WOW! by Klanglabs: A Powerful SV Filter for Unconventional Sound Design
Looking for a VST plugin that can add unique movement, character, and unpredictability to your tracks? Meet WOW! by Klanglabs – it’s not just a classic filter, but a complete tool for sound experimentation. This plugin combines the flexibility of a State Variable filter with innovative features such as peak follower and sample and hold modulation. WOW! is designed for musicians, sound designers, and producers who strive to go beyond standard processing and find their unique sound.
Key Features and Capabilities
The WOW! plugin is equipped with a set of powerful features for deep control over the filtering and modulation process:
- State Variable (SV) Filter: The basis of the plugin is a versatile, high-quality SV filter. Choose between four main filter types:
- HighPass
- LowPass
- BandPass
- BandReject
This allows you to precisely shape the spectrum of your sound.
- Peak Follower: This module analyzes the incoming audio signal and dynamically modulates the filter cutoff frequency, reacting to the amplitude of the peaks. Creates a “pumping” or “breathing” effect of the filter depending on the volume of the input signal.
- Sample and Hold (S&H) Module: For unique “stepped” sounds. Takes values from the Peak Follower (or another source) at specific moments and holds them, creating a sharp, stepped change in tonality. Ideal for robotic voices, arpeggios, or rhythmic textures. Control over frequency (Freq) and pulse width (Pulse width).
- MIDI Filter Frequency Control: Change the filter cutoff frequency directly from your MIDI keyboard. Opportunities for dynamic changes during live performance or programming in a DAW.
- Input/Output Level Controls (In/Out): Two separate gain controls for precise signal level adjustment, avoiding clipping, and optimizing performance.
- Attack/Decay Controls for Peak Follower: Adjust the speed at which the Peak Follower responds to amplitude changes to control the nature of dynamic modulation.
- MIDI-Controlled Filter Gate and ADSR Envelope: An additional MIDI-activated gate combined with an ADSR envelope (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) allows you to shape the dynamics and timing of the filtering.
Creative Applications of WOW!
WOW! is a real testing ground for creative ideas. Here are some ways to use it:
- Rhythmic Filtering: Create pulsating filter effects on pads, synthesizers, or loops using Sample and Hold or Peak Follower.
- Dynamic Bass Processing: Add dynamics to bass, making the filter “open up” on strong beats.
- Vocal Effects: Create robotic, “stuttering,” or pulsating vocal effects.
- Sound Design: Experiment to create unique sound textures, transition effects, or atmospheric elements.
- Live Performance: Use MIDI control for interactive sound changes.
The WOW! plugin by Klanglabs works as a VST plugin on the Windows (Win32) operating system and easily integrates into your workflow.
Overall, WOW! is a powerful and flexible filter with unique modulation capabilities that will be a great addition to the arsenal of any producer or sound engineer who strives to experiment and create truly interesting and unusual sounds.
