Future Bass Producer’s Toolkit: 11 Plugins You Should Own

There always seems to be a new flavor of the month when it comes to whatever genre of music production is dominating the scene, but Future Bass seems to be the exception to this that proves the rule. Ever since it was popularized years ago with chart-topping hits by the likes of Flume and The Chainsmokers, it has stayed relevant and significant in dance music culture. 

Suppose you’re a producer looking to capitalize on the long-standing popularity of the genre. In that case, it’s essential to know that your plugin choices can elevate your tracks to new heights or leave you mired in a sea of sonic sameness. After all, more producers are making this style of music than almost any other, and being unique is the secret sauce to standing out (obviously). If you’re striving for innovation and quality, knowing which plugins truly offer that X-factor is crucial.

These plugins excel in user interface design, sound flexibility, and feature richness—three pillars that any forward-thinking Future Bass producer should seriously consider. From plugins that make modulation a breeze to those offering unique morphing EQ abilities, this list is your roadmap to upping your production game.

Serum

Serum leverages wavetable synthesis to offer an expansive sonic palette. With its intuitive UI and high-quality audio output, this VST plugin stands as a powerhouse in sound design. It’s a versatile tool, offering unique waveforms and real-time modulation capabilities that make it a cut above the rest. Whether you’re crafting intricate basslines or soaring leads, Serum’s got you covered.

If you’re not keen on creating your sounds from scratch, don’t fret. Serum comes loaded with many presets to get your creative juices flowing. The modulation capabilities here are top-tier as well. It’s as simple as drag-and-drop to assign envelopes or LFOs to your parameters. Don’t underestimate the built-in effects, either. From reverb to distortion, you’ve got all you need to texturize your sounds. Let’s not forget the ‘rent-to-own’ model, making Serum an accessible choice for anyone on a budget.

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Serum’s X-Factors Are:

• Ultra-Clean Oscillators: The oscillators in Serum offer unmatched clarity, giving you a clean slate for your sound design. There is no need to worry about messy or distorted waveforms; Serum’s got it down to an art. This level of audio fidelity is essential for a genre like future bass, where sound clarity can make or break your mix.
• Drag-and-Drop Modulation: Forget convoluted routing paths. With Serum, modulation is as simple as dragging and dropping your chosen modulator onto a parameter. This easy navigation frees up your time and headspace, letting you focus on what matters: crafting unique, genre-defining sounds.

Transit

Creative transitions and intricate sound dynamics can make or break your track, especially in future bass. Enter Transit by Baby Audio, the one-stop solution for automation and multi-effects. Collaborations often lead to generic outcomes, but this isn’t your run-of-the-mill celebrity-endorsed plugin. Baby Audio delivers a refreshing approach to transition effects that promise to redefine your production workflow.

Transit is designed as a conduit for 18 high-quality effect modules, fully customizable across seven slots. Each effect is an entity of its own, giving you nuanced control. What makes it a game-changer is its Macro Control knob—no more getting lost in a maze of automation lanes. One knob can bring to life complex FX transitions that are not just sonically impressive but also incredibly engaging. From Bitcrusher and Chorus to Pitch Shift and Utility, you can integrate multiple modules and automate them seamlessly. Its UI is intuitively designed; everything is where it should be. Plus, the global Mix control offers a cohesive blend of your effect chain, and output trim controls ensure precise sound output.

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Transit’s X-Factors Are:

• Streamlined User Experience: Simplicity doesn’t have to come at the cost of capability. With Transit, you get an influential transition designer and multi-effects rack. Its single Macro Control knob changes the game; it frees you from the drudgery of manual automation, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects.
• High-Quality Effect Modules: Don’t underestimate the power of great sound. The plugin hosts 18 different effect modules—filters and compressors to oscillators. Each module offers premium sound quality and sufficient controls, just enough to get the job done without overwhelming the user.

Synplant 2

This isn’t just another synth with the usual knobs and dials; it’s an organic, evolving instrument that lets you “grow” your sounds. The interface is rooted in biology, resembling a double helix where you manipulate ‘genes’ to create audio DNA. Start with a seed sound and stretch it into new aural dimensions, thanks to its groundbreaking Genopatch technology. Powered by machine learning, Genopatch seamlessly integrates any sound you throw at it, offering an entirely fresh palette of sonic possibilities. This isn’t just an incremental update; it’s a revolution.

