What is Harmonic Dissector?
It is a dual-section resonant filter effect with parallel topology, independent controls for each section, and four slots for moving between stored states.
effect
Harmonic Dissector
Dual parallel resonant filters with slewed slots, clocked stepping, stereo motion, and harmonic edge.
FilterAU/VST3Mac/Win
What it is
Harmonic Dissector is a dual-section, parallel resonant filter effect for controllable harmonic shaping and movement. Each section has independent frequency, resonance behavior, drive, level, modulation, and pan, and the v1.2 slot system lets those settings move between four stored states.
The two filter sections run in parallel, so each side can follow its own frequency, bandwidth, drive, level, and pan shape. The four slots can be randomized, copied, pasted, slewed, stepped by internal clock, or stepped by host sync, which turns the plugin into a compact motion tool as much as a filter.
Use it for resonant stereo movement, tremolo and auto-pan shapes, stepping or sweeping filter patterns, narrow-band character on synths and bass, and more animated distortion when the LFOs are pushed into audio-rate territory.
Full walkthrough
A quick 2-minute walkthrough of Harmonic Dissector covering its functionality, the philosophy behind it, and showing it on various sound sources.
Sound examples using the Harmonic Dissector v1.2.0 slot sequencer update.
Slot sequencer
Harmonic Dissector is one of the effects where the slot sequencer quickly becomes part of the instrument rather than an extra feature. Different slots can hold different filter offsets, drive amounts, widths, and pan positions, so the plugin can jump or glide between several resonant attitudes while the source stays put.
That makes it easy to build evolving filter motion without overcomplicating the interface. It also works well together with ordinary DAW automation, especially when the slot changes handle the broader spectral movement and the DAW takes care of faster modulation depth or timing changes.
Watch slot sequencer videoHighlights
Dual parallel resonant lanes
Build two independent spectral motion paths with dedicated frequency, bandwidth, drive, level, and pan controls.
Four slewed slots
Store four states and move between them with slew, internal clock, or host sync.
Randomize, copy, and refine
Randomize section settings, copy and paste slots, then narrow in on useful motion without rebuilding the patch.
How producers use it
- Tremolo and auto-pan movement from level and pan slots
- Stepped or sweeping resonant filter patterns
- Animated harmonic focus for synths, Rhodes, bass, and loops
Fit and focus
Great fit for:
- resonant filtering with motion
- compact slot-based modulation
- parallel signal design
- filter effects that like to move
Questions people ask
How does the slot system work?
Each slot stores a filter state. You can switch manually, step with internal or host clock, add slew between states, randomize slots, and copy or paste them when you want the two sides to line up.
Who is it for?
Producers who want animated spectral control, resonant movement, and quick filter patterns without building complex routing externally.
What does it do to sound?
It can tighten focus, create moving formant-like emphasis, add stereo pan and level motion, and introduce driven resonant character that evolves in time.
Compatibility
macOS 12+, Windows 10/11
macOS: AU/VST3, Windows: VST3
These plugins use detailed real-time processing and are happiest on reasonably recent CPUs, especially when several instances are running at once.
Slot sequencer
A shared walkthrough of the Unusable slot sequencer system, including how stored states, stepping, and slew can turn a static patch into motion.
Preset system
A shared walkthrough of the Unusable preset system, with practical tips for saving, naming, organizing, and moving between ideas.
Bundle option
Also available in bundle form
If this plugin fits your workflow, there is a good chance one of the bundles will fit even better and reduce total spend.
Includes 5 products.
Includes 14 products.