IK Multimedia “MODO BASS” is a bass software that is as famous as Spectrasonics “Trilian”.

In this article, I am going to explain the advantages and disadvantages of IK Multimedia “MODO BASS” and how to use it. Please read the details below;

1. What is IK Multimedia “MODO BASS” ?

Physical modeling bass software developed by IK Multimedia.

Basically, it is an electric bass software with no synth bass or wood bass, but it is a physical modeling software, so its parameters are that it can be tweaked finely.

IK Multimedia MODO BASS ▶︎IK Multimedia

▶︎Sweetwater

2. Difference between sampling and physical modeling

Sampling creates sounds based on samples. In contrast, physical modeling simulates virtual sounds.

MODO DRUM, MODO BASS and piano software MODARTT “Pianoteq” are famous as physical modeling software.

Physical modeling can set parameters that cannot be set by sampling. Sampling cannot change the situation before recording. On the other hand, Physical modeling allows you to customize the instrument and change the position of the microphone freely.

Modeling also has the advantage of saving storage compared to sampling.

IK Multimedia MODO DRUM : Review and How to Use

3. Advantages

There are two advantages when using IK Multimedia “MODO BASS“

• Fine adjustment with many parameters
• Easy to use even for beginners

(1)Fine adjustment with many parameters

MODO BASS has various parameters, and customization that is difficult with an ordinary electric bass is possible.

For example, you can adjust the pickup type, string type, string height and playing position.

There are various other parameters, which will be explained in detail in “How to use”.

(2)Easy to use even for beginners

It is easy to use even for beginners, and you can easily switch the bass playing method. It is possible to create a real bass performance such as mute and slide.

4. Disadvantages that you should know before using

The point to note is that the software is specialized only for electric bass.

So it’s good for band sounds, but if you want wood bass or synth bass, I recommend Spectrasonics “Trilian”.

5. How to install and activate IK Multimedia products

Activation of IK Multimedia is easy and is completed in the following 3 steps.

1. Register an account with IK Multimedia
2. Download Authorization Manager
3. Product registration and download with Authorization Manager

6. How to use

From here, I will explain how to use “MODO BASS” in the following order.

• Model
• Play Style
• Strings
• Electronics
• Amp/FX
• Control

(1)Model

First, click on the space in the upper left to select a preset or choose from the top 14 bass types. There are 133 presets.

• Finger 46 types
• Pick 42 types
• Slap 27 types
• XTreme 18 types
• Defalt

There is an orange line with a number on the bass body. This is where you play the bass.

(2)Play Style

There are three types of playing: FINGER, PICK, SLAP.

The settings change depending on how you play.

FINGER

STROKE

• Alternate (index finger and middle finger)
• Index (index finger)
• Middle (middle finger)

TOUCH(playing strength)

•  Soft
• Normal
• Hard

PICK

STROKE

• Alternate (Up and Down)
• Up
• Down

TOUCH

• Normal
• Hard

SLAP

STROKE

• Auto
• Slap
• Pull

Auto is THRESHOLD. Slap and Pull automatically change according to velocity.

Common Items

MUTING is how much you mute as the name suggests.

LET RING extends the sound to the next note.

FINGERING sets which string and which position to hold. There are three types.

• First Position (As low a position as possible)
• Easy (general position)
• Nearest (closest position)

OPEN STRING sets whether to insert open strings.

DETACH NOISE is noise when the sound stops.

SLIDE NOISE allows you to adjust the volume of the slide noise.

(3)Strings

STRINGS can be changed from 4 to 6 strings.

The tuning is changed by DROP, and it becomes Drop D.

ACTION(String height)

• High
• Standard
• Low

TYPE(Type of string)

• Flat Wound
• Round Wound

GAUGE(String thickness)

• Light
• Medium
• Heavy

AGE(String age)

• New
• Broken in
• Old

(4)Electronics

You can select from 14 types of BRIDGE and NECK pickups.

You can also adjust the position by dragging the pickup.

PIEZO reproduces the built-in pickup.

CIRCUIT has Active and Passive, and TONE or EQ can be adjusted respectively.

(5)Amp/FX

Amp

There are two types of AMP.

• Tube

Tube has EQ, PUNCH, and HARM (harmonics).

• Solid State

Solid State has GAIN, 3-band EQ and Graphic EQ. LIMIT is a limiter.

Fx

There are seven types of effectors.

• Octaver
• Distortion
• Chorus
• Comp
• Delay
• Envelope Filter
• Graphic EQ

You can apply up to four effects.

To turn the effect on or off, press the corresponding pedal button or click “PEDAL” to switch the effect.

For common items, the volume balance can be adjusted with AMP, DI, and MASTER.

(6)Control

Use “Control” to assign the playing method to MIDI such as keys. It is possible to make the sound more realistic by making MIDI that mixes different playing methods.

Basically, it is convenient to set TYPE to Key Switch (KS) and set it to a key that is not used. It is also possible to set the key entered in “Learn”. In addition, it can be set to Control Change, Pitch Wheel, and Aftertouch.

VALUE is the place where the key is set, and LATCH sets the switching of On and Off.

7. Spectrasonics “Trilian” vs IK Multimedia “MODO BASS”

Both are excellent bass software, so it is difficult to decide which one is better. However, it can be recommended for those who:

IK Multimedia MODO BASS ▶︎IK Multimedia

▶︎Sweetwater

Summary

MODO BASS has a low CPU load and can be used easily.

This software is necessary for those who compose band sounds.

I hope this article is helpful for you.

IK Multimedia MODO BASS ▶︎IK Multimedia

▶︎Sweetwater