Multi-Band Bass Synthesizer
rumble

Rumble splits every voice into three independent frequency bands — each with its own oscillator, waveshaper, and effects — before merging through a shared filter, compressor, and master EQ.

rumble interface

Introduction

Rumble is a multi-band bass synthesizer designed for expressive, layered sound design. Its architecture splits every voice into three frequency bands — Body, Character, and Air — each with its own oscillator, waveshaper, effects, and gain controls. This approach lets you sculpt the low-end, mid-range, and top-end of a sound independently before they merge through a shared filter stage, multiband compressor, and master EQ.

Design Philosophy

Most synthesizers treat a voice as a single signal. Rumble treats it as three parallel lanes that converge:

BandRole
BodySub-bass and bass — weight, punch, and power.
CharacterMid-range — tonal identity, presence, and harmonic richness.
AirHigh frequencies — shimmer, brightness, and texture.

Each band can use a completely different oscillator type. After independent waveshaping and gain, the bands are merged, filtered, and processed through per-band effects, a multiband compressor, and a parametric EQ.

Available Formats

Standalone — macOS, WindowsVST3 — macOS, WindowsAudio Unit (AU) — macOSAAX — macOS, Windows

Interface Overview

Click a zone to learn more about it.

Rumble interface

Signal Flow & Architecture

Rumble splits every note into three independent frequency bands — Body, Character, and Air. Each band is synthesized, shaped, filtered, and processed separately before being merged and sent through a shared output stage.

Signal flow diagram

The Three Bands

The band splitter divides the spectrum at two adjustable crossover points. Each band covers a distinct frequency range and serves a specific sonic role.

BandFrequency RangeRole
BodySub-bass through bassWeight, punch, foundation
CharacterLow-mids through upper-midsTonal identity, presence
AirUpper-mids through trebleShimmer, brightness, texture

Crossover Frequencies

The two crossover points define where each band begins and ends. Both are adjustable and modulatable.

CrossoverRangeDefault
Body / Character20 Hz – 5,000 Hz~200 Hz
Character / Air100 Hz – 20,000 Hz~2,500 Hz
  • A minimum 1-octave separation is enforced between the two crossovers.
  • Both frequencies are modulatable — automate them for moving filter-like effects.

Band Controls

Each band can be independently leveled, panned, isolated, or removed from the signal path.

ControlDescription
GainAdjusts the output level of the band
PanL/R stereo placement
SoloIsolates this band for monitoring
MuteSilences the band — appears on hover or when active
ExpandStretches a single band to cover the full spectrum — only one band at a time

Oscillators

Each band independently selects one of nine oscillator models. Every oscillator shares a set of common controls, plus type-specific parameters.

Common Controls

ControlDescription
ModelSelects the oscillator type
PitchAdjusts the pitch in semitones (±12)
OctaveShifts up or down by full octaves (±3)
Fine TuneAdjusts the pitch in cents
UnisonNumber of unison voices (1–8)
DetuneSpreads the pitch of unison voices
SpreadDistributes unison voices across the stereo field

Analog

Dual-oscillator design with band-limited antialiasing.

Analog

ControlDescription
Waveform ASaw, Square, Triangle, Sine, Noise
Waveform BSaw, Square, Triangle, Sine, Noise
Osc B GainLevel of oscillator B
Osc B PitchDetunes oscillator B in semitones (±12)
Hard SyncResets both oscillators’ phase in sync — applies globally to A and B
Pulse WidthAdjusts the duty cycle of both oscillators

Morpho

Phase distortion synthesis with multiple nonlinear transformations.

Morpho

ControlDescription
ShapePrimary timbre control — shapes the waveform’s harmonic content
MorphGradually transforms the base waveform for tonal variation
Pulse WidthAdjusts the duty cycle of the waveform
SubAdds subharmonic content
FoldSoft shaping — gentle harmonics and warmth
FuzzAggressive shaping — strong, rich harmonics

Phonem

Vocal synthesis using the VOSIM formant algorithm. Generates up to 5 parallel formant peaks tuned to vowel frequencies.

