For the second of the two promised plugins to be announced at NAMM 2017, Plugin Alliance and Brainworx are showing the new Brainworx bx_subsynth plugin, which they have designed as a digital makeover of the legendary dbx™ 120XP™ Subharmonic Synthesiser.

At the heart of bx_subsynth lies a careful model of the original hardware's Waveform Modeled Synthesis™ technology, which generates discrete bass frequencies one octave below its input signal. To this subharmonic generator Brainworx added a number of new features designed to create even tighter, clearer, bigger and more resonant bass. The result is a modern-era processor with vintage soul aiming to give mix engineers, sound designers and DJs "unprecedented horsepower and control in sculpting a bone-rattling bottom end".

3 Bands Are Better Than 2

Separate knobs independently boost synthesised subharmonics in three discrete bass-frequency bands (versus the 120XP’s two bands); the addition of a higher bass band for resynthesis allows bx_subsynth to capture the fundamental frequencies of a much wider variety of instruments.

Tweak For Maximum Sub...

Signal indicators show which subharmonic bands to boost for the most dramatic effect on different sources, while a signal-boosting input-trim for each band helps generate strong subharmonics even when input signals are weak. A solo function and output level meter for each band further guide the user in achieving the perfect balance of bass energy, and a master-volume knob adjusts the output level of the summed subharmonics.

Edgy Mode

An additional Edge processing block offers two unique modes that compress and saturate the signal to powerful effect.

Smooth mode compacts the low end and reduces room tone, which Brainworx say is great for tightening and beefing up percussive tracks such as snare drum.

Harsh mode clips signal peaks and increases average levels for a fuller, which they say will give a more saturated sound on pitched instruments such as bass guitar and for creating explosive, trashy-sounding drum tracks.

Squeeze and Drive controls are designed to tame transients and adjust saturation depth for both modes, dialing in the perfect dynamic response and coloration in the sub bass. Adjustable Low Cut and High Cut filters focus the Edge processing in an optimised frequency range.

Testimonials

Film composers and producers are already raving about bx_subsynth.....

Brainworx bx_subsynth will be in AAX (both native and DSP), VST and AU formats for Mac OS 10.8 or higher and Windows 7 through 10.