AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Filter Modules for Intermediate 2026

Q: What's the difference between a Moog ladder filter and a State Variable filter?

Moog-style filters are known for their creamy, resonant low-pass character - think classic synth basslines. State Variable filters offer more flexibility, with simultaneous high and low pass outputs, making them great for complex filtering and stereo effects.

Q: I'm on a budget. What's the best value filter?

Mutable Instruments Shifting Pattern Generator is a surprisingly versatile option, offering multiple filter types and modulation capabilities for a reasonable price. Just be aware it's a bit more complex to learn initially.

Q: My filter sounds noisy. What's causing it?

Noise can be caused by a number of factors - cheap components, improper grounding, or excessive resonance. Try adjusting the resonance, reducing the drive, and ensuring your power supply is clean and stable.

Q: How do I get a 'vintage' filter sound?

It's not just about the filter type; it's about the entire signal chain. Experiment with overdrive, EQ, and subtle modulation to recreate the vibe of classic synths. Also, old filters often had limitations in headroom - pushing them closer to clipping can help emulate that characteristic sound.

Q: Can I use a filter module as a standalone effect?

Absolutely! Many filter modules can be used as external effects processors by sending audio from other sources through them. Just be mindful of input levels to avoid distortion or clipping.

The top pick is Endorphin.es Squawk Dirty To Me Eurorack Synth Module ($196). Doepfer A-124 VCF5 Wasp Filter gives you the most for the money at $99. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 90 models across 30 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 12, 2026

90models in this chart

30brands

$207median price

28price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Filter Modules Showing: For Intermediate · clear

Price

Skill level

Brand

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

Endorphin.es Squawk Dirty To Me Eurorack Synth Module
Squawk Dirty To Me Silver · Endorphin.es
9 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
The Squawk Dirty To Me is a fantastic character module for Eurorack. It’s a surprisingly versatile stereo filter with a real edge – perfect for sound design, experimental music, or adding grit to more conventional patches. This is a great option for anyone wanting a unique sonic signature without needing to commit to a full modular system.
Pros
- Exceptional filter character, uniquely aggressive and musical.
- Integrated VCA streamlines patching and sound shaping.
- Meta-CV scanning provides evolving, dynamic filter textures.
Cons
- Limited filter type control compared to a full Grand Terminal.
- 120mA draw can be significant for power-constrained racks.
67AudioFu
Index
- Demand80
- Lineup68
- Price57
- Maker33
↓ 2.2%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$201 · Aug 14$196 now

$196€175 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Doepfer A-124 VCF5 Wasp Filter
A-124 Wasp Filter SE · Doepfer
12 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
This little Doepfer Wasp Filter SE is a fantastic way to inject some serious attitude into your modular system. It’s got that classic Wasp edge, surprisingly versatile despite its size, and the build quality is solid for a module in this price range. Perfect for experimental sound design or adding grit to percussive elements.
Pros
- Distinct Wasp character delivers aggressive, resonant filtering tones.
- Black front panel with yellow caps offers a unique, eye-catching aesthetic.
- Compact 8HP footprint makes it ideal for space-constrained modular setups.
Cons
- Limited multimode options compared to more complex filter modules.
- Power draw of +30mA might be significant in systems with limited power.
78AudioFu
Index
- Demand89
- Lineup68
- Price50
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$99 now

$99€88 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Erica Synths Black Multimode VCF
Erica Synths
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The Erica Synths Black is a fantastic, character-rich multimode filter that's a real workhorse. It's a great entry point into more complex filtering, especially if you’re chasing that vintage Moog vibe, and its small size is a huge bonus for Eurorack users. Perfect for sound design, experimental music, and adding warmth to synths.
Pros
- Gorgeous, warm filter character with genuine germanium overdrive tone
- Excellent resonance sweep provides screaming, musical feedback possibilities
- Compact 10HP footprint makes it ideal for dense modular setups
Cons
- The lowpass mode can be a bit muddy with extreme resonance
- Limited filter modes compared to some pricier, more complex options
64AudioFu
Index
- Demand80
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Maker62
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$201 now

