The Iconic SEM Filter — Right in Your DAW
Have you ever mused about having classic synthesizer filters in a convenient, flexible plug-in? Now it's a reality. The software engineers at Arturia took Tom Oberheim's classic state variable SEM filter and reincarnated it as turbo-charged modern software with a gorgeous interface and budget-friendly price tag. Arturia's SEM-Filter is underpinned by the company's proprietary TAE modeling technology, which enables them to emulate the sound and behavior of electronic instruments, right down to the component level, to create accurate software manifestations of these groundbreaking devices. The thought of having multiple instances of Oberheim’s legendary SEM filter available for use on any source within your DAW is certainly an enticing prospect here at Sweetwater. Once you hear what it can do for your music, we're sure you'll agree!
Related Videos: SEM-Filter Filter Plug-in Software
Oberheim's Synthesizer Expander Module
Tom Oberheim's original SEM was a capable little beast created to fulfill multiple needs, either in a supporting role or as a main synth. It could expand the capabilities of other synthesizers by adding polyphony, sonic girth, and sequencing. In 2012, Arturia released the SEM V, an analog-modeled, virtual emulation of the classic. The deep component analysis and advanced modeling techniques afforded by advanced TAE (True Analog Emulation) technology enabled them to reproduce every aspect of the original hardware in the software realm. Highly successful as part of Arturia's V Collection, the software engineers couldn’t help but wonder what the SEM filter would be capable of as a standalone plug-in.
The coveted SEM voltage-controlled filter
One of the SEM's most significant modules was its voltage-controlled filter. Able to create a broad range of sounds that were nearly impossible to get on other synths, the SEM's 12dB/octave multimode VCF helped to forge the sonic signature of Oberheim’s popular 1970s synth. Using the company's proprietary TAE analog modeling, Arturia's SEM-Filter not only artfully re-creates the unique crossfadable modes of the filter — lowpass, highpass, notch, and bandpass — but also expands the filter's functionality and features to create a glorious-sounding and amazingly versatile filter plug-in you’ll be tempted to use on every track.
New sound design possibilities
Never content with good enough, Arturia also added some powerful modern features to the SEM-Filter. The new, easy-to-program 16-step Gate Sequencer is perfect for triggering or re-triggering the envelope and LFO mod sources (both of which are instantly available at the press of a button). This arrangement lets you whip up everything from lively, animated filter sequences to understated, undulating effects. The SEM-Filter's modulation matrix adds even more creative versatility, letting you explore sound design possibilities never possible with the original. Filtration is more dramatic when you add noise, so Arturia also included a noise oscillator that lets you dial up the amount you want to add to your signal. With the right settings, you could drive the original SEM circuit into saturation, and Arturia has made doing that even easier with a soft clipping switch. Flip it on and crank your Input Gain, and get ready for some really sweet analog saturation.
An expressive creative tool for studio or stage
Every aspect of the SEM-Filter is controllable via MIDI CC, meaning that if your DAW supports it, you’ll be able to perform with the SEM-Filter onstage and tweak it in real time. For instant inspiration, or as a starting point for your own sonic explorations, Arturia also includes a set of expertly curated presets to spark your creativity. Bottom line, the Arturia SEM-Filter is essential kit — an expressive creative tool for any musician, producer, or engineer.
Arturia SEM-Filter Plug-in Features:
- Virtual re-creation of the classic 12dB/octave state variable SEM filter
- Arturia's state-of-the-art TAE analog modeling
- 40 presets created by top sound designers
- Mode, cutoff frequency, and resonance controls
- Dry/Wet setting
- Filter output volume setting
- Noise oscillator for feeding the filter with rich spectral content
- Soft clipping circuit modeling
- Attack/hold/decay envelope
- Low-frequency oscillator
- 5 waveforms plus sample and hold mode
- Can be synchronized with DAW’s clock
- Smooth parameter
- 16-step Gate Sequencer
- Program triggers/re-triggers for the envelope and LFO to create rhythmic content
- Can be synchronized with DAW clock
- Modulation matrix
- Select Envelope and LFO as sources
- 8 destinations for expanded sonic possibilities