MusicTech recently reviewed IK's MODO BASS 2, giving the expanded virtual bass instrument their MusicTech Choice Award. Summarizing that it features "More than enough options to suit even the most demanding bass aficionado," MusicTech recommended you try MODO BASS 2 for yourself.
Review Overview
MusicTech rating: 9/10
The verdict
⊕ Comprehensive selection of modelled basses
⊕ Huge scope for sound shaping and customisation
⊕ Loads of articulations for more believable playing styles
⊕ Small footprint on your computer
⊕ Real bass feel and sound without a bassist
Some highlights and a link to the full review are below.
Like its predecessor, MODO BASS 2 uses real-time modelling synthesis to generate sound rather than a large library of samples and so weighs in at a slender 200MB.
"Included in the six new electric basses are two fretless models. A new feature allows you to make any bass fretless by just clicking a button in the SE and full versions.
Version 2 also brings two double bass models to the app, a welcome addition that truly expands the sonic palette beyond rock or blues and into jazz or acoustic music.
"Thanks to advances in IK's algorithms any instrument can use finger, pick or slap styles as well as using variable muting, multiple types of stroke and touch, different fingering, decay and open string tuning as well as detach or slide noise knobs.
"Changing these performance parameters can help breathe life into existing MIDI parts, livening up the simple MIDI input with virtual articulations.
Within each bass is even more customisation controls, starting with the strings. Any bass can be made four-, five- or six-string and each can be drop tuned to extend its range.
"In the Electronics section, the pickups and wiring can be tweaked, each model can have one or two pickups and you can choose from 32 pickups for any bass.
MODO BASS 2 sounds authentic not only thanks to its audio engine but also because of the clever articulations you are able to achieve either by setting them globally or changing them dynamically during playback using keyswitches.
"The bass sounds range from picky and rocky through smooth fretless to classy double bass. The stomp boxes and amps lend a grittier edge to proceedings, while the virtual mics can be quite freely positioned to change the character of the sound.
"You'll probably want to tweak the presets a little to suit your tastes, but they sound awesome right out of the box.
Whether you're making rock, pop, blues or other similar styles of music, MODO BASS 2 will give you all the bass flexibility you need without ever needing to play or record a real bass guitar.
Read the full MusicTech review HERE.
Try the FREE version for yourself. Experience MODO BASS 2 CS today.
MODO BASS 2
$/€349.99