$201€179 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Doepfer A-121d
Doepfer
Not on Reverb yet4 finishes at Thomann
The A-121d is a workhorse filter module for Eurorack systems. Its dual filter design and delta control make it ideal for creating evolving textures and complex tones – a great choice for experimental sound designers and those seeking classic, resonant filter character. It's a fantastic value and a solid foundation for any modular setup.
Pros
- Dual filters offer incredible flexibility for complex sound design.
- Delta control provides unique and evolving timbral shifts.
- Solid Doepfer build quality ensures long-term reliability.
Cons
- 8HP footprint can be limiting in smaller Eurorack cases.
- Filter resonance can get quite aggressive, requiring careful control.
63AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup100
- Price76
- Maker100
↓ 8.8%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$178 · Aug 14$162 now

$162€145 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Erica Synths Black Polivoks VCF V2
Erica Synths
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This Erica Synths Polivoks VCF V2 is a fantastic little module for recreating that gritty, Russian synth vibe. It’s a no-frills design, but it nails the aggressive character of the original Polivoks filter, perfect for industrial, experimental, or anyone craving a raw, analog edge in their modular patch. A great choice for those seeking a specific, iconic sound without a huge commitment.
Pros
- Authentic Polivoks character with original K140UD12 chips
- BP mode delivers aggressive, resonant sweeps and textures
- Compact 10HP footprint ideal for space-constrained modular systems
Cons
- Limited filter modes compared to more versatile options
- Can be quite aggressive and noisy at higher resonance settings
62AudioFu
Index
- Demand76
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Maker62
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$222 now

$222€198 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Erica Synths Pico VCF1 Filter
Pico VCF1 · Erica Synths
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The Pico VCF1 is a fantastic little module for anyone wanting that classic, gritty Polivoks filter sound without the bulk. It's a real workhorse for experimental sound design and adding some edge to your modular patching, especially if you're into darker, industrial textures.
Pros
- Authentic Polivoks filter character, surprisingly powerful for its size
- Russian NOS op-amps deliver a unique, vintage-flavored tone
- Self-oscillation is clean and usable for wild sound design
Cons
- Limited filter modes compared to full-sized counterparts
- Power draw is a bit higher than some other Pico modules
68AudioFu
Index
- Demand89
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Maker62
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$111 now

$111€99 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Doepfer A-120 VCF1 24dB Low Pass Filter
A-120 · Doepfer
3 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
The Doepfer A-120 VCF1 is a workhorse filter module delivering that classic Moog warmth. It's a fantastic entry point into modular synthesis, especially if you're after a vintage vibe and don’t need a ton of bells and whistles. Perfect for sound designers and those wanting a solid, reliable filter foundation.
Pros
- Classic Moog-inspired filter sound, instantly recognizable and warm.
- Robust construction with reliable, discrete transistor circuitry.
- Excellent resonance control, capable of self-oscillation for unique tones.
Cons
- Limited filter modes compared to more modern designs.
- Can be noisy at higher resonance settings – typical of older designs.
59AudioFu
Index
- Demand48
- Lineup68
- Price50
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$129 now

$129€115 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Doepfer A-106-5 12dB SEM Type Voltage Controlled Filter
A-106-5 SEM Filter Special Ed. · Doepfer
9 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
This A-106-5 SEM Filter Special Ed. is a fantastic way to inject that classic, creamy Sequential Circuits sound into your modular setup. It's a relatively compact module, perfect for those wanting a distinct vintage vibe without a huge commitment. Ideal for sound designers and synth enthusiasts craving that SEM warmth.
Pros
- Classic Sequential Circuits SEM filter sound in a compact Eurorack module.
- Cream-colored panel and black knobs offer a visually appealing, vintage aesthetic.
- Provides a rich, resonant, and characterful tone ideal for basslines and pads.
Cons
- Limited filter modes compared to more complex multi-mode offerings.
- 8HP footprint can be restrictive in smaller modular systems.
74AudioFu
Index
- Demand80
- Lineup68
- Price50
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$95 now

