The best envelope filter pedals use a very simple principle to achieve everything from subtle auto-wah to wacky tones. These tools basically enhance your tone by adding or removing certain frequencies.
However, as opposed to EQ pedals, envelope filters can dramatically alter the tonal qualities of your guitar signal by boosting frequencies with a moveable sweep, while enhancing areas of your EQ to produce harmonic overtones for vocal-like textures.
Auto wah pedals abide by this principle. However, instead of using your foot to manually modify the effect sweep through a rocking plate as you would in a regular wah pedal, with an auto-wah you can set the attack and speed of the frequency sweep to imitate the motion of your foot.
Because they are very useful for both conventional and experimental settings, there are plenty of envelope filter pedals on the market today. Some exhibit vintage traits, while others are geared for the modern player. With so many options, we help you make sense of it all. Keep reading.
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Best Envelope Filter Pedals: Our Top 3
The Fender Pour Over Envelope Filter is our top choice for this list. It comes with switchable lowpass, bandpass, and highpass filter modes and provides a great response to playing dynamics while providing a useful and tasteful auto-wah effect.
The Electro-Harmonix Nano Q-Tron is our Budget Choice. This pedal gives the user dynamic-controlled wah-wah sounds like its predecessor, but in a more straightforward and compact stompbox that easily fits in a pedalboard, and at a more attractive price tag.
Finally, the Way Huge Smalls Attack Vector Phaser and Envelope is our Editor’s Choice. This pedal features two different effects, namely phase shifting and envelope filter, in a streamlined design and very responsive operation.
Best Envelope Filter Pedals: Individual Reviews
Durability and high quality from a legendary brand.
Fender needs no introduction among guitar players. Besides legendary guitars and amps, this renowned company produces quality pedals as well, and the Pour Over is further proof of that, with fantastic functionality and build like a tank.
The Fender Pour Over Envelope Filter comes with switchable lowpass, bandpass, and highpass filter modes to offer the user a nice variety of auto-wah sounds. The first thing we liked about this pedal is how well-built it is, ready to take a beating on the road.
We set up Fender Pour Over along with our Strat and Twin Reverb in order to run our tests. We liked the simple layout of this pedal and started by setting it on high pass filter mode on a clean tone. This pedal gave us a great response to our playing dynamics while providing a useful and tasteful auto-wah effect.
We also tried the lowpass and bandpass modes (while playing with the Frequency and Q knobs) and loved the variety they gave us. After playing in clean for a while, we activated the Distortion switch and set the Drive knob to about 11 o’clock. Here we got a nice overdriven bite that added very useful grittiness to our tone, perfect for a variety of situations.
When pushed, the Drive control added some nice harmonic richness to our tone. We spent a while discovering how the Frequency, Tone, Q, and Drive controls interact and got everything from very useful tones to some unique textures as well.
In short, a fantastic envelope filter pedal that is easy to use, intuitive, durable, and very responsible for your playing.
Verdict: The Fender Pour Over Envelope Filter pedal offers a nice variety of filtered tones thanks to its switchable lowpass, bandpass, and highpass filter modes. With this pedal, you get quality auto-wah sounds and the added benefit of dialing in some dirt with the Distortion known, in a very well-designed and well-built pedal.
A simpler version of a classic pedal, at an affordable price.
This pedal is Electro-Harmonix's response to folks that wanted Jerry Garcia-style auto-wah sounds but did not want to deal with the extensive options and massive size of the original Q-Tron pedal. The Nano Q-Tron offers an ideal compromise at a great price.
The Electro-Harmonix Nano Q-Tron gives the user dynamic-controlled wah-wah sounds much like its predecessor, but in a simpler and more compact form factor that easily fits in a pedalboard, and at a more attractive price tag.
We tried this pedal with our Gibson Les Paul and our Twin Reverb. During our tests, our favorite feature was that the harder we would pick, the wider the frequency sweep we got. Conversely, when picking softly, we got a much more subtle effect. This makes the Nano Q-Tron a very musical and expressive pedal, which is two of the most important features in just about any piece of gear.
With only four knobs, this pedal still managed to give us variety, thanks mostly to its three selectable filters: lowpass, band-pass, and highpass. We had tons of fun switching through them while using the Drive control to dial in the sensitivity and filter sweep range.
