To compare the results of the two systems on the basis of which is best is not really possible - each is simply different compared to the other, both in operation as well as net results. Functionally, the bass/treble control setup (as typically found on the Epic and Orion, for example) operates in much the same way as the similarly named controls found on Bass amps with active tone controls. In the Activator's case, the Bass control offers +6db/-15db @100hz, and the Treble control offers +6db/-15db @5Khz. In contrast, the Filter setup (particularly in combination with a Q-switch) was originally conceived as a simple but very effective way to emulate the signature tonalities associated with most Classic pickup designs - such as a P-Bass, J-Bass, Rick-Bass, various Gibson Basses, etc. - or to simply let the FULL frequency response of the string's vibration come through without any coloration at all...a trait virtually unique to Alembic pickups. Functionally, the Filter control is a variable low-pass device, introducing a 12db/octave roll-off at a point beginning anywhere from 350hz to 6Kz, depending on the setting position. Additionally, an 8db BOOST (a resonant peak) is introduced at the frequency just before the point of roll-off, and moves along with the roll-off point as the filter setting is changed. Adding a Q-Switch to the control setup (a $50 option) allows the 8db boost function to be shut OFF...otherwise, it's always on. In actual use, the Filter setup really CAN emulate the sound of the instruments mentioned above, if that's a feature that would be considered useful. But to say that one set-up is better than the other is simply not possible - it's just too subjective. For that matter, a number of Custom-ordered Alembic instruments feature BOTH systems...known these days as the East Meets West set-up!