Phonem

ControlDescription
PhonemSelects from 15 preset phonemes: AA AE AO AW AX AY EH ER EY IY OW OY UH UX Y
Formant ShiftTransposes the formant structure independently of pitch
Pulse WidthAdjusts the duty cycle of the waveform
FormantsNumber of formant peaks active (1–5)

Fold

West-coast synthesis inspired by the Buchla Music Easel. Uses ADAA antialiased digital audio for clean, alias-free folding. Includes a Vactrol-modeled lowpass gate.

Fold

ControlDescription
TimbreControls the wavefolding depth
SymmetrySkews the fold curve to shift the harmonic balance
OrderNumber of fold stages — increases harmonic complexity
SensitivityHow the LPG responds to incoming amplitude
RoundingSmooths the fold transitions for a softer character
SubControls the sub amount

Timbral

Wavetable oscillator with 90+ tables and six phase distortion modes. Categories: Analog, Bass, Complex, Digital, Formant, Harmonic, Noise, Pad, Sync, Vocal.

Timbral

ControlDescription
SelectionSelect a waveform type
TimbreWavetable scan position — morphs through the table’s frames
PD ModeClassic / PWM2+ / Formant / Symform / Fuzz / Resoform
PD AmountIntensity of the phase distortion
FM RatioFrequency ratio between carrier and modulator
FM DepthHow much the modulator affects carrier pitch

Noise

Dual noise source with spectral shaping. Over 90 sources across categories: Acoustic, Impact, Machines, Organic, Static, Transient.

Noise

ControlDescription
XY PadX: crossfades between A/B sources; Y: adjusts tone
SelectionSelects the noise source
DegradeBit-depth reduction for lo-fi, bit-crushed texture
RandomRandomizes the sample start position on each trigger

Sampler

Sample playback engine with a curated library of mono bass samples. Categories: Sub, Lazer, Reese, Instruments, FM, Drone, Distorted, Complex, Analog.

Sampler

ControlDescription
SampleSelects a sample to play
StartSets the playback start position
Random StartRandomizes the playback start position
Key TrackingWhen enabled, sample pitch follows the played note

Kick

Specialized drum synthesis engine with a transient sample layer and a tone synthesis layer. The pitch starts high and drops following an exponential curve.

Kick

ControlDescription
TransientShapes the attack character (Clean, Punch, Sharp, Loose)
ShapeControls the pitch envelope shape — how the pitch drop curves over time
PunchControls the pitch envelope attack — how far and fast the pitch drops at the hit
ToneShapes the kick body from clean to saturated
DecayOverall decay time (500–8000 ms)
FMApplies FM to add brightness and edge

Prism

Dual-carrier, dual-modulator FM synthesis with cross-modulation. Uses cubic nonlinearity on the modulators for a denser, more aggressive spectrum than standard FM.

Prism

ControlDescription
Mod 1Depth of the first modulator
Mod 2Depth of the second modulator
FMCross-modulation between the two carriers
MixCrossfades between the two carrier waveforms

WaveShaper & AM Injector

Each band has an independent WaveShaper positioned after the oscillator and before the band gain. It applies nonlinear transfer functions to shape the harmonic content.

ControlDescription
EnableActivate or bypass this module
ModeSelects the waveshaping mode
CurveShapes the transfer curve
KneeAdjusts the softness of the curve’s transition
DepthControls how strongly the waveshaping is applied
RatioFrequency ratio between carrier and modulator (ring mod modes)

Modes

Clipper Clipper Punchy, saturated
Hard/soft clipping — compresses peaks for a driven sound
Sine Sine Warm, musical
Sinusoidal folding — smooth, organ-like overtones
Foldback Foldback Complex, rich
Symmetric wave folding — dense harmonics that change with input level
Hyperfold Hyperfold Dense, metallic
Extreme multi-stage folding — very harmonically rich
Rectify Rectify Bright, doubled
Full-wave rectification — doubles the fundamental frequency
Damped Damped Gentle, warm
Soft saturation with built-in high-frequency rolloff
Diode Diode Gritty, analog
Asymmetric diode-style clipping — adds odd and even harmonics unevenly
Noise Noise Textured, gritty
Noise-modulated distortion — adds stochastic grit
Soft-Ring Soft-Ring Subtle metallic
Gentle ring modulation
Hard-Ring Hard-Ring Inharmonic
Aggressive ring modulation

AM Injector

The AM Injector enables amplitude modulation between bands. Each band can receive AM from the other two — one band’s amplitude directly modulates another’s signal level. AM Depth controls how strongly the modulation is applied. If Body has a slow sub-bass and Character has a mid-range tone, applying AM from Body to Character will imprint the sub-bass rhythm onto the mid-range level, creating rhythmic pumping, tremolo effects, or spectral interaction between bands.

