Filters Have Evolved (Classic Techniques and Introducing Filterverse VST)

Just before Christmas, Polyverse very kindly sent me over a copy of their new plugin Filterverse. I've had a few weeks to play with it now and it's certainly a lot of fun, super creative and actually pretty straightforwards to use.

I didn't say this in the video as I was just doing a brief overview of the features but I'd probably say it's a little overpriced at £114 so waiting for a discount might be the way to go with this one.

FilterFreak is still my number 1 ❤️

I covered a few classic filtering techniques in this video which I think could be worth quickly going over:

1. Hip-Hop Verse/Chrous Low Pass Filter - This is such a simple way to take a 4/8 bar passage of sample chops or a even just a looped sample and expand it. All you do is filter the new passage and drive the sound a little to match the levels. It works great in Hip-Hop as the low-passed section gives space in the mix for other elements like rappers to come in over the top.

2. Slow LFO To Filter Cutoff -  Slowly modulating filter cutoff with sine waves, random waves & saw waves all produce great results for adding that extra bit of character to synths and samples.

3. Rhythmic LFO To Filter Cutoff - I love being able to sneak a bit of LOTR content into my vids! Rhythmic LFO's are essential for all those naughty sub-bass wobbles and wubs. Playing with glide or pitch bend at the same time is where the magic really happens.

4. Envelope Follower To Filter Cutoff - This is a slightly less common trick but is so handy for adding a bit of life to static samples. Works great on FX with a bandpass type filter like I showed in the video.

5. Driving FilterFreak For Saturation - This is another favourite and I honestly get better results from this then all the distortion/saturation plugins I use! Crank the inputs and control the outputs for some lovely crunch. (Bass, Drum Breaks, FX)

6. ChebyChev Ripple Filter Pad Layers - One of my favourite ways to make new pads these days is to layer a bunch from them from my sample packs, match the keys of the different pads & then filter and modulate them all differently to make a combo pad with lots of movement. Slowly modulating the ripple filter gives a lovely phasing like effect.

7. Break Swapping Processing - I've been over this one a few times now but it's a lot of fun and great in a live situation. Simply assign macros to the wet/dry of different plugins such as filters, distortions, phasers, flangers. The most important thing to consider here is gain staging the FX. You want the FX to come on and off with as little difference in gain as possible.

I'm exctied to be on the board for the year now and onto the next project. 🎯

Cheers everyone,
George