MicroFX Filter

Name: MicroFX Filter
Price: 39 USD
Author: Heavyocity

by Heavyocity · Filter · Dual multimode filter

Not rated yet

MicroFX Filter is a dual multimode filter from Heavyocity's MicroFX line, with low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch and comb modes.

The two filters can be routed in 144 ways, including mid-side, and an XY grid with up to 15 nodes adds movement; it costs $49.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Drums, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic.

Keywords: mid/side, surgical, drums, samples & loops, simple, sound design, synths, cinematic, beginner-friendly, corrective, CPU-light, evolving, gritty, mixing, parallel processing, punchy, pads.

What it does

MicroFX Filter is Heavyocity's dual multimode filter, described as "deceptively simple yet sonically rich." Two filter stages can be routed in many ways, and an XY grid animates cutoff and resonance so sweeps move on their own.

Five filter modes: low pass, high pass, band pass, notch and comb, available on each of the two stages.
Routing: series, parallel, split (left/right) and mid-side configurations, for 144 combinations in total.
XY grid: X controls cutoff and Y controls resonance. Up to 15 nodes can be drawn into a path, with rate, playback direction and chain options for the animation.
Character controls: Drive and Dirt add grit and saturation to the filtered sound.
Envelope Follow and Offset: Envelope Follow lets the input level push the filter, and Offset shifts the filter settings for further shaping.
Presets: over 50 presets in Static and Animated categories.

It is also part of the MicroFX Collection with Obscene and Shimmer, and a free trial is available.

Source: Heavyocity product page

When to use it

MicroFX Filter is the better pick when you want quick, animated filter movement from one XY pad at a low price. Compared with FilterFreak, it adds a second stage, comb and notch modes and mid-side or split routing, but FilterFreak has the richer analog-style character and rhythm modulation. It is much simpler than Volcano 3, which offers more filters and deep modulation routing, and it lacks the drawn, tempo-synced LFO shapes of FilterShaper XL. Its strength is speed: a path drawn on the grid does most of the work.

Best for: evolving sweeps and movement on synths, loops, pads and drums, plus stereo and mid-side filter effects.
Genres: electronic, cinematic and trailer music, and sound design.
Look elsewhere if: you need tempo-synced, drawn modulation shapes or deep routing; FilterShaper XL or Volcano 3 go further.

What producers say

Early coverage is positive, though it mostly reviews the MicroFX range as a set.

Sample Sound Review gave the MicroFX Collection 5 out of 5 and called Filter a "versatile, modulating dual-mode filter that packs a punch".
CPU and workflow: the same review found the plugins light on CPU and easy to use, so they can run on many tracks at once.

Sample Sound Review review

Where to buy

Plugin Boutique: $39 (regular $49)
Best Service: $49
Heavyocity: $49

Tutorials and reviews

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