20 Filters
Dave Smith Instruments
Filters
Filters take the basic, raw sound of the oscillators and noise generator
and subtract frequencies, changing the harmonic content and character of
their sound. This change can be varied over time using the Filter Enve-
lope
to produce more dynamic, animated timbres.
The Prophet-6’s two-filter architecture allows for a wide range of sonic
possibilities. The Low-Pass Filter is a 4-pole, 24 dB per-octave, resonant
filter. The High-Pass Filter is a 2-pole, 12 dB per octave, resonant filter.
In simple terms, the Low-Pass Filter cuts high frequencies and the High-
Pass Filter cuts low frequencies. If used at the same time, the two filters
act as a band-pass filter, passing only the band of frequencies that fall
between the high-pass and low-pass cutoff points.
CUTOFF
ENV AMOUNT
RESONANCE
LOW-PASS FILTER
VELOCITY
CUTOFF
ENV AMOUNT
RESONANCE
KEYBOARD
HIGH-PASS FILTER
VELOCITY
KEYBOARD
Half Full
Half Full
The Low-Pass Filter and High-Pass Filter
Cutoff:
Sets the filter’s cutoff frequency. On the Low-Pass Filter,
frequencies are reduced from the top down — cutting the high frequen-
cies and passing the low, hence the name “low-pass.” On the High-Pass
Filter, frequencies are reduced from the bottom up — cutting the low
frequencies and passing the high, hence the name “high-pass.”
Resonance:
Emphasizes a narrow band of frequencies around the cutoff
frequency. On the Low-Pass Filter, high levels of resonance can cause the
filter to self oscillate and generate its own pitch.
