FilterShaper XL: Dual-Filter Modulation Plugin by Cableguys

FilterShaper XL offers 20 filter types, grouped into Warm and Clean families. Cableguys says the Warm filters are fat and driven, inspired by the Sallen-Key filters of a legendary semimodular synthesizer, while the Clean filters are meant for crisp, precise tones.

The developer attributes the consistent sound to its filter DSP, which uses zero-delay feedback algorithms, resonance compensation, internal saturation and oversampling across the whole signal path. Resonance is handled by a Safe mode that keeps levels stable, and it can be switched off for self-oscillation. Warm filters add Resonance Drive for gritty textures.

Each filter stage has a Drive section that can be placed before or after the filter, changing the character from light saturation to heavy distortion.

The modulation system includes 60 LFOs and 50 envelope followers across the two filters. Clicking a parameter such as Cutoff, Resonance, Volume or Pan lets you edit its main LFO or envelope follower directly.

LFO 2 shifts shapes up and down over time, a dedicated Amount LFO controls modulation depth, and a Speed LFO adds rhythmic speed changes. LFO shapes can be drawn with the LFO editing tools, and envelope followers can open the filter as a synth gets louder or raise resonance as volume decays.

The plugin includes more than 500 presets, organized by category, with options to save favorites and custom presets.