Filters

Rumble includes six filter models spanning classic analog hardware emulations, vintage synth circuits, and more creative designs. Two filter slots (A and B) are available, with three routing modes: Single (Filter A only), Serial (A feeds into B for cascaded processing), and Parallel (both run simultaneously, blended with the Blend control).

Analog

ARP 4023 circuit emulation — the filter from the ARP Odyssey. Warm, smooth, and musical with circuit-modeled nonlinear behavior. Self-oscillates at high resonance.

Analog

ControlDescription
HPMorphs continuously from low-pass to high-pass
VoltageEmulates input voltage — higher values push into saturation

Variable

Multi-mode filter inspired by the Oberheim Xpander. Thick, saturated, and characterful, with eight topologies ranging from classic 4-pole lowpass to complex multi-response combinations.

Variable

ModeDescription
LP44-pole low-pass (24 dB/oct) — classic fat bass
HP44-pole high-pass — aggressive low-end removal
BP44-pole band-pass — focused mid-range selection
Notch44-pole notch — removes a narrow frequency band
A3L1Allpass 3-pole + LP 1-pole — phase shift with filtering
PK4Peaking 4-pole — strong resonant emphasis at cutoff
H1N2L1HP 1-pole + Notch 2-pole + LP 1-pole — complex multi-response
N2L2TNotch 2-pole + LP 2-pole tilt — sculpted frequency response

Ripple

Multi-resonant filter that creates multiple peaks around the cutoff frequency. Each Ripple step adds another resonant peak — from subtle coloring at low values to dramatic resonant ringing at high values.

Ripple

ControlDescription
TypeBase response: LP, BP, HP, or Notch
RippleNumber of resonant peaks around cutoff (0–7)
Q WidthWidth of the resonance band in BP or Notch mode

Swirl

Combined phaser and flanger implemented as a filter module. Three phaser modes and three flanger modes — modulate Cutoff with an LFO for classic sweep effects.

Swirl

Flanger Modes

TypeExtra Controls
ClassicMix, Q Width
NotchQ Width
BandpassQ Width

Phaser Modes

TypeExtra Controls
ClassicMix, Repeats
NotchSpacing, Repeats
BandpassSpacing, Repeats

Scream

Korg MS-20 filter emulation — raw, aggressive, and unruly. Self-oscillates violently at high resonance.

Scream

ControlDescription
MorphSweeps continuously from high-pass to low-pass
VoltageEmulates voltage saturation for a harder, more aggressive tone

Formant

Vowel filter with seven morphable formant sequences. Automate Cutoff for talking and singing filter effects.

Formant

TypeSequence
aeioA → E → I → O
ioaI → O → A
backfrontBack vowels → Front vowels
yapPercussive vowel sequence
diphthongGliding vowel transitions
roundRounded vowel sequence
yeah”Yeah”-style vocal sweep

Effects

Each band has an independent effect slot with 10 available types, applied after the output crossover.

Common Controls

ControlDescription
FXSelects the effect type
EnableActivate or bypass this module
MixSets the effect mix (wet/dry)
Band LimitRestricts the effect to the current frequency band

FX Feedback Loop

Every effect slot includes a feedback loop — the output is fed back through a delay and saturation stage. Soft clipping prevents runaway. This turns any effect into a self-resonating processor.

ControlDescription
FeedbackAmount of signal fed back (0–100%)
Feedback TimeDelay time of the feedback loop (2–200 ms)
Feedback TailDecay of the feedback tail (up to 1 second)

Cabinet

Speaker cabinet simulation with impulse response processing. The Model control morphs between virtual cabinets ranging from small combos to large speaker stacks, adding the color and resonance of physical speaker enclosures.

