I understand that there are various types of Bass Instrument Plugins (VST Instruments) available, and it can be confusing to determine which one to purchase. Nobody wants to buy something and then regret it, thinking, “It’s not as usable as I thought.” However, when it comes to selecting electric and acoustic bass plugins, you might not need to hesitate too much.
Unless you can’t find a bass plugin that fits perfectly with your genre and preferences, I recommend choosing your first bass plugin from the following list, which is ranked in recommended order:
*These recommendations are based on rankings for first-time bass plugins.
In this article, I will explain why purchasing any of these three options alone will be satisfying and also introduce other bass plugins that can be useful to have. Additionally, since some people might be interested in using free bass plugins, I will also provide recommendations for bass plugins that are available for free.
1. Which is the best bass plugin for beginners? Recommended ranking
Unless you can’t find a bass plugin that fits perfectly with your genre and preferences, I recommend choosing your first bass plugin from the following options:
*These recommendations are based on rankings for first-time bass plugins.
*By tapping on the manufacturer’s name, you can jump directly to the respective descriptions.
Reasons why Trilian and MODO BASS 2 are recommended
The reasons why Trilian and MODO BASS 2 are recommended are that they have high quality and a wide variety of models.
While there are other realistic electric and acoustic bass plugins available, most of them have a limited number of models or focus on a single type of bass. There are not many bass plugins that offer both a high number of models and high quality, except for Trilian and MODO BASS 2.
Here are the types of sounds each plugin offers:
- MODO BASS: It covers 22 models of electric bass and wood bass.
- Trilian: It covers not only electric bass but also a range from synth bass to wood bass and acoustic bass.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a bass plugin with a wide variety of high-quality bass sounds, Trilian and MODO BASS 2 are highly recommended.
Reasons why EZbass is recommended
Another recommended option, EZbass, has a significantly lower number of models compared to the previous two mentioned. However, it has the advantage of being user-friendly, especially for those who cannot play the keyboard or beginners.
EZbass allows for detailed adjustments within the software, and it offers a wide range of preset phrases.
First Bass Instrument Plugins! Recommended Rankings
The ranking may vary depending on individual preferences, but personally, I recommend the following order for your first bass plugin:
*By tapping on the manufacturer’s name, you can jump directly to the respective descriptions.
MODO BASS 2 has evolved to version 2, now offering support for wood bass and fretless bass. In addition, it has added preset phrases and a free CS version for your convenience. You can even try it out for free before making a purchase. Like EZbass, you can use the preset phrases to instantly create basslines.
Now, let’s dive into each of the top three recommendations for your first bass plugin.
(1)IK Multimedia “MODO BASS”
MODO BASS is a physical modeling bass sound instrument developed by IK Multimedia. It primarily focuses on electric bass sounds, although wood bass and fretless bass have been added as new options. It does not include synth bass sounds.
As a modeling instruments, MODO BASS allows for structural customization of the bass, offering fine-tuned adjustments. For example, you can adjust the pickup type, string type, string height, and even the playing position.
MODO BASS 2 is available in three versions:
- Paid Full Version: A fully featured version of the bass sound instruments with all 22 models and no limitations.
- Paid SE(Special Edition) Version: A version with no limitations, featuring four models of bass.
- Free CS(Custom Shop) Version: A free version with limited functionality, including one model of bass.
(2)Spectrasonics “Trilian”
Trilian is a bass plugin developed by Spectrasonics. Its main feature is that it covers almost all types of bass, including electric bass, wood bass, acoustic bass, and even synth bass.
Before the release of MODO BASS, Trilian was considered the dominant player in the bass plugin market. In November 2020, Trilian released version 1.5, which not only improved the user interface but also brought dramatic enhancements such as:
- Updated arpeggiator
- Expanded synthesis capabilities with new filter types and enhanced FM
- Expanded sound library with over 200 new patches
Compared to other bass plugins, Trilian allows for more synthesizer-like sound design capabilities.
(3)Toontrack “EZbass”
EZbass is the first bass plugin developed by Toontrack, known for their popular drum plugins EZdrummer 3 and SD3 (Superior Drummer 3), as well as the piano plugin EZ Keys.
EZbass offers two sampled bass options: Vintage and Modern.
With its Song Edit feature, you can create an entire song within the software, and it allows for easy adjustments of playing techniques such as slides.
In typical bass plugins, when editing playing techniques in detail, you would input different keys (e.g., using C1 for ghost notes). However, EZbass simplifies this process by allowing you to easily specify each playing technique within the software. This makes editing both enjoyable and precise.
