The Emma Electronic DB-1 DiscumBOBulator is an analog envelope filter, the pedal type that opens and closes a filter automatically in response to how hard you play, producing the auto-wah sounds heard on funk and fusion records. Pedal of the Day reviewed it as an "Analog Envelope Filter" that "re-creates those sounds with painstaking detail," and as part of a limited edition re-release from Emma Electronic1. Its circuit is based on the Mu-Tron III, the envelope filter that set the standard for the effect1.
The Mu-Tron III connection
The Mu-Tron III, originally made by Musitronics, uses an optical circuit, a design in which photo-couplers control the filter rather than conventional electronic switching23. Musitronics Mu-Tron's own reissue, the Mu-Tron III Vintage Silver, is described by the maker as "a modern day reincarnation of the legendary MU-TRON III. With the same circuit"2. The DB-1 follows that same design idea, and Pedal of the Day's reviewer framed its appeal in terms of price: "you're paying WAY LESS than you would find an original Mu-Tron III for"1.
Controls
The DB-1 keeps its control set small, with three knobs covering the essentials of an envelope filter1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | Sets the overall level at which the filter is engaged1 |
| Width | Adjusts the frequency range, or "Q"1 |
| Attack | Responds to the speed of your playing, so you're able to accurately track faster runs with ease1 |
Sensitivity and Width work together: Sensitivity decides how easily the filter opens at your playing level, while Width decides how pronounced the filtered band sounds. Attack lets fast single-note runs stay articulate instead of smearing into one long sweep1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's reviewer, Mike B, described the sound as "Thick and analog-tastic, but nice and quiet at the same time," adding that this was "not necessarily the case with the older 'Mu' variety" auto-wahs1. His verdict on value was blunt: "You could try to find a comparable envelope filter for the price, but you'd be wasting your time, this is the real deal"1.
DB-1, DB-2 and v3
The DB-1's envelope filter is built around playing dynamics. Emma Electronic says the Attack knob responds to the speed of your playing, so you're able to accurately track faster runs with ease4. The company describes the sound as "Thick and analog-tastic, but nice and quiet at the same time," in contrast to older "Mu" variety auto-wah designs4. Reviewers agreed on the value: "You could try to find a comparable envelope filter for the price, but you'd be wasting your time, this is the real deal"4.
The DB-1 was a limited edition release, and the line has since moved on through the DB-2 and the v3. Players looking for the current version should look at the DiscumBOBulator v3 rather than the original DB-1.
For more on the effect type, see the site's page on filter pedals.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
EMMA electronic
BassTheWorld.com
Questions
Is the Emma DB-1 DiscumBOBulator analog?
Yes. Pedal of the Day describes the DB-1 DiscumBOBulator as an analog envelope filter, and its reviewer found the tone thick and analog-sounding while staying quiet, which he noted was not necessarily the case with older Mu-Tron style auto-wahs.
What is the DB-1 DiscumBOBulator based on?
The DB-1 is based on the Mu-Tron III, the classic envelope filter. Pedal of the Day reviewed it as part of a limited edition re-release from Emma Electronic, and noted that it re-creates the original's sounds while costing far less than finding an original Mu-Tron III.
Can you use an envelope filter on bass?
Yes. The DB-1 DiscumBOBulator was reported to work well with guitar, bass and keys, and the reviewer even mentioned saxophone. The Mu-Tron III circuit it is based on was itself a favorite of bass players, so the DB-1 suits low-tuned instruments.
What does the Width knob do on an envelope filter?
On the DB-1, the Width knob adjusts the frequency range, or Q, of the filter. Together with the Sensitivity knob, which sets the overall level at which the filter is engaged, it shapes how pronounced and how wide the wah effect sounds.
What is the difference between the DB-1, DB-2 and v3 DiscumBOBulator?
The DB-1 was the original limited edition re-release. In 2017 Emma Electronic announced the DB-2, a reboot with four main controls, a 10dB boost footswitch and a price drop from $249 to $199, followed by a v2 revision with a Boost channel, improved filter-triggering, extended dynamic range and tripled input headroom. In 2023 the DB-3 v3 replaced the discontinued DB-2, adding a side chain input and refinements to the clean boost.
Sources (4)
- Emma Electronic DB-1 DiscomBOBulator Envelope Filter, Pedal of the Day, 2014-06-11
- Mu-Tron III Vintage Silver, Musitronics Mu-Tron (mu-tron.com)
- Analog Man Envelope Filter Review, Premier Guitar, 2015-11-09
- EMMA Discumbobulator DB-2 effect pedal: A reboot for some cool filtered funk, gearnews.com, 2017-06-27
