Hitshaper SubKick is all about that bass
4,5 / 5,0 | 
Let’s be honest, hitshaper SubKick probably won’t win any awards for its GUI design. But it’s the sound that counts, and SubKick promises to deliver deep and powerful kick drums and sub basses with just a few simple controls. The new king of sub-bass plugins?
Hitshaper SubKick
We all know how it feels: Your new track is banging, but the kick drum just doesn’t cut it. Especially electronic dance music depends on a carefully balanced and punchy sub-bass range that supports the rest of your track and gets the crowd on the dancefloor. While you already have a choice of a number of plugins that claim to offer a solution, SubKick by the Swiss developer hitshaper is another interesting option.
SubKick doesn’t require any complicated routing. The plugin automatically detects drum and percussion sounds and extends their low end. You can also tune the sub-bass frequencies precisely, which helps to achieve a coherent sound with the other instruments in your mix. Besides the frequency, the plugin displays the corresponding MIDI note, which makes the process even easier.
Automatic alignment
According to Hitshaper, SubKick automatically aligns its sub frequencies with the transients of your audio and doesn’t introduce any latency at all, so you don’t have to worry about phase problems. The Threshold knob determines the level that triggers the effect. By adjusting the envelope using the Sustain and Release controls, you can shape the sub bass to match the drum sound you’re adding it to. Moreover, SubKick offers a pair of level knobs for the Sub and Dry signals, along with an invert checkbox for reversing them.
Furthermore, SubKick also works on a psychoacoustic level by introducing slight frequency variations on each hit. According to the developer, this gives “the subconscious mind […] something to chew on”, which probably translates to a more natural and lively, less static sound.
If you’re looking for an affordable plugin for beefing up your kick drums, toms, drum loops, or any other sound, give SubKick a try! A free demo is available on the developer’s website.
Price and compatibility
Hitshaper SubKick runs on macOS 10.12.6 or higher (including native support for Apple Silicon) and Windows 8.1 or higher. It’s available in VST3 and AU formats. The plugin is now available for 28 Swiss Francs, which is about €28/£25/$28.
More information about hitshaper SubKick
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