Mojo Hand Analogue Filter 442 Guest Review

The following is a guest post review of the Mojo Hand Analogue Filter 442  by Bobby Morelli. If you are interested in guest posting, please contact me!

Want to add some cool textures, funky flavor, or auto-wah goodness to your sonic palette?  Well, the Mojo Hand Analogue Filter 442 could be what you’re looking for!

This handwired, true-bypass envelope filter is based on the out-of-production DOD 440 Envelope Filter which was made popular by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead fame.  In addition to true bypass switching the pedal features an LED indicator and controls for “level” and “range.”  The pedal is able to run off a nine volt battery or standard “Boss style” adapter. While the only two controls are “level” and “range,” they take a little getting used to.  The “level” knob controls the frequency of the filter and the “range” knob controls the sensitivity of the filter.  Basically a stronger pick attack will produce a wider frequency sweep; go less aggressive with your picking hand and the filter becomes more subtle.  The trick is finding the right balance between the “level” and the “range.”

Once dialed in I found the pedal to have a very unique tone, and while it won’t replace a wah pedal it certainly can cop that sort of vibe. Small changes in the controls’ settings can yield very dramatic changes in feel and tone of the pedal, and I view that as a good thing.  From a highly sensitive filter with a biting tone, to a broad range filter with an eerie warble, it’s all there!

I’m using the pedal to add more dimension and a different texture to my tone; something that’s outside of the usual suspects of a phaser, flanger, or chorus.  The pedal seems to be more expressive and have more “cut” when used with cleaner amp settings.  Heavier distortion tones seem make the effect less noticeable.  This doesn’t detract from the pedal and could have to do with having it after my drive pedal in my signal chain.  And while I’m using the pedal in an indie-rock setting I’m sure it would be equally at home in a funk band. If you’re looking for something beyond your usual modulation effects and something that doesn’t break the bank I highly suggest taking a look at the Mojo Hand Analogue Filter 442!

Mojo Hand Analogue Filter 442 – MSRP $149

Pros: Unique tone, small footprint, plenty of tonal options
Cons: Tricky to dial in at first
Others to consider: Electro Harmonix Nano Doctor Q, DOD FX25B, Mutron III Plus

For this review I ran the Mojo Hand Analogue Filter 442 into a Dr. Z MAZ Jr 2×12 Non-reverb loaded with Celestion G12H30 speakers, and for guitars I used an early 90s Les Paul Standard, 1952 Reissue Telecaster, Rickenbacker 360, and Vintage Hot Rod Stratocaster.

About the author:
Bobby Morelli is the lead guitarist in the Tampa, FL based rock band Drew Street Mary.  He’s a tone whore and spends time worrying about gear when he should be practicing.
Web site – www.drewstreetmary.com
Twitter – @drewstreetmary