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Introduction
The purpose of this document is to serve you as an ultimate guide to filters.
Experimentation by trial and error is definitely one of the best ways to learn something,
but if you truly want to be a master of your craft you need to know the technicalities of
your tools.
It is also extremely important that you understand specifically how the basic filters work,
as more complex filters such as the dual and morphing filters work on the same
underlying principle.
Basic Filters
A theoretical and ideal filter would reject every single frequency band above or below
the selected cutoff frequency depending on the filter type. Unfortunately, this isn’t
entirely possible.
For example, low pass filters start rejecting all frequency bands above the selected
cutoff frequency at a given slope dictated by the number of poles in the filter. In other
words, this simply means that certain frequencies above the cutoff frequency are still
there, just at a lower amplitude level.
The more poles a filter has, the more aggressive the reduction will be. However, this
isn’t entirely desirable in all situations. Sometimes smooth cuts are just what it’s
needed.
For example, a single pole low pass filter would reduce frequencies above the cutoff
frequency “at a rate” of -6 dB per octave until reaching minus infinity.
MG Low 6 MG Low 12
Full Filter Name: Ladder Style -6 Full Filter Name: Ladder Style -12
dB/octave [1 Pole] Low Pass Filter dB/octave [2 Poles] Low Pass Filter
Full Filter Name: Ladder Style -18 Full Filter Name: Ladder Style -24
dB/octave [3 Poles] Low Pass Filter dB/octave [4 Poles] Low Pass Filter
Full Filter Name: State Variable -6 Full Filter Name: State Variable -12
dB/octave [1 Pole] Low Pass Filter dB/octave [2 Poles] Low Pass Filter
Note: State variable filters work exactly the same as ladder filters. The only
difference lies in their architectural design which involves some feedback, but this
is nothing the vast majority of producers should ever even worry about.
Low 18 Low 24
Full Filter Name: State Variable -18 Full Filter Name: State Variable -24
dB/octave [3 Poles] Low Pass Filter dB/octave [4 Poles] Low Pass Filter
Full Filter Name: State Variable -6 Full Filter Name: State Variable -12
dB/octave [1 Pole] High Pass Filter dB/octave [2 Poles] High Pass Filter
Note: High Pass filters do exactly the opposite of what low pass filters do, just as
their name implies. They cut (reduce) any frequency bands below the selected
cutoff frequency at different slopes.
High 18 High 24
Full Filter Name: State Variable -18 Full Filter Name: State Variable -24
dB/octave [3 Poles] High Pass Filter dB/octave [4 Poles] High Pass Filter
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Band Full Filter Name: -24 dB/octave Band
Pass Filter Pass Filter
Description: Allows any given band Description: Allows any given band
of frequencies to pass through the of frequencies to pass through the
filter based on the selected cutoff filter based on the selected cutoff
frequency. It also cuts all the frequency. It also cuts all the
frequencies located outwards of the frequencies located outwards of the
selected band “at a rate” of -12 dB per selected band “at a rate” of -24 dB per
octave until both reach minus infinity. octave until both reach minus infinity.
Notes: Band pass filters are in a way like a high pass filter and a low pass filter
working in tandem. This would only allow certain frequency bands to pass through.
Even though it’s not technically correct to explain band pass filters like this, it’s
still the best way to illustrate how they work.
Band pass filters only have one cutoff frequency band, whilst if it was a dual
filter like on our aforementioned example, it would have two for each filter
respectively.
Peak 12 Peak 24
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Peak Full Filter Name: -24 dB/octave Peak
Filter Filter
Notes: These filters are extremely simple. All they do is simply let through all of
the frequency spectrum and accentuate a single frequency band dictated by the
cutoff frequency.
The slope in these filters simply work as a very subtle reductive high shelf EQ
band.
Notch 12 Notch 24
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Full Filter Name: -24 dB/octave
Notch Filter Notch Filter
Notes: Notch filters are incredibly easy to understand. All they do is let through all
of the frequency spectrum while rejecting any given selected frequency band
dictated by the cutoff frequency knob.
The slope and resonance knob are extremely important as they work in
conjunction. Bigger slopes in these type of filters make the notch wider, and you
can also make the notch really surgical like an EQ with the resonance knob.
However, not many plugins or hardware units on the market offer drastic slopes for
notch filters.
Multi Filters
LH 6 LH 12
Full Filter Name: -6 dB/octave Low Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Low
pass / High pass filter pass / High pass filter
Description: This filter works Description: This filter works
simultaneously as a low pass and a simultaneously as a low pass and a
high pass filter. The cutoff frequency high pass filter. The cutoff frequency
knob controls the low pass filter, while knob controls the low pass filter, while
the Var function (knob) becomes the the Var function (knob) becomes the
cutoff frequency for the high pass cutoff frequency for the high pass
filter. filter.
Notes: Multi filters are simply a combination of two state variable filters. These
filters have two cutoff frequencies available while the resonance control is linked.
You can easily deduct the filter type based on the first letter, which is simply taken
from the previously explained filters.
