In Search of the Best Bass Envelope Filter
Discover the secret to funkadelic bass tones with our guide to the best bass envelope filter pedals. Elevate your sound today!
Much to the chagrin of bass players all over, the world of effects pedals is overwhelmingly geared towards guitars, so finding pedals that work well on bass guitar takes a little more searching.
It's worth putting in the work to find one, though, as you'd be hard-pressed to find an effect that can instantly give your playing an extra bit of psychedelia, funk, or anything in between as well as a bass envelope filter does.
Also keep in mind that, while a bass envelope filter can produce a similar effect to an auto wah pedal, there are some subtle, but significant, differences.
Specifically, the equalization of a bass envelope filter is a dynamic effect triggered by the attack and playing style of the musician, with harder playing resulting in a correspondingly more dramatic expression pedal effect.
The result is that the wah sound produced makes all of the notes have a similar tone - this is different from an auto wah, where the notes played can have different sounds.
Another notable difference is that envelope filters do not correspond to tempos, as each individual note is equalized as it is played.
In this article, we'll look at several of the best bass envelope filter options. Picking out the best expression pedal for your needs will be a function of looking at the attributes most important to you and your situation, such as true bypass, specific FX controls, filter mode and filter sweep options (including high- and low pass), mode switch options, decay controls, frequency range desired, the type of wah sound produced and, of course, your budget.
MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter Pedal
Why it Rocks
The MXR M82 is the perfect way to add some classic bass envelope filter tones to your bass guitar signal. The all-analog circuitry preserves the natural character of your instrument's sound while adding a wah effect, and the true bypass means your signal will remain intact when the pedal is off.
The stage-ready LED and lightweight aluminum housing make the M82 perfect for on-stage use, and the durable construction will withstand a lifetime of abuse.
What Else
Experience the best of both worlds with the MXR Bass Envelope Filter. With separate DRY and FX level control knobs, you can tailor your sound to perfection.
The Q control adjusts the intensity of the filter, while the Sensitivity knob lets you customize the pedal for your bass, and the Decay controls the decay stop frequency.
The hardwire true bypass ensures that your signal stays pure when the pedal is off.
Powered by a 9V battery or AC adapter and drawing from a 6mA current, the M82 is built to last with its power supply protection circuit.
Electro-Harmonix Micro Q-Tron Envelope Follower Pedal
Why it Rocks
A highly adjustable, attack-controlled sweep filter in a smaller die-cast casing. The sweeping of the filter is determined by the internal envelope follower analyzing the dynamics and attack of your playing, along with the volume of the notes you're hitting, resulting in a funky wah sound.
Drive controls the sweep of the filter, Q makes the effect more or less dramatic, and Sensitivity determines the width of the sweep range.
What Else
The Micro Q-Tron Envelope Follower Pedal is a versatile true bypass tool for shaping your sound.
With three different mode settings (Low Pass, Band Pass, and High Pass), you can emphasize the lows, midrange, or highs of your sound.
The Q control knob determines the peak bandwidth of the filter, allowing you to create a more dramatic effect. The Sensitivity control allows you to adjust how the filter reacts to your playing, making it easier to create the sound you want.
Mooer Audio Micro Envelope Analog Auto Wah Effect Pedal
Why it Rocks
Looking for a dynamic auto wah / envelope filter effect pedal that's ideal for both guitar and bass? Check out the Mooer Audio Micro Envelope Analog Auto Wah Effect Pedal. Don't let its small size fool you – this pocket-sized pedal packs a big punch, with a wide range of controls that allow you to dial in the perfect sound, whether you're looking for a subtle sultry ambiance or an exaggerated slap-back funk.
The Sensitivity knob controls how the pedal responds to the dynamics of your playing, and the 100% analog circuit provides a lush warm sound, while the true bypass footswitch and LED indicator light make it easy to use.
What Else
With the Q control, you can adjust the width of the frequency band and create either a higher peak or a lower peak.
The SENSITIVITY control allows you to adjust the dynamic response of the filter, making it more responsive to your playing.
The DECAY control adjusts the release and closing of the filter, giving you precise control over the sound.
And with the TONE control, you can fine-tune the overall tone and frequency range of the pedal.
