DFA-2 is a dual filter and VCA combination

Cwejman's synthesizers have always been of outstanding quality, earning them a large following. The designs are original ideas, the build is high-quality and reliable, and the sound is precise and unique. The DFA-2 (Dual Filter Amplifier) is no different! As an evolution of the DMF-2 (Two Modes Dual Filter), it builds on its concept. In principle, the DFA-2 is very simple, consisting of two identical filters followed by VCAs. However, DMF-2 and DFA-2 have some key differences that make the two modules fundamentally different (a direct comparison follows below).

The module offers twice THE most classic combination of functions in the synthesizer world: filter and VCA. This combination has been a staple of many synthesizers since the very beginning and symbolizes the principle of East Coast synthesis (aka subtractive synthesis).

The filters in the DFA-2 offer three modes, selectable via a switch. There’s a bandpass, as well as a lowpass with 2 and 4 poles. Before the filter, there’s a gain stage that can nicely distort the input signal, indicated by the saturation LEDs. As with all Cwejman designs, the filter is very precise and still sounds full of character. Both the cutoff frequency and the resonance can be controlled via CV!

The filter is followed by a VCA, which also has a switch. Here you can toggle between linear, exponential, and logarithmic behavior. The "trinity" of VCA curves is nice to see! There are individual audio outputs for the filters, the VCAs, and even a mix of VCA A and B.

The DFA-2 offers simple functions, but thanks to its flexibility, it allows for a wide range of applications. Two simple voices can be set up just as quickly as two filters in series for beautiful formant sounds. Stereo applications or lowpass gate sounds are equally exciting! Cwejman filters have their own unique sound, and despite the similarities between the DFA-2 and DMF-2, they continue to surprise. The big difference between the two is the absence of a VCA in the DMF-2. Additionally, the filters differ, leading to fundamentally different sounds between the two modules.