which is the best vst filter for you?

please freeware and commercial!



Buffer
Last edited by Buffer on Tue Apr 08, 2008 6:45 am; edited 3 times in total

My favorite is BiFilter2.

Understanding that there can be no such thing as a best filter, since good filters will have different and potentially useful tonal characteristics, here are the ones I prefer:

Freeware, xhipeffects filter, although it could do with some attention from the developer to make it a bit sturdier (it being still in alpha). Its internal name shows up as something like a4#$%^11fjjrl3 in Bidule. And I've encountered this weird thing a few times where it sounded like it was outputting to a separate channel even though it was buried in an effects chain, which stopped once I removed the plugin from the chain. Still, it's an excellent sounding filter, lots of character.

Commercial, best filters I have are QuadFrohmage, Dr. Device and the filters in Vaz Modular. Of the filters I don't have but have tried, I'd say Frantic Filter is the best. I've never tried stuff like the Soundtoys plugin, so can't speak to their quality.

I'd like to +1 Shamman on all points and add Sonalksis TBK to the list.

Sonalksis TBK
FabFilter Volcano
OhmForce filters

Each in the following alphabetically-ordered list is excellent and has unique filter characteristics that I like:

Audio Damage Dr. Device
D16 Devastor
Korg MS20FX
Sonalksis TBK
Sugar Bytes WOW
Tone2 BiFilter2

I am using Bifilter over here. This is a nice thread, I think its rare we are looking at the best vst/au filter, and they are so important to electronica.

I will take a look at some of these others, its almost time for me to buy a second filter..... Um, Bifilter rocks though, and its like 50 bucks? 60?


psp has a crazy filter, anybody know if its any good? anybody remember wtf its called?

quad frohmage is tremendous. I'm sure Dr. Device is great, as I have most of the AD products, but haven't swung the 50 for that yet.
Looking at Shy's list, I have to say that MS-20 adds quite a bite to the sound. I tried the demo of TBK. It's definitely quick, easy (and quite good sounding) utility filter, unlike quad, which is best used as a freak-out machine (although it can also do the plain-old stuff quite well. it just makes you want to fsu)

also, this has to be said in every type of effect thread. Reaktor's user library has some absolutely terrific filters.

I wanted to express my appreciation for this thread...it has the potential to be very informative. I think we all have enough VA synths these days, but a good filter can be hard to find.

Rapture has terrific built-in filters, but they're not accessible as plugins, unfortunately. It would be excellent if Rapture had a mode whereby an audio channel could be used as an oscillator source. Rene?

Adding to the list of favorite filter plugins:

1. Classic Auto Filter - easy to use for automating sweeps and other filter fx. Part of the Classic collection from Kjaerhus Audio.
2. MBole Filter, which is a free emulation of the Waldorf DPole plugin, but has better control-ability and is easier to use. From Martin Blankenburg.

Nitro - I have it, it's great and very versatile

Mart.

Another vote for Tone2 BiFilter.
For precise frequency cutting, don't miss this free Rubberfilter

It can't be both at the same time... But what else is there anyway? You're ruling out DonationWare or what?

xhip for bite and squeek
nitro for smooth sweeps

i've demoed the tone2 stuff a bunch of times, i've tried hard to like it, but imo it easiely gets outta hand with internal clipping and some other weird behaviours, but a lot of ppl seem to like it... YMMV as they say.

You did not get the basic term of the question.
YOu better ask somebody!

SoundToys Filterfreak is IMHO the most realistic sounding analogue style filter-its very very good. Its not cheap tho...If I wanted to spend money on a filter thats what Id buy...