Which Filter

[Chris R]

Ok so i'm ready to build an Auto Wah.  There are so many different ckts out there.  Idiot Wah, Dr Q, Dr Quack, Mutron III, Nurse Quacky.

Right now i'm leaning towards the Nurse Quacky.. just because there is a perf layout(sorry ansil) and i think i can get it going quickly.

Any recomendations or experiences ?

Chris R

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]

MXR Envelope Filter

Fp

[Tim Escobedo]

The Idiot Wah isn't automatic.

Dr. Quack is a nice one.

[Mark Hammer]

I would not describe the filter in the Dr. Q / Dr. Quack / Nurse Quacky as the nicest sounding filter, but it is a relatively foolproof build from very easy to find and easily substituted parts.  Just as importantly, this thing has a zillion mods you can do, so that even if the stock version does not sound the way you want, you can at least figure out how to mod the DQ to make it do more of what you want and need it to do.

I love the MXR Envelope Filter for its responsiveness, and to some extent for its filter sounds, and after years of pestering people whenever the "what's your favourite?" question would come up on Ampage, I am pleased to see it regain the prominence here that I think it deserves.   But... a) it is harder to figure out as far as tinkering with the circuit, and b) it uses CMOS parts which you can fry if you're a novice.

So, although there are other ECFs you might like the sound of more, responsiveness is where it's at when it comes to ECFs, and the DQ is something you can learn from with respect to what makes for responsiveness.

Very maleable and decent enough sounding.  Gets my vote.

[bwanasonic]

I love the MXR Envelope Filter for its responsiveness

Is the DOD 440 an equivalent of the MXR (In the same sense as the 201=phase45, etc. )?

I have been eyeing the 440 as a project so I am curious.

Kerry M

[ethniccheese]

Plug for Paul Perry...

The Funk-A-Duck is one of the best (and most versatile) envelope controlled filter I've ever laid ears on.  I'm continually amazed at the crazy sounds I can get out of that thing, especially when it's controling my Blue Ringer or Resonator.  He did an amazing job with these effects.  My only (small) complaint is the lack of indicator LED's, however that's an easy mod to do.  I also replaced the toggle switch on the Duck with another 3PDT switch and a second LED for that.  Keep up the good work, Paul!!!

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Thanks for the kind words Mr Cheese! People either love the Ducky or (gasp!) hate it!
For a quick build, yes, do the perf Nurse & then try modding for weirdness.. for all I know, a pot in the power line might make it oscillate! Ya never know, that is the magic of DIY. Plus you save a fortune compared to buying a Duckie!
The Duckie is actualy a MS20 style voltage controled filter (with a switching arrangement for high/lo filter) using a CA3080 as the OTA section.
It sure is unruly.. more for techno & sample loops, but some brave souls play guitar thru it. There is a lot of interaction between controls & of course it is very level dependant, so you need a steady hand. Naturally I love all my babies, but this one has kept me awake more than the others.
I can't stop making them though, because whenever I try to, someone writes that it is their fave pedal!