Produce a Live Bass Sound (Part 2)

In the 1st part of the "Live Bass Sound" tutorial, we presented the excellent-sounding MODO BASS by IK Multimedia. We can safely say that it is one of the best-sounding virtual bass guitar emulations out there. Since the last tutorial covered the main characteristics of this software instrument, in this part, we will show you what's "under the hood" - advanced controls, colorations, and much more. Last time, we stopped at the "Model" tab and will now move to the " Play Style " tab on the right."  

 

Play Style - Finger, Pick and Slap

In the "Play Style" section, we can choose from 3 different bass guitar styles. They are "finger," "pick," and "slap." Next to it, there is a big "Muting" knob. It sets the amount of muting sound of playing the strings of the bass guitar. Moving forward, we can set the "Stroke" to alternate, middle, or index finger for the "Finger" style. Alternate up or down for the "Pick" style and auto, slap, or pull for the "Slap" style. It is also possible to set the "Touch" of the strings to normal or hard for the "Finger" and "Pick" styles. Next, we can select the "Let Ring" mode on or off, which sets the strings to a long release. There is also a switch for the "Fingering," which can be set to either the first position, easy, or the nearest. The last control in this line is reserved for the "Open String," which can be set to on or off. To finish this section, in the far right, you can see the knobs controlling the amount of "Detach" and "Slide" noises to mimic the noise sounds of the live bass guitar completely.  

Audio Examples

Here are a couple of audio examples of the simple bass lines played in "Finger," "Pick," and Slap" styles.  

~MODO BASS - Finger-style 

 

~MODO BASS - Pick Style

 

~MODO BASS - Slap Style    

 

Strings

The next tab within the interface of the MODO BASS, which we will cover, is the "Strings." In this tab, there are even more bass guitar-playing options. Firstly, there are several strings you can choose (either 4, 5, or 4 Drop D). The "Type" selects Round or Flat Wound strings, the "Gauge" can be Light, Medium, or Heavy, and the "Age" of the lines can be New, Broken in, or Old. Finally, A4 REFERENCE allows you to tune the bass to match tracks off the concert pitch. The range is 430 to 450 Hz, or about ±39 cents, not much, but hopefully enough to get in tune with the piano.  

To be continued

Since this instrument offers so many possibilities, this would be all for part 2 of this tutorial. In the 3rd and last part of the MODO BASS tutorial, we will cover the previous three tabs and some more interface aspects. Stay tuned until next week!