$95€85 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Doepfer A-101-1 Vactrol VCF
A-101-1 · Doepfer
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The A-101-1 is a fantastic entry point into classic Steiner filter territory. Those vactrols really impart a creamy, organic character that's hard to replicate – it’s a go-to for ambient, experimental, and vintage synth sounds. Perfect for modular explorers wanting a core filter voice without a huge investment.
Pros
- Vactrols deliver a uniquely smooth, resonant filter response
- Classic Steiner filter design provides a warm, vintage character
- Compact 16HP footprint suits smaller modular systems
Cons
- Limited filter modes compared to more modern designs
- Power draw is relatively high for a single module
55AudioFu
Index
- Demand48
- Lineup43
- Price62
- Maker100
↓ 4.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$162 · Aug 14$156 now

$156€139 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Doepfer A-105-2 VE
Doepfer
Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann
This A-105-2 VE is a fantastic entry point into classic analog filter sounds. It nails that warm, resonant low-pass vibe reminiscent of vintage Moog filters, and it's remarkably affordable. Perfect for anyone wanting to add a foundational, characterful filter to their modular system without breaking the bank.
Pros
- The SSI2144 chip delivers a thick, Moog-esque resonance and warmth.
- Black front panel offers a classic, understated aesthetic for modular setups.
- Excellent value for a genuine Doepfer analog filter with this sonic character.
Cons
- Limited filter modes compared to more modern, multi-mode filters.
- The attenuators on some inputs can feel a bit coarse in their adjustment.
53AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup68
- Price64
- Maker100
↓ 4.8%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$140 · Aug 14$133 now

$133€119 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗

All 90 filter modules

Sort

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

11
Verbos Electronics Noise & FilterVerbos Electronics

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$139€124
$139€124Check ↗
12
Befaco Pony VCF Eurorack Synthesizer ModulePony VCF · Befaco

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$207€185
$207€185Check ↗
13
BASTL Instruments Cinnamon Voltage Controlled State Variable FilterCinnamon · Bastl Instruments

Index 52Stable
52
Stable$196€175
$196€175Check ↗
14
Doepfer A-124-2 SEDoepfer · 2 finishes

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
15
Doepfer A-108 VCF8A-108 · Doepfer

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$173€154
$173€154Check ↗
16
Doepfer A-121 VCF2 Multimode FilterA-121-2 · Doepfer · 2 finishes

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$140€125
$140€125Check ↗
17
Doepfer A-106-6 XP FilterDoepfer

Index 48↓ 5.7%
48
↓ 5.7%$167€149
$167€149Check ↗
18
Doepfer A-105-4 Quad Poly VCFDoepfer

Index 46↓ 2.2%
46
↓ 2.2%$245€219
$245€219Check ↗
19
Doepfer A-123-2Doepfer

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$129€115
$129€115Check ↗
20
Doepfer A-106-1 Xtreme Filter (MS20)Doepfer

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
21
Doepfer A-104Doepfer

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
22
Erica Synths Black LPGErica Synths

Index 41↓ 2.1%
41
↓ 2.1%$207€185
$207€185Check ↗
23
Befaco BanditBefaco

Index 40↓ 3.4%
40
↓ 3.4%$189€169
$189€169Check ↗
24
Erica Synths Black 3109 VCF/VCAErica Synths

Index 40Stable
40
Stable$207€185
$207€185Check ↗
25
Erica Synths Drum Stereo DJ VCFErica Synths

Index 40Stable
40
Stable$234€209
$234€209Check ↗
26
Tiptop Audio Forbidden Planet Analog FilterTiptop Audio

