KVR Audio is the Internet's number one news and information resource for open standard audio plugins. We report new releases, product announcements and product updates (major and minor) for all VST Plugins, DirectX Plugins and Audio Units Plugins. We manage a fully searchable audio plugin database (updated daily), and offer many free member services including user reviews, product update notifications and a very active discussion forum. We also host official support forums for many plugin developers plus the official Receptor support forum.
Plug-in Database: Virtual
Instruments, Effects & Hosts Banks & Patches
Download & Upload Plug-in Ratings
by KVR Members Wiki: Tutorials,
Audio Lexicon, ... Listen to Music
by KVR Members Search
KVR Quick
Links

Google Powered Search:

in new window

KVR Powered Plug-in Search:

FilterBank3
by Tone2
21 members are watching FilterBank3 for news
Product FilterBank3
Developer Tone2
Primary Type Synth (Semi Modular)
Price (MSRP) €59 / $79
Plug-in Formats
Instrument(s)VSTAudio Unit
Effect(s)VSTAudio Unit
Operating System Availability
Operating
System		 Latest
Version		 Download Is it
Available?
Windows 3.2 Demo / TrialReleased
Mac OS XMac OS X Universal Binary 3.2 Demo / TrialReleased
Miscellaneous Information
Copy Protection Key File
Average User Rating Average rating - 8.875
Compatibility Unknown
advertisement
FilterBank3

FilterBank3 is more than a filter plugin - it is a complete plug-in Synthesizer and a flexible Multi-effect Unit. The modular design and flexible modulation routing give you nearly unlimited possibilities. With self-oscillating filters, oscillators and feedback it can create complete sequences and textures. The built-in step sequencer can create rhythmic sequences with some mouse clicks.

Feature overview:

  • 58 high-end stereo filters.
  • Semi-modular architecture.
  • Flexible routing.
  • 2 anti-aliased OSCs/LFOs with BPM Sync and 11 wave shapes.
  • Alias free FM and AM.
  • 12 oversampled types of distortion.
  • 20 types of surround delay, reverb.
  • 200+ presets.
  • Can be loaded as synthesizer as well as effect.
  • Vocal filtering, equalizing, phasing, flanging, compression.
  • Feedback.
  • Step sequencer.
  • MIDI learn.
  • Autosync to BPM.
  • Realtime frequency display.
  • Envelope follower.
  • Tool tips and help functions.

User Reviews by KVR Members for FilterBank3.

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR REVIEW


By Architeuthis
On 9th August 2007
Version: 3.1

Read all reviews by
Architeuthis

3 of 4 people found
this review helpful.

Was this review
helpful to you?
Yes | No
  GUI
Sound
Features
Docs
Presets
Support
VFM
Stability
1) INTERFACE
The interface has some glowing and shininess going on and first of all is organized, easy to find the parameter you want to change quickly. Of course, you won't find too many knobs. I really love the frequency display. It shows exactly what the curve looks like at all times for any parameter changes. For fine-tuning, click and hold ALT and you can change knobs in a circular motion which allows you to pull your mouse away and fine-tune the frequency or any other parameters. CTRL resets the knobs. While the most important frequency knob displays value in HZ, the rest of the parameters show a value from 0.00 to 1.00.

2) SOUND
What does it sound like? To sum it up, imagine the most delicious cream of wheat you've ever had. Take that bowl and throw it at your mother… let me explain.

a. PERCUSSION - You can get many totally unique sounds when processing percussion with the help of the wah-type envelope, distortion types, and delay. It's possible to get those crazy dub delay effects, which ambient and trance would benefit from, but like other delays, you'll need to spend time taming it. The comb filters and resampler are great choices for percussion as well as the more standard filters help with the common filter-fade-in/out effects.

b. SYNTH EFFECT - I don't think you'll ever need more distortion than what FilterBank can give you. I quote bobsled, "BP Dist can definitely tear your face off." From the lows to the highs, FilterBank can deliver dangerous distortions that can scream louder than the fat lady. At the same time its moog, notch, and (check it out) para BP filters do a great job in creating soft monosynths. The vocal/formant filters can really get things sounding classic, too. But if distortion is what you're after, included are some very unique distortions including Cubic, Wavewrap, Warble, and Presence which adds all kinds of fun harmonics.

c. VOICE MORPHING - It's no voice morpher but you can achieve some interesting results with the resampler filter and distortions which can make you sound like you're talking through a bad radio or distortion effects commonly used in pop music. You can achieve some funny results using the square distortion, the FM and AM filters, and the delay filtertype which can pitch your voice once you figure out how it works. However, I'd look elsewhere voice pitching.

d. SFX POTENTIAL - In my opinion, no matter what you are working with it's difficult to create musical or movie-potential sfx, but because of FilterBank's nature, the design and modulating abilities makes it possible to create interesting effects you won't find anywhere else. You'll have to listen to the mp3 demo or go through the SYNTH version's sfx and sequence presets.

e. AS A SYNTH - Absolutely ear-melting. Head straight for the presets. You will find some very nostalgic stuff like the SYN Churchorgan, SYN Theremin patches, and the SEQ(uence) patches great for trance. Of course it's very limited in programmability and doesn't have basic synth parameters, but the polysynth-only presets are great.

