StepFilter

StepFilter is a pattern-controlled multimode filter that can create rhythmic, pulsating filter effects. You can also trigger pattern steps individually via MIDI.

General Operation

StepFilter can produce two simultaneous 16-step patterns for the filter cutoff and resonance parameters, synchronized to the sequencer tempo.

The horizontal axis shows the pattern steps 1 to 16 from left to right, and the vertical axis determines the (relative) filter cutoff frequency and resonance settings. The higher up on the vertical axis a step value is entered, the higher the relative filter cutoff frequency or filter resonance setting.

By starting playback and editing the patterns for the cutoff and resonance parameters, you can hear how your filter patterns affect the sound source connected to StepFilter.

If Sync is deactivated, StepFilter allows you to trigger pattern steps individually via MIDI notes.

Setting Step Values

  • To enter a step, click in the pattern grid windows.

  • Individual step entries can be dragged up or down the vertical axis, or directly set by clicking in an empty grid box. By click-dragging left or right, consecutive step entries are set at the pointer position.

  • Change the value for a step by dragging it up or down.

  • Draw in a curve by clicking and dragging in the display.

Selecting New Patterns

  • Patterns are saved with the project, and up to 8 different cutoff and resonance patterns can be saved internally. Both the cutoff and resonance settings are saved together in the 8 pattern slots.

  • Use the Pattern slots to select a new pattern. New patterns are all set to the same step value by default.

StepFilter Parameters

Filter Type

Sets the filter type. A low-pass, a band-pass, and a high-pass filter are available.

Filter Mode

Allows you to choose between two filter modes. Classic mode is compatible with previous versions of this plug-in. Modern mode provides an additional Hard Clip parameter.

Mix

Sets the level balance between dry and wet signal.

Base Cutoff

Sets the base filter cutoff frequency. Values set in the Cutoff grid are relative to the Base Cutoff value.

The RND control above the Cutoff grid allows you to apply a random deviation from the set Base Cutoff value with each new cycle of the pattern. The higher the RND value, the higher the allowed deviation.

Base Resonance

Sets the base filter resonance. Values set in the Resonance grid are relative to the Base Resonance value.

The RND control above the Resonance grid allows you to apply a random deviation from the set Base Resonance value with each new cycle of the pattern. The higher the RND value, the higher the allowed deviation.

Note

Very high Base Resonance settings can produce loud ringing effects at certain frequencies.

Rate

If Sync is activated, Rate allows you to specify the base note value for synchronizing the pattern playback to the tempo of the host application (1/1 to 1/32, straight, triplet, or dotted).

If Sync is deactivated, you can trigger pattern steps individually via MIDI.

Hard Clip

Adds more high frequency harmonics and distortion to the signal. This parameter is only available in Modern mode.

Glide

Applies glide between the pattern steps, causing values to change more smoothly.

Output

Sets the output level.