LB 12 LP 12
Full Filter Name: 12 dB/octave Low Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Low
pass / Bandpass filter pass / Peak filter
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Low Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Low
pass / Notch filter pass / Peak filter
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave High Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave High
pass / Peak filter pass / Notch filter
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave
Bandpass / Peak filter bandpass / Notch filter
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave dual Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Peak
Peak filter / Notch filter
Description: Two peak filters in one. Description: A peak and a notch filter
You can accentuate two different in one. You can accentuate any given
frequency bands or create “resonant frequency bands while rejecting other
pinches” if you automate the two ones. These type of filters are
different cutoff frequencies and make specially great to automate and
them clash into each other. experiment with.
NN 12
Morphing Filters
L/B/H 12 L/B/H 24
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Low Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Peak
Pass / Bandpass / High Pass filter / Notch filter
Notes: Morphing filters only have one cutoff frequency just like the basic filters,
and they also have quite a lot of hidden potential.
However, the var function (knob) in these filters becomes a Morph knob which
allows the filter to become three different types of filter. Depending on the Morph’s
knob position, the filter can become very similar to a multi filter, just without the
dual cutoff frequencies.
L/B/H 12 L/B/H 24
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Full Filter Name: -24 dB/octave
Morphing Low Pass / Bandpass / High Morphing Low Pass / Bandpass / High
Pass filter Pass filter
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Full Filter Name: -24 dB/octave
Morphing Low Pass / Peak / High Morphing Low Pass / Peak / High
Pass filter Pass filter
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Full Filter Name: -24 dB/octave
Morphing Low Pass / Notch / High Morphing Low Pass / Notch / High
Pass filter Pass filter
Full Filter Name: -12 dB/octave Full Filter Name: -24 dB/octave
Morphing Bandpass / Peak / Notch Morphing Bandpass / Peak / Notch
filter filter
Flanges Filters
All of the filters under the flanges submenu are based on the actual effects and some of
them also have a basic filter incorporated into them, making them some sort of hybrid
multi filter. Nevertheless, they are still not that similar to the basic filters. They do share
a common resonance control, but they are essentially micro delays, and this is actually
how reverbs and other effects are created under the hood.
It’s usually recommended to start with the mix knob at 50% with these filters to achieve
the best results.
The letter H simply means they have a high pass filter which you can control with the
var knob. The letter L stands for a low pass filter, and so on, it’s pretty self explanatory.
However, you will notice while experimenting with these flanges that the basic filters
don’t work exactly the same as if they were set up individually.
And you shouldn’t expect them to work in such a way to be honest. If you need a low
pass filter, just get a common one. The additional basic filters in these flanges are only
to fine tune the very experimental sonic result they tend to create.
Cmb + Cmb -
Full Filter Name: Additive Comb filter Full Filter Name: Subtractive Comb
filter
Description: Comb filters are
basically a slightly delayed version of Description: A flipped comb filter.
the original signal getting fed back
unto itself. This creates constructive
and destructive interference, and such
process creates a comb-like image on
the frequency spectrum of any given
signal, hence its name.
Note: The + or - simply means if it’s additive or subtractive. In even simpler terms,
it simply flips and turns the valleys into peaks, and the peaks into valleys in the
frequency spectrum. These differences create fairly different sonic results.
Full Filter Name: Comb filter w/ a Full Filter Name: Subtractive Comb
Single Pole High Pass filter filter w/ Single Pole High Pass filter
Full Filter Name: Comb filter w/ a Full Filter Name: Subtractive Comb
Single Pole High Pass and Low Pass filter w/ a Single Pole High Pass and
filter Low Pass filter
Full Filter Name: Flanger filter Full Filter Name: Subtractive Flanger
filter
Description: A basic Flanger filter.
Description: A flipped version of the
Flg + filter.
Flg L6+ Flg L6-
Full Filter Name: Flanger filter w/ a Full Filter Name: Subtractive Flanger
Single Pole Low Pass filter filter w/ a Single Pole Low Pass filter
Full Filter Name: Flanger filter w/ a Full Filter Name: Subtractive Flanger
Single Pole High Pass filter filter w/ a Single Pole High Pass filter
Full Filter Name: Flanger filter w/ a Full Filter Name: Subtractive Flanger
Single Pole High Pass plus a Low filter w/ a Single Pole High Pass plus a
Pass filter Low Pass filter
Full Filter Name: Two Pole Phaser Full Filter Name: Subtractive Two
filter Pole Phaser filter
Full Filter Name: Four Pole Phaser Full Filter Name: Subtractive Four
filter Pole Phaser filter
Full Filter Name: Six Pole Phaser Full Filter Name: Subtractive Six Pole
filter Phaser filter
Full Filter Name: Eight Pole Phaser Full Filter Name: Subtractive Eight
filter Pole Phaser filter
Full Filter Name: Eight Pole Phaser Full Filter Name: Subtractive Eight
filter w/ a Single Pole Low Pass filter Pole Phaser filter w/ a Single Pole
Low Pass filter
Description: An 8 pole Phaser filter
plus a single pole low pass filter. Description: A flipped version of the
Phs 48L6+ filter.