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$155€138
$155€138Check ↗
27
Tiptop Audio ResonatorTiptop Audio

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$212€189
$212€189Check ↗
28
Befaco BF-22 Sallen Key FilterBefaco

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$245€219
$245€219Check ↗
29
TouellSkouarn Kala GoañvTouellSkouarn

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$201€179
$201€179Check ↗
30
NANO Modules ST-FONTNANO Modules

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$219€195
$219€195Check ↗
31
Joranalogue Audio Design Flow 3Joranalogue Audio Design

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$241€215
$241€215Check ↗
32
Make Noise DXGMake Noise

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$241€215
$241€215Check ↗
33
ADDAC 604 Dual FilterADDAC

Index 37↑ 4.8%
37
↑ 4.8%$245€219
$245€219Check ↗
34
Doepfer A-101-2 Vactrol Lowpass GateDoepfer

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
35
Doepfer A-121-3Doepfer

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$110€98
$110€98Check ↗
36
ADDAC 607 CrossoverADDAC

Index 36↑ 5.5%
36
↑ 5.5%$129€115
$129€115Check ↗
37
Doepfer A-101-6 Opto VCF Opto FET Filter / PhaserA-101-6 · Doepfer

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$115€103
$115€103Check ↗
38
Rides In The Storm L5DRides In The Storm

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$126€112
$126€112Check ↗
39
Intellijel Designs SVF 1UIntellijel Designs

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$177€158
$177€158Check ↗
40
NANO Modules FONTNANO Modules

Index 46↓ 18.2%
46
↓ 18.2%$101€90
$101€90Check ↗
41
ADDAC 605 Spectral TiltADDAC

Index 33↑ 12.9%
33
↑ 12.9%$196€175
$196€175Check ↗
42
Behringer SwordsBehringer

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
43
Behringer 914 Fixed Filter Bank Eurorack Synthesizer Module914 Fixed Filter Bank · Behringer

Index 65↓ 11.9%
65
↓ 11.9%$58€52
$58€52Check ↗
44
Doepfer A-103 18dB Low Pass FilterDoepfer

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$100€89
$100€89Check ↗
45
Doepfer A-102Doepfer

Index 44↑ 1.1%
44
↑ 1.1%$100€89
$100€89Check ↗
46
Rides In The Storm HFDRides In The Storm

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$109€97
$109€97Check ↗
47
Xaoc Devices Belgrad Dual Peak State Variable FilterBelgrad · XAOC Devices

Index 72Stable
72
Stable$364€325
$364€325Check ↗
48
Verbos Electronics Dual Four PoleVerbos Electronics

Index 71↓ 14.6%
71
↓ 14.6%$526€469
$526€469Check ↗
49
Shakmat Modular HiPassShakmat Modular

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$100€89
$100€89Check ↗
50
4MS Spectral Multiband ResonatorSpectral Multiband Resonator · 4ms

Index 68↓ 2.3%
68
↓ 2.3%$481€429
$481€429Check ↗
51
Behringer 121 Dual VCF Eurorack Synthesizer Module121 Dual VCF · Behringer

Index 59↓ 4.6%
59
↓ 4.6%$47€42
$47€42Check ↗
52
Make Noise QPAS ModuleQPAS · Make Noise

Index 66Stable
66
Stable$468€418
$468€418Check ↗
53
Behringer 1006 FiltAmp 4-Pole VCF / VCA Eurorack ModuleFiltamp Module 1006 · Behringer

Index 58↓ 33.9%
58
↓ 33.9%$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
54
Behringer 904B Voltage Controlled High Pass Filter Eurorack…904B VC High Pass Filter · Behringer

Index 61Stable
61
Stable$31€28
$31€28Check ↗
55
Behringer WASP Deluxe Desktop SynthesizerWasp VCF · Behringer

Index 50Stable
50
Stable$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
56
Verbos Electronics Bark Filter ProcessorVerbos Electronics