The engine beneath this plugin has been entirely rewritten, elevating the signal chain to an unmatched quality. Magnus, the brain behind Synplant, assures us that every aspect of the DSP algorithms has been enhanced. The result is a robust plugin that avoids the grating audio fatigue common in older versions. Whether sculpting cinematic textures or crafting unique bass lines, Synplant 2 morphs to fit your needs, making it indispensable for anyone seeking that Future Bass flair.

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Synplant 2’s X-Factors Are:

• Genopatch Technology: Unlike anything else on the market, Genopatch allows you to infuse any sound into the plugin, which adapts beautifully. Machine learning fuels this feature, generating complex parameters that bring fresh, unpredictable elements into your production.
• Organic User Interface: The double-helix design isn’t just for show. It’s an intuitive, organic interface that brings a different approach to sound design. You’re not just tweaking settings; you’re interacting with a living, breathing instrument that evolves, keeping your Future Bass sounds distinct and invigorating.

Izotope Trash 2

When producing future bass, the sonic texture you weave can make or break your track. That’s why Trash 2 by iZotope deserves your attention. This isn’t just another distortion plugin. With a robust architecture, Trash 2 is like the Swiss Army knife of audio manipulation. Revamped filters, customizable algorithms, and intricate modulation options are just the tip of the iceberg. You can sculpt your sound from granular to grandiose.

You’ve got six diverse modules, from twin-stage Trash distortion to filters and dynamics, each optimized for fine-grained control. And if you’re into tweaking, the waveshaping window and convolution processor are game changers. These tools allow you to delve deep into shaping your sound character, be it clean harmonics or something that resembles a broken transistor. The point is that Trash 2 offers more than just a smattering of presets; it provides tools to forge unique auditory signatures.

Trash 2’s X-Factors Are:

• Deep Customization through Waveshaping: Waveshaping isn’t a mere gimmick here; it’s an integral part of the Trash module. This feature lets you manipulate the ‘base’ algorithm with your curve, enabling nuanced control over the sonic outcome. It allows you to go beyond presets and sketch out your sound character.
• Versatile Convolution Processor: The Convolve module isn’t just another IR loader; it’s an ecosystem. You can pick from Dynamic, Condenser, and Ribbon mic types and even upload your IR files. It helps you get that much-coveted room sound or weird resonant qualities that can make your future bass track stand out.

Morph EQ

Think of this plugin as an EQ on steroids—made for the producer who wants control and creativity combined. This versatile tool brings you not just a suite of filter options but also the power to morph between them in real time. Imagine the possibilities: you can craft intricate sound textures or smooth out harsh frequencies, all with a simple knob turn.

But here’s where it gets good. The plugin features a robust set of global controls like Shift, Pinch, and Spread that can manipulate your filters in unique ways. Spread, for instance, is a game-changer for enhancing your stereo field. It allows for nuanced shifts in the filter frequencies between your left and right channels, adding a whole new level of depth to your mix. It’s not just about the EQ; it’s about morphing it into something entirely new.

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Morph EQ’s X-Factors Are:

• Real-time Morphing Capabilities: What sets Morph EQ apart is its ability to morph between different filter types and shapes on the fly. It’s like having an EQ playground that invites you to experiment. The morphing feature isn’t just a novelty; it’s a functional tool that can significantly influence your sound, creating transitions or fluctuations that a standard EQ can’t deliver.
• Global Control Parameters: Features like Shift, Pinch, and Spread aren’t your run-of-the-mill controls. These are designed to offer global manipulation of your filters, affecting everything from frequency to gain, without you having to tweak each band individually. This not only saves time but also opens the door to creative techniques you might not have thought possible.

Spectrasonics Omnisphere

With a rich history dating back to 2008, Omnisphere has continually upped the ante, with the latest updates showcasing an audio import feature that revolutionizes sound design capabilities. Regarding tone, this plugin offers a mammoth library, now boasting over 12,000 sounds, replete with intricately crafted patches and effects. It’s no wonder this powerhouse is a favorite among producers looking for premium build quality without breaking the bank.

The plugin serves not just as a musical instrument but as a comprehensive toolkit for innovative sound design. The upgrade options offer compelling incentives, providing an affordable path for existing and new users to level up. Spectrasonics’ customer-first approach, complete with discounts for dedicated users, reinforces its appeal. While affordability is often synonymous with compromise, Omnisphere flips the script by offering value-packed features that rival even the most high-end plugins.

