Top 6 DnB Synth Plugins: Essential VSTs for Drum and Bass
Drum and Bass (DnB) has come a long way since its underground roots in the UK rave scene of the early '90s. Born from the faster, breakbeat-driven offshoots of jungle music, DnB quickly set itself apart with its rapid tempos, intricate breakbeats, and deep, rolling basslines that both energized dance floors and showcased producers’ technical prowess. Over the years, the genre has evolved, with subgenres like liquid, neurofunk, and jump-up branching out to form their own sonic identities. While the style has traditionally relied on sampling classic breakbeats like the Amen Break, modern DnB production also depends heavily on synthesizers to shape its characteristic bass growls, eerie atmospheres, and sharp, evolving textures. These synths are key to creating the hard-hitting, high-energy sound that defines DnB, making them essential tools for both established producers and those new to the genre. This post delves into the best software synthesizers specifically suited to DnB production, each offering unique capabilities that cater to the genre’s demands for gritty bass, lush soundscapes, and detailed sound design. Whether you’re crafting dark, heavy basslines for tech-step or shimmering pads for liquid DnB, this list will give you the tools to take your productions to the next level.
Top 6 DnB Plugins: Essential Drum and Bass Synth Plugins
Xfer Serum
Xfer Serum is one of the go-to synths for DnB producers worldwide. This powerful wavetable synthesizer is known for its intuitive design and high-quality sound, making it an ideal choice for crafting the growling, bass-heavy sounds that are iconic in DnB. Serum’s flexible architecture allows users to manipulate sounds in almost any direction, letting producers fine-tune basses that cut through the mix. Its clean, user-friendly interface also makes complex sound design accessible to those who want to dive deep into DnB’s distinctive sonic textures.
Serum shines in its modulation capabilities, which are essential for the intricate, constantly evolving basslines and FX that characterize DnB tracks. With its drag-and-drop modulation, users can assign LFOs, envelopes, and more to nearly any parameter, allowing for seamless, evolving sounds that are perfect for DnB. Serum's built-in effects rack, which includes distortion, reverb, and compression, also adds an extra layer of polish, bringing sounds to life without needing external plugins.
DnB producers frequently use Serum to craft everything from dark, rumbling basslines to shimmering pads. Its expansive wavetable library offers endless options for unique sound design, while importing custom wavetables provides even greater creative flexibility. For any producer aiming to capture the raw energy of DnB, Serum is a powerhouse that delivers versatility and impact.
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Arturia Pigments
Arturia Pigments is a powerhouse for DnB producers looking to create complex, evolving sounds. With multiple sound engines—including analog, wavetable, and granular synthesis—it provides a toolkit capable of producing everything from dense, growling basses to ethereal, shimmering textures. This versatility allows DnB producers to craft a wide range of sounds that give their tracks depth and character. Pigments’ visual interface makes it easy to see what’s happening in real-time, which is invaluable for refining the intricate sounds DnB often demands.
Much like Serum, Pigments is particularly appreciated for its extensive modulation capabilities. Producers can experiment with multiple LFOs, envelopes, and a versatile modulation matrix, making it easy to create evolving, rhythmic textures or complex bass modulations. These features help DnB producers achieve the kind of dynamic, evolving soundscapes that keep listeners engaged and maintain the high energy characteristic of DnB.
The built-in effects, such as distortion, phaser, and delay, also make Pigments ideal for DnB. These effects allow for on-the-fly tweaking and shaping of sounds, adding grit to basslines or atmosphere to pads. With Pigments, DnB producers have a comprehensive sound design tool that’s as versatile as it is powerful, helping them capture the genre’s distinctive blend of aggression and intricacy.
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Output Arcade
Output Arcade is a unique tool for DnB producers, bringing a fresh approach to sound design with its sample-based engine and constantly updated library of loops and one-shots. While not a traditional synthesizer, Arcade’s flexibility and focus on texture make it invaluable for crafting the immersive, atmospheric elements that elevate DnB tracks. With a straightforward drag-and-drop interface, Arcade gives producers quick access to unique sounds that are easy to manipulate and seamlessly integrate into any DnB project.
One of Arcade’s standout features for DnB is its Pressure line, a collection specifically designed with the genre in mind. Pressure offers ready-made, high-energy sounds that can easily be tailored to suit the aggressive, intricate style of DnB. Producers can modify these loops using Arcade’s extensive range of effects and modulation options, which encourage creative experimentation. This line is especially useful for building rhythmic elements, vocal chops, and ambient textures suited to the full spectrum of DnB, from dark, heavy rollers to liquid and melodic styles.
Arcade’s Sample Manipulation feature allows for even greater control over sounds, with options for pitch adjustments, filtering, and built-in effects like delay and reverb. These tools empower DnB producers to transform loops and samples into something new and personalized, adding unique, distinctive layers to their music. For anyone looking to inject fresh ideas into their DnB productions, Output Arcade, and especially its Pressure line, provides an inspirational and versatile toolkit.
