Arturia SEM-Filter

Arturia SEM-Filter v1.0.0.252 [PC Windows only]

A Filter legend with a modern twist

Tom Oberheim’s pioneering design, among the first ever self-contained analog synthesizers, was home to one of the best-loved filters of all time. Now you can use it as cutting edge creative plugin for your DAW.

Combining simplicity with pure tone-shaping power, SEM-Filter is a futuristic twist on a classic synth filter.

Renowned for its pioneering technology in the 70s, we paid tribute not only to its sound but also the SEM’s reputation as a trailblazer. Using the meticulous modelling techniques, and by adding exciting new features, we have created a true modern classic audio filter.

No longer confined to a synthesizer, you can now use the era-defining filter tone of Tom Oberheim’s cult synth module on any audio source you wish. Process acoustic instruments in your DAW, shape vocals, perform sweeps on your whole mix, create builds, rises, and drops, even use it to improve a soft-synths stock filter.

SEM-Filter is a must-have creative tool for any modern musician.

Simple, but stunningly effective

The original SEM, or Synthesizer Expander Module, was one of the world’s first all-in-one synth packages.

Created to expand the capabilities of other synths, it could serve many purposes. Adding polyphony, fattening up their sound, and performing sequences in a supporting role to a main synth were all familiar roles for SEM.

One of the most remarkable modules on the SEM was its VCF. The 12dB per octave multi-mode filter helped define the sonic identity of Oberheim’s popular 70s synth, because it shaped a diverse range of sounds that were almost impossible to get on other synthesizers. SEM-Filter not only carefully models the crossfadable modes of the filter - low-pass, high-pass, notch and band-pass, but also expands its functionality and features to create a great-sounding, versatile filter plugin that you’ll want to use on every track you create.

“But what does a filter actually do?”

For many music producers and electronic musicians, filters are an essential part of their sound and creative process. Put simply, filters cut or boost certain sound frequencies, letting you control the tonal ‘shape’ of audio.

1. For example, if you had a vocal recording that you wanted to remove some low, bassy rumbles from, you could use a high-pass filter.
2. A low-pass filter could be used in the same way, but to remove unwanted high frequencies; maybe to tame particularly zingy cymbals or hi-hats in a drum recording.
3. Notch filters can pinpoint certain frequencies and either boost or cut them; one great use for these is to find and remove clothy, unwanted mid-range resonance from recordings of acoustic instruments.

Main Features

• Virtual recreation of the classic 12dB/oct state variable SEM filter:
  • Mode, cutoff frequency and resonance controls
  • Dry/Wet setting
  • Filter output volume setting
• Additionnal noise oscillator for feeding the filter with rich spectral content
• Soft clipping circuit modeling
• Attack / Hold / Decay envelope
• Low Frequency oscillator
  • 5 waveforms + Sample and Hold mode
  • Can be synchronized with DAW’s clock
  • Smooth parameter
• Gate sequencer
  • Program trigs / retrigs for the envelope and LFO to create rythmic content
  • Up to 16 steps
  • Can be synchronized with DAW’s clock
• Modulation matrix
  • Envelope and LFO as sources
  • 8 destinations for extended sonic possibilities
• 40 presets from top sound designers
• State-of-the-art TAE® analog modeling