Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
PastFX brings back the bounce with its compact extended range PX-101 Lowpass Filter take on the Moogerfooger MF-101
Key Points
PastFX’s PX-101 is a replica of the Moogerfooger MF-101 Lowpass Filter, adding an Output Level control while retaining its control topology. It measures 60mm x 112mm versus the discontinued original’s 130mm x 230mm; toggle switches replace rockers.
Controls include Amount, Smooth/Fast, Mix, Drive, Master Level, 2/4 Pole and Resonance. Internal dip-switches target Mix, Amount, Resonance or Cutoff, with Sensitivity and Cut-Off Frequency trimmers. Audiostrom MXP-1 Expression Pedal use is supported.
It suits guitar, bass, synth, drum machines and beats, covering funk, boogie, disco and sci-fi tones. Introductory pre-order pricing was $299 AUD, around $195 USD, via PastFX Webstore.
In typical PastFX fashion we have an exacting compact replica of the MF-101 using all primo components - and the truly smart addition of an Output Level control.
Besides the new Output Level knob, the control topology is identical to the 1998-2018 original. Of course the original had a couple of larger format rocker switches - which have been replaced by space-saving toggle switches on the PX-101 - but otherwise the topology and layout is exact!
In terms of comparative sizing, the now discontinued Moogerfooger MF-101 was 130mm x 230mm - where the PX-101 is just 60mm x 112mm - meaning it’s less than one quarter the size of the original!
For me this is such a 70’s sounding effect - for your classic Funk / Boogie / Disco tones. And I made really good use of the Audiostrom MXP-1 Expression Pedal to get the most out of the PX-101. Internal dip-switches within the PX-101 allow you to select which expression value you impact - where the 4 switches target : Mix, Amount, Resonance, and Cutoff. You also have Sensitivity and Cut-Off Frequency Trimmers - as you can see in the below visual :
The PX-101 certainly injects a lot of bounce into your signal. And I had a lot of fun working my way through the various tones onboard. I really love those Star Wars / RD-D2 / Pew-Pew sounds you get with Resonance fairly cranked, Fast Envelope, and 4 Pole Filter - those are some killer sci-fi sounds!
Controls - ENVELOPE } Amount, Smooth/Fast; Mix, DRIVE } Drive, Master Level;
FILTER } Pole : 2/4, Resonance.
And the new Level control comes in real handy for tweaking your intensity. Generally I have the Drive set fairly low and use the Level control to adjust the output. Both the below guitar demos are accurate to my own experience of the pedal - and you get a good understanding of the tones this delivers.
This has long since been considered a legendary effect - and to be able to get it in this pedalboard friendly format is just phenomenal. The original MF-101 is way too large to ever feature on my board - and besides the size - the extra Level control makes the PX-101 the superior pedal - albeit you don't get the wooden side panels!
Note that this effect doesn't just work brilliantly with Guitar, Bass and Synth - but also with drum machines / beats - as you can hear in the last demo - It has a really interesting impact on percussion!
I understand this is currently on introductory pre-order, and so does not yet feature on the Reverb.com site. If you want one you need to order via the PastFX Webstore - where it will currently set you back $299 AUD or around $195 USD. Well worth an investment - and particularly for bass funk players! Get your Bootsy Collins on in style!
Demos