Cabinet

ControlDescription
PreampDrives the cabinet input for added warmth and saturation
ToneShapes the tonal character of the cabinet
ModelMorphs between cabinet simulation models

Chorus

Modulated delay-based chorus with pitch shifting, spectral enhancement, and optional degradation. Erode introduces pitch instability at high values.

Chorus

ControlDescription
DimensionSets the depth and width of the chorus effect
IntensityControls the chorus intensity
ErodeAdds drive and pitch instability

Delay

Four delay algorithms covering clean digital repetition to degraded tape echoes and spatial motion effects.

Delay

AlgorithmCharacter
DigitalClean, precise — transparent repeats
TapeWarm, degraded — saturation and wow on repeats
SpinMulti-tap delay network — tap times ranging from tight rhythmic echoes to dense, reverb-like washes
VelvetDiffused, ambient — velvet noise for a soft, cloudy tail

Digital

Complex lo-fi degradation: fuzz distortion, dispersion, chorus, frequency shifting, sample rate reduction, tremolo, and comb filtering.

Digital

ControlDescription
QualitySample rate reduction amount
CorruptionBit-crushing and glitching artifacts
ClippingHard clipping distortion amount

Drift

Spectral DSP engine combining comb filtering and frequency shifting. Creates metallic resonances, inharmonic textures, and liquid timbral movement.

Drift

ControlDescription
BodeSets the frequency shift amount of the Bode shifter
ModControls the depth of the drift modulation
CombAdds comb filtering to the signal

Neuro

Spectral transformation engine combining phaser, chorus, and drive to sculpt rich, evolving harmonic textures. From subtle movement and warmth to deep, complex timbral mutation.

Neuro

ControlDescription
DNAControls the timbral transformation
DimensionIncreases the voices and stereo field
NotchSets the depth of the spectral processing

Reverb

Five reverb algorithms from general-purpose to specialized convolution types.

Reverb

AlgorithmCharacter
AlgorithmicSparkVerb engine — general-purpose, versatile
RealisticRoom simulation — natural space
PlateConvolution plate — dense, smooth tail
SpringConvolution spring — lo-fi, bouncy character
SwellBloom-style rising tail — swells after the attack

Shifter

Pitch and frequency shifting with spectral destruction. Combine pitch shifting with frequency shifting for complex, inharmonic transformations.

Shifter

ControlDescription
FrequencySets the effect frequency
SpreadDetunes the signal and sets the stereo width
DestroyDestroys the input signal

Smasher

Transient-focused compression and saturation. Layered waveshaping and spectral enhancement for perceived loudness increase.

Smasher

ControlDescription
PunchEnhances the transient impact
SaturateDrives the input signal
LoudnessSets the perceived loudness

Trasher

Destructive distortion chain: fuzz → waveshaping → spectral shifting → dynamic compression → convolution with analog device impulse response.

Trasher

ControlDescription
FuzzAdds aggressive tube distortion
DriveControls the input gain into the distortion circuit
ToneShapes the tonal balance of the distortion

Modulation

Rumble provides 33 modulation sources that can be routed to virtually any parameter. Each modulatable parameter has 2 modulation slots, each with a source selector and a bipolar ratio (±100%).

Workflow

  • Find the source — Open the modulation dock tab containing your desired source.
  • Drag — Click and drag from the source’s drag-button.
  • Drop — Release onto any modulatable knob or slider. Compatible targets highlight when you hover.
  • Adjust ratio — A small modulation ratio knob appears on the target. Turn it to set depth and polarity.
  • View connections — The Connection Helper Overlay shows all active routes when you start dragging.
  • Matrix view — The Matrix tab shows a complete overview of all connections, organized by destination.
  • Macros (1–16)

    Sixteen automatable macro knobs in two pages (1–8 and 9–16). A single macro can control multiple parameters simultaneously with independent ratios. Visible to the DAW as automatable parameters.

