Filterverse from Polyverse is an extraordinary new filtering plugin far exceeding anything I’ve seen in the category. It can be used an a standard audio effect or as an instrument that receives a side-chained signal for processing. Set-up depends on your DAW and the manual explains several possible scenarios. Read on to find out what makes this device a must-have for every producer.
THE FILTERVERSE GUI
The essence of Filterverse lies in the filter section in which up to three filters or FX processors can be routed in series or one of four iterations that combine series and parallel routing.
There are 26 unique filter and effects types (including distortion and spatialization) with varying parameter controls described in a convenient help window or in greater detail in the manual, which I recommend cracking open to take full advantage of this beast.
You will find familiar filter controls for some settings like Bread & Butter such as mode selection (LP, BP, HP, etc.), resonance, slope (up to 16 poles or 96dB per octave), and drive. Other settings like vowel or double-slit will have controls unique to the filtering process such as spread, peaks, or pinch. The effect of these parameters is best heard rather than described. You can spend hours just playing around with all the variations.
Non-Filter effects include some delays (including a granular reverse delay), amp simulator, bit crusher, and two spatializing FX including a spring reverb model effect called Coils. As with the filters, choosing a particular effect will expose related controls. The routing selector mentioned earlier allows for placing non-filtering effects before, between, or after the filtering process.
MODULATION IN FILTERVERSE
This section is where the fun begins. There are eight slots in which one of the eight modulator types can be activated.
Mapping a target is as simple as clicking the pop-up button under the parameter to be modulated and adjusting the source intensity. You can map external controllers or modulate the modulators (any parameter with a pop-up button can be a potential target).
The Pitch Detect modulator analyzes the incoming signal in terms of pitch which can then be used to modulate another parameter.
The Meta Knob and Random Generator can be set to quantize pitch to a selected scale.
Tempo syncing is possible in several modulators and effects as well such as Tempong (synced ping-pong delay), Sequencer, Random, and others.
FILTERVERSE PRESETS
A searchable preset matrix offers some incredible starting points easily explored by clicking one or more tags in the preset interface.
MID-SIDE PROCESSING
The inclusion of Mid-Side encoding for each filter output is an added bonus. The process is beautifully and succinctly described in the manual for those unfamiliar with it. Always be aware of phasing issues in the mix when using Mid-Side processing and never use it on mono tracks or stereo tracks with unrelated material in the left and right channels.
VIDEO WALK-THROUGH AND AUDIO EXAMPLES
See the Filterverse product page for numerous audio examples and the video foal-through below for a demo.
CONCLUSION
There are many other parameters not discussed here, but suffice it to say this is not your typical filter. Its playability and robust modulation section make it a creative weapon that can transform the most basic and banal input into rhythmically and harmonically complex grooves that will stun even the most seasoned producer. One instantiation of Filterverse can achieve phenomenal results not previously possible without using convoluted chains of multiple plugins. It is an awesome addition to Polyverse’s existing array of indispensable tools. Fantastic!
EXTRAS
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