Obvious Filter
Key Features
- 10 resonant analog-modeled filters (LP4, LP2, BP4, BP2, HP4, HP2, N4, N2, N2X, Peak + Envelope) designed by Laurent De Soras for authentic analog-circuit response
- Morph Sequencer with drawable modulation shapes and three blending modes (Immediate, Morph, Linear) for seamless rhythmic transitions
- Deep modulation matrix connecting 39 oscillators to 33 destinations, including waveform emulations from classic synthesizers
- Polyrhythmic rate controls and four randomization modes for generating unpredictable evolving patterns
- 128 factory presets ranging from subtle rhythmic filtering to aggressive spectral mangling
- OpenGL-accelerated GUI with morph editor, drawing pencils, snap modes, and copy/paste between editor panels
- MIDI note input for triggering modulation, enabling tempo-synced and performance-driven filter sequences
Description
Obvious Filter by FKFX Audio is a morphing filter sequencer that transforms any audio input into rhythmic, evolving sequences. Built around 10 resonant filters designed by Laurent De Soras, the plugin emulates analog circuits across low-pass, band-pass, high-pass, notch, and peak topologies with four-pole and two-pole variants.
The standout feature is the Morph Sequencer, which lets you draw and animate filter modulation shapes that blend seamlessly between patterns. Three morphing modes — Immediate, Morph, and Linear — control how transitions unfold, from instant snaps to smooth crossfades.
A deep modulation matrix routes 39 oscillators to 33 destinations, including emulations of waveforms from classic synthesizers. The oscillator bank spans sines, triangles, FM shapes, logarithmic curves, ellipses, saws, squares, and pulses, giving you far more modulation variety than a standard LFO.
FKFX Audio was founded by developers with experience at Ohmforce, FXPansion, and Devine Machine. The plugin ships with 128 presets covering everything from subtle rhythmic movement to aggressive filter mangling, and the OpenGL-accelerated GUI keeps editing responsive even with complex modulation setups.
Obvious Filter runs as a 64-bit plugin on macOS 10.11 and later or Windows 10 and later. The download is approximately 5.87 MB.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What filter types does Obvious Filter include?
Obvious Filter includes 10 resonant filter types modeled after analog circuits: four-pole and two-pole low-pass (LP4, LP2), band-pass (BP4, BP2), high-pass (HP4, HP2), notch (N4, N2), an extended notch (N2X), and a peak filter with envelope follower. Each filter is designed by Laurent De Soras for high-quality analog behavior.
How does the Morph Sequencer work?
The Morph Sequencer lets you draw custom modulation shapes in a graphical editor and smoothly transition between multiple patterns over time. You can choose from three morphing modes — Immediate for instant switching, Morph for blended crossfades, and Linear for gradual interpolation — creating everything from tight rhythmic gates to slowly evolving filter sweeps.
Is Obvious Filter CPU-intensive?
Obvious Filter can be demanding on CPU, particularly when running complex modulation routings with many active oscillators. Users report that it works well on modern systems but recommend freezing or bouncing tracks if running multiple instances in a session.
What is the difference between Obvious Filter and Obvious Filter 2?
Obvious Filter is the original version, offered entirely for free. Obvious Filter 2 (OF2) is the paid successor from FKFX Audio with expanded features, more filter types, and an updated interface. A free Lite version of OF2 is also available with a single LP2 filter and the core Morph Sequencer.
