SubLab sub-bass synth plugin interface by Future Audio Workshop

SubLab: 808 Sub-Bass Synth Plugin by Future Audio Workshop

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (9,572 ratings)

SubLab is a sub-bass synthesizer plugin by Future Audio Workshop, built for creating 808-style basses and layered kick subs for hip-hop, future bass and trap. It combines a synth engine, a sampler and an X-Sub sub-bass oscillator in one plugin.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

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01Overview

SubLab focuses on low-end design. Its sampler can be used to sample, layer, widen and distort any kick into a deeper sub, and its X-Sub oscillator is designed to keep notes in the sub range while playing any bass note. The plugin includes a factory library of 250 kick and 808 samples and six Bass Packs, and it accepts your own samples, which are pitch-detected automatically on import.

Best for

808 sub-bass
Trap bass design
Future bass low end
Kick layering
Hip-hop production
Distorted 808s

Developer: Future Audio Workshop
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

X-Sub psychoacoustic sub-bass oscillator that keeps notes in the sub range
Sampler with automatic pitch detection for imported samples
250 factory kick and 808 samples plus six Bass Packs
Delayed sample start for creating delayed 808s
Four distortion types with Fatness, Tone, Fizz and Heat controls
Auto sidechain button on the compressor for kick punch
Frequency and note cursor display with three-band meter
Synth engine with sine, triangle, sawtooth and square waves
Fully resizable interface with BPM-synced glide times

03In depth

Sub-bass design with X-Sub and the sampler

The X-Sub engine is Future Audio Workshop's newly developed psychoacoustic sub-bass oscillator. The developer says it keeps your notes in the sub range and lets you control the exact harmonics to shape the sub. It can be used as a sub-bass maximizer to achieve consistent, deep low end on different speaker systems.

The sample engine offers delayed sample start for creating delayed 808s, loop mode so any sample can be sustained, and lo-cut and hi-cut filtering for sculpting. An internal maximizer handles expansion and distortion within the sample path.

Distortion, compression and workflow

SubLab includes four distortion types: Darkdrive with a Fatness control, Overdrive with a Tone control, Grunge with a Fizz control and Tube with a Heat control. A visualizer shows how the distortion is working, and mix amount controls allow parallel distortion.

The compressor has an auto sidechain button so the kick punches through, plus a mix control for parallel compression. A frequency and note cursor display, with the synth, sample and X-Sub frequencies overlaid, helps you read the low end, and a true peak meter helps you manage clipping.

Bass Packs and included samples

Six Bass Packs are included: Richie Souf Signature, Hits DNA Vol.1, Divine Bass, Crushed, Analog Machines and Pure Subs. The packs are compressed and maximized, and each is described by its character, such as heavy distorted 808s or the purest subs for layering under an existing kick.

The bonus sample pack contains 250 kick drums, kick transients and 808s recorded from analog and modular drum machines, including the Roland TR-808, Roland TR-707, Waldorf Blofeld and Korg Volca Kick. Patches can be browsed by icon, organized in a favourites category, and collected into your own patch packs.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Future Audio Workshop
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is SubLab?

SubLab is a sub-bass synth plugin from Future Audio Workshop for creating 808-style bass and layered kick subs. It combines a synth engine, a sampler and the X-Sub oscillator.

What formats and operating systems does SubLab support?

SubLab is available as VST2, VST3, AU and AAX. It is compatible with macOS 10.11 and higher, including Intel and M1 Apple Silicon, and with Windows 8 and higher, including Windows 11.

Which DAWs has SubLab been tested in?

The developer states that SubLab has been tested in FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic, Studio One, Pro Tools and Cubase. It is also NKS ready for Native Instruments Machine and Komplete Kontrol.

Can I use my own samples in SubLab?

Yes. You can drag and drop your own samples into the sampler, and SubLab will automatically detect the pitch of each sample to speed up your workflow.