1.5 u-he Filterscape

The creative multi-talent

u-he Filterscape is a trio of plug-ins with morphing EQ.

• Filterscape FX, the filter playground: Four morphing EQ bands and two blendable multimode filters
• Filterscape Q6, the dynamics specialist: Six morphing EQ bands driven by four envelope followers
• Filterscape VA, the synthesizer: Complex waveforms, polyphonic morphing EQ and analogue filter models

At the core of all three plug-ins is the distinctive EQ, capable of seamlessly transitioning between 8 different “snapshots” (a snapshot is a complete EQ setting).  Each EQ band’s frequency and amplitude can be dynamically modulated, even from different sources for each snapshot! With a sleek and future-proof new design, Filterscape has become more visually appealing and more comfortable to use.

Filterscape FX

• 2 multimode filters, each with mixable lowpass, bandpass, highpass and notch
• NEW in 1.5: 9 additional analogue filter options (2-pole, 3-pole, 4-pole)
• 4-band parametric EQ with five modes:
• LS-Peak-Peak-HS, 4 Peaks, LP-BP-BP-HP, 4 Bandpasses , Panned Bandpasses
• 8 morphable snapshots for user-defined EQ settings
• Modulation options for each EQ band
• 2 signal mixers (roles depend on selected routing configuration)
• Stereo delay with independent times for each channel
• 2 host-synchronized sequencers, up to 16 steps, blend (glide) control
• 2 host-synchronized LFOs with 8 waveforms
• 4 envelope followers
• 5 routing options for delay, filter and EQ signal path
• Overhauled + expanded factory library – improved categorization, volume balancing, larger variety

Filterscape VA

• 2 spectral oscillators with 15 waveform options including wavetables
• EQ identical to Filterscape FX, but polyphonic!
• Ring modulation, hard sync
• Sub-oscillator with 3 waveforms
• Noise generator
• 3 LFOs: 1 global, 2 per-voice
• 3 envelope generators with fall/rise and 4 shape modes
• Combined arpeggiator / sequencer
• Multimode filter: lowpass, bandpass, highpass
• Polyphonic, duophonic or monophonic (retrigger or legato)
• 2 effects: delay, chorus
• Overhauled + expanded factory library – the 200+ new VA presets make use of the new waveforms and filters

Filterscape Q6

Filterscape Q6 features the same morphing EQ as in Filterscape FX, but with additional low and high shelving filters—hence the name Q6. The four envelope followers can react to different frequencies within the track and modulate just about anything. You can seamlessly automate the EQ settings using just one parameter: snapshot index. Q6 is an engineer’s dream come true in a simple but sophisticated interface.

• 6-band equalizer: 4 bands like Filterscape’s EQ plus high and low shelving filters
• 8 morphable snapshots for user-defined EQ settings
• 4 frequency-dependent envelope followers with adjustable signal threshold and filtering for the trigger

History

Originally published in 2004, Filterscape was u-he’s very first cross-platform, multi-format plugin. An important milestone for u-he as a brand, it quickly became a staple in the arsenal of many musicians. Now upgraded with modern technology and ready for tomorrow’s tasks, we’re once again showing our commitment to maintaining our product line. Filterscape may have been overlooked in recent years, but no longer!

Upgrading the inner workings

• The new multiband EQ is based on an analogue model which has been optimized for rapid modulation, resulting in significantly improved audio quality when pushed to the limits.
• The filter section has been expanded, introducing three new analogue filter models that offer beautifully smooth drive and resonance characteristics.

Features

Multi-band morphing EQ

A unique feature of Filterscape VA is its polyphonic morphing EQ. Use it to animate your sounds with comb-filters, vowel-like formants, barberpole phasers and much more. EQ bands can be individually modulated at the snapshot level as well as globally.

Snapshot morphing

Smoothly transition between up to 8 different EQ settings: either manually, in auto-mode or using any of the available modulation sources. Automate these snapshots in your DAW to suit different sections of your track.

Oscillator wavetables

For each of the 2 oscillators you can pick one out of 15 wavetables (from classic analogue to more unusual spectra) and modulate the wavetable position with a range of mod sources. We have added 6 new wavetables to the original selection. Phase modulation and FM allow you to further expand the sonic palette.

Multi-mode filter

We have added 9 new filter types which are modeled on analogue circuits. This design is far superior to the legacy version in terms of character and audio-rate modulation fidelity. The filter section also sports a drive section for that extra quantum of grit and warmth.