Crafted by the talented bath0ry, the MS-20 Filter 1.1 is a fine tribute to the historic Korg MS-20 synthesizer, meticulously recreating its timeless canour through exceptional filter modeling. Integrated as an Ableton Live audio effect, this Max for Live device harvests the celebrated sonic traits of the Korg apparatus, marrying the state-variable filter mechanism with an analog saturation emulation that delivers a stunningly accurate, warm, and textured sound.
But the MS-20 Filter 1.1 isn’t about mere emulation. As the backbone of its design, it hones an embedded innovativeness, branching beyond its origin to provide extended functionality for modern music producers. Encased within its processing architecture are some handy, creative tools—LFO/Env modulation and mono summing—that heighten the ability to carve out intricate sonic details subsequently forming their unique auditory masterpieces.
The LFO/Env modulation allows users to modulate the filter cutoff, trendily opening up a whole new world of wobble basslines, rhythmic pads, and expressive leads. On the other side, the mono summing feature can be employed as an effective tool for tightening up wide stereo signals or creating mono-compatible mixes, lending a neat and professional polish to your tracks.
Despite these advanced features, bath0ry’s commitment to ongoing development shines through in the MS-20 Filter 1.1. It’s labeled a labor of love, and you’ll find the creator encouraging user engagement enthusiastically. Have any suggestions? Stumbled upon a bug? The creator encourages feedback and contributions openly, tweaking and refining the tool as per user inputs, thereby creating an intrinsically community-driven Max for Live creation journey.
Since its addition on April 30, 2025, the MS-20 Filter 1.1 quickly amassed 32 downloads, resonating with Ableton Live enthusiasts across the globe. Prepared for Ableton Live version 12.0.5 and Max version 8.6.2, this device is under the AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike license, ensuring fair use with respect to the author’s intellectual property rights.
One cannot overlook the profound potential the MS-20 Filter 1.1 brings into Ableton Live’s music-production landscape. At the crossroads of innovation, homage, and community-driven development, it stands as evidence of the endless possibilities afforded by Max for Live devices.
Visit https://maxforlive.com/library/device/12472/ms-20-filter to dive in and explore the MS-20 Filter 1.1 by bath0ry. Experience the embodiment of iconic filter characteristics from the much-loved Korg MS-20, discover creative possibilities with inbuilt modulation and mono summing, and participate in shaping the evolution of this compelling Max for Live tool. Embark on your auditory exploration journey today.
Example Usage
To get started with the MS-20 Filter 1.1 device in Ableton Live, you’ll want to explore its legendary sound-shaping capabilities. Here is a simple and novice-friendly way to use the MS-20 Filter 1.1 in your next music production session.
First, you’ll need to have a track ready in Ableton Live where you want to apply the MS-20 filter effects. This could be a drum loop, a synth pad, or even a vocal track. Once you’ve got your track:
- Drag and drop the MS-20 Filter 1.1 device onto the track. You can find it within your Max for Live Audio Effects category after downloading and installing the device from bath0ry.
- Start playing your selected audio track in Ableton Live. You’ll begin to hear the raw sound of your audio.
- Begin by adjusting the Cutoff knob on the MS-20 Filter. This will allow you to experiment with filtering out certain frequencies from your audio track. Try turning it slowly from left to right, noticing how it shapes and sculpts your sound by removing or emphasizing different parts of the frequency spectrum.
- Next, play with the Resonance control. Turning up the resonance can make the filtering effect more pronounced, adding character and a slightly sharper, more 'analog' feel to the sound. This is particularly useful if you want to accentuate specific frequencies.
- The MS-20 Filter 1.1 also includes an LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) and ENV (Envelope) modulation section. Try assigning the LFO to the Cutoff parameter. This will introduce periodic modulation, automatically opening and closing the filter, creating a wobbling effect. Move the LFO Rate to find a speed that fits well with your music.
- Finally, explore the analog saturation feature by gently increasing its level. This will add warmth and texture, emulating the characteristic 'grit' of an analog synth filter.
By following these steps, you'll begin to appreciate the unique qualities of the MS-20 Filter 1.1 in bringing a classic analog synth vibe to your digital audio productions. Experiment with different settings to learn how you can tailor unique sounds for your tracks.
