Bass Sound Sources Edition - A Must-See for DTMers! An Introduction on Recommended Sound Sources

Hello!
It’s Kaoru the composer here!

This time, this article is going to be the “Bass Sound Sources” edition of my recommended sound source series!

The bass is part of the rhythm section, yet it is also an extremely important presence that forms the very core of a song’s chord progression!

However, even though we simply say “bass,” there are electric basses, acoustic basses, synth basses, and more.

Depending on the genre you’re producing, the sound you’re looking for will differ, but I would like to pick out and introduce products that I can confidently recommend.

SPECTRASONICS / Trilian (USB Drive) Bass sound source plugin software

Because Trilian has maintained strong popularity over many years, this sound source has risen to the point of being called a “standard” among bass sound sources.
I’ve been using it myself since I first started DTM, and I really understand why it’s called a “standard.”

First, let’s go over the features of this sound source.

1. Includes all types of “bass”.

Electric bass, acoustic bass, and synth bass are all included.
In other words, with this alone, you can achieve high-quality bass lines regardless of genre.

What’s more, even though it’s a bass sound source, you can layer up to 8 parts, allowing an incredible number of pattern combinations to be completed within it.

2. Round-robin function

The round-robin function adds subtle variations so that even if you input MIDI data straight, it doesn’t sound mechanical, but instead it feels as if a human is playing.
It seems to randomly trigger sounds from multiple recorded patterns.

Thanks to this function, there’s no need to fine-tune each individual note, making it a huge time saver.

3. The sound quality is simply excellent

The carefully produced core library of over 34GB (ten times the size of Trilogy) is all high quality.
The presets are immediately usable, so even those who aren’t confident in sound design can use it with peace of mind.

Products from SPECTRASONICS receive free updates at irregular intervals, with useful features being added over time.

If you don’t have a bass sound source yet, I recommend starting with Trilian!

IK MULTIMEDIA / MODO BASS (serial email delivery)

Conventional bass sound sources generally use a sampling method, but MODO BASS is an electric bass sound source that uses physical modeling technology.

By doing so, the range of customization has expanded dramatically.
In addition, since it doesn’t take up HDD/SSD space, software management is also easier.

In terms of sound, it models 12 representative basses that define different eras and genres.

• Playing style (slap, finger, pick)
• String type
• Pickup type / pickup position
• Scale
• Tuning
• Effects
• Amplifier

You can use it with an operating feel that’s just like customizing a real bass.

In my case, I use Trilian for synth basses and “MODO BASS” for electric basses, depending on the situation.

TOONTRACK / EZ BASS / BOX

An electric bass sound source that includes two carefully sampled 5-string basses (modern & vintage).
By thoroughly capturing picking noise and fret noise that occur during performance, it delivers bass lines with a very human feel.

Its biggest feature is the ability to automatically create matching bass lines from MIDI or audio data of drums, piano, and more.
This is a very welcome function for those who lack bass knowledge or want to save time.

Although the number of included sounds is small, EZ BASS’s unique features are extremely appealing!
The low price is also a nice bonus!!

Among the many bass sound sources available, I felt this is the most beginner-friendly product.

UJAM / Virtual Bassist Royal

An all-around bass sound source that works across a wide range of genres, from soft ballads to rock.

• The Player mode can perform 1,380 types of phrases via key switches
• and the Instruments mode allows free performance through multi-sampling

— by mastering these, you can quickly program realistic bass lines.

Because all the parameters needed for performance can be grasped at a glance, even beginners can enjoy sound design with confidence.

*Note: Only fingerstyle sounds are included.

There are also bass sound sources aimed at rock to hard rock ↓

UJAM / Virtual Bassist Rowdy

It’s also great that you can choose according to your production genre!

UJAM’s signature simple operation is something I think both professionals and amateurs will find useful.
During sales, you can purchase these at a very good price, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out!

That concludes my introduction of recommended sound sources: “Bass Sound Sources Edition.”
Many of these sound sources are relatively affordable, making them easy to get started with.

If you want to improve the quality of your tracks, why not start by rethinking your bass?

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