EZbass is recommended for beginners, but it’s important to note that it offers only two bass models with a limited number of options.
2. MODO BASS 2 vs EZbass vs Trilian! Selecting Based on Features
- IK Multimedia “MODO BASS 2”
- Toontrack “EZbass”
- Spectrasonics “Trilian”
While the recommended order for first-time bass plugins is as listed above, you can also choose based on specific features. Here’s a brief summary of the characteristics of these three bass plugins:
- MODO BASS 2: Allows detailed customization of electric bass and wood bass.
- Trilian: Covers a wide range of bass instruments, including synth bass, wood bass, and acoustic bass.
- EZbass: Offers precise editing of playing techniques.
If you’re selecting based on features:
- For sound design with electric bass and wood bass: MODO BASS 2.
- For a variety of tones and synth-like sound design: Trilian.
- For editing playing techniques and more: EZbass.
Depending on your priorities, you can choose based on their strengths. Since they excel in different areas, it’s possible to own multiple plugins and use them accordingly.
3. Are other base plugins not attractive?
When it comes to the first bass plugin, there are generally three options to consider:
- Trilian
- MODO BASS
- EZbass
However, depending on the situation, there may be cases where other bass plugins are more suitable. For those who are interested in adding new bass plugins beyond the three options mentioned above, let me introduce the appeal of other bass plugins as well.
<Benefits of other bass plugins>
- Affordability
- Genre and model specialization
Benefit 1: Affordability
Many plugins offer individual models, which generally results in lower prices. If you don’t require a wide range of models, these options can be more cost-effective. They can be a suitable choice for those who prefer starting with a more affordable option.
Benefit 2: Genre and model specialization
There are plugins that specialize in specific genres, such as models designed for slap bass, fretless bass, or tailored for metal music. Especially for metal, purchasing a plugin specifically designed for that genre might be a better choice. However, it’s worth noting that many bass plugins other than “Trilian,” “MODO BASS,” and “EZbass” require another software called Native Instruments’ “Kontakt” to operate. This is one of the reasons why they may be less recommended for beginners.
4. 5 Recommended Bass VST Plugin Manufacturers (Including Free)
From here, I would like to introduce the manufacturers that sell base plug-ins other than the three introduced above.
- Ample Sound (Free)
- Ilya Efimov Production
- Fujiya Instruments
- Prominy
- Impact Soundworks (Free)
(1)Ample Sound (Free)
Ample Sound develops not only bass, but also guitar and ukulele bass sound instrument.
- Fender Jaco Fretless Bass
- Fodera Yinyang
- Fender Jazz John English Masterbuilt Bass
- Virtual Fender Precision electric bass
- Guild B-54 CE Acoustic Bass
- Upright Bass
In addition to four types of electric bass, there are two acoustic and upright basses.
Upright bass only costs $149, others $119.
There are also free bass plugin and acoustic guitar plugin.
(2)Ilya Efimov Production
Ilya Efimov Production is a library that offers not only bass but also guitar and ethnic instrument samples. Their bass collection includes the following five types:
- Rock Bass
- Modern Bass
- Classic Bass
- Fretless Bass
- Retro Bass
The Retro Bass is priced at 49.5 euros, while the others are priced at 99 euros. These bass plugins allow you to create bass lines with various articulations, including techniques like slapping, showcasing their versatility and technical capabilities.
Please note that these plugins require Native Instruments’ Kontakt to operate, specifically Kontakt 5.6 or later versions.
Ilya Efimov Production
Ilya Efimov Production
(3)Fujiya Instruments
Fujiya Instruments of Japan, who also develops guitar sound instruments.
This also works with Native Instruments Kontakt.
- Organic Slapped Bass
- Organic Fingered Bass
- Organic Picked Bass
Each of the three base plugins costs 129 USD, and the combined Organic Bass Suite costs 229 USD.
Fujiya Instruments
Fujiya Instruments
(4)Prominy
Prominy is famous for the guitar sound instruments.
The SR 5 Rock Bass 2 recommended for hard rock and metal is $134.
This also works with Native Instruments Kontakt.
(5)Impact Soundworks
Impact Soundworks is a renowned developer known for creating a wide range of virtual instruments. Among their offerings, they have two bass libraries: Shreddage 3 Abyss and Shreddage 3 Precision.
Shreddage 3 Abyss is a bass library designed specifically for heavy metal music and is priced at 99 USD.
