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UFX FILTER 1.0 User Guide (rev B)

 written & edited by ƒ®ø

Welcome

Thank you very much for purchasing (or trying) UFX FILTER - a product designed to provide you with exceptional control and stunning sonic possibilities.

What is UFX?

UFX is UJAM’s take on common and traditional effects.

What do we mean by UJAMs take? Well, at UJAM many of us produce music and use effects and audio processors ourselves. We feel that since they have been invented in the mid of last century - by and for sound engineers - there’s been a lack of innovation.

Effects are still mostly designed with sound engineers in mind - just look at the knobs and their names and you’ll see that most effect plug-ins still emulate hardware from the 60s.

What we are missing is creative effects. Built with the musician in mind, not only concerned with accuracy and technical excellence but also inspiration and creativity. That is what we are aiming for with UJAMs take.

With our Finisher series we went to the extreme - a Finisher is an inspiring black box with a few - often intentionally weird-labeled - variation knobs. A Finisher says “You want to play? Let’s play!” instead of “You have an effect problem? We should solve it in a very serious way.”

Finishers have been highly acclaimed and prized by users and press, and we’re proud of that. At the same time we’ve received a lot of user feedback asking for a little more control. Like ‘What tools have you got for me when I want to play a bigger part in the creation of the sounds and not just be surprised and wowed?’ Enter UFX.

The approach behind UFX REVERB, DELAY and FILTER is straightforward: Take a professional audio processing engine, slap a UJAM frustration-free user interface on it, then add some UJAM magic – we all want to play and have fun after all.

We designed UFX so that it speaks to musicians - creating, trying, exploring - not problem-solving - but of course the audio engine is more than up-to-par with the requirements of the sound engineer who looks for a new approach.

About UFX FILTER

Like its siblings, UFX REVERB and UFX DELAY, UFX FILTER combines modular, extremely customizable core effect - in this case an array of high-quality synthesizer filters - with creative multi-effects. It is an amazing tool for shaping, molding, tweaking and creating new sounds from your audio tracks and instruments

At the core of the plug-in are the 20 modes - these range from simple clean or dirty, tape and or digital, and more. We added several fun patterns at the end of the list that go beyond the proverbial filter effect, e.g. by pitching the signal by octaves, turning it into grain clouds or adding such complex patterns that you can turn a single note into a compelling background sequence.

You’ll find the usual set of parameters to tweak the effect to your music or your idea - from different stereo modes to feedback to modulation.

Tip: Always check out these parameters once you’ve selected a mode - particularly the Characteristics knobs often do clever things depending on the selected mode. 

The UFX series also includes an effects section for additional processing–UFX FILTER includes both Shaper and Finisher, each with a variety of modes.

And lets not forget the intelligent Randomization function that creates new and often unheard-of Filter presets for you on the click of a button.

All this adds up to a unique plug-in that’s way more than its name might imply. We hope you have fun while expanding your sonic horizon, that it inspires you and provides lots of pleasant surprises.

So… tell us what you think. We can’t wait to hear from you about how you’re using UFX FILTER in your music - after all, that is what inspired it!

Installation

Installing with the UJAM App

We recommend installing UFX FILTER from the UJAM App – whether you’ve purchased it or are starting a new trial.

Installing without the UJAM App

Installation without the UJAM App is an option if needed. You can download the standalone installer from our knowledge base, then launch the installer and follow the prompts. (The UJAM App is still used to activate the plug-in, so after installing simply launch that and sign in, then click the ‘Refresh’ link.)

Trying, Buying, Authorizing

We only want you to spend money if you’re absolutely happy with UFX FILTER. That’s why, like with other UJAM plug-ins, we provide a free trial during which the plug-in will run without any limitation.

After the trial period expires, you will need to purchase a license if you wish to keep using it. Once you’ve done so, use the UJAM App for automated plug-in authorization.

When opening UFX FILTER during the trial period you will see this screen which shows:

• Information about your trial status
• Buttons to Continue Trial (taking you back to the plug-in) or Activate Now (if you own a license)
• A Buy Now button to take you to the UJAM store to purchase a UFX FILTER license

How to Authorize

1. Make sure that the product license is in your account (check your licenses at ujam.com/backstage/products).
2. Activate the license in the UJAM App (click the ‘Refresh now’ link at the bottom of the plugins)
3. Installation and authorization help can be found at support.ujam.com

Quick Start

Before we look at things in more depth, let’s take a quick look at how to create and tweak UFX FILTER since that may be all you need for now. This super-short section will show you how to get started in a few minutes.

Opening the Plug-in

After installing UFX FILTER, you’ll find it in the Effect plug-in menu of your VST, AU or AAX-compatible digital audio workstation (DAW). Here you can select it as an insert on a track.

