The MegaFilter evolved from an earlier project – the “Anatron” – conceived in conversation between design engineer Derek Dearden and renowned record producer Paul Northfield. The Anatron used the novel voltage-controlled filter which is at the heart of the MegaFilter, but was digitally controlled via MIDI Control Change messages. After initial market-testing, we concluded that a 100% analog self-contained unit was more widely attractive.

Derek has been greatly supported in the development and refinement of the MegaFilter by acclaimed audio engineer George McKechnie of DBA-UK.

Paul Northfield has been engineering hard rock and progressive rock since the early ‘70s. Paul has engineered or produced 247 albums and his credits include many of the pivotal recordings from bands including Gentle Giant, Rush, Asia, Queensrÿche, Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves, Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater to name a few.

Derek and Paul met when they were both working at Advision Studio in London’s West End in the mid-seventies. One of London’s leading recording studios at that time, clients included Emerson Lake and Palmer, Yes, Slade, Paul McCartney, Kate Bush and many others. Derek left Advision in 1976 to form Survival Projects, based in a workshop in the Yes equipment warehouse in Notting Hill. He originally designed and built audio effects for Yes, and later the customer list expanded to include Queen, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, ELP, and many other bands, as well as the BBC Radiophonic Workshop and recording studios in London, Paris, New York and Montreal. In the early 80’s, Derek was the lead design engineer for the Avolites QM500 computerised lighting console which had its debut on the 1984 Michael Jackson tour, and was a mainstay of rock concert lighting throughout the 80s and 90s.

Paul emigrated to Canada in 1978, initially working as a resident engineer at Le Studio, Morin Heights, and subsequently pursuing a successful career as an independent engineer and producer, which continues to this day.