D16 Group | LUSH-101 Polyphonic Synthesizer Plug-in D16 Group

LUSH-101

Powerful, yet Practical: an easy-to-tweak instrument that can get hit sounds in seconds, unleashing its (and your) maximum potential.

The only synthesizer you need

LUSH-101 isn’t based off of one machine. It’s built from modules that can be found in many modern virtual synths, combined into one compact, logical layout. Don’t let its looks fool you: Though it may look benign at first, its modular, multilayer architecture takes it beyond simplistic poly-synths to the top shelf of extremely powerful, deeply programmable, yet devilishly versatile instruments in your arsenal.

The multilayer architecture guarantees that both the sound design possibilities and the number of unique situations in which LUSH-101 can be used are virtually limitless. Multitimbral sounds can be quickly created by simply assigning any (or all) of the 8 layers to the same MIDI channel; this can result in anything from subtle chorusing to sonic anarchy! Assigning the layers to different keyboard zones allows you to create sophisticated splits, and an entire split-zone preset library exists to get you started. Of course, you can always assign various layers to different MIDI channels for 8-part multitimbral usage, and send out up to 11 Audio Outputs.

With all of these splits, layers, multitimbral options and routing capabilities, there’s no end to what you can do with just a single instance of LUSH. With each layer working as an independent synthesizer with its own polyphony, parameters, enhanced arp and a choice between 8 of the finest insert effects, LUSH-101 lets you reach “unheard of*” creativity.

Want to get weird? In addition to a very sophisticated MIDI-learn implementation, an advanced modulation matrix is built into each layer. Even the Arpeggiator’s MIDI output can be used as a modulation source, allowing for complex sequences and refreshingly odd progressions.

LUSH also comes complete with a powerful built-in mixer, complete with layer-independent parametric equalizers and compressors that can be rearranged. Volume, Pan and superb send effects allow you to put the finishing touches on the final output.

LUSH can sit in any seat at the genre table. The Gate can be used instead of the VCA for instant staccato sounds for energetic Funk and rhythmic pockets. For Ambient or Chillout, drag out the attack and release times along with our smooth, rich & spacious built-in reverb to satisfy even the most ardent purists. Is Dubstep or Drum & Bass more your speed? No problem! Filters modulated by the LFOs and envelopes in conjunction with Unison mode can lead your creativity with the nastiest leads*, and base your sound in the most gnarly basses* – you and your sound system will be pleasantly confused as to what hit it, so watch out! No matter what (or how) you want to play it, LUSH will get the sound.

* all our puns are intended.

Sound like nothing else.

LUSH-101’s suspiciously accurate sound is achieved only through experience: countless hours were spent analyzing classic analogue synthesizers, and then designing and implementing DSP algorithms with close attention to every component in the signal path—not just approximating its overall output. We deliver to you a synth built on oscillators of uncompromising quality, filters with an incredibly natural warmth and character, and best-in-class effects.

Innovative oscillator algorithms developed by D16 make LUSH-101 sound exactly like a sampled hardware analog synth—but without the sampling! There is no aliasing in the oscillators, even at 22kHz from the note’s base frequency. Vibrato and pitch bend don’t compromise the spectral quality of the oscillators, allowing LUSH-101 to sound completely authentic even with the most challenging performances.

A notable problem present in many virtual analogue synths is that the harmonics of generated sound waves tend to disappear well below (and up to) the Nyquist frequency, causing them to lack clarity and punch. LUSH-101 was designed from the ground up to avoid this, resulting in a rich, exacting sound, even when using the simplest waveforms!

Resonance is constant across the entire frequency domain, making the filter sound totally authentic, especially when controlled via the envelopes or an LFO. Pushing the resonance to maximum and turning all the oscillators down will produce a pure, pleasant sine wave as the filter is driven into self-oscillation, mirroring its hardware counterparts. Of course, keyboard tracking can also be applied to the filter for a smooth, adjustable cutoff gradient across the keyboard range.

Listen to the audio examples and take the demo for a spin: experience for yourself the astonishing sound quality LUSH-101 has to offer. Discover how highest-quality component modeling and a total absence of the typical VA synthesis weak points result in a sound as unforgettable as it is inspiring!

Superb in any setting.