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Omnisphere’s X-Factors Are:

• Audio Import Capability: This isn’t just a run-of-the-mill feature; it’s a revolution in custom sound design. Now, you can include your original audio files, effectively turning Omnisphere into a personalized sound engine. Imagine the limitless possibilities this opens up for crafting unique Future Bass tracks.
• Massive Sound Library: With over 12,000 quality sounds in its arsenal, Omnisphere offers unparalleled diversity. This isn’t your typical one-trick pony. From cinematic textures to subterranean booms, this plugin is a goldmine for producers looking for a versatile palette. It’s a treasure trove that keeps on giving, whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting.

LFO Tool 

With a user interface that’s intuitive yet straightforward, this plugin doesn’t mess around. It comes with a fully customizable Low-Frequency Oscillator and offers a treasure trove of over 100 presets, providing versatility that can enrich your music production process. The CPU load? Light as a feather, allowing you to maximize your system’s performance.

Let’s face it: a tool like this can do wonders for both mixing and creative tasks. Sure, you can use it for the conventional purpose of sidechain compression, but why stop there? From manipulating filter cutoffs to controlling volume, the LFO Tool amplifies your production prowess. It’s beneficial if you’re already past the beginner stage and want to drill down into nuanced sound modulation. Don’t let the slightly dated interface fool you. Once you get the hang of terminologies like LFO Routing and PWM, there’s hardly any limit to what you can achieve.

Xfer LFO Tool’s X-Factors Are:

• Customizable LFO Shapes: What sets this plugin apart is the level of control it offers. You can tweak the LFO shapes to match the exact vibe you’re going for. This is not just about turning knobs; it’s about sculpting your sound in a way that truly resonates with your artistic vision.
• Light CPU Load: A major win for any producer is a powerful plugin but not a resource hog. LFO Tool sits lightly on your CPU, ensuring that you can run multiple tasks without your system wheezing like it just ran a marathon.

Rift 2.0

Rift is about creating harmonic landscapes that have structure and dynamic range. With 30 algorithms to work with and what’s known as multipolar processing, Rift 2.0 gives you nuanced control over both positive and negative portions of the audio waveform. Add modulation into the mix, and you’re orchestrating rhythmic and evolving soundscapes that go way beyond what conventional distortion can achieve. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for audio—robust, versatile, and invaluable for shaping your future bass productions.

Sure, it comes with presets, but this is a plugin that wants you to dig deep. Physical modeling feedback and delay effects, plus multiband effects with custom routing, allow you to get experimental. The UI is inviting, but don’t let that fool you. Behind its clean lines and intuitive design lies a labyrinth of sonic possibilities that rivals an advanced polysynth. Rift 2.0 even comes with Apple Silicon support and CPU optimization across platforms, so it’s keeping up with the tech curve.

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Rift 2.0’s X-Factors Are:

• Multipolar Processing: This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a foundational shift in how distortion is applied. The ability to independently manipulate both the positive and negative portions of the waveform is ground-breaking. This ensures your distorted sounds maintain clarity and don’t turn into an indistinguishable mush.
• Advanced Multiband Effects Routing: If granular control over your sound is what you’re after, this is where Rift 2.0 shines. The flexible multi-band effects routing allows you to specify which frequency bands are affected by each plugin element. This level of customizability is something you’ll struggle to find elsewhere, elevating Rift 2.0 from just another distortion tool to a vital part of your audio armory.

CUBE

This 3D Sample Morphing Engine goes beyond your run-of-the-mill sound manipulation tool. Originating from Vector Synthesis, Cube allows you to crossfade four or eight sounds in a 3D space. But it’s not just about moving between points; it’s about designing the movement, the orbit, the whole sonic journey. Do custom samples? Cube allows you to bring your own WAV or SFZ files to the table. Mix and match with factory presets, and you have an evolving soundscape that brings unparalleled depth and dynamics to your tracks.

The built-in FX is nothing to sneeze at, either. You’ve got everything from EQ and Compression to Phase and Reverb. All this comes in a clean, visually intuitive interface that helps you listen and see how your sound moves and evolves. While we’re on features, let’s not forget Cube’s Randomize Algorithm. Gone are the days of digging through presets; one click and you’ve got a new patch that could very well be the missing piece of your musical puzzle. Plus, if you’re worried about shelling out before you try, there’s Cube Mini. A lighter but still powerful version, perfect for those who want a taste before diving into the full sonic buffet.

