MODO BASS Metal Bass: Modeled Bass Plugin by IK Multimedia

IK Multimedia describes the Metal Bass as built for modern progressive metal, where dense arrangements and high distortion can bury a bass part. The developer says the sound stays clear under that level of gain and remains consistent when slapping. It is also described as holding a firm low end, so the bass supports the band rather than disappearing behind the guitars.

The instrument is modeled on an active, alder-bodied bass with a maple neck and fretboard, a 34 to 37 inch scale and 24 frets. It uses two Metal pickups, a bridge and a neck model, which gives you a palette shaped by the instrument's construction and electronics.

MODO BASS works by modeling the playing process itself. According to IK Multimedia, it recreates how each string responds to the player's action and how the string interacts with the fretboard, body and pickups. The amp and effects of an electric bass rig are then added to the signal chain using the developer's analog modeling work.

Because the sound is generated in real time rather than played from samples, the plugin takes less hard-drive space than a sample-based bass instrument, according to the developer.