Index 58Stable
58
Stable$1,081€965
$1,081€965Check ↗
57
Joranalogue Audio Design Filter 8Joranalogue Audio Design

Index 57Stable
57
Stable$331€295
$331€295Check ↗
58
Behringer Multi Filter/Resonator 1047Behringer

Index 47↓ 11.3%
47
↓ 11.3%$53€47
$53€47Check ↗
59
Behringer SurgesBehringer

Index 50↓ 20.0%
50
↓ 20.0%$40€36
$40€36Check ↗
60
Frap Tools Cunsa Sound SeasoningCunsa · Frap Tools

Index 54↓ 4.0%
54
↓ 4.0%$1,063€949
$1,063€949Check ↗
61
Behringer 904A Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter Eurorack…904A VC Low Pass Filter · Behringer

Index 51↓ 3.5%
51
↓ 3.5%$31€28
$31€28Check ↗
62
Frap Tools Fumana - Dual 16 Bands Spectral EditorFumana · Frap Tools

Index 51↑ 1.1%
51
↑ 1.1%$1,075€959
$1,075€959Check ↗
63
Tiptop Audio OctopassTiptop Audio

Index 48↓ 24.1%
48
↓ 24.1%$425€379
$425€379Check ↗
64
Tiptop Audio Buchla Model 296tTiptop Audio

Index 47↓ 14.3%
47
↓ 14.3%$671€599
$671€599Check ↗
65
Tiptop Audio Buchla Model 292tTiptop Audio

Index 46↓ 12.8%
46
↓ 12.8%$390€348
$390€348Check ↗
66
AJH Synth Gemini 2412 Dual SVF silverAJH Synth · 2 finishes

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$514€459
$514€459Check ↗
67
Schlappi Engineering 100 GritSchlappi Engineering · 2 finishes

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$313€279
$313€279Check ↗
68
BASTL Instruments IkarieIkarie · Bastl Instruments

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$356€318
$356€318Check ↗
69
AJH Synth Sonic XV blackAJH Synth

Index 41↓ 2.8%
41
↓ 2.8%$391€349
$391€349Check ↗
70
Future Retro TransferFuture Retro

Index 41↓ 10.0%
41
↓ 10.0%$402€359
$402€359Check ↗
71
XAOC Devices OradeaXAOC Devices

Index 41↓ 3.9%
41
↓ 3.9%$559€499
$559€499Check ↗
72
Erica Synths Graphic Resonant FBErica Synths

Index 40Stable
40
Stable$414€369
$414€369Check ↗
73
XAOC Devices KatowiceXAOC Devices

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$289€258
$289€258Check ↗
74
XAOC Devices ZagrzebXAOC Devices

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$290€259
$290€259Check ↗
75
AJH Synth MiniMod VCF blackAJH Synth

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$331€295
$331€295Check ↗
76
Modbap Modular MeridianModbap Modular

Index 39↓ 7.2%
39
↓ 7.2%$373€333
$373€333Check ↗
77
AJH Synth Matrix VCF blackAJH Synth

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$436€389
$436€389Check ↗
78
Shakmat Modular Dual DaggerShakmat Modular

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$278€248
$278€248Check ↗
79
Shakmat Modular Centaur´s GateShakmat Modular

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$380€339
$380€339Check ↗
80
Weston Precision Audio TriviumWeston Precision Audio

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$335€299
$335€299Check ↗
81
Weston Precision Audio SF1 Dual / Stereo FilterWeston Precision Audio

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$391€349
$391€349Check ↗
82
TouellSkouarn Ar Merc´het BraoTouellSkouarn

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$402€359
$402€359Check ↗
83
Tobinski Dual LPG/VCATobinski

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$279€249
$279€249Check ↗
84
Stylophone CPM DF-8Stylophone

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$289€258
$289€258Check ↗
85
Klavis GrainityKlavis

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$313€279
$313€279Check ↗
86
u-he MELTu-he

