Rift 2 or U-He Filterscape?

[yellowmix]

I have Rift, Shaperbox, Filterscape, and they're all sufficiently different to not be redundant.

Rift is a multi-fx where the modules were chosen to not just complement but work with each other. The filter is a morphing filter (and more!) but you don't control how exactly it morphs. You've got one knob to sweep through it (most are at least 3 stages), and the morphs are well-designed. When combined with the bipolar distortion (and more!) and musical feedback/delay/flanger/chorus and modulation (env follower, LFO, 2 curves) you get a very wide range of sounds. I love using it for subtle textured movement but it's certainly capable of going wild. The rhythmic presets are great, and it's fun to use since it's all on one page.

Shaperbox's workflow is different. It's based entirely on envelopes over bar lengths. Each processor is on its own page, so it can be difficult to remember how each envelope interacts relative to others. Quite a few are multiband and the distortion is tasty. One thing it has no other plugin mentioned does: Timeshaper can rewind, slow down, and speed up (it works on a buffer so it can't read ahead). So if by "rhythmic" you mean cutting and scratching, this is a great option. If you're really interested in turntablism, look up United Audio Artists Scratch Master Pro.

Filterscape is a group of plugins (including a synth!) but you're probably focusing on Filterscape and Filterscape Q6. Filterscape has 2 multimode filters with step sequencing, 2 LFOs, and 4 envelope followers. It also has a 4-band EQ with morphing between up to 8 snapshots, and a delay, with configurable routing. Filterscape Q6 ditches the multimode filters to give you 6 bands of morphing fun. So this is similar to Rift's morphing filter, however, you are deciding how exactly each band morphs.

You also get a synth, FilterscapeVA, with two very flexible oscillators + sub with FM, a single multimode filter, 4 bands of morphing EQ, delay, and chorus. It's great for morphing pads, leads, arps, atmos, etc.. These are all one-pagers so easy to work with. It's due for an update so if you can find a used license for cheap it's a good way of getting a significant discount.

[killmaster]

I have Rift, Shaperbox, Filterscape, and they're all sufficiently different to not be redundant.

Rift is a multi-fx where the modules were chosen to not just complement but work with each other. The filter is a morphing filter (and more!) but you don't control how exactly it morphs. You've got one knob to sweep through it (most are at least 3 stages), and the morphs are well-designed. When combined with the bipolar distortion (and more!) and musical feedback/delay/flanger/chorus and modulation (env follower, LFO, 2 curves) you get a very wide range of sounds. I love using it for subtle textured movement but it's certainly capable of going wild. The rhythmic presets are great, and it's fun to use since it's all on one page.

Shaperbox's workflow is different. It's based entirely on envelopes over bar lengths. Each processor is on its own page, so it can be difficult to remember how each envelope interacts relative to others. Quite a few are multiband and the distortion is tasty. One thing it has no other plugin mentioned does: Timeshaper can rewind, slow down, and speed up (it works on a buffer so it can't read ahead). So if by "rhythmic" you mean cutting and scratching, this is a great option. If you're really interested in turntablism, look up United Audio Artists Scratch Master Pro.

Filterscape is a group of plugins (including a synth!) but you're probably focusing on Filterscape and Filterscape Q6. Filterscape has 2 multimode filters with step sequencing, 2 LFOs, and 4 envelope followers. It also has a 4-band EQ with morphing between up to 8 snapshots, and a delay, with configurable routing. Filterscape Q6 ditches the multimode filters to give you 6 bands of morphing fun. So this is similar to Rift's morphing filter, however, you are deciding how exactly each band morphs.

You also get a synth, FilterscapeVA, with two very flexible oscillators + sub with FM, a single multimode filter, 4 bands of morphing EQ, delay, and chorus. It's great for morphing pads, leads, arps, atmos, etc.. These are all one-pagers so easy to work with. It's due for an update so if you can find a used license for cheap it's a good way of getting a significant discount.

Thank you for this! I appreciate you outlining the distinctions!! Really helpful! I do own Shaperbox 2 with time and drive modules. I should revisit. I've decided to get Rift 2 based on some very enthusiastic reviews and judging by the free plugins filter and feedback.

[teilo]

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