FabFilter Volcano 3 (Download)

FabFilter Volcano 3 is the latest version of the award-winning filter plug-in and sees the introduction of a completely reimagined interface, a raft of vintage-style filter shapes, per-filter saturation control, full visualization of modulation sources and targets and much more. With its smooth workflow, no-limits flexibility and dazzlingly authentic analogue sound, it’s the first-call plugin for creative filtering. FabFilter has redesigned Volcano 3 from the ground up to make it more intuitive and immediate, while at the same time introducing a wealth of features and dramatically improving visualization of audio and modulation signals. The enhanced filter display speeds up workflow with the selection of multiple filters at once and presents a unified response curve with stereo separation, as well as a high-resolution spectrum display. Modulation signals are visualized at both sources and targets with animated collars, while the source flow area gives an eye-catching overview of all active modulations, and floating slot panels enable collective balancing of all sources modulating the currently selected control. The darker color scheme is easier on the eye over long sessions, and when it’s time to really get into details, the gorgeous full screen mode maximizes the filtering workspace.

Innovative Filters
The beating heart of Volcano is its bank of four analog-modeled filters. Expanding on the already-established High-, Low- and Band-Pass types, Volcano 3 more than doubles the options with the addition of vintage-style Bell, High/Low Shelf, Notch and All-Pass modes. Just like the original trio, these are all highly non-linear for a palpably analog sound, and can be switched through an array of sonic colorations using Volcano’s transformative Style settings. Each filter also incorporates its own variable saturation circuit, further increasing the character-shaping potential, along with a 6 dB/octave slope option; and independent volume and pan controls bring a whole new level of depth to parallel routing setups.

Upgraded Features
Beyond its stunning redesigned interface and versatile new filter types, Volcano 3 is erupting with useful functional additions, refinements and tweaks. Many of these are to be found in the modulation section, such as adjustable Attack, Decay and Release curves for the Envelope Generator, a transient detection mode for the Envelope Follower, and the Slider: a vertical-only variant on the XY Controller. Then there’s the High Quality (4x oversampling) processing mode, four interface size options, the ability to rename modulation sources and a full overhaul of the preset library, taking advantage of Volcano 3’s filter types and features.