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$335€299
$335€299Check ↗
87
Vostok Instruments AtlasVostok Instruments

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$356€318
$356€318Check ↗
88
ADDAC 601 VC Fixed FilterbankADDAC

Index 35↑ 8.6%
35
↑ 8.6%$481€429
$481€429Check ↗
89
ADDAC 603 VC Triple Bandpass FilterADDAC

Index 35↑ 7.5%
35
↑ 7.5%$481€429
$481€429Check ↗
90
Industrial Music Electronics Bionic Lester MKIIIIndustrial Music Electronics

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$537€479
$537€479Check ↗

Filter Modules by the numbers

Measured across all 102 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $207 — half of all filter modules here cost less.

<$50$50–150$150–300$300–500$500–1k$1k+

How to choose the best filter modules

Filter Type

Moog-style ladder filters are your bread and butter for that fat, warm, resonant low-pass sound. State Variable filters offer more flexibility with simultaneous high and low pass outputs. Knowing what you want-a creamy pad, a searing lead, or something in between-will guide your choice.

Resonance Control

This isn't just about screaming feedback; it's about adding character and movement. A good resonance control offers a wide range, from subtle thickening to self-oscillation, and should respond predictably to modulation.

Modulation Capabilities

Can you modulate the cutoff frequency with envelopes, LFOs, or even velocity? This is what breathes life into your filters, allowing for dynamic movement and expressive textures. Look for CV input jacks and ideally, attenuators to dial in the modulation depth.

Steepness/Slope

The slope determines how quickly the filter attenuates frequencies. A steeper slope (24dB/octave) is more aggressive and useful for dramatic filter sweeps, while a gentler slope (12dB/octave) is smoother and more subtle.

Drive/Overdrive

Many filters offer a drive stage that adds harmonic distortion. This can be used to add warmth, grit, or outright fuzz, but be mindful of how it affects headroom and overall mix clarity. It's easy to get carried away and muddy the sound.

Buying guide

So, you're past the basic oscillator and envelope setup and starting to crave some serious tonal sculpting? Filter modules are the key to unlocking that character, that grit, that warmth - or icy bite, depending on what you're after. But wading through the Eurorack jungle of filters can be overwhelming. This guide is for the intermediate player who wants to move beyond the basics and really start shaping their sound.

At this level, you're probably willing to spend a little more for quality. Avoid the absolute bottom-tier clones - they often cut corners on component quality, leading to noisy operation and unpredictable behavior. Focus on modules with solid build quality, a responsive control panel, and a clear, defined sound.

Don't chase the 'latest and greatest' - classic designs often have a reason for their popularity.

How the AudioFu Index works

Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.

This chart covers 102 filter modules from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.

AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.

Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.

Questions

What's the difference between a Moog ladder filter and a State Variable filter?

Moog-style filters are known for their creamy, resonant low-pass character - think classic synth basslines. State Variable filters offer more flexibility, with simultaneous high and low pass outputs, making them great for complex filtering and stereo effects.

I'm on a budget. What's the best value filter?

Mutable Instruments Shifting Pattern Generator is a surprisingly versatile option, offering multiple filter types and modulation capabilities for a reasonable price. Just be aware it's a bit more complex to learn initially.

My filter sounds noisy. What's causing it?

Noise can be caused by a number of factors - cheap components, improper grounding, or excessive resonance. Try adjusting the resonance, reducing the drive, and ensuring your power supply is clean and stable.

How do I get a 'vintage' filter sound?

It's not just about the filter type; it's about the entire signal chain. Experiment with overdrive, EQ, and subtle modulation to recreate the vibe of classic synths. Also, old filters often had limitations in headroom - pushing them closer to clipping can help emulate that characteristic sound.

Can I use a filter module as a standalone effect?

Absolutely! Many filter modules can be used as external effects processors by sending audio from other sources through them. Just be mindful of input levels to avoid distortion or clipping.