IK Multimedia continues to push the envelope forward with their analog effects modelling with their new MODO BASS virtual electric bass instrument app — the first of its kind to physically model the properties of a real electric bass. MODO BASS promises to deliver a completely new level of realism and playability, recreating not only the sound profile of the electric bass but also the human technique of how the instrument is played in real time, and all of the effects and amplifiers that would be in the sound chain. The app includes a collection of twelve of the most iconic electric basses in history, all specifically modelled, ranging from “60s P-Bass” based on an Alder body 60s era Fender Precision Bass and “70’s P-Bass” based on an Ash body Fender Precision Bass, all the way to more eclectic options such as the Ibanez Soundgear based “Japan Bass” and the Warwick Streamer inspired “Flame Bass.”
IK Multimedia takes MODO BASS in a new direction from traditional sample-based virtual instruments with modal synthesis technology and a highly optimized sound engine that allows them to model each string as a nonlinear resonator, basing the string’s acoustic behaviour not only on physical parameters but also its interaction with the fretboard, body, and pick-ups of the instrument, and then adding the interaction of the player into the model along with the appropriate amp and effects rig.
The result is hyper-realistic sound created in real time. Users can choose from three playing styles for each pass — pluck, slap, or pick — and control the parameters of each style, including the force applied to the strings, the position of the hand, the direction of the stroke, the fingers used, how the strings are approached, and more, allowing for a dynamic and changing sound output. Strings can also be customized to affect tone and performance, including the number of strings on the bass, along with the construction type, material, gauge, age, and physical action height above the fretboard, again allowing for a wide variety of different sound characteristics and introducing an unprecedented level of realism.
In addition, twenty iconic bass pickups can be chosen interchangeably and added to the virtual instrument, with a range of customization options for type of pickups and physical location under the strings, along with a three-band parametric EQ to fine-tine the pickup output tone. The post-instrument path is also fully customizable with seven bass stomp boxes and two classic bass amps to choose from, derived from IK’s flagship AmpliTube app.
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