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TAL-Pha
The TAL-Pha synth, a software recreation inspired by the legendary Roland Alpha Juno, brings a classic analog vibe to modern DnB production. Known for its rich, textured bass and iconic “hoover” sound, the Alpha Juno gained prominence in the early rave and hardcore scenes, and its influence carries over into the aggressive, high-energy world of DnB today. TAL-Pha captures the essence of this classic synth while adding modern features for flexibility and control. Its intuitive interface and classic subtractive synthesis architecture make it easy to dial in gritty, driving basses, thick leads, and percussive stabs that fit perfectly within DnB’s hard-hitting soundscapes.
One of TAL-Pha’s standout features is its PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), which adds a rich, evolving texture to simple waveforms, creating basses and leads with a unique bite. This modulation capability is essential for achieving the “hoover” sound, an unmistakable, roaring tone made famous by early electronic tracks and still relevant in DnB, especially in subgenres like jump-up and darkstep. By tweaking the envelope’s attack and decay settings and adding PWM to the saw wave, producers can craft that punchy, evolving sound that cuts through the mix. TAL-Pha also includes a chorus effect modeled after the original Juno, which adds warmth and depth to sounds, making it ideal for both bass and atmospheric elements in DnB tracks.
In addition to its classic sounds, TAL-Pha brings a set of modern features that enhance its flexibility for contemporary DnB production. Its MIDI learn functionality and built-in modulation routing allow for precise control over parameters, making it easy to add subtle or extreme movement to basslines and leads. The synth’s filter section is capable of everything from smooth, warm low-pass filtering to aggressive, resonant sweeps, perfect for crafting dynamic basslines and stabs with that signature DnB punch. Whether you’re creating retro-inspired jump-up or dark, cinematic techstep, TAL-Pha offers a powerful, nostalgia-rich toolkit that combines the best of classic analog sound with the control and flexibility modern producers demand.
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KV331 Audio SynthMaster One
SynthMaster One by KV331 Audio is an affordable yet powerful wavetable synthesizer that has become popular among DnB producers. Known for its gritty sound and straightforward interface, SynthMaster One is ideal for creating the distorted basslines and bright leads that are staples in DnB. Despite its accessible price point, it provides a wide range of features that make it highly competitive with more expensive synths.
SynthMaster One’s intuitive modulation system allows producers to easily shape and evolve sounds, a crucial feature for crafting dynamic DnB basslines and pads. Its dual-oscillator design, combined with a robust filtering system, makes it easy to create aggressive, punchy sounds. This flexibility lets DnB producers dial in the specific timbres they need, from rolling basslines to sharp, cutting leads.
The synth also includes a selection of built-in effects, including chorus, delay, and distortion, which help add polish to sounds directly within the synth. These effects allow producers to create complex, layered sounds that are ready to drop into a mix. With its affordability, user-friendly design, and powerful features, SynthMaster One is a fantastic choice for DnB producers looking to expand their sound palette without breaking the bank.
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Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
Omnisphere 2 by Spectrasonics is legendary for its vast library of sounds and its ability to blend traditional and experimental textures. This synth is a staple for DnB producers aiming to add lush, atmospheric pads and evolving soundscapes to their tracks. Its sound library is one of the largest available, offering everything from classic synth patches to unique, otherworldly textures. For DnB, Omnisphere excels in creating the dark, cinematic backdrops that add depth and atmosphere to a track.
One of Omnisphere’s standout features is its dual-layer engine, which allows users to combine different sounds for unique textures. This feature is particularly useful for DnB producers who want to layer evolving pads with subtle drones or intricate FX, giving their tracks a rich, immersive feel. Its extensive modulation capabilities also mean that sounds can evolve over time, adding movement and energy to the track’s atmosphere.
For those looking to dive deep, Omnisphere includes granular synthesis, a feature that lets producers transform samples into textural, ambient sounds perfect for DnB intros or breakdowns. Whether it’s used for cinematic pads or subtle background elements, Omnisphere’s vast capabilities make it a powerful asset for any DnB producer.
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Types of DnB Sounds and How to Create Them
Drum and Bass is known for its signature sounds, each serving a distinct purpose and adding depth and intensity to a track. One key sound in DnB is the hover, a sustaining, layered sound that fills space and adds tension, often used to create a “busy” mid-range atmosphere. Hovers are particularly effective in techstep and neurofunk, where complex, gritty textures dominate. To achieve this sound in synths like TAL-Pha or Pigments, start with a saw or square wave and use a combination of pulse-width modulation and light detuning to create a thick, textured base. Apply a low-pass filter with the envelope sustain set higher to keep the sound open, then add some LFO modulation to the filter cutoff to keep it moving. Adding a chorus effect can help widen the sound, giving it that deep, dense quality that hovers require. Hovers add a layer of busyness to the mix, providing a tense, driving presence that fills in the sonic landscape without overwhelming it.
