FilterFreak 2

FilterFreak 2 extends the same filter and modulation framework as FilterFreak 1 with a second filter section. The two filters can use different shapes, frequencies, resonances, and slopes. Parallel routing processes the source independently through each and combines the results; Serial sends Filter 1's output into Filter 2, allowing the two responses to reinforce or restrict one another.

The important architectural limit is that the filters share a single modulation source. They are not two unrelated LFO engines. Their individual modulation amounts can nevertheless differ or move in opposite directions, creating much more complex spectral motion than a single cutoff sweep. The Link switch helps move related controls together when a coordinated adjustment is wanted.

Start with one filter providing the broad tonal boundary and the other adding a narrower moving emphasis. Audition serial and parallel routing at conservative resonance, since serial combinations can produce very loud peaks or nearly remove the signal. Use the custom waveform and rhythm editors when the motion needs to articulate a pattern rather than follow a regular sweep.

Manual, FilterFreak 2, Parallel/Serial Mode, Link, and Tweak Menus, pp. 28–30; shared filter and modulation controls, pp. 6–27.

Two-filter architecture

Parallel / Serial is the key routing choice. Parallel sends the input to both filters independently and mixes their outputs. Serial passes Filter 1 into Filter 2, so the second works on an already filtered signal. In Serial, strongly opposed passbands can remove almost everything; high resonance can instead produce excessive peaks.

Each filter has Frequency, Resonance, filter Shape, and Poles controls. Select LPF, HPF, BPF, or BRF independently for each section. Higher pole counts make the filtering steeper, while Resonance emphasizes the region around its frequency. Establish the static combination before applying deep modulation.

Link couples the two filters' Frequency, Resonance, and Gain controls so related changes move together. Existing limits still apply: a control already at its maximum cannot rise farther merely because its linked partner moves.

Shared modulation

Choose one source from LFO, Rhythm, Envelope, Random, Step, or ADSR. LFO uses Rate / Shape; Rhythm uses timed divisions, Tap / MIDI sync, and Groove. Envelope follows the input using Threshold, Gain, Attack, and Release. Random changes at rhythmic intervals, whereas Step changes on triggers. ADSR uses a specified attack, decay, sustain, and release contour initiated by input, manual, or MIDI triggering.

The source is shared, but the Tweak panel exposes individually numbered modulation controls for the two filters. Use their frequency, resonance, and level modulation amounts to make one section move more subtly or in the opposite direction from the other. Opposing frequency movement is especially useful for vowel-like effects.

Tweak, tone, and blend

The shared Shape Editor builds custom modulation waves; Smoothing / Smoothing Mode determine the joins between points. Rhythm Editor arranges waveform events with bar, beat, and grid controls. Save useful patterns separately from a complete effect preset.

Analog Style sets saturation character, while Input / Output determine level into and out of processing. Mix restores unfiltered signal when needed. Check output level and mono compatibility after making a wide or highly resonant dual-filter patch rather than assuming two filters will simply double the original effect.

Manual, Shared Control Panel and Modulation Modes, pp. 6–27; FilterFreak 2, Parallel/Serial Mode Toggle Switch, Link, and Tweak Menus, pp. 28–30.