Future Audio Workshop SubLab XL: super-size my bass synth!
4,1 / 5,0 | 
Future Audio Workshop released SubLab XL, a bigger and better version of its sub-bass synth. I’ve used it before and it bumps! Where SubLab is focused on the intuitive and essential, SubLab XL goes from where the original took off into a deeper exploration of its potential. This uncovers a full effects section, a revised synth engine, modulations via LFO, 100+ additional presets, and macros.
Despite all the upgrades, SubLab XL remains affordable at an introductory USD 50, and the upgrade costs USD 20. That’s very little money for a full-fledged bass-centric instrument like this.
Future Audio Workshop SubLab XL
SubLab made the walls shake without much of an effort. But Future Audio Workshop ended up treating it as a proof of concept, basically, and built it up into something menacing! There are more than a few additions and improvements that make SubLab an almost entirely self-contained instrument – without over-complicating it. SubLab XL is still the sub-bass and all-purpose bass synth generator it was – great for layering, coping a distorted 808 kick for further processing, and so on. Whatever it takes to fill out that sub!
The updates and improvements begin with an all-new oscillator. It has the sawtooth, triangle and square waveforms along with the ability to layer them into supersaws. There are Pitch and Width controls to let you alter the respective parameters, alongside a Mix blend control. There are also new effects that make for a complete FX section. You can choose from six distortion types, a waveshaper, tape hiss and wobble, bit-crusher, and compressor with side-chain input and mix control. You can also change the order of the effects in the chain according to your needs.
Also present is LFO modulation to make the bass wobble. You can assign LFOs to as many as 18 modulation destinations. The available waveforms include sine, triangle, sawtooth, square, and even noise. The LFO rate can be set manually or left in sync with the DAW tempo. The Sample engine lets There are 100+ new presets showcasing the expanded feature set, as well as a Macro page to assigns macros. I really like what FAW accomplished – the plug-in stays hassle-free and focused on sub-bass, yet it’s probably the most comprehensive of its kind. Good stuff!
SubLab XL · Source: FAW
Price and availability
SubLab XL costs USD 50 at launch which will be increased to USD 80. Anyone who owns the previous version can upgrade for USD 20. The software is available from FAW and our affiliate partner Plugin Boutique *:
SubLab XL works in 64-bit VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats under macOS 10.12+ and Windows 7+.
Learn more about SubLab XL
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