I've tried several envelope filters over time and there are a few that I like but my preferred model is the mxr envelope filter. I found one on eBay a year ago (the one on the right) and I like it so much I thought I'd pick up a spare when one showed up on-line. Enter no.2 on the left.
Externally they are very similar; the recent addition looks to be newer, the pedal name is in a bold font and the case is quite a bit lighter in weight. The difference in sound though is very marked. Whiile my older original (Rt) will introduce the effect in a smooth ramp up starting at 12 o'clock allowing for a range of filter effects and tones, the recent buy (Lt) requires the threshold be set at 3 o'clock before suddenly tripping the effect in a full blown fashion. All the finesse of the older version is totally lacking.
It's still a good envelope filter, still has that trademark effect that other filters have such a hard time emulating but it's completely lacking the variety of sounds of the older version. The newer one is going back; the circuit board is still wrapped in foam and I don't want to start messing with it to see if the circuit or components have been altered. I'll just have to take good care of the one I have.
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That aside, actually no, really, what do you use these on?
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