VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter)

[Donner]

(from TeaHead)

I was lucky enough to snag VCF # 7, a four knob version with external resonance control, from Donner's BJFE Customshop. These are my experiences thus far...

I really wanted a filter than would be more dynamic than others I've tried, with a usable range of sounds and without the worthless extremes often found .... well, BJ certainly delivered all that and more with the VCF! I could dial in the responsiveness and shape the effect exactly how I needed it between my Tele & Vox.

The controls are very interactive, providing a seemingly endless range of textures and whacked out effects. Everything from static filter sounds to wide sweeps that would be fat enough for Bootsy! Much like the two stomp mini vibe, I can't imagine the VCF without the external resonance control. It opens up some of the range of the other controls and by allowing you to tame these extrems it makes some of the crazy sounds more subtle and usable, for those times when you need that type of thing.

Best of all, the VCF seems to be a slow burning, rewarding type of effect. Not such instant gratification, like the MGMV was, but all about subtle changes of shade and sweet spots that will all become apparent as I spend more time playing and tweaking.

It also combines nicely with my recent habit of ditching a pick and using my fingers much more often. I found a pick seemed to "come between" me and the touch-sensitivity of the pedal and I got much more control and enjoyment from using my fingers.

My favourite use is to play unison bends or double stops into the VCF and sustain them until the decay folds in on itself and the filter gurgles with the two notes for a second before swallowing them whole! The VCF seems to do this in a more musical and responsive way than other examples of this effect I've tried. Hope to record some clips soon and will of course share them here.

Big Thanks to Donner & Bjorn!



Tea.

[cabo]

Figured we could use a pic. This is the sister to Teaheads, #8


[img][img]http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/sshlann/IMG_0135.jpg[/img][/img]

[Donner]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5lQ4C_kJK8

[Teahead]

Couple of VCF clips, firstly with PPF & SBEQ ...

http://www.uncledig.com/clipgallery/Tea ... jfevcf.mp3

And a band rehearsal clip ...

http://www.uncledig.com/clipgallery/Tea ... bjvcf1.mp3

Enjoy!

[EyeFly]

PM sent.....

[cabo]

Nice clips Tea,,,

I wanted to share one of my favorite settings, gives a synthy trumpet/horn like effect.

S 1:00 (actually depends on strength of pick up)set for a slight delay in attack to produce a slight swell effect

R 7:00 (very close to off)

D 7:00 (very close to off)

B 10-11:00

works great with bridge p/up.

[zion]

Man I dig T's clips of the VCF. Anyone else have experience with the VCF?

[cabo]

well it has alot of range,,,I like the various auto wah type sounds its capable of and the synthy stuff can be quite varied too. Its pretty fun to mix fuzz/octaves and other vocied distortions with it. very vocal itself with bridge pickpups.
not sure if there are any cross over players to bass or keys here,,,but the VCF has been great with active pickups using slap and picked bass. Ive been thru alot of filters for funky bass stuff and must say that this is very well suited.
I cant quite give it up from guitar so Im looking forward to grabbing another one(probably MP version) for permanent spot with bass.
Its also a a must for any clavinet players,,,very addictive to play!!

[Eskimo_Joe]

Has anyone ever noticed how "rational" the name of this pedal is vs. the rest of the line up?

[Donner]

Has anyone ever noticed how "rational" the name of this pedal is vs. the rest of the line up?

Yeah we were talking about maybe the Aqua Marine Filter Machine ....

but it will be an MP pedal this year... wonder what they will name that one....... hmmmmm