On the other hand, the Q control allowed us to control the bandwidth of the filter. We were able to go from a smooth and subtle effect to a much funkier and in-your-face auto-wah tone with a simple turn of the Q knob.
Another great feature of this pedal is the true-bypass switching, as well as a very durable and rugged chassis, as is customary with Electro Harmonix pedals. In short, an affordable, compact, and overall fantastic auto-wah that delivers the goods while being able to easily fit in your pedalboard.
Verdict: The Electro-Harmonix Nano Q-Tron is a reduced version of the original Q-Tron and gives the user quality auto wah-wah sounds with three filter options. Not only do you get a simplified version that is easier to operate, but this pedal is also far more compact as well as more affordable.
A superior pedal that gives you two effects in a stompbox size.
The Way Huge Smalls Attack Vector Phaser and Envelope pedal offers players two different effects in a compact stompbox pedal. You get quality phase shifting and envelope filter effect in a streamlined design that comes with just four knobs and a phase/envelope switch.
We tried this pedal with our Strat and Fender Twin Reverb, and started by using it conservatively, for more conventional uses. For instance, with the 2-way switch on the down position, we got a very responsive auto-wah type of sound by playing with the knobs at low levels.
We then started employing the Range and Sens knobs more aggressively to go into widely experimental territory. Naturally, the Range knob controls the envelope filter range while the Sens knob takes care of the sensitivity.
On the other hand, with the 2-way knob on the up position, we got a nice phaser effect that was very useful, especially when we kept the Speed and Feedback knobs below the 12-clock position. Just like the envelope effect, the phaser was also very responsive to our playing and dynamics.
Besides being well-built and compact, the Attack Vector comes with a true hard-wire bypass for preserving your signal’s integrity, and easy-to-grab controls and knobs that allow us to carry out precise and quick adjustments.
In short, a superior pedal that is ideal for discerning musicians. Not only do you get two quality effects that are highly responsive to your playing, but also the convenience of having a standard-size stompbox that does not take up much space or current.
Verdict: The Way Huge Attack Vector Smalls Phaser and Envelope is a well-built unit that comes with two different effects that excel in quality. With phase shifting and envelope filter effect, this unit features an intuitive design and comes in a compact and sturdy enclosure for demanding touring conditions.
Wah and envelope filter from the stompbox king.
Boss belongs in the pantheon of stompbox effects, with a massive variety of pedals that have been popular for decades. The AW-3 comes in that beloved and world-famous Boss design, where the controls are on top, and a single pedal (as opposed to a switch) activates the effect.
The Boss AW-3 Dynamic Wah offers the user fixed or auto-wah effects on a very sturdy enclosure with the famous design employed by this company for decades. The guitarist (or bassist) can choose how to use this pedal: via tempo control or an optional expression pedal.
We started our tests by trying out the Auto-wah vowel sounds featured on this pedal. We got some fantastic tones from these features with the intensity being determined by our picking strength. We loved how responsive it was to our dynamics, and used it to play some expressive single lines on our Strat.
We also got a kick of the Humanizer effect on this pedal, with some vocal-like sounds, which makes it a versatile tool. Speaking of versatility, the AW-3 also comes with dedicated inputs for electric guitar and bass. This is a great tool even for guitarists, as you can lay down some bass tracks for a demo or recording while employing this pedal.
As is tradition with Boss stompboxes, this pedal comes in a compact size that should fit comfortably in a pedalboard, and with durable metal construction. Other features like tempo control and a 5-year warranty make this pedal even more attractive. In short, a nice option for auto wah, but one that may feel dated to some players out there.
Verdict: The Boss AW-3 Dynamic Wah offers the user fixed or auto-wah effects on a very sturdy enclosure with the famous design employed by this company for decades. The guitarist (or bassist) can choose how to use this pedal: via tempo control or an optional expression pedal.
Versatility and quality in a compact unit.
Keeley produces some of the most sought-after pedals in the market today, and their reputation has only grown thanks to high quality and top craftsmanship. The Neutrino V2 remains true to that tradition by offering the user Envelope Filter/Auto-wah on a compact and sturdy stompbox.
