Analog filter boxes

[shamann]

I am considering getting a little tabletop analog filter at some point. I don't actually have anything with an analog filter, so it might be fun to have one, and I'd like a small portable effect box to use with my MPC500 on days when it requires too much effort to press the computer's on button.

Because I want it to use with the MPC, I only want one with stereo inputs. For that reason, so far my contenders are: eowave Spacebug, eowave Filterbug, Jomox M-resonator (I am reasonably sure it is analog. It's cool enough that I can overlook the matter if it isn't), and the Sebatron Copernicus.

In a perfect world, I'd really like a tabletop box with stereo ins that combines a good digital delay and an analog filter, but so far I haven't found anything resembling that. So if anyone knows of anything like that, please let me know. And if not a delay, even any kind of tabletop multi-effect that has an analog filter and stereo input.

Otherwise, are there any other stereo tabletop filters I'm missing? Anyone have experience with any of the three I've mentioned. I'm most inclined so far towards the Jomox, simply because it has fairly versatile modulation/mix controls, and it's much cheaper than the Copernicus.

[whyterabbyt]

The Jomox is the one I was most interested in, from the spec. Or the Frostwave Resonator, but I dont know if that has stereo ins. (and anyway I already have an MS20-style filter in my Doepfer, though, and I could probably just patch that to suit...)

You could consider using a DSI Evolver as an external effects processor...

[mao]

+1 DSI evolver.

[sebo]

I have an Big Briar Moogerfooger, is totally great
specially the envelope follower, but
is mono.
Check for the Sherman Filterbank and other Sherman
boxes, I never used one, but people says are
great. And I think one of them (not the filterbank) have a delay.

[shamann]

the Frostwave Resonator, but I dont know if that has stereo ins.

It doesn't, unfortunately. Nor their Rubberduck filter. Actually, of the latest filter models out there, I've been most interested in the Modmax Filter, but it, too, is only mono. I realize I might get a higher grade filter if I stick with mono, but given I'll almost always use a stereo source with it, I'm willing to forgo some quality for stereo.

DSI Evolver

I have considered it, as well as the Future Retro Revolution, but I'd prefer something smaller, in keeping with the portability of the MPC500.

Sherman Filterbank

Also not stereo (although that new rack model is possibly a dual, but I don't want rack). And at more than 14kg, not really all that portable. If my requirements leaned less on portability (and my bank account was full to brimming) I'd consider either a Sherman or a Mutator. Alas portable and budget-friendly restrict my choices.

[waiting man]

(and anyway I already have an MS20-style filter in my Doepfer, though, and I could probably just patch that to suit...)

I'm so tempted to try the doepfer modular route for fxs. the small 4-modules psu, all those filters and modulators.
oh and the springverb

[shamann]

DSI Evolver

Actually, looking over the spec page, it is in fact a bit smaller than I first thought. Still bigger than the filter boxes I'm considering, but not horrendously so. Part of me held off because I've no need for a synth, but I might have to investigate further now.

[z15]

dsi evolver is really small actually, something like the size of a tb303 or so. best synth purchase for years and the lp filter is good too.

[jazzbert1]

Electrix FilterFactory
Analog & Stereo w/CV Input, midi sync LFO - Can't live without mine!
http://www.electrixpro.com/products/filterfactory.html

No longer in production. Check EBay

[shamann]

Electrix FilterFactory
Analog & Stereo w/CV Input, midi sync LFO - Can't live without mine!
http://www.electrixpro.com/products/filterfactory.html

No longer in production. Check EBay

Saw one on ebay even this morning. What are the pros/cons for it versus their FilterQueen module?

[Johnny Cherry]

I would go for the evolver.

[lung]

FilterFactory is a great filter. Very powerful, but be careful, the resonance screams very quickly, but it's extremely easy to use, can be automated by the MPC500 (MIDI), and is great for live playing (lots of LFO types, punch tempo, tempo sync, distortion, etc.). You can get it for cheap. I would go for that if you want a 'hands-on' stereo filterbox. Sold mine when I bought Tone2 FilterBank2 though (still have the Frostwave Resonator though). It can also act as a (fixed CC) controller box, but all the knobs send MIDI, so you can record your tweaks. It is a big long though, so you may want to go with one of the smaller filters to keep portable. Env follower & LFOs are nice features to have on a filterbox though (Resonator does not have).

[shamann]

I'm going to keep an eye out for any used FilterFactory, FilterQueen or Akai MFC42. If I see them cheap, that might help make my decision for me. FilterQueen strikes me as more desirable at the moment since it is really small and some of the used prices I have seen are very low.

I have a line on a used desktop Evolver, just have to assess how much I actually want it and if I'm comfortable with the asking price. (what's a good used price these days for one? Prices I've seen on the web seem inconsistent.)

Anyone else with opinions/experiences to relay? Post them if you've got them.

[lung]

There was a FilterFactory selling for $100CDN in Toronto last week. Gone now, but they can be had for cheap!

[shamann]

In a shop or on Craigslist?

I started looking a week too late I guess (not so worried, there's always gear just around the corner). There's a Filterfactory on ebay for $200 right now, but I'll pass on it for now.