Modular Monthly

We explore the Happy Nerding MMM multimode filter

Stereo isn’t totally new to the modular world – we’ve had options for a long time. The most primitive method would be to just buy two of any given module to have a left processor and a right. Stereo filtering has also been possible through the use of dual filters which can often process signals in series or parallel, allowing you to go classic high-pass into low-pass like the Korg MS-20 (or other combinations of course) or to use both sides independently.

However, the MMM VCF from Happy Nerding is the first specific stereo filter. It’s got two inputs and two outputs but with shared control. It’s not two independent filters à la dual filters mentioned above as both inputs share the cutoff control, resonance control and modulation input. This may seem limiting but in a smaller space than a dual filter you get two great sounding filters perfect for processing the growing number of stereo modules in the format.

There’s another unique element to the MMM VCF and that is a little trickery, magic and electronics wizardry that gives us a multimode filter based on the Moog Transistor Ladder design. The classic Moog low-pass filter often remains just that, a low-pass only. But here Happy Nerding have given us a low-pass, band-pass and high-pass per side allowing us to make creative stereo images with different filter types per side – all with that classic Moog ladder sound. It’s a common DJ trick to apply filtering over a full mix, so at 8HP it’s nice to do that in modular without needing two filters or a bigger dual filter which would then need two hands for a full mix filter wiggle!