The Keeley Neutrino V2 Envelope Filter comes with completely analog circuitry as well as hand-selected optocouplers for producing a more nuanced dynamic range. The first thing we loved about this pedal is how versatile it is, with its three filter types (lowpass, bandpass, and highpass), and two sweep directions.
Despite all of its attributes, this pedal only features three knobs and is very intuitive to use. One of our favorite features was the peak resonance control. This control gave us full command over our chordal sweeps that went from quacky to vowel-like by just turning the knob.
Robert Keeley himself described the Neutrino V2 as “Jerry Garcia in a bottle”. We wanted to put this to the test and dialed in this pedal with every knob at 12 o clock, with the Range toggle set to Lo. Here we got that unmistakable Jerry Garcia auto-wah tone reminiscent of songs like “Shakedown Street” and so many other Grateful Dead classics.
One of our favorite features on the Neutrino V2 is the Direction switch located on the side. We were able to take this pedal from closed to open (your typical wah sound) to open to closed (more of a to “aw” type of sound) all based on our pick attack. In other words, this pedal was highly responsive to our picking, a fantastic feature that makes it that much more musical.
On top of that, the Neutrino V2 comes with a side-mounted output control that makes up for perceived volume drops, and true bypass switching. In short, a fantastic auto wah pedal. That said, it costs more than what some folks may be willing to pay.
Verdict: The Keeley Neutrino V2 Envelope Filter features analog circuitry and is a versatile and very responsive pedal. With three filter types, two sweep directions, true bypass, and fantastic build quality, this unit stays true to the quality we’ve come to associate with Keeley pedals.
A mix of vintage sound and classic looks.
Maestro Pedals bring back some of the most desirable tones from decades ago. The Angena is no exception and delivers classic auto wah on a vintage package and with a classic feel.
The Maestro Agena Envelope Filter offers the user classic funky auto-wah tones on a simple design with a vintage touch. We plugged this pedal right into our chain with our Strat and to our Twin Reverb amp and loved how sensitive it was to our playing.
All of its controls were easy to figure out and offer an intuitive user experience. The Attack knob allowed us to determine how quickly the filter opened up, while Decay determined how long the filter stayed open. With the use of just three simple knobs, we got everything from gentle and musical quack to experimental and aggressive filter sweeps.
The Agena also features a switch that let us set the frequency range of the pedal’s envelope to either high or low. With true-bypass switching, intuitive operation, and dynamic response, this pedal is a great choice for folks that gravitate to more of a vintage tone and vibe. However, if you are looking for a modern auto wah pedal, this unit is not for you.
Verdict: The Maestro Agena Envelope Filter offers the user classic funky auto-wah tones on a simple design with a vintage touch. We plugged this pedal right into our chain with our Strat and to our Twin Reverb amp and loved how sensitive it was to our playing.
Simplicity in a dynamic and durable pedal.
This is a reissue of a popular pedal that was known for providing quality auto wah tones. This version brings some enhancements but keeps the quality and tone of the original, at a nice price.
The DOD Envelope Filter 440 is a reissue from this classic pedal and gives you that beloved filter-sweep effect that comes with a new Up/Down Voice switch that lets the user choose what part of the sweep to emphasize.
The first thing we liked about this pedal is that it was very sensitive to our playing. We activated the slow filter sweeps through our pic attack and got a funky auto-wah effect that can come in handy in a variety of contexts. We added a bit of overdrive via our Tube Screamer and found that it matches wonderfully with the Filter 440.
Through the Range control, we were able to pick which frequencies we wanted the filter to sweep, which is a great feature to keep things smooth. However, our favorite feature on this pedal was the Voice switch, which allowed us to pick which part of the sweep got emphasized, with the Up setting providing us with that classic 440 guitar effect.
Besides the aforementioned up/down switch, this reissue also brings other new features to the table. For instance, you get a bright blue status LED that gives you a visual reference even in dimly lit situations. This version of the Filter 440 also comes with a light aluminum chassis, as well as true-bypass switching.
In short, a nice dynamic triggered envelope filter that is simple to use and ideal for folks that like to get to the point without many features. That said, those that like a bit more control over their tone may want to look elsewhere.
