MODO MAX Upgrade by IK Multimedia bass and drum virtual instrument interface

MODO MAX Upgrade: Physically Modeled Bass and Drum Plugins by IK Multimedia

MODO MAX Upgrade is an upgrade plugin from IK Multimedia that gives existing MODO MAX owners access to the MODO BASS 2 and MODO DRUM 1.5 virtual instruments.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
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01Overview

MODO MAX Upgrade is aimed at owners of the MODO MAX collection who want the expanded edition of IK Multimedia's physically modeled bass instrument. MODO BASS 2 uses modal synthesis rather than samples to build each note from a model of the instrument, player and amp chain. MODO DRUM 1.5 is included in the package and adds a set of physically modeled drum kits with detailed control over each drum. The upgrade is delivered as a 64-bit plugin for Windows and macOS.

Best for

  • Electric bass tracks
  • Fretless bass parts
  • Pick and slap basslines
  • Double-bass parts
  • Pop and rock grooves
  • Drum programming with modal synthesis
Developer
IK Multimedia
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • First physically modeled electric bass virtual instrument from IK Multimedia
  • Real-time modal synthesis with no samples used to create sound
  • 20 iconic bass models, including 2 fretless models
  • Turn any standard electric bass into a fretless model
  • 2 double-bass models with a dedicated room and mics
  • Choose playing style, including pluck, pick and slap articulations
  • 32 interchangeable bass pickups with volume control
  • 7 bass stomp box effects in a 4-slot chain
  • Redesigned Patterns section with new grooves
  • Full MIDI control with MIDI learn and keyswitches
03In depth

Physically modeled bass sound and playing control

MODO BASS 2 models the full act of playing an electric bass, including the player, the instrument, the effects and the amp. Instead of playing back recorded samples, the instrument generates sound in real time, which the developer says keeps the bass responsive to changes in playing style.

Playing styles include a pluck articulation and algorithms for pick and slap. You can move the playing hand, change string force, the fingers used and pick thickness, and adjust string number, scale, tuning, gauge and action.

The instrument offers 20 iconic bass models, including 2 fretless models, 2 double-bass models and 32 interchangeable pickups. Electronics can be set to active or passive with parametric EQ, and an under-bridge piezo pickup with blend is included.

Grooves, effects and workflow

A redesigned Patterns section lets you browse new grooves and send them into your session. The effects section provides 7 bass stomp box effects in a 4-slot chain, plus 2 amp models, Solid State and Tube, derived from AmpliTube. Global bypass for the FX and amp helps when you route the instrument.

Full MIDI control is supported, with MIDI learn and keyswitches. The interface is resizable, which helps when you work on a smaller screen.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

DeveloperIK Multimedia
TypePlugin
CategoryVirtual Instruments
FormatsVST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does MODO MAX Upgrade support?

MODO MAX Upgrade supports VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs as a 64-bit plugin or as a standalone instrument.

Which operating systems does MODO MAX Upgrade support?

It supports Windows and macOS. On macOS it runs natively on Apple M1 processors, and the minimum listed version is macOS 10.9 or later.

What do I need to run MODO MAX Upgrade?

The listed minimum is an Intel Core i5 with AVX support, 8GB of RAM (16GB suggested), 20GB of free disk space and a USB port (3.0 suggested). Windows also requires an ASIO compatible sound card and an OpenGL 2 compatible graphics adapter.

Does MODO MAX Upgrade use samples?

No. The developer describes the sound as generated by modal synthesis, with no samples used to create the sound.

07Developer

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