LUSH-101 lets you create presets for single layer, for all 8 layers at once (including the mixer settings), and even allows for presets of standalone parameter blocks such as the arpeggiator and the mixer’s send effects, to be recalled on different patches. A generous factory library of more than 1600 presets of every kind is included. Whether a preset fits right into your arrangement as is, or serves only as a springboard for you own mad creation, you’ve got full ammo to make that bass arp rip holes through speaker cones, or full camo to fill those empty spaces with a introverted pad – express your unique musical vision for years to come.

A carefully prepared, categorized and hierarchically arranged bank always let you find exactly what you’re looking for—from massive basses, to complex sequences, to the toughest-sounding synthetic percussion you’ve ever heard, you’ll find it all here. Huge, inspiring arpeggiator performances covering an unusually broad scope will draw you in from the first key press. Plus, most of the factory presets make extensive use of the Modulation Matrix to make the sounds that much more expressive and flavorful; LUSH-101 was designed to be a musical instrument first and foremost, and therefore the factory presets were designed with playability and personality in mind.

LUSH gets it: your sounds are yours to do with as you please. So to top it all off, the intuitively designed preset browser keeps everything organized and easy to locate, even when dealing with something as huge as the included library. In order to ensure that switching between patches and creating your own remains as straightforward as possible, presets are managed in a file-based manner, rather than in some proprietary, esoteric format that would otherwise make backing up and sharing your sounds a pain.

Presets in LUSH-101 were made by a team comprised of some of the best sound designers from around the world, guaranteeing a diverse swath of character and style. From Dubstep to Drum & Bass, Trance to Techno, House to Complextro, and from retro to cutting-edge, you’ll find it all here – and none of it static or sterile, but alive, full of personality, and infinitely tweakable!

Key features

• Multi-core support for computers equipped with multi-core processors for better performance.
• Multilayer architecture with 8 independent Layers (per-layer properties)
  • Oscillators (Saw, PWM, Noise), with Supersaw and HardSync options
  • Sub Oscillator (5 waveforms)
  • Self-oscillating, high-quality, multimode filter
  • Passive high-pass filter
  • Up to 8 voice unison with Tune, Cutoff and Panorama spread
  • 2 LFOs with optional tempo synchronization and re-triggering modes (Trig, Gate, Arpe, None)
  • 2 envelopes with re-triggering modes (Trig, Gate, LFO1, LFO2)
  • Chorus
  • String Ensemble
  • Phaser
  • Flanger
  • Distortion
  • Vowel filter
  • Decimator
  • Tremolo
  • Note velocity
  • Pitch bend
  • Modulation wheel
  • Expression pedal
  • Sustain pedal
  • Keyboard’s aftertouch
  • Note pitch
  • Arpeggiator’s output
  • Step sequencer (Gate and Tie per step)
  • 6 Run modes (Up, Down, Up and Down, Down and Up, Random, Manual)
  • Chord mode (Gater)
  • 3 Hold modes (Normal, Toggle, Trigger)
  • Shuffle
  • Tempo multiplier (Full notes, Dotted notes, Triplets)
• Up to 32 voices of polyphony
• MIDI channel
• Keyboard zone
• Audio output
• Synthesis
• Insert effect (selectable algorithms):
• Modulation Matrix (modulation sources):
• Arpeggiator
• Mixer
• Parametric EQs (1 per channel strip)
• Compressors (1 per channel strip)
• Up to 11 freely-assignable stereo output busses per instance
• Send FX’s (Reverb, Chorus, Delay with tempo sync)
• Presets
• Over 1600 factory presets
• 5 preset categories (whole synth, single layer, Arpeggiator, Reverb, Delay)
• Advanced, file-based preset browser
• Miscellaneous
• Advanced MIDI learn
• Parameter mapping for VST / AU automation
• Selectable GUI size

System requirements

Windows PC

• OS version Win 7, Win 8, Win 10
• CPU 2.8 GHz SSE (Multicore 3.4 GHz recommended)
• RAM 4 GB (8 GB Recommended)
• Software VST2 / AAX compatible host application (32bit or 64bit)

Mac OS X

• OS version OS X 10.7 to OS X 10.15
• CPU Intel based 2.8 GHz (3.4 GHz recommended)
• RAM 4 GB (8 GB Recommended)
• Software AU / VST2 / AAX compatible host application (32bit or 64bit)