Skip to main content

This season, gift now & pay later with Get Details

Play Video
48-Month Financing*
Studio Electronics Studio Electronics

Studio Electronics Boomstar SEM Filter

Q&A SKU #J46992000000000
1045.0 $1,045.00
Or
21.78 $21.78/mo. with 48 months financing*
Limited time Learn more
More ways to pay:
Lease-to-own with Progressive Leasing. Learn more
Loyalty Points Icon
Loyalty Points Icon
Earn 8,360 reward points
($83.60 in credit)
Earn 8,360 reward pts.
($83.60 in credit)
Inventory Msg Check Mark Inventory Msg Exclamation In Checkout Promo Inventory Msg Download Icon
Order Now!
This item is backordered but is available to reserve now. You will not be charged until the item ships.
  • Free Shipping
  • Flexible Financing
  • Lowest Price
Product Warranties Icon Product Warranties Icon

Gold Coverage Protection

Protect your gear

Chevron Right Icon
Overview

Classic SEM filter with contemporary improvements.

The Boomstar SEM is known as a "Voltage Controlled State Variable Filter" because it provides simultaneous high-pass, low-pass and band-pass outputs, all with a 12dB/Oct slope. The notch is the inverse of the band pass, achieved by summing the low-pass and high-pass outputs. This version is a combination of the original SEM filter and the newer design from the OBX, along with improvements by SE. It has a modest current draw, which it pulls evenly from the plus and minus rails.

This filter is a "State Variable" circuit, which is an analog computer model of a pendulum. When the resonance is increased, the "damping" or stabilizing of the circuit is actually decreased. This makes the pendulum swing more wildly. If it is hit hard enough, it will swing all the way to one side and "stick" there, what is called "bonk out."

Many sound designers like the sounds that can be gotten as it goes into and out of "bonk out," so Boomstar has not made the filter "idiot proof" by limiting the input level and resonance amount. If you don't like it, limit your input level and/or resonance amount. Otherwise, go wild. It won't hurt the circuit.

Potentiometer Potential
Three attenuverter and four attenuation pots control the FREQUENCY, RESONANCE, FREQ CV 1, RESO CV, LP HP, INPUT and OUTPUT, delivering smooth, detailed and complex expression.

Switch it Up
FULL and HALF strength filter frequency keyboard/voltage tracking, and BP/LP-HP modes.

Patch it Up
Seven patch points: 1 V/O, FREQ CV 1, FREQ CV 2, RESO CV, INPUT, BP LP-HP and OUTPUT direct the deepest manipulation.

Features

All Controls and Patch Points
  • FREQUENCY: Adjusts the frequency, or cut-off of the filter
  • RESONANCE: Adjusts the resonance of the filter
  • FULL HALF TRACK: Switch between full and half keyboard/voltage tracking
  • FREQ CV 1: Frequency control voltage 1 input attenuverter
  • RESO CV: Resonance control voltage input attenuverter
  • LP HP: Low Pass/High Pass attenuverter
  • INPUT: Adjusts the audio input
  • OUTPUT: Adjusts the audio output
  • 1 V/O: One volt per octave control voltage input
  • FREQ CV 1: Frequency control voltage 1 input
  • BP OUT: Band Pass Output. No cable patched, BP passes through the mains
  • RESO CV: Resonance control voltage input
  • INPUT: Audio input
  • BP LP-HP: Switch between Band Pass Low Pass, High Pass modes
  • OUTPUT: Audio output
Details
  • Size: 12hp
  • Depth: 39.7 mm with ribbon cable attached
  • Power Usage: 32mA (+12/-12)

Essential for your modular system. Order today.

Q&A

Questions & Answers

Do you have questions about this product?

Shop with a Friend
Free Shipping
  • Free Standard Ground shipping (48 contiguous states, some overweight and Used/Vintage items excluded).
  • Orders placed before 3 p.m. ET usually ship the same business day.
Learn More
2-Year Free Warranty on Guitars

Every guitar or bass you purchase from Musician's Friend (electric or acoustic, New or Open Box) includes two years of protection from manufacturer defects.

Contact Us for Details
We're Here for You

Our Gear Advisers are available to guide you through your entire shopping experience. Call or Chat for expert advice and to hear the latest deals.

Contact Us
Proactive Advisor Support Chat