Using MIDI File Filters
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Filters are without doubt one of the most useful tools in your sonic arsenal. At it*s most basic a filter is a device that selectively permits certain frequencies to pass through it, while stopping others. There are several different types of filter you*ll come across both on filter plugins and on synthesiser controls. Filters are without doubt one of the most useful tools in your sonic arsenal. At it*s most basic a filter is a device that selectively permits certain frequencies to pass through it, while stopping others. There are several different types of filter you*ll come across both on filter plugins and on synthesiser controls.
Cutoff Frequency 每 the filter*s effect will be heard above or below this frequency.
Low Pass 每 this filter will prevent High frequencies from passing through it, giving the processed sound a rich warm feeling.
Hi Pass 每 this filter will prevent low frequencies passing, giving the sound a thin, tinny quality.
Band Pass 每 this filter type will selectively boost or remove frequencies above and below the frequency at which it*s set.
Resonance or Q - this control will accentuate the effect of the filter. This effect can be used creatively on synthesisers to create ※Acid§ sounds by using high Resonance settings and sweeping the Cutoff Frequency.
Some filters feature a Drive setting, which adds a degree of distortion to the sound resulting in a thickening effect.
Filter Envelopes 每 most synthesiser filters will feature an envelope control. This will allow you to route the filter to an ADSR envelope to further shape your sound. One technique often used in Trance is to route the lead synth sound through a Low Pass filter with a short decay time on it*s filter envelope. When the filter is swept down this will have the effect of making the played notes short and poppy. Coupled with a ping-pong delay effect this creates the classic trance breakdown sound.
Route a sound through the Crayon Filter, you*ll notice that there*s no effect. Now use the strangely shaped filter type select buttons to choose a Low Pass filter and turn the Resonance knob three quarters of the way to the top. Now sweep the Cuttoff Frequency knob from top to bottom, instant gratification! Try adding some drive to the filter and repeating the process- this will create a fat dirty sound . Swap the filter type to Highpass and experiment again, you*ll recognise this gritty sound from countless tunes. The Crayon Filter*s capable of mixing filter types too, so the possibilities for creating unique sounds are endless here!
About the Author
K-Complex writes occasional articles on the latest MIDI file techniques and dj dance samples for Dance MIDI Files at dancemidisamples.com. The Site offers free MIDI file downloads on a range of dance genres including Trance, Techno, Hardstyle, Electro and House.
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