In contrast, gliding, percussive leads add rhythm and punch to a DnB track. These sounds are often created by setting a slightly slower attack on the envelope controlling the pitch or filter cutoff, giving them a distinct “wah” effect as they rise to full volume. Start with a single oscillator using a sine or triangle wave for a cleaner attack, and set the pitch or filter envelope to rise quickly but with a subtle glide. This technique gives the sound a percussive, sliding quality, which can be especially effective as an accent in fills or as a rhythmic element in breakdowns. Adding pitch modulation or a touch of glide between notes can make the effect more pronounced, creating a sound that moves and cuts through the mix with rhythmic impact. The gliding “pwamp” sounds are key to keeping a track dynamic and engaging, providing both melody and movement within the track’s structure.
Another staple in DnB is the Reese bass, a deep, detuned bassline often achieved through layering two or more oscillators with slight pitch differences. This creates a thick, rumbling texture that feels dynamic and powerful, perfect for adding weight to neurofunk or dark DnB tracks. To create this in a synth like Serum or Pigments, start with two sawtooth waves slightly detuned from each other, then apply a low-pass filter to round out the top end. Add a touch of distortion and modulation to make the sound evolve over time. Combining these elements—the busy hover sounds, gliding percussive leads, and the heavy Reese bass—gives DnB tracks their signature energy and depth, making each layer essential to the overall impact of the track.
Top Tips for DnB Sound Design
Creating high-quality DnB sounds involves a mix of technical knowledge and experimentation. One of the key techniques is layering, which can add thickness and depth to basslines, leads, and even percussive elements. For example, you can layer a gritty bass sound with a sub-bass to add weight and power to the low end. This way, the sub-layer provides the deep rumble while the top layer brings texture and definition. Make sure each layer occupies its own space in the frequency spectrum, as this will avoid muddiness and make your mix cleaner. Experimenting with distortion and saturation is another essential step; these effects can add warmth, grit, or outright aggression, depending on how heavily they’re applied. Using subtle distortion on a Reese bass, for instance, can add harmonic richness, while heavier distortion can make it sound more aggressive and crunchy.
Another essential tip is using modulation to create movement and variation in your sounds. DnB is an energetic genre, and having static sounds can make a track feel stale. Modulating the filter cutoff, wavetable position, or even the pitch slightly with LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) can add dynamic changes that evolve over time, bringing life to your sound. Many synths, such as Serum or Pigments, allow for extensive modulation routing, so experiment with assigning different LFO shapes to parameters to see what brings the most energy to your sounds. Additionally, use automation to shape sounds across the timeline of your track. For instance, automating the filter on a pad during a breakdown can create a sweeping effect that adds drama and tension. With a balance of layering, distortion, and modulation, DnB sound design becomes a creative playground where experimentation leads to powerful, distinct sounds that push the boundaries of the genre.
DnB Subgenres and Iconic Producers
Drum and Bass is a genre bursting with variety, and each subgenre brings its own flavor and energy, often thanks to the creative minds that define and redefine these styles. Neurofunk is the dark, intricate cousin of the DnB family, known for its twisted basslines and razor-sharp precision. Legends like Noisia set the stage with their meticulous sound design, and artists like Mefjus and Phace continue to push the envelope, blending aggression with incredible technical skill. Neurofunk’s intensity and complexity make it a thrilling journey, and these artists bring a cinematic, otherworldly quality that feels both chaotic and deeply satisfying.
Liquid DnB offers a smoother, soulful side of DnB, focusing on melody and emotional depth. Calibre has long been a defining figure, crafting lush soundscapes that feel timeless, while newer producers like Lenzman and Etherwood add a fresh twist, infusing jazz and ambient textures. Then there's Jump-Up DnB, known for its infectious hooks and gritty energy, with pioneers like DJ Hazard and modern voices like Macky Gee and Sub Zero leading the charge. And bridging the worlds of DnB and mainstream appeal is Chase & Status, who have become icons in their own right, fusing DnB with elements of dubstep, hip-hop, and reggae. Their genre-crossing sound has introduced DnB to a global audience, proving just how versatile and far-reaching the genre can be. Each subgenre’s unique personality and these influential producers make DnB a genre with endless moods and stories to explore.
Drum, Bass, Synth…
As you dive into the world of DnB production, these synths are the keys to unlocking the unique sounds that define each subgenre. From the smooth, soulful vibes of liquid DnB to the razor-sharp intensity of neurofunk, and the dark, moody atmosphere of techstep, each style brings its own flavor to the DnB landscape. These synths empower you to experiment across genres, crafting deep, rolling basslines for jump-up, lush, melodic pads for liquid, or complex, distorted growls for neuro. The endless possibilities in sound design mean you can create a track that reflects the raw energy of DnB while making it entirely your own.
The beauty of DnB lies in its diversity, with each subgenre offering a different journey, vibe, and feel. Whether you're drawn to the warm, ambient soundscapes of liquid, the frenetic, bass-heavy aggression of neuro, or the stripped-back minimalism of techstep, the world of DnB invites you to explore and redefine the genre with each track. So, grab your synths, lean into your creative impulses, and see where the journey takes you. The DnB scene is always evolving, and with the right tools and a passion for experimentation, you have everything you need to add your voice and push the genre into exciting new territory.
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