15 Best Envelope Filter Pedals [Enhance Your Sound Quality]

Are you a guitar player looking to add some funky, expressive tones to your music? Look no further than envelope filter pedals.

These nifty devices allow you to create dynamic and responsive wah-like effects with your guitar’s signal.

In this article, I will be exploring the best envelope filter pedals that are currently available on the market.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these pedals are sure to take your playing to the next level and add a touch of funkiness to your sound.

Envelope filter pedals, also known as auto-wah pedals, have been a staple in funk, R&B, and psychedelic rock genres for decades.

The main function of these pedals is to dynamically sweep through different frequency ranges and create an expressive vocal-like effect on your guitar’s signal.

The effect is achieved by analyzing the input signal’s volume and dynamically adjusting the cutoff frequency of a low-pass or band-pass filter accordingly.

This results in a funky, quacky sound that responds to your playing dynamics.

Now that we have established what envelope filters do let’s dive into our top picks for the best envelope filter pedals currently available on the market.

These pedals have been carefully selected based on their features, build quality, user reviews, and overall tone quality.

Whether you’re searching for vintage-inspired tones or modern versatility, there is something here for everyone.

15 Best Envelope Filter Pedals

If you’re a guitar player looking to add some funky, expressive tones to your music, envelope filter pedals are an excellent addition to your pedalboard.

These devices, also known as auto-wah pedals, allow you to create dynamic and responsive wah-like effects with your guitar’s signal.

We will explore the best envelope filter pedals currently available on the market.

Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron + (+ Micro Q-Tron)

The Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron + is a classic envelope filter pedal that guitarists have loved for years.

It features a wide range of expressive filters and a built-in distortion circuit, giving you versatility in shaping your tone.

The Q-Tron + allows you to dial in the amount of sensitivity and response you desire, providing a dynamic and customizable sound.

Key Features:

1. Sensitivity Controls: The pedal offers controls for sensitivity, response, range switch, and effect level, ensuring precise control over your envelope filter sound.
2. Built-in Distortion: The Q-Tron + also includes an adjustable distortion circuit that allows you to add some grit and sustain to your filtered tones.
3. Selectable Low Pass/High Pass Mode: This feature gives you the option to choose between low-pass and high-pass filters, expanding your tonal possibilities.

Also Read: 20 Best Phaser Pedals [Top Picks For Epic Sound Effects]

EarthQuaker Devices Spatial Delivery

The EarthQuaker Devices Spatial Delivery is not your typical envelope filter pedal.

It combines an envelope filter with a sample-and-hold glitch mode, giving you an otherworldly array of sounds that will inspire experimental musicians.

Key Features:

1. Three Different Modes: The Spatial Delivery offers three different modes: Up Sweep, Down Sweep, and Sample-and-Hold. Each mode provides unique filtering effects that can be manipulated through the Range control knob.
2. Sample-and-Hold Glitch Mode: This feature allows you to freeze random filters in place, creating glitchy stutters and unpredictable textures that add a touch of chaos to your playing.
3. Expression Pedal Integration: With the option to connect an expression pedal, you can dynamically control the filter’s cutoff frequency or even use it as a manual wah effect.

Mojo Hand Wonder Filter

The Mojo Hand Wonder Filter is a versatile envelope filter that delivers both vintage and modern tones.

This pedal offers a simple and intuitive design, making it perfect for players who want an easy-to-use envelope filter without sacrificing style.

Key Features:

1. Drive Control: The Wonder Filter includes a Drive control knob that adds some grit and saturation to your filtered sound, allowing you to dial in just the right amount of warmth and character.
2. Sensitivity and Range Controls: The pedal features Sensitivity and Range controls that let you define the level of response and the sweep range of the envelope filter.
3. True Bypass: With true bypass switching, the Wonder Filter ensures that your unaffected guitar tone remains pristine when the pedal is disengaged.

Maxon AF-9

The Maxon AF-9 is a premium envelope filter pedal that offers professional-grade features and exceptional tone quality.

With its versatile controls and wide range of filtering options, this pedal is perfect for guitarists looking to add expressive and dynamic wah-like effects to their playing.

Key Features:

1. Threshold Control: The AF-9 features a Threshold control that determines the sensitivity of the envelope filter. Adjusting this knob allows you to tailor the pedal’s response to your playing dynamics.
2. Mode Selector: The pedal comes with two different filter modes: Up mode and Down mode. In Up mode, the filter sweeps upward, while in Down mode, it sweeps downward. This gives you flexibility in creating unique tonal textures.
3. Sweep Range Selector: The Sweep Range Selector lets you choose between three different sweep ranges: High, Mid, and Low. This allows for precise control over the frequency range affected by the envelope filter.
4. Buffered or True Bypass: The AF-9 offers a choice between buffered or true bypass switching options, ensuring optimal signal integrity whether the pedal is engaged or bypassed.