To craft an intermediate-level usage example of the MS-20 Filter 1.1 in Ableton Live, we’ll delve into creating a dynamic effect on a synth pad using the device’s unique features such as LFO modulation, analog saturation emulation, and mono summing.
First, load a lush synth pad onto a track in Ableton Live. The sound of the pad should be rich with harmonics, as this will allow the MS-20 Filter 1.1 to showcase its character best. Insert the MS-20 Filter 1.1 as an audio effect on this track. Immediately, the filter's interface will present several options for tailoring its sound, including cutoff frequency, resonance, and modulation settings.
Begin by adjusting the cutoff frequency and resonance controls to find the sweet spot that complements your pad. The MS-20’s state-variable filter will allow you to move between different filter modes, but for a classic sound, start with a low-pass filter setting. Slowly increase the resonance for a more pronounced filtering effect, creating those squelchy textures reminiscent of early electronic music.
The true magic lies in modulation, so let's explore the LFO/Envelope modulation capabilities. Activate the LFO modulation button and adjust the LFO rate to enhance movement within your pad. Setting a slow LFO rate will introduce a subtle, evolving quality, while faster rates can add rhythmic excitement. Use the envelope follower to dynamically affect the cutoff frequency further, responding to the pad's volume changes to create an organic breathing effect.
Add a touch of analog saturation to bring warmth and depth, emulating the classic character associated with analog circuitry. Carefully increase the saturation knob to enrich the sound without overpowering it—this can add harmonic richness and a slight edge that helps the pad stand out in a mix.
For mono summing, engage this feature to see how it affects the width and presence of your pad, especially useful when preparing for live performances or situations where mono compatibility is necessary. Listen to how the spatial qualities shift and adjust the levels to maintain a good balance.
Finally, automate the cutoff frequency and modulation depth to evolve over the course of your track. This can enhance the narrative of your composition, making it more engaging over time. By using automation in strategic points—such as transitions or to emphasize musical climaxes—you can ensure your synth pad dynamically supports the journey of your track.
Experimentation is key with the MS-20 Filter 1.1. Its combination of classic filtering techniques and modern modulation options offers a substantial playground for sound design. With these techniques, you can significantly broaden your sound palette and make impactful, emotive music.
Further Thoughts
To bring the legendary MS-20 vibe into your Ableton Live production, the MS-20 Filter 1.1 Max for Live device by bath0ry offers an exciting replica of the classic filter’s character. Here’s how you can integrate this device into a complex sound design scenario to elevate your mix:
Begin by dropping the MS-20 Filter 1.1 onto a bass track in your Ableton Live session. This will be particularly effective with a bass patch that has a rich harmonics structure, such as a wavetable or analog bass, allowing you to exploit the filter’s distinctive analog saturation and state-variable characteristics.
Set the Filter Cutoff Control to a mid-frequency range to accentuate the device's robust, punchy resonance without overwhelming the low end. This setting becomes the axis around which your modulation can pivot. Increase the Resonance slightly to introduce that iconic MS-20 squelch, ensuring it’s prominent yet not overpowering in your mix.
Engage the LFO modulation feature and sync it to your track’s tempo. By modulating the cutoff frequency with the LFO set to a slow triangle waveform, you add movement and an organic feel to the bassline. Experiment with adjusting the LFO rate to find the sweet spot where the modulation complements your track's rhythmic groove.
Next, explore the envelope modulation parameters to add dynamic interest. Set the envelope to modulate both the filter cutoff and the saturation amount. By shaping your envelope attack and decay times, you can synchronize the filtering effect with the bass's natural attack transients, giving each note a lively bounce.
Consider the mono summing option for a tighter, more centered bass response, especially beneficial in a mix context where stereo bass information might clutter the sound space. This setup refines the focus of the low end, maintaining clarity without sacrificing depth.
Finally, as a creative touch, automate subtle parameter changes such as the cutoff frequency or LFO rate over time, weaving dynamic sweeps into breakdowns or transitions. This approach not only mimics live analog manipulation but also grants your production an engaging human feel.
This Max for Live device not only revitalizes the character of an MS-20 but also encourages an interactive approach to sound design, inviting users to experiment and craft their unique audio signatures. Remember to save your patch setups as device presets within Ableton Live, allowing for quick recall and further exploration in future projects.