subtly emphasizing the rhythm to creating strong effects.
- Midi CC and Midi Learn support: sfilter fully supports control via Midi CC (Continuous Controller) messages, as well as the Midi Learn function. This means that you can assign any plugin parameter to the controls of your MIDI controller (knobs, faders, buttons), which provides convenient and expressive real-time control during performance or recording.
Musical applications of sfilter
sfilter opens up a multitude of creative possibilities for musicians, producers, and sound engineers. You can use it to:
- Create rhythmic gates: Set up the step sequencer to quickly open and close the filter, simulating a gate effect synchronized with the rhythm. This is great for percussive sounds, synthesizer pads, or even vocals.
- Add movement to bass lines: Use a low-pass filter with a step sequencer or LFO to make the bass line “breathe” and move in time with the music.
- Revive synthesizer parts: Filter modulation is a classic technique in electronic music. With sfilter, you can create both simple and very complex modulation patterns for your synthesizers, from a subtle “wah” to aggressive sweeps.
- Shape the sound of drums: Apply sfilter to individual drum elements or to the entire drum loop to add rhythmic texture and dynamics.
- Create fade-in and fade-out effects: Use long sequences or a slow LFO to create smooth filter sweeps that are perfect for transitions between parts of a composition.
- Experiment with sound design: By combining different types of filters, step sequencer and LFO settings, you can create completely unique and unexpected sounds.
With its flexibility and a wide range of capabilities, sfilter will be a valuable addition to the arsenal of any musician working with digital sound. It is easy to use, but at the same time offers depth for detailed setup and experimentation. Discover new rhythmic and timbral possibilities with the sfilter plugin!
Don’t miss the opportunity to add this unique tool to your plugin collection and make your tracks more dynamic, interesting and professional-sounding. sfilter is waiting to help you realize your boldest sound ideas!
