joranalogue/filter-8

Filter 8

Joranalogue Audio Design

Analogue OTA-style 4-pole cascaded lowpass VCF with 8 simultaneous outputs at different phase relationships (LP1–LP4, HP1, BB+N, phase shifter, BP4). At high resonance, self-oscillates as an 8-phase sine wave VCO/VCLFO. Includes simultaneous exponential and linear FM, voltage-controlled resonance, hold feature, and dedicated ping input.351

Visualization filter_response

Capabilities 7

LFOlfo
In low frequency range mode, operates as 8-phase LFO down to 2.8 mHz (6 minute period).351
Multiband Filtermultiband-filter
Eight simultaneous filter responses (multiple LP slopes, BP, HP, notch, allpass) on separate jacks.351
Multimode Filtermultimode-filter
OTA-style 4-pole cascaded lowpass with pole-mixing outputs: LP1–LP4 (-6 to -24 dB/oct), 1-pole HP, band boost+notch, phase shifter, and 4-pole BP — all available simultaneously.351
Self-Oscillationself-oscillation
8-pole OTA cascade; self-oscillates with V/Oct tracking, configurable for VCO use.351
Slew Modifierslew-modifier
In low frequency range mode, operates as an 8-output voltage controlled slew modifier.351
Vcfvcf
Voltage-controlled 8-phase OTA cascade filter.351
Voltage-Controlled Oscillatorvco
At maximum resonance, self-oscillates as 8-phase sine wave VCO with temperature compensation, gain compensation switch, and accurate V/oct tracking over at least 5 octaves. Outputs separated by 45° phase.351

Jacks 16 — 8 in / 8 out

NameSignalVoltageDescription
Inputs (8)
EFMcvSecond exponential FM input with polariser knob. In audio mode: ±1 V/oct range. In low mode: sensitivity ~0.66 V/oct.351
HoldgateGate input to control the hold feature, freezing the filter core output voltages. When patched, the hold toggle switch enables or disables this input.351
In 1mixedSignal input for audio or CV to be filtered. Mixed together with In 2. Can be left unpatched when using Filter 8 as an oscillator.351
In 2mixedSecond signal input, identical to In 1. Mixed together with In 1 at the filter input.351
LFMcvLinear FM input with polariser depth knob and AC-coupling switch. Sensitivity approximately ±7% frequency deviation per volt. AC switch rejects DC offset during audio-rate modulation.351
Pingtrigger≥3VTrigger/gate input to strike the filter core and create percussive ping sounds. Requires rising edge above +3V. Amplitude and decay set by frequency and resonance. Each output produces a different timbre.351
Res CVcv351
V/Octcv1 V/oct exponential FM input for precise pitch tracking. In low range mode, sensitivity is increased to approximately 0.66 V/oct.351
Outputs (8)
BB+NmixedBand boost and notch pole-mixing output. Boosts frequencies just below the filter frequency and cuts those just above. At high resonance, produces wavefolder-type sounds. Phase shift: 270°.351
BP4mixed4-pole bandpass pole-mixing output. Selects a band of frequencies around the filter frequency. Phase shift: 360° (= 0°, no shift). Purest ping timbre — suitable for bongo-type sounds.351
HP1mixed1-pole highpass pole-mixing output, gentle highpass filtering. Phase shift: 225° in self-oscillation.351
LP1mixed1-pole lowpass output at −6 dB/octave. Phase shift: 45°. Has a pronounced transient on ping, useful for kick drums.351
LP2mixed2-pole lowpass output at −12 dB/octave. Phase shift: 90°.351
LP3mixed3-pole lowpass output at −18 dB/octave. Phase shift: 135°.351
LP4mixed4-pole lowpass output at −24 dB/octave. Phase shift: 180°.351
ØmixedPhase shifter pole-mixing output. 3-pole allpass response mixed with input signal, creating a combined highpass and notch response (one-stage phaser). Phase shift: 315°.351

Parameters 12

NameTypeRangeBehavior
Coarse Frequencyknob22Hz – 22000HzSets the filter/oscillator frequency. In audio mode with fine knob centred: 22 Hz to 22 kHz. In low frequency mode, combined with fine knob: 2.8 mHz to 180 Hz, with 1 Hz at both knobs centred.351
EFM Depthknob-1V/oct – 1V/octPolariser knob for the exponential FM input. Centre (0) means no modulation; maximum is +1 V/oct and minimum is −1 V/oct in audio mode. In low mode, sensitivity is approximately 0.66 V/oct.351
Fine Frequencyknob351
Frequency Range SwitchswitchSelects between low frequency mode (slew modifier/VCLFO) and audio frequency mode (VCF/VCO). In audio mode, range is 22 Hz–22 kHz. In low frequency mode, range is 2.8 mHz to 180 Hz.351
Gain Compensation SwitchswitchEnables gain compensation stages on all outputs. By default (off), each output is unity gain relative to the inputs. When on, all outputs have the same amplitude — useful in oscillator mode where outputs otherwise resonate at different levels. Target self-oscillation amplitude is 10 Vpp.351
Hold SwitchswitchManually toggles the hold feature, freezing the filter core output voltages. When the hold gate input is patched, the switch instead enables or disables the gate input.351
LFM AC SwitchswitchWhen enabled, AC-couples the linear FM input, rejecting DC offset and very low frequency content in the modulation signal to prevent fundamental pitch shift during audio-rate modulation.351
LFM Depthknob-7% frequency deviation per volt – 7% frequency deviation per voltPolariser knob for the linear FM input. Sensitivity is approximately ±7% frequency deviation per volt, substantially less than the exponential FM inputs. More 'tonal' in VCO mode as it limits perceived shift in fundamental pitch.351
ResonanceknobControls the feedback path from filter output to input. All outputs resonate at the filter frequency without LF response loss. At higher levels, self-oscillation is achieved, turning the module into an 8-phase sine wave VCO/LFO. Self-oscillation typically begins just past 3 o'clock.351
Resonance Modulation Depthknob351
Resonance TrimmerknobFront-panel accessible trim potentiometer that sets the self-oscillation amplitude at maximum resonance. Target is 10 Vpp on the BP4 output. Note: amplitude is not temperature-compensated and will vary slightly with temperature.351
V/Oct TrimmerknobFront-panel accessible trim potentiometer for calibrating V/oct pitch tracking. Each module is individually calibrated during production. Adjust to achieve exactly 4 octaves interval between 0V and +4V at the V/oct input.351

Firmware history 2 versions

VersionReleasedNotes
Rev DResolved linear FM 'freeze' issue which occurred when voltages of around +10 V were applied to the LFM CV input.351
Rev CInitial release.351

References 2

  1. [351]
    Filter 8 User Manual (Multimode Filter / 8-Phase Oscillator)manual
    verified 2026-05-14
  2. [352]
    Joranalogue Filter 8 product pageproduct_page
    verified 2026-05-14