    Macros

    MIDI Sources

    MIDI

    SourceDescription
    VelocityNote velocity (0–1)
    Mod WheelMIDI CC1 continuous controller (0–1)
    KeytrackNote number mapped to 0–1 range
    Pitch BendConfigurable range ±24 semitones, independent up/down

    Velocity and Keytrack include a graphical mapper — double-click to add breakpoints, right-click to remove, drag curves to shape the response.

    Envelopes

    Three ADSR envelopes: VCA (amplitude), Envelope 1, and Envelope 2. VCA always controls voice amplitude. Env 1 and 2 are freely assignable.

    Envelopes

    ControlDescription
    AttackTime to reach peak after note is pressed
    DecayTime to fall from peak to sustain level
    SustainLevel held while the note is pressed
    ReleaseTime to fade out after the note is released
    CurveShape of the envelope segment (linear to exponential)
    VelocityHow strongly note velocity influences envelope depth
    DepthAmount of modulation applied (modulatable)
    LegatoWhen enabled, the envelope does not retrigger on overlapping notes — it continues from its current position
    ADRWhen enabled, the envelope ignores note-off and runs Attack → Decay → Release automatically

    LFOs (1–4)

    Four independent parametric LFOs. The interactive waveform display shows the resulting shape in real time. Shape, Symmetry, and Pulse Width let you create virtually any LFO shape.

    LFO Mix merges all four LFOs into a single complex modulation source. Combine four LFOs at different rates for polyrhythmic patterns, pseudo-random movement, or complex evolving textures.

    Analog Drift emulates analog circuit instability — slow, gentle random variation for micro-detuning and timbral wandering that adds warmth without obvious modulation.

    LFOs

    ControlDescription
    ShapeShapes the curve of the LFO
    SymmetrySkews the waveform to shift its balance
    Pulse WidthAdjusts the duty cycle
    PhaseSets the starting point of the LFO cycle
    SpeedControls the rate (Hz or synced divisions)
    DepthAmount of modulation applied (modulatable)
    BipolarToggle between positive-only or ± modulation
    Tempo SyncSwitch between free-running Hz and tempo-synced divisions
    LegatoWhen enabled, the LFO does not retrigger on new notes — it runs continuously

    MSEGs (1–2)

    Two Multi-Segment Envelope Generators, each with up to 128 breakpoints. Double-click to add points, right-click to remove, drag curves to adjust shape. MSEGs have their own preset system.

    MSEG

    ControlDescription
    RatePlayback speed (Hz or tempo-synced)
    DepthAmount of modulation applied (modulatable)
    BipolarToggle between positive-only or ± modulation
    X GridHorizontal grid resolution (time divisions)
    Y GridVertical grid resolution (modulation values)
    SnapForces drawn points to snap to the grid
    LoopSwitches between loop and one-shot playback
    SmoothApplies smoothing to soften sharp steps or transitions
    BrushDrawing tool selector — Point, Ramp Down, Curved Ramp Down, Ramp Up, Curved Ramp Up, Step
    LegatoWhen enabled, the MSEG does not retrigger on new notes — it continues from its current position

    Random Sources (1–3)

    Random

    ModeCharacter
    S&HClassic stepped random — generates a new value at each cycle
    LorentzChaotic attractor — smooth, continuously evolving, never-repeating
    RosslerChaotic attractor — more rhythmic and swirling character
    ControlDescription
    RatePlayback speed (Hz or tempo-synced)
    DepthAmount of modulation applied (modulatable)
    LegatoWhen enabled, the random source does not retrigger on new notes — it continues from its current value

    Modulation Matrix

    The Matrix tab provides a complete overview of all active connections, organized by destination (Body, Character, Air, Filter, FX, Global, Modulator). Ratio knobs are adjustable directly in the matrix view.

    Matrix

    Master Section

    Multiband Compressor

    A 3-band compressor aligned with Body, Character, and Air. Accessed via the Compressor view tab.

