RootOne
by Leapwing Audio · Saturation · Multiband subharmonic generator
Not rated yet
A subharmonic generator that adds and shapes three bands of phase-aligned sub content under kicks, bass and synths.
It uses pitch detection and synthesis rather than pitch shifting, which Leapwing says works cleanly across a wider range of sources than traditional sub generators.
Best for: Bass, Drums, Keys & Synths, Mix Bus. Genres: Hip-Hop & Trap, Electronic & EDM, Pop, Rock & Indie, R&B & Soul.
Keywords: sub bass, bass, synths, clean, kick, multi-band, bus processing, enhancement, drums, full mix, mix bus, mixing, pitch-shifting, punchy, thin.
What it does
RootOne is "a unique multi-band subharmonics generator and shaper that gives punch to your low-end." It completes the low end with clean, phase-aligned subharmonics to avoid frequency interference with the source.
- 3 sub bands: add and balance three separate bands of subharmonic content.
- Analysis-synthesis: pitch detection drives the generated subs, reducing artifacts compared with pitch-shifting designs.
- Per-band shaping: dynamics, release and drive controls on each band.
- Workflow: main controls on one screen with deeper settings a click away.
A 30-day trial is available.
Source: Leapwing Audio product page
When to use it
RootOne is the pick when you want real, phase-aligned sub content split across three bands, from kick drums to bass guitar and synth plucks. Unlike Waves MaxxBass and Renaissance Bass, it does not rely on psychoacoustic harmonics, and like bx_subsynth and LoAir it generates subs, but with more detailed controls than those two.
- Best for: adding weight to kicks, bass guitar and bass synths, and filling a thin low end on a bus or mix.
- Genres: hip-hop, EDM, pop, rock and R&B, anywhere the low end needs to hit.
- Look elsewhere if: you want harmonics that make bass audible on small speakers rather than extra sub; a MaxxBass-style tool is closer.
- Standout: clean, phase-aligned subharmonics that sit with the source instead of fighting it.
What producers say
Reviewers call it a new benchmark for bass enhancement, with the warning that it is easy to overdo.
- Sound On Sound (2021) Frederick Norén called it "a new landmark when it comes to bass enhancement."
- Sound On Sound (2021) also found it could do "something interesting for pretty much any sound source."
- Gripe: the same review warned it is "so seductive" that it is easy to overuse, and needs care on less accurate monitors.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $199
- Leapwing Audio: $199
- Plugin Boutique: $199
- PluginFox: $199
- AudioDeluxe: $199
Tutorials and reviews
- 5-min Leapwing Tips: Learning RootOne's features
- Leapwing Audio RootOne - Tested
- First Look: New Subharmonic Generator - Leapwing RootOne
- RootOne from Leapwing Audio
- Leapwing Audio RootOne Review
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