reFuse Software has released the native Mac OS X VST and AU versions of Lowender. It costs $49.

This update marks a move away from dependency on Cycling '74's abandoned Pluggo framework. An RTAS version of Lowender is in development, for both Mac and Windows systems. Currently, RTAS support for Mac systems is still provided through Pluggo.

Lowender is a subharmonic synthesizer reminiscent of classic analog dual-band bass enhancer circuits.

Features:

• Gate, drive, and output filter controls.
• Operates in three different frequency ranges to match program material.
• Analog modeling - no FFT shenanigans.

More than a simple EQ, Lowender creates new bass content from your existing audio material. From post-production houses to disco floors, from high-powered live sound to rock, dub, and metal studio productions, the characteristic rumble of the subharmonic synthesizer has been an engineer's best-kept secret for years. Now you can get those low lows from within your favorite DAW application.

While taking the classic "Boom Box" sound as its core, Lowender expands on the concept in several ways. First, it offers switchable frequency ranges, so that the low end frequencies generated can be selected to fit the program material.

Second, the generated subharmonics pass through a gate tailored for low frequencies, which is useful for cleaning up unwanted bass rumble (e.g. from between kick drum hits in a drum loop).

Third, Lowender passes the bass material through an output section comprised of an overdrive circuit and a lowpass filter. Driving or compressing the newly generated low frequencies is essential for evening out their dynamics, and will allow them to sit well in a mix. The variable lowpass filter is provided to shave off the higher harmonics of the overdrive and create a smooth low end - or you can leave some of them in, for raspier bass sounds.