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Average Price: $502

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$150

$601+

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Description

ARF stands for Attack, Release, Filter. This is pedal comes filled with good synthy goodness! The Attack/Release envelope's range is determined by the knobs on the face, while the activation of the envelop and the duration of the sustained peak are controlled by a foot switch or CV gate signal.

This means much greater control than typical "envelope follower" style filter pedals, which have a habit of triggering at the wrong times. The envelope boasts an absurd range, from "click-and-it's-over" to multi-measure swells and drops. It can also be sent out of the pedal for integration with other CV compatible gear.

The envelope is wired directly to the filter, an aggressive low pass type filter with enough "extra" on the resonance to get some self oscillation. The filter cutoff can also be controlled via CV input. The filter can be over-driven via the "drive" knob for a familiar stomp box sound. There are even a few settings that can create pitch shifting glitch effects!

Product specs

Brand Dwarfcraft Devices
Model ARF Attack Release Filter
Finish Pink
Year 2015
Made In United States
Categories Filter and Wah Pedals

FAQs

What does the Dwarfcraft ARF Attack Release Filter pedal do?

The Dwarfcraft ARF is a dynamic filter pedal that shapes the envelope of your guitar signal, allowing you to control the attack and release times for unique sound modulation and expression.

Can the Dwarfcraft ARF be used with instruments other than guitar?

Yes, the Dwarfcraft ARF can be used with various instruments, including bass and synthesizers, to create dynamic filtering effects across different sound sources.

Does the Dwarfcraft ARF require a specific power supply?

The Dwarfcraft ARF operates on a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals, ensuring compatibility with many pedalboard setups.

How does the Dwarfcraft ARF differ from traditional wah pedals?

Unlike traditional wah pedals that require manual operation, the Dwarfcraft ARF uses envelope control to automatically adjust the filter based on the input signal's dynamics, offering a hands-free and expressive filtering experience.

Is the Dwarfcraft ARF suitable for live performance settings?

Yes, the Dwarfcraft ARF is designed for both studio and live performance use, providing versatile sound-shaping capabilities that can enhance your live sound with dynamic filtering effects.

Knobs

Knobs

Dwarfcraft - ARF

Video thumbnail for Dwarfcraft - ARF by Knobs

Dwarfcraft - ARF

Knobs

Knobs

Video thumbnail for ARF: Attack/Release/Filter by theonetrueaen

ARF: Attack/Release/Filter

theonetrueaen

theonetrueaen

Video thumbnail for Dwarfcraft Devices ARF - Attack Release Filter Pedal Demo by Stephen McLeod

Dwarfcraft Devices ARF - Attack Release Filter Pedal Demo

Stephen McLeod

Stephen McLeod

Video thumbnail for Sharpen the Axe Gear Preview: Dwarfcraft Devices ARF Attack, Release, Filter Pedal by Pitbull Audio

Sharpen the Axe Gear Preview: Dwarfcraft Devices ARF Attack, Release, Filter Pedal

Pitbull Audio

Pitbull Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Creates versatile sounds from gnarly low growls to high-frequency fuzz

  • Unique filter effects for muffled to radio-like tones

  • Supports creative experimentation with CV and attack adjustments

  • Well-built and visually appealing on a pedalboard

  • Enhances overdrive/distortion with a colorful boost

  • Works well with both guitar and synthesizer

  • Encourages use in noise-oriented musical settings

CONS

  • May not be suitable for bands not into noise-centric music

  • Can be loud, potentially requiring additional compression for clean tones

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dwarfcraft ARF.

Features and functionality

  • The ARF pedal offers a range of sounds from subtle gritty drive to psychedelic phasing, with unique filter swells and growls by manipulating the Resonance knob.

    Source
  • The ARF's momentary switch is highlighted for its ability to create room within dense soundscapes, ideal for altering pad sounds without overwhelming the mix.

    Source
  • The ARF pedal's CV inputs can be utilized for alternative control methods, but require knowledge of compatible voltage levels for proper use.

    Source

User experience

  • Volume spikes can be managed by adjusting resonance and depth, and using faster decay settings for extreme sounds.

    Source
  • It's been noted that the pedal can be noisy and requires experimentation to achieve a balanced sound.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ARF for its integration into complex setups, like with the small sound big sound mini, to manage its distinctive sound output.

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Use cases and applications

  • The ARF's ability to produce vintage radio tones and bizarre screeches makes it suitable for experimental and psychedelic music styles.

    Source
  • The ARF is particularly effective for creating shoegaze or musical drone textures when combined with other effects in a band setting.

    Source
  • Incorporating a separate switch or expression pedal through CV inputs could provide more versatile control of the envelope effect during live performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Dwarfcraft ARF is described as a more musical alternative to the Death by Audio Evil Filter, offering smoother sound changes suited for dynamic pad transitions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Momentary footswitches are harder to clean with deoxit due to being well-sealed, unlike latching switches that allow easier access to contacts.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Soldering a new momentary switch could be a temporary fix, but it's likely to become scratchy again due to wear over time.

    Source
  • An arcade button switch attached to a guitar could be an innovative way to manually trigger the envelope effect while playing.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Dwarfcraft Devices Unveils the ARF - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Dwarfcraft ARF

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, you can see the ARF in the center of the desk among 2 other Dwarfcraft devices.

See how Merzbow uses Dwarfcraft ARF

Merzbow

Composer, Music Producer

Kikuri

...
Verified via Photo

An ARF can be seen in this setup photo posted to Merzbow's Twitter.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dwarfcraft ARF, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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    dam_yam

    Gear IQ 334