UJAM UFX Filter

We check out the newest addition to UJAM’s UFX effects range.

UJAM have a distinctive and consistent philosophy. Whether it’s their virtual instruments or virtual effects, the design intention is to combine top‑notch sounds with user‑friendly, intentionally streamlined control sets. This ethos applied to their first UFX series plug‑in, UFX Reverb, which we reviewed in SOS December 2023, and they are now back with two further UFX titles: UFX Filter, which is the main subject of this review, and UFX Delay.

Familiar Format

The 20 different filter mode presets provide plenty of sonic options.As with UFX Reverb, UFX Filter provides the user with a preset collection of processing modes. In UFX Reverb these consisted of different reverb algorithms, but this time they provide different filter combinations, including the usual low‑pass, band‑pass, high‑pass and notch options, as well as more intriguing choices and combinations of two or three filter types. Once a preset filter mode is selected, the left/centre portion of the GUI lets you fine‑tune the filter settings, adjust the depth of the input envelope modulation (allowing the filter to be driven by the amplitude of your input signal) and set the wet/dry balance using the large Mix control. In addition, the Modulation section lets you animate the filter using a range of preset modulation curves, including typical LFO waveforms but also more creative options such as stepped and rhythmic patterns. It’s a simple but surprisingly effective and flexible control set.

The right side of the GUI provides stripped‑back versions of UJAM’s Shaper and Finisher effects, with the FX Input Mix knob controlling how much signal reaches these compact multi‑effects options. Shaper’s presets provide additional filter options, saturation, distortion, EQ, pan and modulation effects, amongst a few others. Finisher provides an even wider choice, spanning reverbs, delays, glitch effects, distortion and various rhythmic effects. For both units, you simply pick one of these preset effects and then dial in the amount you want; it’s wonderfully simple but, again, also very effective. Finally, for those seeking sonic inspiration, UFX Filter provides randomisation options. Just hit the Surprise button and, depending on the Small/Big dial setting, the settings for your current patch will be subtly shifted or radically changed. It’s also worth noting that all the UFX plug‑in parameters play nicely with your DAW’s automation system, so you can add additional modulation via that route.

No Fuss Filter Fun

If you have doubts about the compact control set, UFX Filter’s ample preset selection does a very good job of demonstrating just how much filter fun is available, and you can try it all out courtesy of a 30‑day free trial (for all their plug‑ins). Indeed, it’s easy to find a great starting‑point preset for a range of sound sources (drums, synth pads, guitars, piano or vocals, for example) and pretty much any occasion. From there, the compact control set provides you with plenty of scope to dial that effect in to suit your needs.

If you dial in just the right quantity of ear candy, the outcome can be transformative.

What this all means is that you can do some cool and creative sound design in double‑quick time, without any compromise in terms of the quality of the results. Pick a couple of elements in your project, and if you dial in just the right quantity of ear candy, the outcome can be transformative. It’s impressive, creative, super‑easy to use and a lot of fun.

The depth of control you like your creative effects plug‑ins to offer is a deeply personal choice. But if the UJAM ‘keep it simple’ approach appeals to you, then great — because UFX Filter sounds great, and the incredibly modest price tag makes it a nailed‑on bargain. Having also taken UFX Delay a spin (like UFX Reverb, it can do conventional effects, but holds lots of creative potential too), I have to say that UJAM’s UFX series is coming along rather nicely.