Author Topic: Electro Harmonix Bi-Filter, anyone? (Read 335 times)

lg71 · « **on:** August 17, 2006, 01:21:33 AM »

I came across this one on line while looking for an alternative to the SF-2... I don't know the price or availability in the UK yet.
There is only one demo on line but sounded interesting. Has anyone tried or own one? Here.

Thanks,
LG

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2006, 05:42:59 AM »

LG:

This unit doesn't appear to be anything like an SF-2. It is a dual channel envelope follower - essentually a wah-wah triggered by playing the string rather than by rocking a foot pedal. Also, the Guitar Buyer review on the site states that it probably isn't appropriate for live use. To paraphrase Bill Graham's quote about the Grateful Dead that adorned the side of Winterland for the years after it's closure until it was torn down:

The SF-2 isn't the best at what it does. It's the only one that does what it does.

Get an SF-2, dude.

Bill, tgo

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2006, 01:03:28 PM »

Every once in a while I get to thinking about envelope followers, and this one is intriguing.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2006, 06:11:55 PM »

I just bought one...still haven't used it alot.
I bought it to compare to the Mike Biegel ECF (mutron co-inventor)and the mutron III.
They are not very similar in sound; the Bi-Filter is more synthy- as opposed to the deep organic sound of an old mutron III or the Biegel ECF.
The bi-filter is very spacy...more of a toy for me than a tool...(that could change.)
The SF-2 is a tool : )

cheers

2400wattman · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2006, 06:17:05 PM »

If my job was flipping burgers(God forbid)I would still take my SF-2 with me. It would be the best thing I would look at all day, even if I could'nt hear it.

lg71 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2006, 10:56:51 AM »

To everyone who replied, thanks for your feedback, as usual, much appreciated.

So Elwoodblue, can you clarify if it can be used as a static filter at all? Any chance for some MP3s please, even short ones? I am very curious...

Thanks,
LG

elwoodblue · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2006, 09:15:52 PM »

Howdy,
Everything is envelope triggered on it, with a fader for each filter; oscillation amount,that allows the oscillator to affect the filter sweep.
...far from a 'static' filter.
I can make some mp3's for you,give me a day or two...

lg71 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2006, 04:02:01 AM »

Thanks Elwoodblue, I am looking forward to hearing something.

Otherwise, how do you rate it next to over envelope followers?
i.e Mutron, Qtron, EBS...

elwoodblue · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2006, 08:34:20 PM »

I have a sampler mp3 ready,
...I used a 80's g&l passive bass, straight into the bifilter then to pro-tools.I tried to give you a variety ...I have to admit it's tough to find a musical blend,at least contrasted to the mutron III, which seems to inspire musicality...
The Bilfilter has a huge frequency range and a ton of possibilties ,therefore some settings don't even let the bass thru,others drive everthing into distortion. It takes alot of fiddling to dial it in.
I found this one on ebay for 399 and free shipping...I might not keep it( I just bought the Maple Essence at Bass NW) smile : ))

..ok..can I upload mp3's here? I'll try,(if not I'll find a way to post it soon)...

elwoodblue · « **Reply #9 on:** August 23, 2006, 08:37:31 PM »

I find a place to post the mp3 soon...
...even sooner if I can email it to you or something like that,
cheers,

lg71 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 24, 2006, 04:09:53 AM »

Hi Elwoodblue, amazing, thanks!

I have this email address that can receive files of up to 4 to 5 megabytes each in size (the one on my profile is no good for that).
So there it is: topfloormix at freenet.co.uk (I type it like so to avoid been filtered by spiders and get spam...).

You can send me several emails if you need to split.

Well, I really look forward to it.

Thanks again,
LG

elwoodblue · « **Reply #11 on:** August 24, 2006, 12:09:22 PM »

LG,
I think it worked, ( 4 shots of espresso later )

The thing I haven't tried is using a CV pedal to sweep the filters, that might be worth exploring. there are 4 CV jacks:
envelope output (1 & 2) and filter input (1 & 2).

lg71 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 25, 2006, 02:56:32 AM »

Elwoodblue, thanks so much, I got the files and played them, very nice.

That thing is amazing for space sounds, a bit like an old synth...

I didn't expect it to sound like that in fact, I understand now your comment when you said: the SF-2 is a tool, I am with you.
But, as an envelope follower, I think the Bi-Filter is the craziest thing I ever heard.

David Houck · « **Reply #13 on:** August 26, 2006, 07:01:18 AM »

Elwood; I would like to hear it as well. If you don't mind, could you send the mp3 to me too?

lg71 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 26, 2006, 07:25:11 AM »

Dave, what is your email? I can send it to you if you want, in case Elwood get your message late...