Pigtronix Envelope Phaser

The Pigtronix Envelope Phaser combines an envelope follower with a phaser circuit, resulting in a versatile pedal that adds both filtering and phase-shifting effects to your guitar’s signal. This unique combination opens up a world of sonic possibilities for guitarists who want to explore new tonal territories.

Key Features:

1. Blend Control: The Blend control knob lets you adjust the mix between the filtered signal and dry signal, allowing for subtle or pronounced filtering effects depending on your preference.
2. Glide Control: The Glide control adjusts how quickly the phasing effect transitions between stages, giving you control over how smooth or abrupt the phase shifts occur.
3. Staccato Switch: The Staccato switch adds a staccato effect to the phaser, creating quick bursts of phase-shifted sound for rhythmic accents and dynamic playing.
4. Expression Pedal Input: With an expression pedal input, you can have hands-free control over parameters such as filter frequency or phaser speed, further expanding the pedal’s versatility.

Also Read: 17 Best Delay Pedals For Heavenly Echo Tones

Source Audio SA127

The Source Audio SA127 One Series Mercury Flanger is an envelope-controlled flanger pedal that combines classic analog sounds with modern digital control.

With its robust feature set and superior sound quality, this pedal gives guitarists access to a wide range of flanging effects.

Key Features:

1. Envelope Control: The Mercury Flanger features an envelope-controlled mode that allows the flanging effect to respond dynamically to your playing dynamics. The sensitivity of the envelope can be adjusted using the Sensitivity control knob.
2. Stereo Outputs: The pedal offers stereo outputs, allowing you to take full advantage of the wide stereo imaging created by the flanging effect.

3. Onboard Presets and MIDI Compatibility: The SA127 comes loaded with three onboard presets and is MIDI-compatible, making it easy to recall your favorite sounds during performances or in the studio.

4. Deep Editing and App Control: With access to Source Audio’s Neuro Desktop Editor or Mobile App, you can dive into deep editing capabilities such as customizing LFO waveforms and saving your own presets for maximum tone customization.

DOD 440

The DOD 440 Envelope Filter is a classic vintage-inspired pedal known for its iconic quacking filter sweep sounds.

This affordable yet powerful pedal offers lush filtering effects that capture the essence of funk music from past decades.

Key Features:

1. Range Switch: The Range switch lets you choose between two different frequency ranges: Low Pass and Band Pass. This gives you flexibility in shaping your desired tone, whether you prefer darker low-pass filtering or more focused band-pass filtering.
2. Sensitivity Control: The Sensitivity control adjusts the filter’s response to your playing dynamics. Set it low for a more subtle effect or crank it up for a pronounced, expressive envelope sweep.
3. True Bypass Switching: The pedal features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar’s signal remains unaffected when the pedal is disengaged.
4. Compact and Durable Design: The DOD 440 comes in a compact and robust enclosure, built to withstand the rigors of gigging and touring while taking up minimal space on your pedalboard.

Source Audio SA143

The Source Audio SA143 is a versatile envelope filter pedal that offers a wide range of tones and customization options.

This compact and affordable pedal is perfect for guitarists looking to add funky filter effects to their rig.

Key Features:

1. Multiple Filter Modes: The SA143 features three different filter modes: 2-pole low-pass, 4-pole low-pass, and 4-pole band-pass. This allows you to sculpt your desired sound with precision and versatility.
2. Advanced Control Options: With the Neuro Desktop Editor or the Neuro Mobile App, you can unlock additional control options for the SA143. Adjust parameters such as resonance, drive, mix, and more to fine-tune your envelope filter sound.
3. Expression Control: Connect an expression pedal to have real-time control over various parameters of the effect, including frequency cutoff and resonant peak.
4. Expanded Preset Library: The SA143 comes with a wide selection of presets designed by professional musicians and sound designers. Easily access these presets or create your own for quick recall during live performances.
5. Stereo Capability: For those looking for an immersive experience, the SA143 offers stereo inputs and outputs, allowing you to explore the spatial possibilities of your envelope-filtered tones fully.

MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter

Specifically designed for bass guitar players, the MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter is a powerful tool that adds a unique touch to your bass lines.

