IK Multimedia MODO BASS - Tutorial ① Basic overview

The much anticipated “MODO BASS” from IK Multimedia has been unveiled.
It’s the first physical modelling plugin for bass, reaching new heights of expression and quality that couldn’t be achieved with a sample-style plugin.

As the first article in this series, we will discuss this plugins potential and basic overview.

MODO BASS – Tutorial video

1. 1MODO BASS – Tutorial ① Basic overview
2. 2MODO BASS – Tutorial ② Real-world use

Various bass models and presets

The first point of praise from this plugin, is definitely its variety of bass models.
Here, the advantages of physical modelling are in full effect.

When opening the plugin, the first screen is on the “Model” tab.
You can select from 12 different types of bass models on the top area of the screen.

There are different presets and articulation presets that can be selected to match the models as well.

Basic performance settings with Play Style

In the 「Play Style」 tab, you can make small edits to the basic playing style.
In addition, we will touch on this in the next article, but all the parameters here can be changed mid-song via key switch and MIDI CC.

FINGER / PICK / SLAP

Just as it’s titled, you can select finger/pick/slap style playing here.
Depending on the selection, the next parameters will differ slightly as well.

MUTING / STROKE / TOUCH(SCRATCH)

With the MUTING knob, you can determine mute amount with a percentage.
This is another function that is made possible with physical modelling.

STROKE and TOUCH(SCRATCH) will also differ by “play style.”

FINGER – STROKE

• Alternative: Plays back and forth between index/middle finger
• Middle: Plays just with middle finger
• Index: Plays just with index finger

FINGER – TOUCH

• Normal: Plays with normal strength
• Hard: Plays with strength and properly sustains the sound
• Soft: Plays gently with a soft sound

PICK – STROKE

• Alternative: Plays down/up back and forth
• Down: Plays down picking only
• UP: Uses up picking in designated spots

PICK – SCRATCH

• Normal: Plays with regular picking style
• Hard: Plays with harder picking style

SLAP – TOUCH

• Auto: Selects best playing style depending on position/string/phrasing
• Slap: Plays strings by hitting with thumb
• Pull: Pulls on string with index finger to play

LET RING / FINGERING / OPEN STRING

• LET RING: When playing a note on the same string, the previous note is not cut off and continues
• FINGERING: The fingering follows a basic movement. First Position moves within 5 frets, Easy moves like a regular basis, and Nearest moves between the nearest fret/string.
• OPEN STRING: When OFF no open strings are played in a phrase, allowing for a smooth performance.

NOISE

• DETATCH NOISE: Determines amount of noise made when finger releases a note
• SLIDE NOISE: Determines amount of noise when sliding from one note to another

Selecting number/type of strings

In the Strings tab, you can instantaneously switch string tuning/number, and even type/age, allowing for an incredible function never before included in a bass plugin.

STRINGS / ACTION

• STRINGS: Selects number of strings(4 or 5), or 「4 Drop D」 tuning
• ACTION: Selects string height; when set lower, more overtones are heard

TYPE / GAGE / AGE

• TYPE: Choose from Round Wound, Flat Wound strings
• GAUGE: Choose string thickness from Heavy, Medium, Light
• AGE: Detemines string age; 「Broken in」 are strings that have been played a good amount

A4 REFERENCE

It is tuned to the basic tuning of A4.
Double click to type in and change the tuning.

Control electrical functions with Electronics

In the Electronics tab, you can not only designate pick-up volume, but even customize the pickup type/pickup wiring.

Selecting pick-ups and volume

Edit each pick up volume with the VOLUME knob.
In addition, by clicking on the pickup picture, you can switch to different bass model pickups, and by dragging the pickup picture, you can change the pickup location.

CIRCUIT

You can select the electrical path from ACTIVE and PASSIVE.
Passive uses TONE control, and Active uses EQ control.
Each has its own sound characteristics too, allowing you to choose different sounds per song.

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In our next article, we will look at sequencing and using the key switches, as well as polishing sound with amps/effects.