View the Behringer Crave on Amazon
Behringer Crave Filter
The Crave features a classic Moog-style 24 dB ladder filter and thanks to the semi-modular nature of the synth, you can filter other synths through it. So why would you want to do that. Well firstly my main synth is a Minibrute 2s, this includes a Steiner Parker 12 dB filter which has a different character, so I thought it would be interesting to try the Minibrute through the Crave and add a bit of warmth. Also the resonance on the Crave can be very extreme so we should get some squelchyness!
And lastly, whats the point in having semi-modular synths if you dont utilise the patch panel and start interconnecting and experimenting!
How to Connect Your Synths to the Crave’s Filter
Take the audio output from your other synth (or audio source) and connect it to this “EXT AUDIO” input jack using a 3.5mm cable.
Flip the VCA MODE switch ON, this opens up the VCA continuously so you don’t need the internal sequencer gates
Sweep the MIX knob hard right to EXT/NOISE, and now instead of the normal Noise source the External interface will be used.
And connect the VCA/LINE OUT as normal to your mixer.
Make some noise
Now you can start experimenting with the CUTOFF and RESONANCE and also the Modulation can be shaped in the normal way with the MOD SOURCE switch set to LFO, add movement to the modulation by increasing the VCF MOD dial to increase the impact. Set the SHAPE switch to Triangle for a smoother effect that the Square. If you set the MOD SOURCE to Envelope you also need to connect the ENV GATE input to the gate output of your synth, and try the NEG MOD POLARITY setting, because the Craves Envelope will need a Gate to trigger it.
Advanced Patching Ideas
The Crave’s patch bay opens up a world of possibilities for creative filtering:
- LFO Modulation: Patch the “LFO OUT” (Triangle or Square) to the “VCF CUTOFF” input for rhythmic filter sweeps. Adjust the LFO rate for subtle wobbles or aggressive pulsations.
- Envelope Modulation: Use the “ENV OUT” to modulate the “VCF CUTOFF” for dynamic, percussive filter effects.
- External CV Control: If you have another synth or modular system with CV outputs, you can patch those into the Crave’s “VCF CUTOFF” input for external control over the filter. Now you can sequence filter sweeps from another sequencer!
- Mix Multiple Sources: While the “MIX” knob only blends the internal oscillator, noise, and external input, you could use an external mixer or the Crave’s internal “VC MIX” module to combine multiple external audio sources before feeding them into the Crave’s external input.
- Self-Oscillating Filter as an Oscillator: At high resonance, the Crave’s filter can self-oscillate, producing a sine-wave-like tone. You can then use the Crave’s “VCF CV” input to play this self-oscillating filter chromatically with a CV source (e.g., a keyboard or sequencer). This effectively gives you another “oscillator” with a unique timbre.
Gain Staging
A note on Gain Staging to be mindful of is the Crave’s external input expects a relatively hot signal, so you can take this from a modular system or another semi-modular synth, but if you are trying to use a line-out from something then you will likely need to boost its gain before feeding it into the Crave.
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