Verdict: The DOD Envelope Filter 440 is a reissue from the beloved original, but adds an Up/Down Voice switch where you can choose which part of the sweep to emphasize. Well built and very easy to use, this pedal provides quality auto wah for the modern player.
How To Choose The Best Envelope Filter Pedal For You
One of the most common and conventional uses for envelope filter pedals is for playing funk. They lend a sort of floating and pleasant character to lead lines and chord progressions and have been used for this context for decades.
Because this effect is triggered by your picking attack, envelope filters are ideal for fast and staccato-style playing that is commonplace among guitar players that delve into a funk.
We’d be remiss not to mention the legendary Jerry Garcia here. The iconic Grateful Dead guitarist and singer is among the most celebrated pioneers of the envelope filter effect on guitar.
A good portion of the Grateful Dead’s extensive catalog features this effect prominently. His influence on this field is so great that some pedal manufacturers have Jerry Garcia’s tone in mind when building their envelope filter stompboxes.
Below we share a few considerations about these types of pedals.
Where in my chain should I place the envelope filter pedal?
Because an envelope filter pedal is a dynamically controlled unit that is used to boost a frequency you sweep up to, it should be placed first in the signal. This type of pedal is much like a regular Wah when it comes to where it belongs in your chain.
And because envelope filters respond to your picking attack, you should avoid limiting its dynamics with compressors, overdrives, and even distortion stompboxes that decrease dynamic range. To make the most out of envelope filters, place them at the beginning of your chain.
Modern vs vintage
Envelope filter pedals also have this debate going. And just like with guitars and amplifiers, it all depends on your personal taste and what you need it for.
Do you want to get an auto-wah tone much like the one popularized in the ’70s by plenty of bands? This is a very unique tone and some manufacturers have painstakingly constructed units that can reproduce vintage auto-wah.
On the other hand, if you want more of a modern tone that feels current and also gives you a unique sound to make your own, then a modern envelope filter is the way to go.
You could also go for something that offers the best of both worlds: vintage auto-wah with the option of obtaining modern tones that get take you on an experimental journey.
Some folks also opt to have the original piece of gear from decades ago, and for that, they are willing to fork over thousands of dollars, as these pedals haven’t been in production for many years.
Ease of use
This is another important consideration to keep in mind for your next envelope filter pedal. The best way to go about it is to ask yourself what you need it for. Perhaps you only want to get that auto-wah tone that can give you that special element to add warble to some of your parts. On the other hand, if you want to go down a rabbit hole of experimentation, you will likely need more features.
Naturally, the best and most direct way to find out what you want or need is to try some envelope filters by yourself. Although this recommendation is made for nearly all gear, it is particularly important for envelope filter pedals.
Price
This consideration is closely tied to the previous one. If you want something simple that delivers a bit of texture to your playing, you won’t have to spend as much. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique envelope filter that helps you further develop your own voice on the guitar, expect to pay more.
Naturally, if you just want to get the best-rated envelope filter out there, then be prepared to splurge. Again, trying some of these pedals is vital to making a wise choice.
Final Thoughts On The Best Envelope Filter Pedals
For some reason, envelope filter pedals are not among the most popular among guitar players. They do not command the amount of thought that, say, distortion or delay pedals have. However, they are some of the most unique pieces of gear a guitar player can have on his or her pedalboard.
Envelope filter pedals can deliver everything from soothing auto-wah that can embellish rhythm and lead parts, all the way to otherworldly tones that you can combine with other pedals to produce your very own sound. Whatever the use, these pedals have been around for a long time and are still very much in use nowadays.
To recap our choices, the Fender Pour Over Envelope Filter is our top choice for this list. It comes with switchable lowpass, bandpass, and highpass filter modes and provides a great response to playing dynamics while providing a useful and tasteful auto-wah effect.
The Electro-Harmonix Nano Q-Tron is our Budget Choice. This pedal gives the user dynamic-controlled wah-wah sounds like its predecessor, but in a more straightforward and compact stompbox that easily fits in a pedalboard, and at a more attractive price tag.
Last but not least, the Way Huge Smalls Attack Vector Phaser and Envelope is our Editor’s Choice. This pedal is a great choice for discerning users. It features two different effects, namely phase shifting and envelope filter, in a streamlined design and very responsive operation.