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Cube’s X-Factors Are:

• 3D Sample Morphing Engine: It’s not just about layering sounds; it’s about evolving them. Cube’s 3D engine lets you bring an extra layer of movement and life to your samples. Perfect for the producer looking to add a cinematic, evolving texture to their tracks.
• Randomize Algorithm: This is like your own sound designer in a click. Instead of trudging through hundreds of presets, Cube offers a quick yet effective way to stumble upon your next favorite sound. It blends custom sounds, orbits, and FX to deliver something unique, saving you time and keeping the creative juices flowing.

Fabfilter Saturn 2

Fabfilter Saturn 2 revolutionizes sound design with its multi-band capabilities, enabling precise saturation control across varying frequency bands. This plugin isn’t just about delivering classic tube saturation for a warm, vintage feel; it also introduces dynamic movement and tonal complexities, elevating your Future Bass tracks. As Waxman, an artist on David Hohme’s Where The Heart Is Records, notes, “Saturn-2 is a multiband saturator that lets you affect extremely specific frequency bands with different saturation and modulation.”

What sets Saturn 2 apart is its user-friendly interface. An intuitive GUI is essential for a quick workflow, and Saturn 2 excels. Real-time adjustments are effortless, allowing for seamless transitions from subtle warmth to intense bit-crushed effects. Each interaction with the plugin is intuitive, ensuring you’re crafting the perfect sound precisely. Beyond the surface, its modulation options are ingenious, offering everything from LFOs to MIDI control. This vast range of possibilities allows for dynamic changes in your sound, injecting life and real-time dynamism into your tracks.

For a deeper dive into Saturn 2’s capabilities and to gain more insights from Waxman, check out the full interview. Don’t miss the chance to experience the plugin’s transformative power firsthand and get inspired by Waxman’s track, a testament to Saturn 2’s impact in music production.

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Saturn 2’s X-Factors Are:

• Multi-band Saturation Capabilities: The plugin doesn’t just saturate; it lets you control saturation levels across different frequency bands. This adds depth and customization, allowing you to color and shape your sound precisely. This is where Saturn 2’s value shines for Future Bass producers. With granular control, you can achieve the texture and dynamics that elevate a track from good to great.
• Dynamic Modulation Sources: Saturn 2 offers a versatile range of modulation sources, from LFOs to MIDI controllers. These options aren’t just eye candy; they offer a practical means to automate and enrich your sound dynamically. Linking modulation to different parameters quickly adds complexity that makes your tracks feel nuanced and engaging.

U-He’s Filterscape

Are you navigating the soundscape of Future Bass production? If so, Filterscape deserves a spot on your radar. One of the tool’s significant advantages is its incredibly user-friendly interface. Trust me, it’s a breeze. You can dive right in and tweak parameters on a single window without hassle. This feature makes it easy to craft complex sounds without feeling overwhelmed by an avalanche of knobs and sliders. The inline display informs you, so you know exactly what you’re messing around with.

Soundwise, Filterscape is no slouch. It’s got versatility, dabbling in everything from analog to FM, with even a dash of quirky extreme filter and EQ functions. The sound quality leans more digital, but I don’t think that limits you. This plugin shines when you’re in the mood to sculpt unique soundscapes and off-the-wall tones. It’s feature-rich for a 2-oscillator synth, rocking potent modulation capabilities, a stack of LFOs and envelopes, and a morphable inline EQ. Let’s not forget the arpeggiator—it’s like a Swiss army knife for melody crafting.

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Filterscape’s X-Factors Are:

• Robust Modulation Suite: The modulation capabilities are what sets Filterscape apart. You can modulate nearly anything and use an array of sources. This flexibility enables you to shape your sounds in a way that’s not just unique but also dynamic. It’s this level of depth that keeps you coming back for more experimentation.
• Inline EQ with Morphing Ability: Having an EQ that can morph takes your production game to another level. You can transition from one sound texture to another smoothly, giving your track a dynamic range that’s not just pleasing but also audibly fascinating. If you’re going beyond the typical Future Bass patterns, this feature is your secret weapon.