Dub Filter by AudioThing effects plugin interface

Dub Filter: Stepped High-Pass Filter Plugin by AudioThing Free Download

Rated 4.5/5 on Plugin Boutique (35 ratings)

Dub Filter is an effects plugin from AudioThing that models the Altec 9069B high-pass filter, a passive filter with eleven frequency steps used in classic dub production.

VST3VST2AUAAXCLAPWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

Download Now

Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Dub Filter is a filter plugin from AudioThing, built around a passive high-pass filter with eleven frequency steps from 70Hz to 7.5kHz. The developer models it on the Altec 9069B, the unit King Tubby used at his studio in Waterhouse, Jamaica, and known as the Big Knob. Beyond the main stepped frequency knob and the Impedance control, it adds Magnetism, Character, Dynamics and Artefacts controls, plus LFO and envelope follower modulation.

Best for

Dub delay and echo returns
Dub-style filter sweeps
Rhythmic filter pulsing
Reggae and roots production
Harmonic filter coloring

Developer: AudioThing
Category: Filters
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Stepped high-pass filter with eleven frequency positions
Modeled on the Altec 9069B passive filter
Impedance control for resonance
Magnetism, Character and Dynamics non-linearity controls
LFO modulation with multiple waveforms
Envelope Follower modulation
Brightness and Contrast controls
Preset system with randomizer
Resizable window

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Stepped High-Pass Filter

The core of Dub Filter is its stepped frequency control, which moves through eleven fixed positions rather than a smooth sweep. The developer describes the original Altec 9069B as an inductor-based T-network filter with 18 dB per octave attenuation.

The Magnetism, Character and Dynamics controls shape the non-linear behavior of the inductance model. Character sets how much harmonic content is generated, Magnetism affects the slope and intensity of that content, and Dynamics controls how smoothly the frequency changes. The developer notes that at extreme Dynamics settings the model can sound like an envelope filter.

Modulation and Workflow

Dub Filter includes two modulation sources. The LFO offers multiple waveforms for rhythmic pulsing, while the Envelope Follower responds to the incoming signal for more organic filter movement.

The plugin has a resizable window and a preset system with a randomizer, which helps when you want to explore unexpected settings quickly. Brightness and Contrast controls are also available for adjusting the final tone.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	AudioThing
Type	Plugin
Category	Filter
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, CLAP
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Dub Filter?

Dub Filter is an AudioThing effects plugin that emulates the Altec 9069B high-pass filter, known in dub circles as King Tubby's Big Knob. It offers eleven stepped frequency positions from 70Hz to 7.5kHz.

What formats and operating systems does Dub Filter support?

Dub Filter is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and CLAP formats, all 64-bit. It runs on Windows 7 through 11 and macOS 10.13 through macOS 14, with native Apple Silicon support on Mac.