HEX row is a new desktop stereo analog filter FX unit with three different signal path topologies, available in assembled and DIY versions.
Two years ago, I reported on HEX Haus’s small Synthesizer projects. Cor is a touch digital polysynth with an adaptable looper, and Lag is a multi-FX processor with modeled analog bucket brigade delay effects, pitch-shifting, and downsampling.
An extension of these small music creation tools occurred a year ago. HEX row is the third unit in the series, a desktop stereo analog filter FX unit.
Hex row
Row is a desktop stereo analog filter FX with two channels, each with the same topology. The inputs are fed into each channel’s gain stage and then passed to their filters.
Each Hex row channel and filter can be controlled with three potentiometers: gain, frequency, and resonance. Gain sets the gain, which either attenuates or amplifies a signal x20. ¨
The amplification affects the filter’s behavior, so at high gain, you can achieve self-oscillation sounds with PLL-esque harmonics and other sound design artefacts. FREQ and RES knobs manipulate the cutoff and resonance.
On each channel, you can also find a side-mounted switch for selecting lowpass and bandpass modes.
In the center is a sidechain knob that filters the left channel’s post-gain signal and fed into an envelope follower. The center modifies the envelope polarity and amplitude, and the adjusted envelope is then mixed in the right. This gives you ducking and gating responses.
HEX row features three distinct signal path topologies: feedback, serial for twin peak and auto-filtering effects, and parallel for stereo filtering effects.
Touch Control & Advanced Signal Paths
That’s not all. The row also has an integrated golden touch pad with which you can manually route the flow of the audio and control voltages. Further, it has a 5-pin header system for the internal signal path and for interfacing with external devices. The manual covers all these in detail.
A USB-C power supply or power bank powers the hex row analog filter.
First Impression
I’ve long wished for more stereo analog FX boxes on the market. This one offers a distinctive, raw sound with some extra features for an affordable price. I don’t know which filter is used, but it sounds very raw, dirty, and distinctive in the demos—a lovely release.
And thanks to Robin Molten Music Technology, who made me aware of the 2024 release with his video. Better late reporting than never.
Hex row is available now in an assembled version for 159€ or a DIY version for 109€.
More information here: Hex
Truely aggresive filter: it’s like all or nothing. Not my cup of tea, but I see it fit in certain music styles.