MF-101 mini review OT

[andy butler <akbutler@tiscali.co.uk>]

William Walker wrote:

> I might have to break down and buy a moog 
> filter with an expression port instead. 

MoogerFooger MF-101

plus points:-

It's a Moog low pass filter, the high quality is very noticeable
as you turn the resonance up. No distortion like in other filters.

Works with a standard (Boss type) expression pedal.

Can be used as a basic speaker simulator.

Volume is compensated as resonance is increased.

Can be overdriven..very warm un-fizzy sound even in bypass.

Outputs the Envelope voltage on 1/4in jack
(as well as other Moog stuff, this could be used to control
  other gear, like any new Electro Harmonix pedal with an
   expression input)

The self oscillation of the filter sounds very nice indeed,
and controllable.

Resale value is high.



just points:-

all knobs apart from input Vol can also be "turned" with
control voltage inputs (or exp ped):-
Amount( of envelope)
Mix (dry wet)
Cut off Freq,
Resonance.

selectable between 2-pole and 4-pole
(2-pole just lets a few more highs through above the resonant frequency)

wall wart



minus points:-

no way to control output level for gain staging, input level has
to be set to make the envelope follower work right, and any
overdrive used can't be compensated. Hence the output level is
essentially fixed at "quite high for a guitar amp but not that
high for line level". I use it in the fx loop of an ADA MP1 which
solves that problem.

Envelope follower is rather subtle compared to, say, the Electro
Harmonix units. There's no separate input to the Env follower so
there's no way to get a big envelope response with a highly distorted 
guitar tone. (maybe that's a plus ;-)

Bypass has a sound to it, some of the top end is lost
(compared to going direct to a studio quality DI).
This *is* quite a subtle change in sound, not as much
as a Boss pedal.
Actually, it's rather a nice sound in it's own right, which
will overdrive to give a hint of "Moog". 

Although this is advertised as a "2 complete moog modules" 
the filter is not 1V/octave and no separate input for envelope.

No schematic available from Moog for repairs/mods, and
they'll tell you that they're right for making that decision.
(in UK, the official service agency is overpriced for repairs)
Moog email tech support (Ryan)is great if you put just one question.


andy butler