SSF
by Sixth Sample · Filter · Multimode filter with tempo-synced modulation
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SSF is a filter plugin from Sixth Sample with 68 filters and effects in a dual-stage design.
Tempo-synced modulation patterns can be drawn and saved to add movement, for €29.95 (about $34).
Best for: Keys & Synths, Drums, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Hip-Hop & Trap, Lo-Fi.
Keywords: rhythmic, tempo-synced, randomize, simple, drums, mid/side, mixing, samples & loops, experimental, parallel processing, sound design, synths, bass, CPU-light, creative, crunchy, hard clip, lo-fi, phaser, surgical.
What it does
SSF (Sixth Sample Filter) is a multimode filter built around rhythmic movement rather than simple cleanup. The developer wants it to "add movement to your music in a fun and intuitive way," without drawing automation by hand.
- 68 filters and effects: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch, plus phasers, formant, comb and crunchy non-linear filters, sample and hold, and two panning types.
- Dual-stage design: two filters at once, routed in series or parallel, each with its own modulation.
- Self-modulating cutoff: the cutoff slider moves itself in beat-synced patterns, so a static loop gets motion without automation lanes.
- Patterns and sequencing: a step sequencer for building patterns by hand or at random, shuffle for the envelopes, and saveable modulation patterns.
- Drive and clipper: a drive control and a global 0 dBFS hard clipper to keep peaks in check.
- Stereo and mid/side: filter in stereo or in mid/side mode for more precise mix work.
- Workflow: a global randomise button and 10 colour themes plus a custom theme.
It includes 6th Club access. The trial is fully featured but mutes the sound for a couple of seconds every 40 seconds. The current release is SSF 2.
Source: Sixth Sample product page
When to use it
SSF is the better pick when you want rhythmic, self-moving filtering in one simple window at a low price. Compared with Soundtoys FilterFreak, its draw is the sheer range of 68 filters and effects plus a step sequencer and randomiser for building patterns quickly. Unlike Cableguys ShaperBox 3 it sticks to filtering, so it is simpler to learn but narrower in scope. Compared with Xfer LFO Tool, it moves the filter itself rather than mainly volume, and it runs two filters at once in series or parallel. Reviewers agree it is a creative tool, not a plain cut filter.
- Best for: filter sweeps, rhythmic gating and movement on static loops, synths and drums, and ambient or experimental textures.
- Genres: EDM, hip-hop, lo-fi, ambient and experimental.
- Look elsewhere if: you just need clean high and low cuts (any EQ will do), or you want multi-effect rhythmic shaping; ShaperBox 3 covers more.
- Tip: hit randomise when you are stuck for ideas, and use mid/side mode to move only the sides or the centre of a sound.
What producers say
Reviewers find it fun and fast for rhythmic sound design, with the caveat that it is not a basic filter.
- Pluginoise called it "one of the most fun and intuitive filter plugins out there," praising the step sequencer, the randomisation and the low CPU use.
- REAPER Blog (2024) reviewed SSF 2 and found there is "a ton you can do" with its many filter shapes, modulation, sequencing and two filters at once.
- Criticisms: Pluginoise noted it is overkill for simple cuts, heavy modulation can get chaotic, and the drive and clipper section lacks detailed saturation options.
Where to buy
- Sixth Sample: $34.01 (Listed at €29.95; converted at €1 = $1.1355 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))
Tutorials and reviews
- SSF Filter Plugin Tutorial
- A fun and creative filter: Sixth Sample Filter (SSF 2)
- SSF 2.0 Filter Plugin
- SSF Filter Plugin
- Awesome Dynamics Trick With The SSF
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