3) FEATURES
For what Filterbank is, it's feature-full. One of the best features is the filter routing. My favorite feature is the ability to route Filter1 to right speaker and Filter2 to left speaker and then modulating their frequencies opposite of each other. Awesome for percussion effects and awesome if you want your synth to sound wide. The matrix is great because of its mod shape types. From square to circular, hard to soft, you have everything in between. The only thing is - it lacks a matrix bank. Then again it's sort of an extra. If any feature was to be expanded I'd vote on the matrix. The delay combined with the distortion can result in great ambient stuff.

You get ping-pong as well as delays that only work if you have surround-sound speakers. You can choose to route it before or after the distortion. Also, there's a huge selection of filters including things you wouldn't expect such as FM, AM, Resonator, Resampler, Comb filters. You will also see strange names like "HP SVF", "LP Oct", and "NoLP Moog." Combining this with Filter 1 minus 2 routing and unique distortions you can get some very unique filter shapes and harmonic textures.

...REVIEW CONTINUES...
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2665450#2665450
 
Last edited by Architeuthis on 31st December 2007    Report

By liars&ashes
On 19th December 2006
Version: 1.4

Read all reviews by
liars&ashes

2 of 2 people found
this review helpful.

Was this review
helpful to you?
Yes | No
  GUI
Sound
Features
Docs
Presets
Support
VFM
Stability
User Interface - Well, it's easy on the eyes in a colorful way, no squinting at least, and it's a good size. The graphic waveform display is a cool addition, although it doesn't always work for me, sometimes it kind of sticks in one place for a while, or disappears, but oh well, it's just like a bonus feature anyways, and does not affect the sound at all. The knobs turn easily, and Ctrl-*click* resets them, although *shift* to fine tune would be a bonus feature. Overall a good, easy to use interface.

Sound - All over the map, as far as filters go, in a good way, tons of filters to mix and match. Beware the randomness though, you can easily get some toxic sounds fast, too fast sometimes, but hey, calm down and turn the knobs slowly eh. It seems a tad *harsh* sounding overall, at least that's the general filter sound I think of when I think of Filterbank 2, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, I just wouldn't call it all that analog sounding ya know. Perhaps with a masters' touch it could be tamed into a creamy Moog sounding delight, I just didn't hear it myself ya know. Oh, and bonus points for the 1=L and 2=R setting, talk about mind warping stereo sound yo. I ended up giving it an 8, because I couldn't hack a 7.5 into the K-v-R sever ha-ha. :)

Features - I like the step sequencer feature, that is great to me, because you can get some cool clicky, or burbling accompaniment to your sounds. The delay is a bit lacking in settings/controls if you ask me, but again, we're kind of talking bonus features here really, this is a monster mega filter plug-in. (I'd love to see an expanded delay section in the future though, that'd definitely add even more value and function to this already capable and featured filter.) The modulation routings are easy to understand for the most part, so it would have to score pretty well under user-friendliness in this section.

Documentation - I didn't read it, but that kinda tells you how easy it is to use right ? (I went and looked at the .pdf manual before hitting *post* for this review. The manual/guide looks fine, some close up pictures, some filter explanations. Good enough, could be better, in fact, could be a lot better just because there are so many filter types to mention in it, a possible thing for an update, add improved manual. *shrug*)

Presets - The presets are pretty decent, I've heard better, I've heard worse, you get a good amount (64 I think?) and there might be a 2nd bank on the Tone2 site, not sure, as I always just make my own presets.

Customer Support - On this one, it's been really good I feel. It was updated fairly promptly after being released if I recall, fixing a few issues, and the dev showed some concern and got on the problems.

Value For Money - Yes, yes it is. High marks here, especially if your budget is low, this is one to check the demo out for sure.

Stability - It has not caused me any problems, so pretty high marks here also.

Final Notes - To summarize : I just can't see anyone really not finding something to like about this plug-in. And while it's not the ultimate filter, it's certainly a good nu breed filter, and still retains a pretty wide range of sounds. It's filed under contemporary, and "best value" in my book, but that is just my opinion, grab the demo, and see what your ears think.
 
   Report

By bobsled
On 19th December 2006
Version: 1.4

Read all reviews by
bobsled

3 of 3 people found
this review helpful.

Was this review
helpful to you?
Yes | No
  GUI
Sound
Features
Docs
Presets
Support
VFM
Stability
What a great plugin this is, hard to believe it hasn't yet been reviewed. So here goes.

The GUI- Easy on the eyes, the user interface is simple to use and well laid-out. There is even an info box with brief explanations of each control's usage.

Sound- From "subtle" to "not so subtle" to "tear your face off" FilterBank2 delivers. Quality sound, very nice indeed.

Features- Among the features I most enjoy would be the simple MIDI-learn and the randomizer. The plugin also smooths the tweaking of controls so that parameters may be adjusted "live".