Key Features:

1. Classic Analog Design: The MXR M82 utilizes analog circuitry to deliver warm and organic envelope-filtered tones that retain the low-end punch of your bass guitar.
2. Blend Control: The Blend control allows you to mix in the dry signal along with the filtered signal, giving you full control over how subtle or pronounced you want the effect to be in your mix.
3. Sensitivity and Decay Knobs: Dial in the perfect response to your playing dynamics with the Sensitivity knob. At the same time, the Decay control adjusts how long the filter effect lasts after striking a note.
4. Built to Last: The MXR M82 is built with rugged construction, ensuring durability for years of playing and touring.
5. True Bypass: The pedal features true bypass switching, eliminating any signal degradation when the effect is disengaged.

Electro-Harmonix Bassballs

The Electro-Harmonix Bassballs is a classic envelope filter pedal that bass players have used for decades to create funky and expressive tones.

Key Features:

1. Dual Filters: The Bassballs feature two resonant filters that sweep through frequencies in opposite directions, creating a unique and vocal-like sound.
2. Sensitivity Controls: Two sensitivity controls allow you to adjust the responsiveness of each filter, allowing for precise customization of your sound.
3. Blend Control: The Blend knob allows you to mix your dry signal with the filtered signal, giving you control over how present or subtle you want the effect to be.
4. True Bypass Switching: With true bypass switching, your original bass tone remains unaltered when the effect is bypassed.
5. Compact Design: Housed in a rugged yet compact enclosure, the Bassballs fits easily on any pedalboard without taking up too much real estate.

Mr. Black Fwonkbeta Purple Funk Generator

The Mr. Black Fwonkbeta Purple Funk Generator is an envelope filter pedal that pushes boundaries with its unique design and versatility.

Key Features:

1. High-Quality Filters: This pedal offers three high-quality filters—Clean Filter, Fwonk Filter, and Voice Filter—that can be used individually or combined for complex filtering effects.
2. Mix Control: The Mix control lets you blend in your dry signal with the filtered signal, providing a perfectly balanced mix.
3. Q Control: The Q knob adjusts the resonance or emphasis on the selected filter, adding more character and depth to your sound.
4. Expression Pedal Input: Connect an expression pedal to have real-time control over the filter’s parameters, such as cutoff frequency or resonance.
5. True Bypass Switching: When bypassed, the Fwonkbeta Purple Funk Generator ensures that your original guitar tone remains unchanged.

Also Read: 20 Best Volume Pedals [Top Picks For Controlling Your Sound]

Xotic Robotalk 2

The Xotic Robotalk 2 is a powerful and versatile envelope filter pedal that offers a range of tone-shaping capabilities.

It is packed with features that allow you to create unique and expressive filtered sounds for your guitar.

Key Features:

1. Dual Filter: The Robotalk 2 comes with two independent filters, allowing you to sweep through different frequency ranges. Each filter offers its own set of controls, including Sensitivity, Decay, and Range knobs, giving you precise control over the filtering effect.
2. Switchable Filters: The pedal provides three switchable modes: Low Pass, Band Pass, and High Pass filters. You can easily toggle between these modes to explore different filtering options and find the perfect sound for your playing style.
3. Blend Control: The Blend control knob allows you to blend in the dry signal with the filtered signal. This feature lets you maintain the original character of your guitar while adding filtered tones on top of it.
4. Tap Tempo Functionality: The Robotalk 2 includes a Tap Tempo footswitch that enables you to sync the filter effect with the rhythm of your music. This gives you precise control over the rhythmic aspect of your filtered tones.
5. Expression Pedal Integration: With an expression pedal input, you can connect an external expression pedal to control various parameters in real-time. This allows for hands-free manipulation of the filter effect while performing.

If you’re looking for a pedal that provides extensive control over envelope filtering and allows you to explore a wide range of tonal possibilities, then the Xotic Robotalk 2 is an excellent choice.

Mu-Tron Micro-Tron IV

The Mu-Tron Micro-Tron IV is a highly sought-after envelope filter pedal that funk guitarists have revered for its rich and expressive sound.

This updated version maintains all the iconic characteristics of its predecessor while incorporating modern features and improvements.