Shreddage 3 Precision, on the other hand, is priced at 129 USD, and they also offer a free version of this library.
Both libraries require Native Instruments’ Kontakt 5.7 or later versions to operate. The full version requires the paid Kontakt software, but the free Kontakt Player can be used with it as well.
5. 5 Recommended Synth Bass Libraries and Software Synths for Synth Bass
Among the bass libraries we’ve introduced so far, with the exception of Trilian, they have primarily consisted of electric and acoustic basses. Now, let me introduce some recommended software synthesizers that can be used for synthesizer bass.
In general, any software synthesizer (synth) can be used to create synth bass sounds, but there are also synth plugins specifically designed for bass. This time, I will introduce a range of synth plugins specialized for bass, including ones that emulate the popular Moog models often used for synth bass.
(1)Output「SUBSTANCE」
SUBSTANCE is a bass instrument developed by Output. It allows you to layer three different instruments, ranging from live instruments to impactful sounds, resulting in a rich and powerful sound. It can be used not only for bass but also for adding color to the low-end atmosphere with pads, creating impactful sounds, and even as a lead synth. It operates on Native Instruments’ “Kontakt 5.5.1 or above” and can be used with the free “Kontakt Player” as well.
(2)u-he「Diva」
Diva is a software synthesizer developed by u-he, featuring five completely different models of oscillators. It models iconic vintage synthesizers and offers the flexibility to combine:
- 5 types of oscillators
- 5 types of filters
- 3 types of envelopes
This allows for creative sound design by freely combining these elements. Like other u-he products, Diva is known for its high quality, but it can be resource-intensive in terms of system load.
(3)u-he「Repro」
Repro is a software synthesizer developed by u-he. While it may be referred to as “Repro-1,” it actually includes two plugins: “Repro-1” and “Repro-5.” Each plugin models a vintage synthesizer:
- Repro-1 models the Sequential Circuits (SCI) “Pro-One.”
- Repro-5 models the Sequential Circuits (SCI) “Prophet-5.”
The Prophet-5 is one of the most famous synthesizers, designed by the legendary Dave Smith. It is a polyphonic synthesizer capable of playing up to five simultaneous notes. On the other hand, the Pro-One is considered the monophonic version of the Prophet-5, allowing only one note to be played at a time.
(4)Synapse Audio「The Legend」
It is a bass synthesizer that allows you to create sounds using three components: synth, sampler, and X-Sub (sub-bass oscillator).
In addition to the X-Sub, which is Future Audio Workshop’s unique sub-bass oscillator, it becomes a versatile sub-bass sound instruments that can be colored using synthesizers and samplers.
With the sampler, you can add attack to drum kicks or blend kicks and bass together.
You can also import samples from external instruments and edit them to create sub-bass sounds.
There are plenty of additional preset packs available, and bundles that include them are also offered for sale, but it is fully functional as a standalone product.
In the XL version, additional features include macro controls, a super oscillator for layering waveforms, LFO, and effects.
Future Audio Workshop SubLab / SubLab XL
6. 2 Free Synth Bass Plugin available for Free
The synth bass sound instruments we’re going to introduce from here are specialized in synth bass and are available for free. This time, we’ll be showcasing the following synth bass options:
- X-Eight
- TRK-01 BASS
(1)X-Eight (free)
A sub-bass plug-in that releases ultra-low frequencies specialized for the popular sub-bass has been released.
That is X-Eight.
It’s a plug-in that goes great with traps and hip-hop. It’s as cheap as 60 USD, and there is also a free version.
However, when using X-Eight for a fee
There are many rival products. I recommend checking these and choosing the product that suits you best.
(2)TRK-01 BASS (free)
This is a plug-in included in the free version “Komplete Start” of Native Instruments Komplete.
A plug-in that lets you create a bass sound using five different synth engines: Classic, Super, West, FM, and Modern.
You can create a bass sound with a strong attack.
The presets are classified into Analog, Digital, Distorted, and Sub, and there are 20 types of each and 80 types in total.
It’s a quality synth that can’t be considered free, and it’s a pretty usable synth bass.
Summary
In general, when choosing a bass sound instrument for the first time, there’s no problem selecting from the following options:
- IK Multimedia’s “MODO BASS 2”
- Toontrack’s “EZbass”
- Spectrasonics’ “Trilian”
These recommendations are ranked based on their suitability for beginners.
However, depending on the genre or financial circumstances, it may be better to choose a different bass sound instrument. Especially for heavy metal, it might be advisable to consider other options.