Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. Prices were checked on the date shown and may change.
An introduction to Metric Halo MH Thump v4, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Thump is a unique audio processor that allows you to synthesize low frequency audio to add low end to a track or generate another sound entirely.
— Metric Halo official site
What is MH Thump v4?
MH Thump v4 is an audio processor from Metric Halo that synthesizes low-frequency sound to reinforce the low end of a track. The maker presents it as a low-end synthesizer and offers it as a free download after signing up to its mailing list.
It analyzes the pitch and dynamics of its input and uses that information to drive built-in oscillators. This supports both adding low-end support that follows the source and creating entirely new sounds such as drones.
It has two independent envelope-driven oscillators with full control over pitch and amplitude envelopes. A Wet/Dry control sets the mix between the source and the synthesized sound, and detailed metering helps you monitor the result.
The maker's example uses include building sub-octave support for kick, tom and snare, adding weight to percussive tracks, re-creating classic drum synth sounds such as the TR-808, and making kettle-drum-like tones from ordinary drums. v4 adds VST3 support for major hosts on macOS and Windows.
Oscillators driven by the input
Thump reads the pitch and dynamics of the incoming audio and uses them to drive its oscillators. Because the low tone follows the source, it may help when you want to add low end that matches the original rhythm.
Two independent oscillators
Two envelope-controlled oscillators are provided. You might layer them to build a sharp attack tone and a deeper body tone separately.
Pitch and amplitude envelopes
Pitch movement and level movement can be set in detail. This suits shaping falling drum-synth style lows or short sub tones.
Wet/Dry mix
The Wet/Dry control balances the original and the synthesized low end. You can add under the source or make the synthesized tone the main sound.
Metering and presets
Detailed metering and ready-to-use presets (the maker's page mentions a dozen) are included. Starting from a preset and adjusting from there may be the easiest route.
Resizable UI and preset management
The interface can be resized and the graphs can be shown or hidden. MH Preset Manager shares presets across platforms.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Low-end synthesizer / processor |
| Oscillators | 2 (envelope driven) |
| Formats | AU (Mac), VST, VST3, AAX Native |
| macOS | macOS 10.10 or newer (Intel or Apple Silicon; AU, VST 2/3 or AAX; 64-bit) |
| Windows | Windows 7 or newer (Intel processor; VST or AAX; 64-bit) |
| Licensing | None required (free) |
What is included and system requirements
- MH Thump v4 plugin (AU, VST, VST3, AAX Native)
- Presets (the maker's page mentions a dozen)
- MH Preset Manager
How to use it
- Sign up to the maker's mailing list on the official page to receive a personal download link.
- Run the downloaded installer.
- Rescan plugins in your DAW.
- Insert MH Thump on a kick, tom or other track where you want to add low end.
- Load a preset to hear the general direction.
- Adjust the pitch and amplitude envelopes to set the length and fall of the low tone.
- Use Wet/Dry to balance against the original sound.
- Check the low-frequency effect on studio monitors or headphones.
Reinforcing a kick
It might be worth trying when a programmed or sampled kick needs a lower range. Since it responds to the input, the added low tone could follow the kick's timing.
808-style sub tones
The maker lists re-creating drum synths such as the TR-808 as a use. Setting a falling pitch envelope may let you build short sub tones.
Weight for acoustic drums
It may suit adding low content under toms or snare for more heft. The maker also describes making kettle-drum-like sounds from ordinary drum tracks.
Drones and sound design
It could be used to create sustained low tones that react to an input signal, possibly for effects in streams or game audio.
Who it may suit
- People who want to add low end to programmed or sampled kicks
- People who want to try a free low-end synth-style plugin
- People who want to build 808-style sub tones themselves
- People who can check low frequencies on monitors or headphones
Good to know before you buy
- Because it generates very low frequencies, laptop or phone speakers will hardly reveal its effect; monitors or good headphones are needed (maker's note).
- Downloading requires signing up to the maker's mailing list. No license authorization is needed.
- Unlike the other v4 plugins, it is free.
- v4 adds VST3 on both macOS and Windows, including Apple Silicon native support, so it runs in major VST hosts such as Cubase and Nuendo.
- Shared v4 additions include undo/redo, A/B snapshots with snapshot blend, common header-bar controls, and copy-and-paste of settings between plugin instances.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
MH TransientControl v4
Thump v4 is a free processor that synthesizes low tones with two oscillators. TransientControl v4 adjusts the attack and sustain of existing audio and is listed at $179 by the maker. One adds new content, the other reshapes what is already there.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
Free from the maker; a download link is sent after signing up to the mailing list.
See MH Thump v4 on the product page
Sources: minet.jp mhsecure.com (checked 2026-10-27)
Comments