BLUE-III by Rob Papen synth plugin interface

BLUE-III: Cross-Fusion Synthesizer by Rob Papen

Rated 5.0/5 on Plugin Boutique (21 ratings)

BLUE-III is a 16-voice synthesizer plugin by Rob Papen that combines FM synthesis, wave and phase distortion, virtual analog oscillators, Karplus-Strong string modeling and samples in one instrument. It is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

BLUE-III is the third generation of Rob Papen's Cross-Fusion synthesis concept, which mixes subtractive and FM synthesis in a single instrument. It adds a Karplus-Strong string model, new waveforms and filter types, built-in samples, and the option to load up to six samples per preset. The plugin ships with more than 5000 presets in a range of music styles, and its GUI can be scaled from 100% to 200%.

Best for

FM bass and lead sounds
Plucked string textures
Evolving pads and movement
Granular sample effects
MPE expressive performance
Preset-based sound design

Developer: Rob Papen
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

16-voice cross-fusion synthesizer with six oscillators
FM, wave and phase distortion, virtual analog and string model synthesis
Six user samples per preset with velocity and keyboard split
Two filters with serial or parallel routing and multiple filter types
Four multi-envelopes with up to 15 sections each
14 LFOs plus four free LFOs and a modulation sequencer
34 FX types across four FX slots
Over 5000 presets and a bank manager with search and category filters

03In depth

Sound Engine and Oscillators

BLUE-III uses six oscillators with algorithm control, so you can set up FM synthesis or other routing combinations. Each oscillator can draw on analog-modeled waveforms, spectrum waveforms, Karplus-Strong string models or samples. Granular playback is available on a selected range of samples.

The developer says the audio engine uses technology from its virtual analog synth B.I.T. Samples can be layered by velocity and keyboard range, which suits multisampled sounds and split patches.

Filters, Modulation and Play Modes

The synth offers two filters that can run in serial or parallel mode. Filter types include 6, 12, 18 and 36 dB low-pass and high-pass designs, band-pass and notch options, comb filters, formant filters, and ring and frequency-shift modulation.

Modulation is handled by four multi-envelopes with up to 15 sections, 14 LFOs plus four free LFOs, a modulation sequencer, and an XY pad that can be recorded or tempo-synced. Play modes include 16-voice polyphony, MPE poly mode, mono and legato variants, portamento, chord memory, and an arpeggiator with 32 steps and ratcheting.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Rob Papen
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05Upgrades

Upgrade and crossgrade options

Option	Store link
BLUE-III Upgrade from BLUE or BLUE-II	Plugin Boutique ↗

06FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does BLUE-III support?

BLUE-III is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. The AAX version on PC requires Pro Tools 12 or higher.

Which operating systems does BLUE-III run on?

BLUE-III supports Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11 in 32 and 64-bit versions, and macOS 10.13 or higher, including Apple Silicon Macs.

What do I need to activate BLUE-III?

The product uses a serial and license system that requires activation when you register it. A second serial for a secondary computer is available after you register the original serial.