Mcdsp F202 Filterbank Review ***10/10***

There isn't a single track in my mix that doesn't get this mud-killing filter treatment. This is by far the most expansive and tweak-able filter around, and its used by the one and only Andrew Scheps. Following the advise of the master, I haven't looked back since adding this tone boner to the #1 slot across my inserts. In simple terms, a filter is a device that removes unwanted harmonic content either above the cutoff ( in the case of a lowpass filter ) or content below the cutoff ( in the case of a highpass filter ). It is useful for removing unwanted low or high end from signals that do not benefit from its content. Try removing below 100hz or so on guitars, or cutting above 12kz to remove some of that ice pick to the ear drum content. The Mcdsp filter adds the flexibility of 4 different slopes for each filter. The can be selected independently for the high and low pass filters, as well as individual peak knobs for each filter. On the left is a helpful input/output volume controls for gain matching between tracks. Lets take a closer look at each slope available on our graphs below.

6 dB slope

You will notice that even with the peak control set to 100, there is no point in the rolloff that juts above the "0" mark. This is, in effect, a cut only filter, and is very useful for removing large chunks of content without a noticeable effect on the tone.

12 dB Slope

Take me to the peak! These lush 12 dB slopes add enough content just above the cutoff to mask the removal of unwanted frequencies. This allows the low and high end to be removed of clutter without individual tracks suffering from sounding thin or dull. experiment with the peak control to see how much boost is needed to mask your sound, or dive into new tone possibilities with extreme settings.

18 dB Slope

With noticably less of a peak and a much sharper rolloff, the 18 dB slope finds its way into my "clinical" mixing tool box. Very useful for removing low frequency standing waves or high frequency nodal problems in a small room. This setting tends to be the most natural while still eliminating problem notes with a vengeance.

24 dB Slope

Lookout below!!!! Here's an exciting tone shaper, unlike any other filter out there. This things begs for a massive peak sweep automation or a raw synth to shape to perfection. Use this setting to experiment and get your track to really pop! 

In summation, the Filterbank F202 should be the first plugin on every single track in your mix. There is no excuse for muddy low end buildup in instruments that aren't kick drums or bass instruments, and no need for searing highs above 15khz in just about any source. With the flexibility to literally move mountains of gain, this little plugin that could replaces most needs for intensive EQ and compression. Make room in your mix toolbox for this beaut'!