[sdiy] Module Placement - Dist > Filter or vice versa

[WeAreAs1 at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/17/04 9:32:50 PM, WBERZINSKAS at nc.rr.com writes:

<< just wondering what would be the "preferred" placement..  filter first or 
distortion first..  >>

Unless you're going for some sort of rather unusual effect, the distortion 
usually goes before the filter (especially if it's a shelving lowpass, as I'm 
assuming it would be..)

Guitar amps often have the tone circuits before the distortion, but they are 
usually peaking filters, which allow you to boost certain frequencies which 
will cause those frequencies to be emphasized more when they pass through the 
distortion/overdrive circuit (for example, an accentuated midrange boost).  A 
typical lowpass shelving filter (as found on most synths) doesn't really boost 
frequencies -- it only cuts them, so it's probably more useful after the 
distortion, because it can then be used to smooth out excessive high harmonics that 
are created by the distortion circuit.  Tuning this filter will give you an 
output that goes from a harsh square wave type sound to a soft sine-like sound.  
Putting the same filter before the distortion will not give such a dramatic 
tonal result, and it will also greatly effect the signal level entering the 
distortion, making it a bit harder to get the exact distortion gain you may be 
needing.