DivKid Slices the Mix: AJH Synth Low Fat VCF Punched Up

DivKid opens up with the AJH Synth Low Fat VCF—a 2HP slice of utility heaven that’s all about high-pass action. Forget big, flashy faceplates; this module is as simple as it gets: input, output, frequency knob, CV in with attenuator, and a switch for 6dB or 12dB slopes. But don’t let the specs fool you. This little fella is built around the SEM3320 chip, so there’s vintage soul under that slim panel, and it’s non-resonant for ultra-smooth sweeps.

What sets Low Fat apart is its versatility. DivKid is quick to point out that it’s not just a surgical tool for tidying low end—it’s also a creative weapon. You can slap it after a low-pass filter and conjure up bandpass magic without shelling out for another module. Even in basic patches, it’s clear this high-pass can turn a vanilla signal chain into something sleek and performance-ready. Sometimes less is more, especially when it keeps your bass from trampling everything else in the rave bunker.

Low Fat isn’t just a party trick—it’s a proper mix tool. DivKid shows how it shines when you need to let multiple bass parts sit together without turning your mix into a mud pie. By carving away low end before hitting effects or merging layers, you get clarity without the drama. It’s subtle but makes a world of difference, especially when mixing subs, kicks, and busy synth lines.

There’s a nod to classic synth design too: DivKid draws inspiration from the Roland Juno series, famously packing a high-pass before the low-pass. Whether you’re running vintage chords or modern noise, this filter helps your sounds breathe and your kicks punch through. It’s the audio equivalent of clearing the dancefloor for the headliner—everyone gets their space.

Ready for some next-level patching? DivKid rolls out the spectral sidechain and multiband ducking moves. Instead of the usual VCA-level pump, he sends an envelope from the kick into Low Fat’s CV input, dynamically high-passing the bass every time the drum hits. The result: punchy, consistent kicks and a bassline that ducks just the right frequencies—not the whole signal.

You can get as subtle or as wild as you want. Sequence the high-pass for rhythmic interplay, or push the effect for pumping, whooshing madness. It’s flexible, it’s clever, and it’s something you’d never expect from such a tiny module. If you’ve been craving new ways to manage low-end in your live set, this is pure gold.