Exploring Global Presets

When you start using UFX FILTER in your DAW, take some time to browse through the global presets at the top bar. These presets, grouped into categories provide a variety of styles to suit different production needs. Pick a preset from the menu or step through the list by simply clicking the left/right arrows. This works best when you send a basic audio signal like a short loop to the plug-in (of course you can also play something live). Try using the Preset Lock feature to lock the Mix slider at a certain value (e.g. ~50%). This gives you consistent control when browsing presets. Once you’ve found a preset you like, use the Mix slider to get more or less of the selected effect.

[see the list of presets]

Creating Your Sound

Before you start the sound design, try deactivating Shaper and Finisher and set the Mix slider to at least 50% so you can clearly hear the effect.

1. Choose a Mode from its drop-down menu.

2. Adjust the controls in the Filter section: Cutoff, Reso, Slope.

3. Adjust the controls in the Modulation section: Rate, Depth, Shape.

4. Enable Shaper and/or Finisher and try different options from their lists. 

That’s the easiest way to get started, but keep reading for more detailed information.

Managing the Plug-In 

Presets

UFX FILTER has a large number of Factory Presets divided into descriptive categories.

Loading Presets

The Preset Menu at the top of the plug-in window lets you easily select a preset directly or step through the included presets.

You can either:

• Click the arrow buttons to the right of the preset name to step through the list

• Click the current preset name to open the dropdown menu

If you’re new to UFX FILTER, we recommend you set up a loop and just go through the Presets to get an impression of what it can do.

Saving Presets

Once you have made changes to a Preset, you can save it in different ways:

• Overwrite a Preset using the ‘Save’ command. Effective when you want that preset to recall the new settings.
• Create a new Preset with the ‘Save As’ command. Useful when you want to have both old and new settings available for recall.

Note:

• You cannot overwrite Factory Presets. Please use the ‘Save As…’ command to create a new version of that Preset and save it to the User Library.
• Either way, when saving a Preset, you can select a preset category for organization purposes. Once saved, you’ll find your new Preset in the ‘User’ folder, organized into whichever category you’ve selected.

Resizable Interface

The user interface is resizable to fit optimally on different sized screens.

To resize the window, do one of the following:

• Click the rectangle shaped icon next to the notification bell in the top right corner.

• Drag the three stripes in the bottom right corner of the user interface.

Update Notifications

The little Bell icon in the upper right informs you of available updates. When an update is waiting, the icon will show a dot and a dialog will open with more info.

Note: We do our best to ensure that updates do not break any existing projects, but it’s good practice to have a roll back plan just in case. Use the Uninstall feature in the UJAM App, then run the older standalone installer.

Plug-in Information

Clicking on the circled “i” in the top right banner of the user interface opens the About page where you can find the installed version # and other detailed information about your plug-in.

The About Page gives you access to various types of important information:

• Acknowledgements – The people behind UFX FILTER

• Visit Product Site – UFX FILTER product information on our website

• Contact Support – Start a support ticket if you need help

• Read User Manual – Opens the User Guide (looks like you did this!)

• License Agreement – Opens the End User License Agreement (EULA)

Reference

Presets

Factory Presets are organized into the following groups: 

Modes

UFX FILTER includes 20 different Modes.

(When going through the Modes, we recommend you set the Mix slider to at least 50%, so you can properly hear the effect while stepping through them.)

Selecting a Mode

UFX FILTER lets you select Modes in two different ways:

1. Click on the Mode title to open the List View then click any Mode name to select that Mode.

2. Click on the arrows below the selected Mode title to step back and forth through the list of Modes.

Note: When switching Modes, the other settings remain unchanged. To change knob settings along with Modes, step through the Presets.

Mode Reference

(When going through the Modes, we recommend you set the Mix slider to at least 50%, so you can properly hear the effect while stepping through them.)

Filter

The Filter section controls the frequency content of the processed audio.

Modulation

The Modulation section adds rhythmic, dynamic motion to your sound which can be synchronized to the tempo of your song for precise rhythmic effects. Common applications include filter sweeps, tremolo, vibrato, and stereo motion, allowing for anything from subtle tonal shifts to dramatic, evolving textures. Modulation can bring life and expressiveness to static sounds, making them more engaging and dynamic.

Env Mod

Envelope modulation is like controlling how a sound grows, changes, or fades over time. For example, when you play a piano, the sound starts loud, then gets softer, and eventually fades away. Envelope modulation is a process that shapes this rise and fall of sound, but it can be applied to other aspects of the sound, in this case frequency, to create different effects.

Mix Slider & Lock

The Mix control allows you to adjust the balance between the original and processed audio signals. Moving the slider to the left allows more of the original, unprocessed signal to come through, reducing the prominence of the filtered effect. Moving the slider to the right increases the amount of the processed signal in your output, thereby enhancing the filter effect. 

Closing the lock will leave the Mix slider unaffected when changing Presets. This is handy when you’ve already decided on a Mix setting and just want to try Presets, for example if you have UFX FILTER on an Aux Bus and want the Mix to stay at 100%.

FX Input Mix

This knob allows you to send any mix of original and processed signal into the FX section, basically turning UFX FILTER into a full-on multi effect.

