Filter Pedals
Filter pedals alter the guitar tone by either boosting or cutting different frequency ranges from the guitar signal
There are several types of filters:
EQ Pedals or Equalisers. These cut or boost either a specific band or bands of frequencies. EQ’s are static in that they do not react to signals. Parametric EQs allow the player to select an exact frequency to cut or boost, and also to select the breadth of frequencies on either side of it to affect.
Wah: Wah effects are dynamic tone controls that are either operated manually by the guitarist, as in the case of the classic Wah-Wah pedals, or triggered based on timing / a beat. This can be triggered from within the pedal or in some cases there is provision for an external trigger
Envelope Filters: Again, this is a dynamic filter that is triggered from it’s the velocity of the input signal and is not time-based
Our Filter Pedals category includes everything from flexible designs like the Spaceman Effects Artemis Modulated Filter and Fairfield Circuitry Long Life, through to more extreme options such as the Death By Audio Evil Filter, Old Blood Noise Endeavors Float Dual Moving Filter and the multi-role Catalinbread Coriolis Effect.
Filter Pedals – Frequently Asked Questions
What does a filter pedal do to my sound?
A filter pedal emphasises or removes certain frequency ranges from your signal. Depending on the design it might behave like a wah sweep, a fixed EQ curve, a moving synth filter or something in between. Subtle filtering can tidy up a crowded tone, while more pronounced sweeps from pedals such as the Spaceman Artemis or OBNE Float can become a central part of your sound.
What types of filter pedals are there?
Common categories include wah pedals, envelope filters, EQ pedals and resonant filters. The Catalinbread Coriolis Effect combines wah, filter and pitch effects in one box, while the Fairfield Long Life acts as a parametric EQ and state-variable filter. More experimental pedals like the Death By Audio Evil Filter pair aggressive fuzz with powerful resonant filtering for synth-like textures.
Where should filter pedals sit in my signal chain?
For classic wah and envelope effects, filter pedals are often placed early in the chain, before drive pedals, so they can respond clearly to your picking and volume changes. Parametric EQ and tone-shaping filters such as the Long Life may work better after drives or in the effects loop, where they can shape the overall sound of your rig. Modulated filters like the Artemis or Float can be treated like phasers or other modulation pedals, usually before delay and reverb.
Can filter pedals replace an EQ pedal?
Some filter pedals, particularly parametric designs, can absolutely fulfil EQ duties. The Fairfield Long Life is both a parametric EQ and a creative filter, so it can tighten low end, clear out mud or add presence, then be pushed into more dramatic sweeps when needed. However, if you mainly want simple, set-and-forget tone correction, a dedicated EQ pedal may be more straightforward.
Are filter pedals suitable for bass and other instruments?
Yes. Many filter pedals at Guitar FX Direct are designed to work on guitar, bass, synths and beyond. Options like the Artemis, Float and Evil Filter handle a wide range of input levels and can bring movement and character to any source, from bass guitar to drum machines and samplers.
