The latest issue of Computer Music magazine features a free copy of ValveFilter CM, a filter effect for Windows and Mac based on the commercial Valve Filter VF-1 plugin by AudioThing.
ValveFilter CM (VF1’s little brother), free with Computer Music 207!
The plugin is a lightweight version of Valve Filter VF-1, which is AudioThing’s attempt at emulating the famous Moog ladder filter in plugin form. According to the comments I’ve seen on various forums across the web (mainly KVR and GS), they’ve done a pretty good job with this plugin. With that in mind, the fact that a free version of the plugin is distributed with the latest issue of CM magazine becomes even more attention grabbing.
See also: Free Filter VST Plugins!
ValveFilter CM is apparently based on the same code as its big brother Valve Filter VF-1, the main difference between the two being that the freebie CM version lacks a few parameters on the GUI. Sadly, the resonance knob is lacking from the interface and it’s substituted with a fixed 10dB filter resonance setting ON/OFF switch.
The valve section features an emulation of the Telefunken ECC83 tube, adding a nice layer of warmth and saturation to processed audio. Both the filter and the valve section can be switched on or off and they can also work at the same time. If you switch the filter section off, you basically transform ValveFilter CM into a virtual tube processor, which is a really nice touch.
Although I’d love to see the resonance knob in the free version, the ValveFilter CM is already brilliant tool as it is, especially considering its low price. I’m a big fan of filter effects and this one is something that I’ll definitely add to my FX arsenal.
Video Demo
Check out the ValveFilter CM demo video:
Download
ValveFilter CM is avaialble on the cover DVD of Computer Music magazine #207. You can purchase the issue online for £2.50 via Zinio. The contents of the cover DVD are available for free download via CM Vault.
