The SolidGoldFX Supa Funk Envelope Bi-Filter is a compact, all-analog envelope filter pedal unveiled on 12 October 2021. It is a dual-band design: two low-pass filters that you can blend against each other, built around what SolidGoldFX calls a tuneable analog envelope generator with depth, frequency and sensitivity controls12.
What sets it apart from a single-filter envelope pedal is the Color knob, which blends in a second low-pass filter. SolidGoldFX says this takes you from "classic bom-chicka-wow-wow funk, all the way to rich, throaty and vocal filter sweeps"1. The pedal follows on from the maker's earlier Funkzilla and Funk Lite filter pedals, distilling that line into one compact box13.
Two blended low-pass filters
Most envelope filters sweep one low-pass filter across your signal. The Supa Funk carries two, and the Color knob sets how the second one interacts with the first. MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley described the result: "It offers the services of two low pass filters and allows us to blend them"2.
A two-way Direction toggle selects the sweep direction: a traditional forward sweep, or a reverse sweep that Horsley characterized as "a little more of a sci-fi, weird feel"2. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio summed up the Color knob's range at launch: counter-clockwise gives brighter and sharper filter tones, clockwise brings out chewy growl and girth5.
The controls
The control set is built around the analog envelope generator, with a few twists:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | Sets how strongly your picking drives the envelope; fully counterclockwise turns the envelope off for a fixed filter12 |
| Depth | Sets the width or peak of the envelope effect, from a shallow filter sweep to a full-on sweep24 |
| Freq | Sets the center frequency of the filter sweep; counterclockwise is deep and bass-heavy, clockwise brightens for sharper sounds2 |
| Color | Blends in the second low-pass filter; counterclockwise for brighter, sharper tones, clockwise for growl and girth125 |
| Volume | Sets the output level2 |
| Direction toggle | Two-way switch for a forward or reverse filter sweep2 |
The envelope generator itself is analog and tuneable through its depth, frequency and sensitivity controls, which SolidGoldFX describes as parameters to fine tune your envelope response, filter center and response, along with output and filter direction1.
Cocked-wah and fixed filter mode
Turn Sensitivity all the way counterclockwise and the envelope generator switches off, leaving the Supa Funk as a fixed filter. MusicRadar noted this can be used "as a fixed filter for cocked-wah" sounds or for lo-fi textures2. That gives the pedal a second job as a static tone shaper alongside its envelope duties, a role players otherwise reach for a wah pedal parked in one position to do.
Bass, synth and other instruments
SolidGoldFX lists the pedal as suitable for guitar, bass, synth and keys, and other electronic applications1. At launch, MusicRadar reported that the maker said it "will happily process the signal from your synthesizer, electronic keyboard, bass guitar, and other electronic signals as well as electric guitar"2. For bass players, that puts it among the filter options worth considering alongside dedicated bass envelope pedals.
Build, power and price
The Supa Funk is handmade in Montreal, Canada12. It runs on a regular 9V DC power supply with a center negative plug, drawing 20 mA, so it is easy on a typical pedalboard power supply15. The enclosure features a 70's wallpaper print finish, with top-mounted input and output jacks for pedalboard-friendly routing and silent, soft touch true bypass switching13.
At launch it was priced at $189 in the US and £175 in the UK, and was available immediately23.
"It sounds pretty raw and funky to me, which is exactly what you want from a decent envelope filter. I really like the tones it can produce."
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Questions
Does the Supa Funk work on bass and synth?
Yes. SolidGoldFX says the Supa Funk is suitable for guitar, bass, synth and keys, and other electronic applications. MusicRadar reported at launch that it will happily process signals from synthesizers, electronic keyboards and bass guitars as well as electric guitar.
Can the Supa Funk do a fixed cocked-wah sound?
Yes. Turning the Sensitivity knob fully counterclockwise switches off the envelope generator, leaving the pedal working as a fixed filter. MusicRadar described this as useful for cocked-wah sounds or lo-fi textures.
Is the SolidGoldFX Supa Funk true bypass?
Yes. SolidGoldFX specifies silent, soft touch true bypass switching, and Gearnews confirmed the true-bypass switching, noting it will not affect your tone when the pedal is not engaged.
How much current does the Supa Funk draw?
SolidGoldFX lists a 20 mA current draw, powered by a regular 9V DC supply with a center negative plug. MusicRadar reported the draw as under 20 mA at launch.
Where is the Supa Funk made?
The Supa Funk is handmade in Montreal, Canada, by SolidGoldFX, a maker that has built filter pedals including the earlier Funkzilla and Funk Lite.
Sources (5)
- SUPA FUNK, SolidGoldFX
- Get your “bom-chicka-wow-wow” funk guitar sound sorted with SolidGoldFX's new Supa Funk Envelope Bi-Filter pedal, MusicRadar, 2021-10-12
- SolidGoldFX unveils updated dual filter-equipped Supa Funk Envelope Bi-Filter pedal, Guitar World, 2021-10-12
- SolidGoldFX Supa Funk Envelope Bi-Filter: Get your funk on, gearnews.com, 2021-10-12
- SolidGoldFX Supa Funk Envelope Bi-Filter, Delicious Audio, 2021-10-12
