Cobalt Filter Neo README English
Version: 1.0.0 / Release_01

Overview
--------
Cobalt Filter Neo is a ZDF ladder-style audio filter plug-in for Windows 64-bit.
It provides LPF / HPF / BPF modes, 6 dB / 18 dB / 24 dB slopes,
Cutoff, Resonance, Drive, Make up, Oversampling, and preset/bank management.

Cobalt Filter Neo Lite is a lower-CPU edition with the same basic character.
The Lite edition defaults to oversampling OFF and is suitable for using many instances in a mix.

Key features
------------
- Smooth ZDF ladder-style filter behavior
- LPF / HPF / BPF modes
- 6 dB / 18 dB / 24 dB slope selection
- Resonance range capped at 0.75 for practical control
- Drive saturation in the input and feedback path
- Make up works as a normal final output gain
- Presets use .cfnp files, banks use .cfnb files
- VST3 / CLAP / Standalone support

Supported formats
-----------------
- VST3
- CLAP
- Standalone application

Install locations
-----------------
- VST3:
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\CobaltFilterNeo.vst3
- VST3 Lite:
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\CobaltFilterNeoLite.vst3
- CLAP:
  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Programs\Common\CLAP\CobaltFilterNeo.clap
- CLAP Lite:
  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Programs\Common\CLAP\CobaltFilterNeoLite.clap
- Standalone:
  Extract the distribution archive to any location and run CobaltFilterNeo.exe.

Basic operation
---------------
1. Scan the VST3 or CLAP plug-in in your DAW.
2. Insert Cobalt Filter Neo on an audio track or effect slot.
3. Choose LPF / HPF / BPF with Filter Mode.
4. Choose 6 dB / 18 dB / 24 dB with Slope / Poles.
5. Use Cutoff to set the filter frequency.
6. Use Resonance to set peak emphasis, resonance, and feedback intensity.
7. Use Drive to set the saturation amount.
8. Use Make up to set the final output level.
9. Use Oversampling 2x/ON for quality, or Off for lower CPU.

Parameters
----------
- Cutoff: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
  Sets the filter frequency. LPF removes highs, HPF removes lows, and BPF focuses around the selected band.

- Resonance: 0.00 - 0.75
  Sets the peak around Cutoff. Values above 0.60 become more obviously ladder-like.

- Drive: 1.0 - 10.0
  Sets saturation amount. Around 2.0 is natural; 4.0 and above is more sound-design oriented.

- Make up: 0.0 dB - 6.0 dB
  Final output gain. It is applied consistently to LPF, HPF, and BPF modes.

- Filter Mode: LPF / HPF / BPF
  Switches between Low Pass, High Pass, and Band Pass operation.

- Slope / Poles: 6 dB / 18 dB / 24 dB
  Sets the filter slope. 24 dB is the steepest option.

- Oversampling: Off / 2x
  Use 2x when prioritizing tone at high Drive settings, or Off when prioritizing CPU.
  In the Lite edition, this appears as OFF / ON.

Presets and banks
-----------------
- Save > Save Preset (.cfnp)
  Saves the current settings as one preset file.

- Save > Save Bank (.cfnb)
  Saves the presets in the User bank as one bank file.
  If the User bank is empty, the current settings are saved into a new bank.

- Load > Load Preset (.cfnp)
  Loads a .cfnp preset. Legacy .cfnpreset files are also supported for loading.

- Load > Load Bank (.cfnb)
  Loads a .cfnb bank and displays it as the User bank.

Practical settings
------------------
1. Warm LPF
   Mode=LPF, Slope=24 dB, Cutoff=1200 Hz, Resonance=0.28, Drive=1.8, Make up=3.0 dB, Oversampling=2x

2. Acid Bass
   Mode=LPF, Slope=18 dB, automate Cutoff from 650 Hz to 2400 Hz,
   Resonance=0.62, Drive=3.2, Make up=3.0 dB, Oversampling=2x

3. Low Boom
   Mode=LPF, Slope=24 dB, Cutoff=45-75 Hz, Resonance=0.72, Drive=1.4, Make up=3.0 dB, Oversampling=2x

4. Kick Cleanup
   Mode=HPF, Slope=18 dB, Cutoff=28-45 Hz, Resonance=0.00, Drive=1.0, Make up=0.0 dB, Oversampling=Off

5. Drum Radio
   Mode=BPF, Slope=18 dB, Cutoff=950 Hz, Resonance=0.44, Drive=2.5, Make up=2.0 dB, Oversampling=Off

Operation notes
---------------
- High Resonance and high Drive can produce large output changes.
- Make up raises the final output, so leave enough headroom in your DAW.
- For clean HPF use, start with Resonance=0.00 and Drive=1.0.
- If your DAW still plays an old version, fully quit the DAW or plug-in host and rescan.