Surprise

Hit the Surprise button with the dice icon to create a new Surprise variation like a true Armégerizer. The Surprise function can give you anything between super-subtle variations and a complete change of everything. You can adjust the variation amount of each Surprise step using the knob labeled Small/Big.

Every time you click Surprise, a completely new mix of settings is generated as a start for you to create your individual reverb sound effect, which you can save as a preset. Almost everything is affected by the randomization – every control and button except Mix.

Shaper

The Shaper section incorporates various filters, allowing you to manipulate the frequencies of your processed audio signal. Click on the shaper title to open the drop-down menu or use the arrows to step through the list. You can also bypass this section by clicking on the ‘on/off‘ switch.

In general each shaper works by allowing certain frequencies to 'pass' through the filter while reducing or 'attenuating' others based on the specific characteristics of the filter. These alterations can be used for a variety of purposes, such as cleaning up or adjusting the tone or 'color' of the output signal.

Finisher

UJAM's innovative multi-effect Finisher concept is your invitation to explore a whole new world of sound. Seamlessly integrated into our Virtual Instruments and effects, or available as separate plug-ins within the Finisher series, it promises an endless playground of auditory experimentation. It's a powerful orchestration of various effect processors and your secret weapon for creative sound design.

The selection process is simple: either click on the current Finisher mode name to reveal a comprehensive list, or click the arrows to step through the options. You can also bypass this section by clicking on the ‘on/off‘ switch.

The beauty of the Finisher Mode is its ability to automate, allowing you to switch modes mid-track for an even more dynamic sound. Just a word of advice: some algorithms might cause brief glitches when switched, so plan for a short pause if required.

The Finisher effects are also incredibly exhilarating to control live, enabling you to create mesmerizing sounds with the amount knob.

Shaper Options

Finisher Options

Checking and Setting Levels

The Input Level Meter and Slider in the bottom left corner of the plug-in allows you to attenuate or amplify the level of the signal you send into UFX FILTER, and the Output Level and slider on the right side does the same for the signal coming out of UFX.

A few tips:

• Signals are usually at an optimal level if they are around 0.0 dB. Adjust them if they’re not.

• Optimal input levels are important particularly for Modes that use any kind of dynamic treatment.

• Optimal output levels are particularly important to avoid clipping and if you use subsequent processing in the same track.

Note that while you drag a slider, the resulting change will be displayed in dB.

UFX FILTER is optimized to alter the signal’s level as little as possible from input to output, but depending on the frequency content of the input signal and the processing applied this is sometimes unavoidable.

Using Input Level to Optimize Effects

Many effects, particularly dynamic filters, use the input signal level to control movements in the effect. If the input signal level is too high, you will hardly hear any effect. 

If you need to lower the Input Level a lot, compensate with Output Level. Of course… YOU knew this!

 

Automating Controls

UFX FILTER can be fully automated and MIDI-controlled and you will quickly realize how useful this is and how significantly it can improve your productions. 

For example, you can create stunning introduction or riser effects by slowly increasing the Finisher Knob. Build cool sequences by switching the Mode every few beats or add emphasis on specific beats by fading in the effect only on certain words or chords.

Automatable Parameters

The displayed parameters can be automated via DAW Automation and – with the exception of Mode – using MIDI Control Change events.

(When automating the Mode, you will notice that between certain effects there are noticeable morph fades. These are due to temporary level jumps between the complex effect configurations and they can protect your speakers and ears. No reason to worry!)

DAW Automation

To control a parameter using the automation of your DAW, find where you activate automation (usually a menu in the track inspector or hotkey “a”) and choose the parameter.

Assigning Knobs to MIDI Controllers 

It’s great fun to modulate the UFX controls with your favorite MIDI controller. However, this requires a little bit of work on your end, because all DAWs handle MIDI controllers differently for effects. There is no ‘MIDI Learn’ functionality in most of them.

Below is an example screenshot from Logic Pro – here you press B for the Smart Control view, then you can assign every UFX control to a Smart Control internally using the Learn function, and do the same for assignment of your MIDI Controller to Logic.

Feedback

Feedback isn’t just fun for guitarists, it’s absolutely critical to our mutual success. We wouldn’t be here without you, so it’s really important that we hear from you. Whether you’re wrestling with a problem or have suggestions on ways to improve our products - we want to know about it!

Ask Us

If you need help or have questions about any of our products, our support team is here for you – please Submit A Request via support.ujam.com

Tell Us

You’re the ones using this stuff to create, so tell us what (else) you need it to do. User feedback has influenced individual products and features and even inspired entire series of products at times. Thank you for any feedback you’d like to share – here are a few links you can use to reach us:

• Visit our Facebook page:        facebook.com/ujaminstruments

• Comment on our Youtube videos: youtube.com/ujaminstruments

• Comment on our Instagram posts: instagram.com/ujaminstruments

• Additional resources:       linktr.ee/ujaminstruments

Join Us

We are growing our community of users and providing more ways to connect. From our Facebook group to Discord and beyond. We hope you will join the conversation and maybe even share some of your music as we help each other in our creative adventures.