Key Features:

1. Optical Design: The Micro-Tron IV utilizes a visual circuitry design, which accurately tracks your playing dynamics and delivers a natural and responsive envelope filter effect. The visual component ensures smooth and precise filtering without any unwanted artifacts.
2. Blend, Gain, and Range Controls: The pedal offers dedicated knobs for Blend, Gain, and Range adjustments. These knobs allow you to fine-tune the mix of dry/wet signal, adjust the overall output level, and define the sweep range of the filter effect.
3. Filter Mode Switch: The Micro-Tron IV gives you the option to choose between two filter modes: Mu mode and Tron mode. Mu mode is similar to the classic Mu-Tron sound, providing a broad range of filtering options. Tron mode focuses on accentuating the midrange frequencies for a more pronounced wah-like effect.
4. True Bypass Switching: With true bypass switching, the Micro-Tron IV maintains the integrity of your guitar’s original tone when the pedal is disengaged. This ensures that there is no additional signal degradation or coloring when not using the envelope filter effect.

The Mu-Tron Micro-Tron IV is renowned for its authentic vintage envelope filter sound and exceptional tracking capabilities.

If you’re after that classic funk tone made famous by legendary guitarists, this pedal is definitely worth considering.

WMD Effects Protostar

The WMD Effects Protostar is a feature-rich envelope filter pedal packed with creative possibilities.

It offers an extensive range of controls that allow you to shape your filtered tones in various ways in order to create unique sounds for your guitar.

Key Features:

1. Analog Filter Design: The Protostar employs an analog four-pole resonant low-pass filter design that captures nuances in your playing dynamics with exceptional precision while delivering warm and musical results.
2. Multiple Filter Modes: This pedal provides four different filter modes: Low Pass, Band Pass, Envelope Controlled Filter (Dynamic), and Manual Filter (Fixed). Each way offers distinct tonal characteristics and response options, allowing you to experiment with different textures and dynamics.
3. Envelope Follower: The Protostar features an envelope follower section that analyzes the input signal’s dynamics and modulates the filter parameters accordingly. You can adjust the sensitivity of the envelope follower to fine-tune its response to your playing style.
4. LFO Modulation: With a built-in LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator), you can add rhythmic modulation to your filtered tones. The Protostar provides controls for the Rate, Depth, and Shape of the LFO modulation, enabling you to create pulsating and swirling filter effects.
5. Expression Pedal Integration: The pedal offers an expression pedal input for hands-free control over various parameters like Frequency, Resonance, or LFO rate in real time. This allows for dynamic manipulation of the filter effect during performances.

The WMD Effects Protostar is a versatile envelope filter pedal that showcases a wide array of filtering options, from subtle and dynamic wah-like effects to intense squelching sounds.

Its flexible controls give you a vast sonic palette to explore and unleash your creative potential.

Dwarfcraft Devices Happiness Multi-Filter

The Dwarfcraft Devices Happiness Multi-Filter is not your ordinary envelope filter pedal; it is designed to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with filtering effects on a guitar or any other instrument.

Key Features:

1. Multiple Filtering Stages: The Happiness Multi-Filter features eight different filters organized in series or parallel configurations. These filters include low-pass filters, band-pass filters, comb filters, phase filters, and more.
2. Sweep Controls: The pedal offers dedicated sweep controls for each filter stage separately. This allows you to adjust the cutoff frequency or resonant peaks of each filter, resulting in complex and detailed filtering effects.
3. Feedback Loop: The Happiness Multi-Filter includes a feedback loop that can be activated for additional sonic experimentation. By sending a portion of the filtered signal back into the input, you can create self-oscillation and feedback effects that add depth and character to your sound.
4. Expression Control: With expression pedal integration, you have control over the sweep range or feedback level, depending on how you set it up. This enables real-time manipulation of the filters for expressive performances.
5. LFO Modulation: A built-in LFO section gives you the option to modulate various parameters across all filters simultaneously. The LFO provides controls for Rate, Depth, and Shape, allowing you to create rhythmic and pulsating filter effects.

The Dwarfcraft Devices Happiness Multi-Filter caters to adventurous musicians who are looking for a pedal that can take them beyond traditional envelope filtering.

With its extensive filtering options and advanced modulation capabilities, this pedal opens up new sonic possibilities and endless creative avenues for experimentation.

Also Read: 15 Best Tremolo Pedals [Add Vibrato To Your Guitar Sound]

FAQ About Envelope Filter Pedals

Conclusion

Envelope filter pedals are a fantastic tool for guitar players looking to add some funky and expressive tones to their music.

The Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron + offers a wide range of filters and a built-in distortion circuit for versatility.

At the same time, the EarthQuaker Devices Spatial Delivery combines an envelope filter with a glitch mode for experimental sounds.

The Mojo Hand Wonder Filter provides vintage and modern tones with its Drive, Sensitivity, and Range controls.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, these envelope filter pedals will take your playing to the next level.

So go ahead, unleash your inner funkiness, and explore the world of envelope filter pedals!