Ohm Force Bohm HPN Update Adds Hypnotic Rumble Generator

TL;DR: Ohm Force has dropped a free firmware update for their Bohm kick module, adding the HPN (Hypnotic) model — a generative wavetable kick sequencer co-developed with artist Marc Faenger. It transforms the already formidable stereo kick synth into a rumble-generating machine for techno, complete with Ohmicide effects, scale-based pitch sequencing, and deep groove control via the optional expanders.

• HPN model is a new algorithm for the existing Bohm module, combining wavetable kick synthesis with layered transients and generative sequencing.
• Features a built-in sequencer that copies the kick voice and generates full patterns with pitch, velocity, and scale variations — controllable via main menu and Bohm Groove expander.
• Includes a lowpass filter from the Ohmicide distortion module with 2- and 4-pole modes, plus additional effects.
• Free update for all registered Bohm owners, available now on the Ohm Force website.
• Bohm base module still runs at 48kHz/24-bit with Burr-Brown converters, and the HPN model expands its already massive kick synthesis capabilities.

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The HPN Algorithm: Hypnotic Rumble Evolved

We at Noxal remember when Ohm Force first emerged from their plugin hibernation with the Ohmicide Eurorack module, and then dropped the Bohm kick synth like a bass-weighted bomb. Now, a year later, the French company has done something rare in the Eurorack world: they’ve made a genuinely meaningful free update. The HPN model — which stands for hypnotic, not High-Pass Noise, as my coffee-addled brain initially assumed — is a collaboration with artist Marc Faenger. It’s not just a new kick algorithm; it’s a rethinking of how the Bohm generates its low-end.

The core of HPN is a wavetable-based kick generator layered with synthesized transients. That description alone would make most sound designers perk up, but the real twist is that it uses a copy of the main kick voice to generate entire sequences. Think of it as a kick synth and a generative sequencer in one, designed specifically for deep, hypnotic rumbles. The result is something that feels less like a traditional 909-style thump and more like an evolving, subterranean pulse — the kind of thing that makes a club floor vibrate before you even register the beat.

Generative Sequencing Meets Techno Workflow

Let’s talk about that sequencer, because it’s the secret sauce here. The HPN model doesn’t just play a kick; it generates full sequences with pitch and velocity variations, all controllable from the main menu and the Bohm Groove expander. You get a variety of scales to keep things musical — no more random atonal rumbles that sound like a malfunctioning washing machine. The Bohm Groove expander lets you control sequence length, seed, scale, and pitch on the fly, which means you can evolve patterns live without touching a DAW.

I’ve spent enough late nights patching generative kick patterns to know this is a godsend for techno producers who want to keep their live sets fresh. The ability to dial in pitch variations based on a scale, rather than relying on blind CV randomness, makes the HPN model feel like a proper instrument. It’s not just a sound source; it’s a rhythmic engine that can drive an entire track. The copy of the kick voice ensures that every generated hit retains the character of your core sound, so you’re never sacrificing tone for variation.

Ohmicide Effects and Sound Design Depth

Ohm Force didn’t just stop at the sequencer. They’ve also baked in effects from their Ohmicide distortion module, including a lowpass filter with 2- and 4-pole modes. This is a big deal for anyone who’s used the Ohmicide plugin — it’s one of the most characterful distortion units out there, and having it in the Eurorack realm means you can shape the HPN rumble with surgical precision or brute force, depending on your mood.

In the menu system, you can shape the kick using different waveforms, the color knob, and the new LPF option. The color knob alone offers a wide timbral sweep, from tight and punchy to loose and boomy. Pair that with the filter, and you’ve got a kick that can go from a clean sub hit to a gritty, overdriven monster. The HPN model is designed for deep, hypnotic rumbles, but the filter and effects give you enough range to make it work for house, dub, or even ambient textures if you dial back the attack.

Market Context and Who Needs This

We at Noxal have reviewed plenty of kick modules over the years. The Bohm was already one of the most comprehensive thanks to its dual-voice stereo architecture, microSD card model system, and optional expanders. But the HPN update elevates it into a different category. It’s now not just a kick synth; it’s a generative percussion instrument that integrates seamlessly with the Bohm Groove and Performer expanders.

Who is this for? If you’re a techno producer who lives in Eurorack and wants to build entire rhythmic sections from a single module, the Bohm with HPN is hard to beat. It’s also ideal for live performers who need to keep things evolving without constantly reaching for patch cables. The generative sequencer means you can set a seed and let it run, tweaking parameters as you go. For studio producers, it’s a way to get unique, non-repeating kick patterns that don’t sound like every other track on Beatport. The free update makes it a no-brainer for existing Bohm owners, and for newcomers, it’s a compelling reason to jump in.

Pricing, Availability, and the Expanders

The HPN model is free for registered Bohm owners, available now from the Ohm Force website. If you’re new to the Bohm ecosystem, the base module is 369€, with the Bohm Groove expander at 139€ and the Bohm Performer at 99€. The Performer expander adds a mixer for both kick voices, stereo processing for external audio, sidechain ducking, and performance effects like DJ-style HP/LP filters and beat roll. The Groove expander adds a secondary kick voice with four taps, volume, length, and color controls — all with CV.

At these prices, the Bohm is competitive with other high-end kick modules like the Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alter or the Jomox MBase11, but the dual-voice stereo architecture and expander ecosystem give it more flexibility. The HPN update only sweetens the deal. If you’re building a techno rack, this should be on your shortlist. Just make sure you have room for the 18HP main module and the optional expanders — your wallet and your case will both feel the weight.

I’m off to brew another pour-over while the HPN model sequences itself into a hypnotic loop — maybe I’ll even patch in the Ohmicide filter for a little morning grit. Just don’t tell my barista.