WITH THE RELEASE OF ITS INNOVATIVE
Multiwave Bass Distortion (see Soundroom,
March 2010) and Hot Hand motioncontrolled
expression devices, Source Audio
has really been throwing its weight around
on the stompbox playground. The latest
from the Massachusetts-based effects manufacturer,
the Bass Envelope Filter, seems
destined to distinguish Source Audio the as
one of the cool kids on the block.
Cramming 21 filter effects into a stylish
stompbox, the midsized Soundblox
pedal is remarkable not only for its wide
range of sounds, but also for the
control it affords the player. Using
the rotary knob at the top of the
pedal selects any of 21 distinct filter
effects, and the FREQUENCY
and SWEEP RANGE knobs control
the center point, depth, and direction—
upward or downward—of
that sweep. Set just off either side
of noon, the SWEEP RANGE knob
sets a shallow sweep; rolling it
clockwise deepens its upward
sweep, while rolling the pedal
counterclockwise dials in a deep
downward sweep. Similarly, the
SPEED knob has dual function.
Left of noon, it controls the effect
speed on both the envelope’s
attack and decay, while the other
direction dials in the effect speed
just on the decay.
Though it took a minute to get
my head around all the different
controls, it was time well spent,
allowing me to dial in laser-like
downward dyoops in one
moment, and wonderfully wet
upward bwaps in the next. The
pedal is also compatible with
Source Audio’s Hot Hand controllers.
Though I didn’t have one
on hand to test with the filter, I
love the fact that it can effectively
provide the player hands-free control of
the effects sweep speed. All told, Source
Audio’s Bass Envelope Filter is a praiseworthy
pedal that’s poised to please any
player looking to rock a range of filter
effects.
TECH SPECS
SOURCE AUDIO SOUNDBLOX
BASS ENVELOPE FILTER
Street $119
Pros Wide range of juicy filter effects
Cons None
Filter effects 2 pole low pass (1–7), 4 pole
low pass (8–11), single peak (12–13), triple
peak (14–17), peak and notch (18–19),
phaser (20–21)
Power 9V DC or four AA batteries
Dimensions 7" x 4" x 2"
Weight 8 oz
Bypass Active analog
Made in China
Warranty One year limited
Contact www.sourceaudio.net