Aguilar Filter Twin Bass Filter Effect Pedal
Why it Rocks
Whether you're looking for a way to add some classic funk to your bass playing or you're going after something completely new and original, the Aguilar Filter Twin could be the perfect pedal for you.
This unique true bypass pedal uses two identical filters sweeping in opposite directions to create a range of different sounds. By adjusting the blend, threshold and velocity controls, you control the mix, sensitivity, and speed of the filters, all from a simple and intuitive 4-knob interface.
What Else
The new, redesigned version of this pedal is smaller in size and features a reduced “lip” around the edges, which allows it to work with any right-angle plug regardless of barrel size. Additionally, the bottom of the pedal is flat, making it easier to mount on a pedal board.
The TLC Compressor features separate velocity controls for the ‘up’ and ‘down’ filters, a blend control that adjusts the mix between the filters, and a nine-volt battery or optional universal power supply. It is constructed from heavy-duty steel for lasting durability.
Fender Pour Over Envelope Filter
Why it Rocks
The Fender Pour Over expression pedal is a unique spin on the traditional bass envelope filter pedal, designed by Fender's in-house team of experts.
The true bypass pedal features a comprehensive control set, including selectable High, Band and Low Pass filter types, as well as sweep direction control. The distortion circuit can be toggled on and off, and the Amp Jewel LED gives your pedalboard the classic Fender look.
The switchable LED-backlit knobs allow you to easily see your control settings on a dark stage. The chassis is crafted from lightweight, durable anodized aluminum. Whether you're looking for a traditional filter sound or something with a bit more low pass punch, the Fender Pour Over Envelope Filter has you covered.
What Else
The Pour Over is a true bypass analog pedal that is inspired by the all-analog design of vintage pedals. It features modern controls for precision sound-shaping.
Onboard distortion circuit has its own dedicated Level, Tone and Gain controls, it also has a Bypass toggle switch.
Selectable Band Pass, High Pass or Low Pass filters let you optimize the pedal for use with guitars or basses. The amp jewel LED changes color when the filter is engaged.
The Pour Over is crafted from lightweight, durable anodized aluminum and includes switchable LED-illuminated controls.
Best Bass Envelope Filter FAQs
What is an Envelope effect?
This effect is a type of audio filtering that alters the shape of the sound wave, resulting in a change in timbre. This type of filtering is often used to create synthesized sounds that mimic the sound of instruments such as guitars and brass instruments.
The effect can be applied to either vocals or instruments, and it can be used to create a variety of different sounds, such as a wah sound.
What is an envelope filter pedal?
This pedal is a type of effect pedal that alters the sound of an instrument by simulating the sound of the instrument being played through a vowel-shaped filter, often used to create wah-wah effects.
How do you filter bass on an envelope?
There are a few ways to filter bass on an envelope. One way is to use a low-pass filter. This type of filter allows low frequencies to pass through, but it blocks high frequencies. This can be helpful for removing unwanted highs from a sound signal.
Another way to filter bass is by using a band-pass filter. A band-pass filter allows only a certain range of frequencies to pass through, while blocking all other frequencies. This can be helpful for isolating a certain range of bass tones in a sound signal that don't fit neatly into either the high tones you'd hear with a high-pass filter or the low bass tones you'd get when applying a low pass filter.
Finally, you can use a high-pass filter to remove unwanted low frequencies from a sound signal. the flipside to a low-pass filter, a high-pass filter allows high frequencies to pass through, while blocking all low frequencies. This can be helpful for removing unwanted bass from a sound signal.
What does a bass envelope filter do?
Bass envelope filters help to create those funky, wah-like tones that are so popular in funk, soul, and psychedelic music.
They work by dynamically modifying the sound of the bass as it's being played, giving you those cool wah effects in real time.
Where does an envelope filter go in your chain for bass?
There's no steadfast rule for where it should go in your signal chain, but there are a few general considerations that can help you decide.
If you're using the effect to shape your overall sound, it's generally best to place it earlier in the signal chain, so that all of your other effects are processed through it. By doing this, you can get a more consistent audio signal from your rig, and avoid having to readjust your settings if you change something downstream.
