Simulating an SF-2 using Amplitube 5

[halh67]

I have always been intrigued by the SF-2 but have never owned one. Playing around in Amplitube 5 software something similar can be created: 3 parallel channels with adjustable gain, with 1 set as the direct signal and the other two as LP/BP/HP filters with adjustable frequency cut-offs and resonance peaks using the LFO filter simulation (with rate set to zero). If I were to run my bass signal through an SF-2 into a DAW on my computer would it sound very similar to the Amplitube 5 digital simulation of a superfilter or are there other aspects of the SF-2 signal quality that I am not appreciating that would allow it to produce a higher quality sound? I realize there can be a distaste for replacing a fine analog product with a digital copy, and the rack-mounted SF-2 is also the more durable option, but I am interested in what objective differences there would be with respect to the sound output.

[JimmyJ]

Hey Hugh,

As with all these kinds of questions you'd really just have to try it and listen to see if there is any difference and which one you might prefer.  I have no doubt you can simulate what the hardware does with your software but I guess I'd just say that a lot of guitar players still choose to use an amp, speaker and microphone as opposed to amp sims.  The software keeps improving though so I figure we'll soon be doing all of our audio processing on our phones...   

If you get the chance to try the hardware we'd be interested to hear what you think.

Jimmy J

[KR]

Here's a unit I read about. It won't approach the build level of Ron W's, and it's not an SF-2. https://oldbloodnoise.com/pedals/p/float 

[halh67]

Thanks for the feedback Jimmy and KR. I would like to make that comparison some day. I also agree that unless they come out with a 50 lb phone that smells like a warm tube amp, hums and has big knobs on it the experience will remain lacking.

[edwin]

Here's a unit I read about. It won't approach the build level of Ron W's, and it's not an SF-2. https://oldbloodnoise.com/pedals/p/float 

There are a lot of state variable filter designs out there, including ones you can build yourself. I built Craig Anderton's Super Tone Control back in the 80s and put it in a bass. It was pretty wild!

[lbpesq]

I built several projects out of Craig Anderton’s “Electronic Projects for Musicians” back in the day.   Cool book!

Bill, tgo

[FlyingV73]

You can get Amplitube 5 in the ball park but an SF-2 is Analog and filtering will appear to your ears to have more.
More width and depth.  It is a great box. I have both.