    Compressor

    ModeCharacterDescription
    CleanTransparentGentle leveling with minimal coloring. Preserves original dynamics.
    FETFast, punchyUltra-fast attack (<0.2 ms). Catches the fastest transients. Inspired by hardware FET limiters.
    HiFiMusicalRMS-detected compression — responds to average level. Transparent and musical.
    OptoSmoothSlow attack (50 ms) with program-dependent release. Inspired by optical compressors.
    OTTEDM-styleAggressive upward + downward multiband compression. The classic “wall of sound” preset.
    PunchTransient-preservingSlow attack lets transients through, then compresses the body.
    RadioBroadcastMedium-slow release (300 ms) for smooth, consistent level.
    Sub & ClickBand-specializedDifferent compression settings per band — tight on the sub, punchy on the click.

    Master EQ

    A 4-band parametric equalizer with real-time spectrum analyzer (visibility toggleable in Preferences). Drag control points to adjust frequency and gain, right-click a point to change filter type.

    EQ

    TypeDescription
    Low PassRolls off above the frequency
    High PassRolls off below the frequency
    NotchRemoves a narrow band at the frequency
    Low ShelfBoosts/cuts everything below the frequency
    High ShelfBoosts/cuts everything above the frequency
    PeakBoosts/cuts a band centered at the frequency

    Tuning & Voicing

    Global controls — apply to the entire instrument:

    ControlDescription
    Polyphony ModePolyphonic allows multiple MIDI notes simultaneously; Monophonic restricts to one note
    Global PitchShifts the overall tuning in semitones (±24)
    GlideTime to slide from one note to another (0–500 ms). Active in mono and legato playing.

    Unison — configured independently per band (Body, Character, Air):

    ControlDescription
    VoicesNumber of unison voices stacked per note (1–8)
    DetuneSlight pitch offset between unison voices
    WidthDistributes unison voices across the stereo field

    Preset Browser

    Factory Categories

    808 808
    808-style bass and kicks
    Dirty Dirty
    Gritty, distorted sounds
    Drone Drone
    Sustained, evolving textures
    Cyber Cyber
    Digital, futuristic sounds
    Reese Reese
    Reese bass sounds
    Growl Growl
    Aggressive, growling bass
    Motion Motion
    Rhythmic, moving sounds
    Sharp Sharp
    Bright, cutting sounds
    Vintage Vintage
    Retro, analog-inspired
    Wobble Wobble
    Wobble bass and modulated sounds
    Favorites Favorites
    Your starred presets
    User User
    Your saved presets

    Preset Management

    ActionDescription
    New PresetReset to the factory init state
    New from TemplateReset to your saved template — if no template has been saved, falls back to the factory init
    Save As…Save the current state with a name and category
    Save As TemplateSave the current state as your personal init template — replaces any previously saved template

    MSEG Presets

    MSEGs have their own independent preset system. Save and load individual MSEG shapes separately from the main preset — useful for building a library of rhythmic patterns, complex envelopes, or custom curves.

    Settings

    Accessible from Options → Preferences.

    SettingOptionsDescription
    Polyphony1–16Sets the maximum number of simultaneous notes
    Window Size70%, 100%, 125%, 200%Resizes the plugin window
    ThemeDark, BrightSwitches between dark and bright visual themes
    Virtual KeyboardShow, HideShows or hides the on-screen MIDI keyboard
    TooltipsShow, HideShows or hides parameter tooltips
    SpectrumShow, HideShows or hides the real-time spectrum analyzer in the EQ view

    Credits

    RoleNames
    Product LeadThomas Kowalski
    Software & DevelopmentThomas Kowalski, Rasmus Kürstein, Remy Muller, Judy Najnudel, Olivier Tristan
    Marketing & Graphic DesignLaure Arbogast, Mallaury Carlier, Anthony Hak, Alice Leclerc, Nathaniel Reeves, Camille Vidalie
    UI & UX DesignEfflam Le Bivic
    Preset ManagementThéo Gallienne
    Sound DesignDevin Belanger, Carlo De Gregorio, Enzalla, Théo Gallienne, Inuka, Thomas Kowalski, Alix Labbé, Nomak, Nate Raubenheimer, Snakes Of Russia, Emeric Tschambser, Venus Theory, Virtual Riot
    DocumentationThomas Kowalski, Nathaniel Reeves, Kai Tomita, Olivier Tristan