CFA-Sound has announced the release of FilterGrizzly 2, a free tube-based filter effect in VST plugin format for 32-bit Windows based digital audio workstations.
Rich on character and warmth, the completely overworked filter module is loaded with a tube-based filter drive unit for saturation, followed by an analog modelled 4-pole lowpass and 2-pole highpass filter with a passive controlled feedback circuit!
FilterGrizzly 2 is basically a standalone version of the filter section from the forthcoming MonoGrizzly 2 virtual instrument, which is CFA-Sounds’ future take on a monophonic bass synthesizer. This interesting looking monosynth is scheduled for release in near future, although we still don’t have any precise information about the pricing.
See also: Free Filter VST/AU Plugins!
The standalone version of the MonoGrizzly 2 filter section is based on a ladder filter model, with self resonance and two different filter types. The filter can work in 2-pole HP and 4-pole LP modes, with the addition of emulated tube circuitry which can be used to warm up the sound on the output. Other parameters include input and output gain settings, as well as a handy dry/wet knob for mixing the original and processed audio together.
Although FilterGrizzly 2 doesn’t break any new ground in the freeware filter world, it’s still an interesting plugin especially if you consider the included tube saturation module. We’ve seen a similar plugin from AudioThing recently being featured on the cover DVD of Computer Music magazine, so it would perhaps be interesting to compare the two. My favorite choice in the freeware tube filter category is still the one by Togu Audio Line, an undisputed champion of freeware filters if you ask me.
Still, perhaps the only major drawback of FilterGrizzly 2 is the compatibility. It’s currently only available for 32-bit Windows based VST plugin hosts, due to the fact that it was built with SynthMaker.
On a related note, Variety Of Sound has recently announced the development of a ladder filter on their Facebook page. That’s definitely something to look forward to!
Video Demo
Check out the FilterGrizzly 2 demo video:
Download
FilterGrizzly 2 is available for free download via CFA-Sound (27.9 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with SynthMaker).