Phs 48H6+ Phs 48H6-
Full Filter Name: Eight Pole Phaser Full Filter Name: Eight Pole Phaser
filter w/ a Single Pole High Pass filter filter w/ a Single Pole High Pass filter
Full Filter Name: Eight Pole Phaser Full Filter Name: Eight Pole Phaser
filter w/ a Single Pole High Pass filter filter w/ a Single Pole High Pass filter
Full Filter Name: Eight Pole Phaser Full Filter Name: Eight Pole Phaser
filter w/ a Single Pole High Pass and filter w/ a Single Pole High Pass and
Low Pass filter Low Pass filter
Full Filter Name: Additive Flg HL6 Full Filter Name: Subtractive Flg HL6
plus Phs 12 plus Phs 12
Misc Filters
Miscellaneous filters are most useful to finish up and/or polish your synth patches. You should
know very well by now that Serum has two filter modules available, so this shouldn’t cause any
confusion.
However, there are still a few filters under this submenu that have a lot of creative potential to
offer. Make sure you don’t miss out on them!
Low EQ 6 Low EQ 12
Full Filter Name: Single Pole Low Full Filter Name: Two Pole Shelf EQ
Shelf EQ
Description: A two pole low shelf EQ
Description: A single pole low shelf band.
EQ band just like the ones you would
find on most parametric equalizers.
Band EQ 6 High EQ 6
Full Filter Name: Two Pole Bell EQ Full Filter Name: Single Pole High
Shelf EQ
Description: This band EQ works
exactly the same as any bell shape Description: A single pole high shelf
from any parametric equalizer on the EQ band just like the ones you would
market. find on most parametric equalizers.
High EQ 12 Ring Mod
Full Filter Name: Two Pole High Full Filter Name: Ring Modulation
Shelf EQ Filter
Fun Fact: The most famous and clear example of Ring modulation is the voice of
the Daleks in the Doctor Who T.V series.
Ring Modx2 SampHold
Full Filter Name: Ring Modx2 Filter Full Filter Name: Sample & Hold
Filter
Description: Dual ring modulation
filter with the var function being Description:In this filter, the cutoff
spread between the two of them. knob will control sample rate
reduction, whilst the resonance
knob will control a bitcrusher. This is
filter mode is extremely useful to
completely destroy sounds.
SampHold - Combs
Full Filter Name: Subtractive Sample Full Filter Name: Combs filter.
& Hold Filter
Description: A more abrupt comb
Description: This filter works exactly filter. Basically works like multiple
the same as the other Sample & Hold combs.
filter. However, it’s phase inverted
against the source.
Allpasses Reverb
Full Filter Name: Allpass Filter Full Filter Name: Reverb Filter
Fun Fact: The Reverb filter is a unique filter to Serum and it’s probably one of the
most popular ones in bass music.
French LP German LP
Full Filter Name: French Low Pass Full Filter Name: German Low Pass
Filter Filter
Full Filter Name: Add Bass Filter Full Filter Name: Formant (I) Filter
Description: This filter is a simple low Description: If you push the var
pass filter. However, it completely function (knob) to the maximum,
rotates the phase of the signal and messing with the cutoff frequency will
adds a little bit of drive. This isn’t give you a “-yayo / -ieo” vowel-like
something common or that you would sound.
use in synth patches, but surely there
are creative approaches for this filter.
Notes: Formant filters are known for making vowel-like sounds. If this doesn’t ring
a bell, simply think of Daft Punk.
Add Bass Formant-I
Full Filter Name: Add Bass Filter Full Filter Name: Formant (I) Filter
Description: This filter is a simple low Description: If you push the var
pass filter. However, it completely function (knob) to the maximum,
rotates the phase of the signal and messing with the cutoff frequency will
adds a little bit of drive. This isn’t give you a “-yayo / -ieo” vowel-like
something common or that you would sound.
use in synth patches, but surely there
are creative approaches for this filter.
Formant-II Formant-III
Full Filter Name: Formant (II) Filter Full Filter Name: Formant (III) Filter
Description: This formant filter will Description: This formant filter will
give you a “-yay / -yoy” vowel-like give you a “-eoh / -weeoh” vowel-like
sound. sound.
Bandreject
Conclusion
As beginner, we highly recommend you that you continuously reference this PDF to understand
what each filter is doing to your sounds.
Some of you will quickly start developing logical patterns and see the similarities between a lot
of these filters. Also, one of the most important things to understand is that all of the more
complex filters are built on the principles of the basic filters. If you develop a great
understanding of those, you probably already have half of the job done.
As time passes, or for more experienced users going through this course, referencing this PDF
shouldn’t be necessary. You either understand what every single filter does, or you have
enough knowledge to deduct on the fly what each filter does based on its name.
Finally, another great analogy and piece of knowledge to take away from this document is that
filters are just like scalpels. Imagine your oscillators are a clay or marble figurine, and with your
scalpel (filter[s]) you shape them just as you want!