Analog-Lab Xpass Filter

100% mono analog filter manufactured by Analog Lab, a small box Toulouse now closed (see the forum).
I takes over and completes the features and previous opinions:
Phono / RCA with preamp, instrument and line inputs, 0-5V input CV (controls the cutoff), stereo output / headphone output mono line. Filter mono even if the inputs are stereo phono and line (warning signal). No midi input ... shame!
VU meter needle backlit not accurate at all.
1 knob entry level - sensitive but not at all linear effective in its last quarter before too low or must send a sick level - 1 bypass switch.
2 knobs speed (LFO frequency) and amplitude modulation (mod amount).
1 knob Resonance (harmonic generator) and 1 cutoff knob (clock cutoff filter)
1 selector (LFO triangle, square, envelope follower, fashion attack / release), 1 knob Xpass: sliding lowpass-filtering HIPASS 1 switch 12/24 dB, 1 switch bandpass / notch, 2 knobs Attack / Release Mode Reserved AR.
1 knob line level output and headphone level knob 1, 1 switch pre-headphone (cue).

The knobs have a little game, it seems, at first glance, fragile but I've never had any problems or malfunctions ... shame because it looks a bit cheap and yet it's good stuff.
Alim.15v-supplied 500mA - Dimensions: 21 * 13.2 * 5.5 cm / 1.4 kg - No brackets for racking.

2 points off the knobs, the lack of midi in and a little low entry level instrument.

UTILIZATION

Configuration simple enough not need the manual except maybe to understand the functioning of Attac / Release and still mode.
Clear manual (I have it in pdf if some are interested).
Easy editing. All (re) located in the ear. We quickly understand who does what is or what!
No memories, no MIDI, just a CV input to control the cutoff.

1 point less always lack noon (ok I'm picking)

SOUND QUALITY

Very effective but gentle enough filter. No self-oscillation or distorting.
Many use with the 4 modes coupled to the ingenious X-pass ... is its uniqueness and it allows new combinations. 10/10

However big difficulty to synchronize the tempo speed LFO (LFO Mode sorting and lfo sq). Knob not accurate enough and no midi (unlike the Electrix FilterFactory). This is his main fault and I was always embarrassed when I wanted to work on long samples (chopped by LFO) or on batteries programming to MPC. In this case I was working with a Elextrix FilterFactory, stereo, controllable and synchronized via MIDI (with MPC as my brain all this ... awesome!). 4/10

on the other hand perfect for self-wha effects or tremolo guitar and bass (dreaded envelope filter). This is in my opinion where it is most comfortable. I used either as an insert on my analog console bass or guitar DI or upstream between bass / guitar is a Mindprint Envoice. Used much less plugged into a guitar or bass amp. Very good in addition to a digital synth filters a bit soft (my Yamaha CS6x example). 10/10

Never tried it with turntables but that it should be mono not agree. Not rated DJ in use.

OVERALL OPINION

I have this filter for 5 or 6 years, I had at the time exchanged against a vocoder Electrix (blah) ... I think I got a good deal on the spot.

+ Sound smooth and precise on a charley, slamming a snare, a funky guitar or bass, etc.. To you to experiment.
+ No breath, neutral.
+ Ease, it easily gets his way ... sometimes beyond his expectations.
+ Reliability despite the cheap side knobs (on the other hand I am careful)

- No midi no sync.
- Mono.
- Relatively low levels of instrument inputs.
- Having pretty but inefficient meter.
- LFO frequency imprecise difficulty of manually synchronize the speed of the LFO on a beat for example.

This gear has become rare because few made by a box-Analog Lab-now closed. So if you have one like me keep it is already collected. And if you do not use it and if you're not fetish, do enjoy other musician or studio because it is a superb machine.
I think it's very good stuff studio. Least suited to the scene.
I also had a Electrix Falctory (sold because I stopped my studio activity and prog beats on MPC) I used to sync my MPC to tweak prog batteries, long samples or to control by the meridian of openings or closings filters.
But to treat the Xpass mono-filter, because it is very musical instrument (guitar, keyboard, bass or other) directly.

I keep it even though I'll rarely use it (I play old school jazz to Django).
I'll buy again especially for the price paid (traded actually).
Sell? Necessarily very expensive, and it would be ripped in some way because the buyer has no quoted price. Therefore subject to speculation and speculation is wrong!
But it's a shame to let him sleep in a corner because it's a great studio tool.

Analog filter with gradual transition from low pass to high pass, band pass and switch 12 or 24dB/octave, inputs with adjustable gain and given meter, with two RCA RIAA preamp for turntable, a jack 6.35 "line", a "instr" and one for external control of the filter. output jack 6.35 "line" and made 6.35 with volume control for headphones spar. A position monitor can cut out without affecting the output level while continuing to cost the headphone.

UTILIZATION

The device is simple and rapidemment use becomes fairly intuitive. Too bad we can not add the LFO with the envelope follower and assign these negative modulations.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound is a dynamic clean and beautiful for my taste RAPORT other filters. The pass gives the low down well round 24dB/oct mode and its presence in a clean and beautiful 12dB/oct mode, the high pass is cutting edge and powerful. The pass band is clean and precise. The function of gradual transition from low pass to high pass acts as a sort of wah-wah in the middle mode 24dB/oct or take a cot in 12dB/oct phaser.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for one month and what I like is the sound, versatility and RAPORT quality / price vis a vis its competitors. its size allows placement in or you want a set of machines but unfortunately not in a rack. For now, this is the best alternative I found that I carry my digital synths have the live presence and the roundness of the machines I use at home.

What surprised me is his very presence on mediocre sound systems in contrast to digital filters.

- Filter + Analog modulation (LFO, Env Follower)

- 1 RCA input with preamp, a Stereo input jack, output jack STREO (I / outputs are stro but the indoor xpass c mono.) + a headphone jack.

- Filters 24 db or 12 db.

- Paramtres Xpass that can switch between the mode high pass / low pass, pass button to switch band.

- Too bad no possibility to sync the LFO.

UTILIZATION

It's analog so the config is very simple, one button = one function ..

I had no manual with the edition of the sounds is childish (it's just a filter ..), the config gnral is thinking of the famous Xpass buttons.

SOUND QUALITY

You going low while keuss in 24 db, you put the resonance and you RULES cutt off = well the house tremble ..

ds a rhythm on 12 db and you made mountains of sharp filters ..

I would not be able to AIM a little more abuse on the resonance dja but there's something to explode the eardrums.

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using trs little time, I would notice day if needed.

I love the buttons Xpass which is for the determination of an unusually Manir prcise the type of filter desired.

I frankly AIM BPS but I can sync the lfo ..

CHRE is a bit, it probably will drop ds the years to come.