4.2.2 The filter
The filter alters the oscillators’ timbre via the four response
modes described previously (LP, BP, HP & Notch). Its
cutoff and resonance can be adjusted manually. The
cutoff can also be controlled by the keyboard and
modulated by various modulation generators. The
MiniBrute filter is based on Nyle Steiner’s
Sallen & Key
architecture (designed in the 70s) and offers
-12dB/octave slopes in LP and HP modes, and
-6dB/octave slopes in BP and Notch modes.
4.2.2.1 Mode
This selects among the four filter modes:
LP
(low-pass),
BP
(band-pass),
HP
(high-pass), and
Notch
. The
LP
mode is the most commonly-used,
and provides sounds which are full/fat and round. The
BP
and
HP
modes
provide thinner and harsher sounds. When modulated by the LFO, the
Notch
filter mode sounds similar to a phaser effect pedal.
4.2.2.2 Cutoff
This knob adjusts the filter’s cutoff frequency. The frequency range goes
from below 20Hz when turned fully counter-clockwise up to 18kHz when
fully clockwise. For example, in
LP
mode you can adjust a sound’s
brightness. As an exercise, set all the oscillator mixer slider
potentiometers to 0 (lowest position). Adjust the
NOISE
generator slider to
midrange, then set all the
filter envelope
[4.2.2.7] and
amplifier envelope
[4.2.3.1]
sliders to 0. Move the amplifier envelope
SUSTAIN
slider to its highest position. Set
the filter mode to
LP
, turn the
ENV Amt
knob [4.2.2.4] to 12 o'clock and set
KBD
Tracking
knob [4.2.2.5] on
Off
, then press a key and tweak the
Cutoff
knob as you
listen to the changes in the sound.
The cutoff frequency can also be controlled by the keyboard [4.2.2.5] as well as by the rear
panel
Filter CV
input [4.3.6].
4.2.2.3 Resonance
This knob lets you create a resonance peak at the cutoff frequency.
Turning it clockwise emphasizes the partials at the cut-off frequency,
and the sound becomes more aggressive. When the knob reaches its
last quarter zone, the filter starts to oscillate on its own. However this
oscillating behavior depends on the cutoff frequency; the MiniBrute filter oscillates
within a range beginning around 350 Hz up to approximately 8 kHz. To extend the
oscillation range, use the
Brute Factor
knob [4.2.8.4].
Arturia MiniBrute User's Manual
32
4 General description