Introduction
Lunacy Audio’s CUBE takes a bold approach to sample-based synthesis. Instead of offering a traditional library of presets or another analog-style synthesizer, it introduces a 3D interface with eight parallel samplers that can be blended using motion paths called Orbits. This design allows sounds to transform continuously in ways that feel musical and dynamic. Marketed for producers working in electronic, hip hop, pop, and genre-bending styles, CUBE aims to provide a flexible toolset for a wide range of production contexts.
Core Concept
At the center of CUBE is its 3D sound blender. Each of the eight corners represents one of its parallel samplers, and as the orb moves through the cube, it crossfades between them. The motion of the orb is controlled by Orbits: preset paths that create movement and variation. These orbits aren’t static; you can choose from the included collection or build your own using the Orbit Customizer.
This system provides both instant results and space for experimentation. Simply selecting an orbit can transform a sound from a static pad into a constantly shifting texture, while customizing an orbit lets you sculpt how timbres change over time.
Sounds and Content
CUBE comes with a library of 108 sound sources, 500+ presets, and 50+ Orbits. Each of the eight samplers has its own arpeggiator, filters, envelopes, and step sequencers. This setup makes it possible to build complex patches that mix rhythmic elements, tonal layers, and transforming textures simultaneously.
Importantly, CUBE supports drag and drop audio (WAV + SFZ) as well as impulse responses. This means you aren’t limited to the factory content. Adding your own recordings or samples extends its palette and allows the orbit system to animate material that is uniquely yours.
Modulation and Effects
CUBE’s modulation system is both flexible and approachable. It offers four detailed LFOs, a macro control, and a modulation matrix where nearly any parameter can be a target. Assignments are made through a drag-and-drop workflow, keeping the process intuitive even when building more intricate routings.
On the processing side, the plugin includes 13 FX modules. These cover essentials like Filters, EQ, Distortion, Bitcrusher, Compressor, Chorus, Phase, Delay, Reverb, and a Limiter. The combination of modulation and effects makes it possible to take even simple sources and transform them into expansive, polished results.
For inspiration, CUBE also provides a Preset Generator. With one click, you can randomize sounds, orbits, and FX, which often yields unexpected but usable patches.
Sonic Character
The defining trait of CUBE is its non-static approach to sound design. Pads and transforming textures are its strongest suit, with presets that shift continuously as orbits crossfade different sources. Because the content combines acoustic instruments, synthetic tones, and processed samples, the resulting timbres often carry an organic-meets-electronic character.
For scoring, this translates to drones, pulses, and atmospheres that maintain interest over long passages. For electronic production, the layered arpeggiators and sequencers make it easy to generate rhythmic material that moves beyond static loops. And because of the import function, experimental users can take found sounds or vocals and transform them into hybrids that stretch well past their original context.
Expansions and Ecosystem
CUBE doesn’t stop with its factory library. Lunacy Audio has developed a growing line of expansion packs, each with a distinct focus:
- Air: hybrid wind instruments and airy textures.
- Threads: orchestral strings reshaped through sound design.
- Rumble: seismic low-end and percussive impacts.
- Pastels: light plucks and mallet-like tones.
- Neon: radiant analog synths.
- Sky: ambient and textural guitars.
- Dust (by Venus Theory): granular and gritty landscapes.
- Canopies (by Benn Jordan): organic wood and metal tones.
- Botanica (by Phritz): nature-infused electronics.
- Astra: celestial and space-inspired sounds.
- Phantoms: a darker, atmospheric set listed as part of the lineup.
For those who want it all, the CUBE Bundle includes the main instrument plus six premium expansions, three artist packs, Astra, and nine preset packs, totaling 300+ multisampled sound sources and over 1,000 presets.
Lunacy also offers CUBE Mini, a lighter version that is free with any expansion purchase (with the condition that you add it to the cart). This provides a low-barrier way to step into the CUBE ecosystem.
Workflow and Usability
Despite its very unique workflow, CUBE is straightforward to use. Loading new sources, changing orbits, or assigning modulation can be done quickly, so the instrument doesn’t slow down creative flow.
Compatibility is wide, with macOS and Windows support, available as AU, VST3, and AAX, and it is supported by all major DAWs. The plugin runs reliably across environments, making it practical for both studio and production use.
Conclusion
CUBE delivers on its promise of being a “3D sampler with infinite possibilities.” The factory content is strong, the effects and modulation are powerful, and the expansion ecosystem ensures the instrument won’t run dry anytime soon.
CUBE’s most striking strength is its unique engine, which blends up to eight parallel samplers inside a three-dimensional interface. The factory library is generous, with 108 sources, more than 500 presets, and 50 orbit paths ready to go. Its modulation system is another highlight. Four LFOs, a macro, and a clear modulation matrix make it easy to map movement across nearly any parameter, and the drag-and-drop workflow keeps it approachable. This depth extends further with the thirteen built-in effects modules, which cover everything from subtle EQ shaping to heavy distortion, lush reverb, and a limiter for polish. Together, these tools give you plenty of room to transform even the simplest sample into something expansive.
The inclusion of a preset generator also adds value, especially for moments when you need inspiration. One click can reshuffle sounds, orbits, and effects, often producing results you might not have arrived at manually. Beyond the factory content, the expansion ecosystem continues to expand CUBE’s range with themed libraries, from airy winds and strings to analog synths and gritty granular textures. Finally, its cross-platform compatibility across AU, VST3, and AAX ensures it integrates smoothly with nearly any production environment.
It is at its best when used for transforming pads, cinematic beds, and genre-blending textures. By letting users animate and blend multiple layers inside a 3D space, it makes transforming timbres easy to create and fun to explore. The included content is generous, expansions broaden the horizon further, and sample import keeps it endlessly extendable.
For anyone seeking sounds that move and breathe, CUBE represents one of the more original sampler plugins available today.