Documentation- The FilterBank2.pdf manual is put together well and should answer most questions folks might have.

Presets- 100 for the synth and 86 for the effect. Impressive starting points, the presets need very little (if any) tweaking to get the sounds you're looking for.

Customer Support- Tone2 maintains a forum here on KVR and seems to respond promptly to all posts. Dealing with some of these posts must be the hardest part of any devs job.

Value For Money- An outstanding value, definitely worth the price of admission.

Stability- Very stable on my system (P4 2.4ghz WinXP SP2). Have never had any problems.

Go ahead. Buy this plugin. Once you open the the synth and the effect together in your host, you will be impressed with your wise decision and your friends and neighbors will be impressed with the sounds you're able to make.
 
   Report
Latest 3 reviews from a total of 3

Reviews, articles, interviews, etc. for FilterBank3.

None listed yet.

Products by Tone2

BiFilter2
Product: BiFilter2
Developer: Tone2
Type: Filter
Price: $49 / €39
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
BiFilter2 offers dual multi-mode filters with 47 filter types, 8 additional distortion types, FM, AM, waveshaping and lo-fi effects. A high precision display shows the frequency response of the filter in realtime. Features: 47 filter types. 8 distortion types. FM, AM, Waveshaping, bit crushing, resampling, comb filtering, vocal filtering, equalizing, reverberation. High precision, real time frequency response display. Smooth and click-free knob movements. "High-end quality" filter algorithms, anti-aliasing, oversampling. True stereo architecture, works in all sample rates. Ea... [more]

 
FilterBank3
Product: FilterBank3
Developer: Tone2
Type: Synth (Semi Modular)
Price: €59 / $79
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
FilterBank3 is more than a filter plugin - it is a complete plug-in Synthesizer and a flexible Multi-effect Unit. The modular design and flexible modulation routing give you nearly unlimited possibilities. With self-oscillating filters, oscillators and feedback it can create complete sequences and textures. The built-in step sequencer can create rhythmic sequences with some mouse clicks. Feature overview: 58 high-end stereo filters. Semi-modular architecture. Flexible routing. 2 anti-aliased OSCs/LFOs with BPM Sync and 11 wave shapes. Alias free FM and AM. 12 oversampled types of distorti... [more]

 
FireBird
Product: FireBird
Developer: Tone2
Type: Synth (Unclassified)
Price: €59 / $79
OS&Formats: WindowsVST
FireBird features what Tone2 claims is a "new, unique sounding synthesis" - Harmonic Content Morphing (HCM) - see below. Features: A new, unique sounding synthesis: Harmonic content morphing (HCM). 84 oscillator types containing 18,000 morphable waveforms. 38 different analogue modeled filter types. True stereo mode, 4x unison mode, and up to 8 oscillators per voice. Can sound like other synthesis methods - additive, subtractive, AM, FM, phase distortion, supersaw, vocoder, sync. Can sound like natural instruments like piano, brass, organs... 23 spectral manipulations or &ldquo... [more]

 
Gladiator
Product: Gladiator
Developer: Tone2
Type: HCM Synth
Price: €149 / $199
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
Gladiator is a powerful synthesizer based on the concept of Advanced Harmonic Content Morphing (HCM) Synthesis. This new synthesis method is based on a large and expandable repertoire of standard waves like saw or pulse as well as complex waves like multi waves, trumpets, organs, pads, pianos, and voice samples. These waves can be modified in real-time by, for example, transposing the wave by one or two octaves and adding it to the original wave, altering its harmonic structure, syncing, compressing or expanding the frequency domain of the spectrum, making the wave fat using only one oscillat... [more]

 
Warmverb
Product: Warmverb
Developer: Tone2
Type: Multi FX
Price: $79 / €59
OS&Formats: WindowsMac OS XUniversal BinaryVSTAudio Unit
Do you want to flange a feedbacked reverb tail and pass it through a vocoder? Warmverb is a multi effect unit which gives you the flexibility to create unique custom effects in high-end sound quality. Features: High-end quality reverb algorithms. 150 professional factory sounds. 35 different effect modules. Modular design. Feedback module. Real stereo architecture. Smart sleep: Low CPU mode. 8x oversampling. Anti-aliasing. 64 bit processing. 22-192 kHz sample rate supported. Effect modules: 3 high-end quality Reverbs Vocoder and Vocoder L-R Delay, Ping pong delay, Filtered Ping... [more]

 

Other products related to FilterBank3

Filterbank (free)
Product: Filterbank (free)
Developer: Obertone Audio
Type: Filter
Price: No longer available
OS&Formats: WindowsVST
Features: 16 different analogue sounding filter types. Asymmetric filtering (303 like). Filters parallel or serial. Multitap surround delay. Infinite recursive feedback delays. Routable Envelope followers. Syncable, routable LFOs with 17 shapes. BPM sync to host. Presets included.NOTE: Filterbank uses the hosts's default GUI. ... [more]

 
Coming Soon...

Receptor Videos