However, if you're using it primarily as a boost or for soloing purposes, putting it later in the chain can be a good idea. This way, you can keep your normal tone intact and just add in the filter when you need it.
Of course, the best way to figure out where an envelope filter sounds best in your chain is to experiment and find what works best for you. So don't be afraid to try out different placements until you find something that sounds good!
What are some good bass envelope filters?
Obviously, we're partial to the 5 bass envelope filter pedals reviewed in this article (otherwise we wouldn't have reviewed them in an article about the best bass envelope filter!): the MXR M82, the E-H Micro Q-Tron Envelope Follower Pedal, the Mooer Audio Micro Envelope Analog Auto Wah Effect Pedal, the Aguilar Filter Twin Bass Filter Effect Pedal, and the Fender Pour Over.
However, two more that almost made the cut, if you're looking for more options: the Source Audio SA143 Soundblox Pro Bass Envelope Filter (but it's relatively expensive, and currently difficult to find); and the Mooer Bass Sweeper (very affordable for an expression pedal, but a little light on features and performance.)
Is envelope filter the same as auto-wah?
Not exactly - they are two similar, but different effects. Envelope filter is a type of filter that is controlled by the envelope of the input signal. Auto-wah, on the other hand, is an effect that automatically applies a wah-type filter to the signal.
Is a wah pedal a filter?
A wah pedal is a type of filter, typically used in electric guitar playing. It is an expression pedal controlled by the player's foot and creates a sweeping sound by changing the tone of the instrument.
Wah pedals were originally designed to mimic the sound of a human voice saying "wah."
How do you use a filter pedal?
A filter pedal is a great way to add some extra texture and interest to your bass sound. There are many different types of filter pedals available, each with its own set of controls and features.
To use a filter pedal, simply connect the pedal to your guitar or bass setup between the instrument and amplifier. Once connected, you can then adjust the controls on the pedal to change the audio signal of your instrument.
For example, you can turn up the resonance control to make your sound more extreme, or adjust the cutoff frequency to change the overall tone of your playing.
Filter pedals can be used in a variety of different ways, so experiment with your signal chain and see what sounds best for you. You may even want to try running two filter pedals at the same time to create even more interesting sound textures.
Can you use a guitar wah pedal for bass?
Yes, you can definitely use a guitar wah pedal for bass.
In fact, many bassists use wah pedals to great effect. The key is to experiment and find the sweet spot where the pedal is enhancing your sound without becoming too intrusive or overpowering.
Here are a few tips:
-Start with the pedal in the neutral position and slowly rock it back and forth until you find the sound you're looking for.
-Be careful not to go too crazy with the wah effect - a little goes a long way.
- Experiment with different picking techniques - you may find that using a lighter touch produces a better sound.
-Try playing around with the location of the pedal in your signal chain.
As always, the best way to figure out how to use a filter pedal is to simply experiment and find what sounds best for you. So don't be afraid to try out different settings and techniques until you find something that works well for your playing style.
Who uses an envelope filter effect?
Envelope filters are used by a variety of musicians, but are most commonly associated with funk and psychedelic music. They can be used to produce a variety of sounds, including wah-wah, growl, and twang. They are typically placed after the distortion pedal in order to give the pedal a more pronounced effect.
Some guitarists also use envelope filters as a primary effect on their instrument. Stevie Ray Vaughan was known for using an envelope filter in his soloing style. Jimi Hendrix was also known for using envelope filters in his music, particularly in the song "Purple Haze".
The Red Hot Chili Peppers had very prominent and memorable uses of a bass envelope filter on tracks such as their version of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground", as well as the Red Hot Chili Peppers' own "Sir Psycho Sexy".
In Summary
So there you have it - our picks for the Top 5 candidates for Best Bass Envelope Filter (plus a couple honorable mentions.) To recap, here are those picks:
Best Overall: MXR M82 Bass
Best for Ease-of-Use: Electro-Harmonix Micro Q-Tron
Best for the Money: Mooer Audio Micro Envelope Analog
Best Premium Pedal: Aguilar Twin Bass Filter
Best for On-Board Distortion: Fender Pour Over
Thanks for checking us out, and keep rockin'.
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