Erica Synths Resonant Filterbank Filters, Compresses, Wobbles and Feeds Back
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The new Resonant Filterbank from Erica Synths is more than just a 10-band filterbank. It can be a multimode filter, a spectral analyzer, a spectral compressor, or even a no-input feedback monster.
Erica Synths Resonant Filterbank
How can you not love Erica Synths? The Latvian company consistently releases amazing products, from its Steampipe physical modeling synthesizer to Bull Frog Drums, the new sample-based drum machine collab with Richie Hawtin. They also make effects units, and that’s where their latest, Resonant Filterbank, comes in.
If you know what a filterbank is, you’re probably already excited, but if not, let’s get the definition out of the way. A filterbank is an array of bandpass filters set at fixed frequencies. Rather than sweeping through all frequencies, a filterbank is more like a graphic EQ in that you can raise or lower the volume (boost or cut) of set frequencies.
Erica Synths’ Resonant Filterbank is a 10-band analog stereo filterbank, with sliders at the following frequencies: 29Hz, 61Hz, 115Hz, 218Hz, 411Hz, 777Hz, 1.5kHz, 2.8kHz, 5.2kHz, and 11kHz, with a filter slope of 17dB/decade. There’s also a global resonance pot. You get MIDI CC control over each frequency band as well as resonance (plus every other parameter, apparently), so you can dial in fluid changes via a DAW or external controller.
Many More Modes
If Resonant Filterbank were just a filterbank, that would likely be enough, as they’re not that common yet always useful to have. However, Erica Synths has gone the extra mile and given the new effects unit some cool features. The first is multimode filter mode, meaning you can use it as a traditional filter. It also offers a spectral analyzer and a dynamic EQ, which acts like a spectral compressor, plus a clocked modulation mode to update band values in sequence like sample & hold, or to create oscillating stereo effects. To achieve this, the filter includes 20 independent LFOs and envelope followers, each of which can be assigned to any control parameter.
With its configurable feedback loops, you can also use the effect as a standalone instrument in its own right “when played with various resonance settings,” says Erica Synths, “or even an experimental sound generator for no-input mixer-like setups.” This reminds me of Body Synths’ just-announced Laboratory.
All of these modes appear on the screen graphically. This is particularly useful for the Macro view, where you can configure sliders for simultaneous access of features or to use the Resonant Filterbank as a performance instrument.
Control I’m Here
Although the signal is analog, control appears to be digital, as indicated by the 128 slots of user snapshot preset memory. Interestingly, you can morph between snapshots.
Erica Synths mentions synthesizers, drum machines, and modular gear as sources, but you can also put a guitar through it thanks to the analog gain stage, which is capable of boosting +24dB. I really want to hear what that sounds like on an 808.
Connectivity
Resonant Filterbank is a desktop effects unit in the same configuration as the company’s other tabletop devices. In terms of connectivity, it offers 6.3mm balanced stereo inputs and outputs, a configurable footswitch input, and five-pin DIN MIDI in and out as well as USB for firmware updates and patch backup.
Pricing and Availability
Resonant Filterbank is available to preorder now from Thomann* for €769, with shipping estimated to start on May 18.
More Information
- Erica Synths Resonant Filterbank product page
- More about Erica Synths
- More about effects
- More about synthesizers
- Buy effects at Thomann*
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