MODO BASS Thunder Bass: Modeled Bass Plugin by IK Multimedia

MODO BASS models the full process of playing bass. It recreates the response of each string to the player's action, and how the string interacts with the fretboard, body and pickups of the instrument. IK then adds the amp and effects of an electric bass rig to the sound chain.

The result is generated in real time, so the sound changes with how the notes are played rather than replaying a fixed recording. IK describes the output as hyper-realistic, a claim you can judge by ear.

The instrument profile reflects the original design: a mahogany body, a 9-ply mahogany and walnut neck, a rosewood fretboard, a 34-inch scale and 20 frets, with passive circuitry and the Thunder BHB bridge and Thunder NHB neck pickups.

The plugin fits producers who need a bass part with a rock character and a long, full low end. Because it models the instrument rather than using samples, the install does not depend on a sample library's disk space, which IK notes leaves more room for projects.

It is a plugin for a DAW, so it fits into a standard production chain as a virtual instrument. Producers working on bass parts that sit under overdriven guitars and hard drums are the intended audience based on the developer's description.