Description
Filter SEM brings the iconic sound of Tom Oberheim’s legendary Synthesizer Expander Module into the modern era. Renowned for its versatile 12dB per octave state variable filter, this plugin allows musicians and producers to sculpt audio with precision and creativity. Combining faithful analogue modelling with contemporary enhancements, Filter SEM can process any audio source in your DAW, from acoustic instruments to synthesiser tracks, giving them the classic SEM character or pushing them into entirely new sonic territory. With crossfadable modes including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch, plus additional features like a noise oscillator, soft clipping, gate sequencer and modulation matrix, it’s both simple to use and incredibly powerful. Whether shaping vocals, creating rises and drops, or animating complex rhythmic sequences, Filter SEM is a dynamic tool for modern music production. Its rich heritage and innovative features make it an essential addition to any studio setup, offering both vintage charm and forward-looking flexibility.
Key Features
- State Variable SEM Filter:
Faithfully recreates the classic low-pass, high-pass, notch and band-pass filter modes, giving you authentic SEM tone with modern control over cutoff, resonance and output volume. - Enhanced Modulation:
Includes an LFO with five waveforms, envelope controls and a simple modulation matrix, enabling rhythmic sequences, evolving textures and creative sound design possibilities. - Noise and Saturation:
Add rich harmonic content with the integrated noise oscillator and soft clipping circuit, giving your tracks analogue warmth, character and dynamic edge.
Simple Yet Powerful:
Filter SEM takes the pioneering simplicity of the original SEM and expands it into a fully modern plugin. Its intuitive interface makes navigating filter modes, envelopes and modulation sources effortless. You can sculpt subtle tonal changes or create dramatic filter sweeps across multiple tracks, all with the hands-on feel of the original hardware. Despite its power, the design remains approachable, allowing both beginners and experienced producers to explore complex sound design without being overwhelmed.
Creative Flexibility:
Beyond emulating the vintage SEM sound, Filter SEM adds contemporary features such as a gate sequencer, DAW-synchronised LFO, and modulation matrix. These tools enable rhythmic experimentation, live performance control via MIDI, and endless possibilities for shaping audio, making it a versatile instrument for any genre. The included presets provide instant inspiration, while also serving as starting points for custom filter creations.
Modern Integration:
Filter SEM is designed to work seamlessly with all major DAWs on Windows and macOS. It supports VST, AAX, Audio Unit and NKS formats, and is optimised for real-time performance. With TAE technology powering its analogue modelling, you get component-accurate emulation and authentic analogue warmth, making it both a reliable studio tool and a creative powerhouse for live use.
Specifications
- Virtual recreation of the classic 12dB/oct SEM filter
- Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch modes
- Cutoff frequency and resonance controls
- Dry/Wet and output volume settings
- Noise oscillator for spectral enhancement
- Soft clipping circuit modelling
- Envelope generator with Attack, Hold and Decay
- LFO with 5 waveforms and Sample and Hold mode
- DAW-synchronised tempo control
- Gate sequencer with up to 16 steps
- Modulation matrix with 8 destinations
- 40 presets from top sound designers
- TAE analogue modelling technology
- Windows 10+ (64-bit) and Mac OS 11+ compatible
- VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS formats supported














