SMAOLAB has released Akira Filter, a free low-pass filter plugin inspired by the legendary MS-20 filter from KORG.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tested dozens (if not close to a hundred 😳) of filter plugins over the years.
Despite having a few go-to favorites like HY-Filter and our own BPB Dirty Filter, I still enjoy trying out new filters just for fun. I just love loading up a new filter and testing the resonance and the overall response on a fat synth bassline.
Akira Filter definitely scratches that itch, and while it might not reinvent the wheel in terms of what it does (I mean, it’s a filter, after all), it offers enough character to be worth your time.
The main coolness factor here is the selection of four different resonance modes: soft, sweep, lush, and gritty. Each mode offers a slightly different flavor, and it’s where the Akira Filter really shines.
The “gritty” and “lush” modes add a lot of color to synth basslines and cinematic SFX. It’s the type of sound I like in a filter, with screaming resonance and a super gritty sound.
Akira Filter also includes a variable cutoff ranging from 300 Hz to 12 kHz, as well as clean and dirty modes depending on whether you want a smooth tone or a bit of analog-style flavor.
There are dedicated input and output gain controls, a Mix knob for parallel processing, and a simple, anime-inspired GUI that features a stylized Akira-themed background. It’s not the cleanest layout, but I appreciate the unique aesthetic.
It’s something a bit different from the usual skeuomorphic hardware-inspired designs, and I’m all for it.
Is it going to replace your current go-to filter? Probably not unless you’re deeply into filter coloration and resonance response like I am.
But if you love filters with personality and strong resonance (this one screams like an MS-20), you’ll enjoy what Akira Filter has to offer.
There’s no copy protection to worry about. The plugin is completely free, though you’ll need to complete a quick checkout process on the SMAOLAB website to grab your download.
Akira Filter is available in VST3, AU, LV2, and CLAP formats for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Download: Akira Filter
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Last Updated on September 12, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
