Bass Guitar Effects Vst Plugin

Whether you're bopping near the front stage at a musical festival or sitting in the backseat with the subwoofer's bumpin', it's the bass that gets you moving.

1. Best Guitar Vst Effects
2. Best Guitar Vst Plugins
3. Bass Guitar Effects Vst Plugins
4. Vst Bass Guitar

Bass is such a core element in music of all types from Pop to Hip Hop and having the right bass sound in your track can either make or break the record.

If your song lacks that much needed low end that provides impact and energy, then maybe it's time to update your arsenal of bass plugins.

Thankfully, there are a variety of bass VSTs, suitable for creating just about any kind of low-end material that you can think of.

In this guide, we will outline the 15 best VST plugins in this category, ranging from multi-sampled instruments, synth basses, and futuristic bass solutions. A Few Considerations Before we get into the.

1. Size 30.5 MB Om Bass 2 is an electric bass guitar plug-in. Studio sampled bass guitars. Adjustable string buzz/rattle.
2. Put these in your DAW, start experimenting and take a trip to the international bass station. If you're already set for bass check out our other Free VST Plugin Favourites: The 60 Best Free VST Plugins Ever Made; The 7 Best Free Synth VST Plugins; 8 Free VST Plugins.

In this article, you'll discover some of the best bass VSTs on the market, from synthetic basses to multi-sampled bass instruments and more!

Let's get started!

Top 10 Bass Plugins

1. Loopmasters Bass Master

If you're the type of producer that HAS to have a solid bass fill your track, then Loopmasters Bass Master VST is one of the better bass plugins out there. A pair of oscillators lead the way in the Bass Master, offering more than 200 distinct waveforms. Besides that, the plugin comes with both classic and modern bass sounds, making it suitable for just about any creative situation.

You'll have a lot of professional sounds to work with while using the Bass Master as it comes packed with 350 presets in all. Each comes with a three-slot mod wheel matrix as well as pre-mapped parameters. Sound designers will appreciate the flexibility as there is an LFO, a filter envelope and 13 different filter types. As far as effects are concerned, you can improve the bass tone with processing such as chorus, distortion, to name but a few.

There's a three-band frequency enhancer available to help you either boost the low-end a little more or get some of the top end out of the sound so that it can cut through the mix. Essentially, you've got a fair bit of configuration options, far more than you'll ever need. No matter what type of bass tone you're after, Bass Master has plenty of built-in sounds to serve your needs.

Pros

• Great bass tones
• Versatile effects section
• Lots of interesting presets to play around with

Cons

• Lacks a sequencing section
• Modulation capability is low

2. Future Audio Workshop SubLab

If you are searching for a hard-hitting subbass, then consider trying SubLab from the Future Audio Laboratory. This new wave bass synth VST is great for hip-hop, trap, and future bass genres. From classic 808s to strong sub-bass sounds, everything feels punchy and solid on almost every sound source.

The benefit of SubLab is that the workflow is amazingly intuitive. You can sample, layer, distort, widen, and effect any kind of sub for an impactful sound. The psychoacoustic subbass oscillator ensures that the sub will remain consistent and accurate no matter what note you are making.

SubLab's workflow is incredibly intuitive. For a more powerful tone, you can sample, layer, distort, widen and effect just about sub. The subbass oscillator psychoacoustic ensures the sub will remain consistent and accurate no matter what note you make.

Not only does SubLab come stocked with standard bass tones, you'll also have 250 classic analog drum machine samples and top notch modular synth sounds, right at your finger tips. There are six signature bass packs in all for just about every type of modern production.

We consider SubLab to be a Frankenstein instrument of sorts, with a powerful X-sub synth combined with analogue synthesizers. SubLab is a must-have for bass heads everywhere, with an intuitive interface and tightly organized layers that help you produce new, chest thumping sounds.

Pros

• X-Sub technology provides low-end integrity
• Premium effects bank
• three-layer, Intuitive architecture

Cons

• velocity-sensitivity not supported
• the sampler does not provide visible envelopes

3. Arturia Mini V

For many years, the Minimoog has had a rather large footprint in the music world. From the sweet bass lines of 70's funk music to the earth-shaking bass of 90s hip-hop, nothing can compare to the sweet tones of a Minimoog.

Although many companies have tried to mimic Minimoog's iconic sound and design, no company has done it like Arturia. They collaborated with Bob Moog to ensure the synth's internal characteristics and subtleties remained accurate.

Being a digital version of the original, we should expect a few significant upgrades, am I right? Well, Arturia has in fact done just that – they've introduced the TAE technology with a detailed filter design so that you can easily create deep and powerful bass tones. The modulation matrix also features individual filtering destinations, as well as original synth automation.

Offering both classic and current Moog sounds, along with a few more, the preset browser is fantastic and easy to natigavte. The resizable interface makes it a pleasure to work with on just about any display. On top of that, you get a complete integration with the Arturia KeyLab, which is useful if it's part of your setup. The Arturia Mini V is a perfect alternative for the radical reconstruction of a synth bass classic. The Arturia Mini V provides and excellent alternative for an innovative recreation of a legendary synth bass.

Pros

• Preset Library with Loads of amazing presets
• Includes extra sound design features
• A very authentic reproduction of the original

Cons

• The Oscillators behave differently than the original
• High CPU usage

4. Output SUBSTANCE

By far one of the most creative plug-in companies in the industry is OUTPUT. They are known for a number of groundbreaking synths, such as Pulse, Exhale, and Analog Strings. If you're on the hunt for a diverse catalog of bass tones, than you'll be pleasantly surprised with Substance. From highly processed bass synths, to sultry acoustic bass lines, there's a plethora of interesting sounds for you to choose from, along with some quality analog synths and modern polysynths to boot.

SUBSTANCE the ultimate solution for generating powerful 'snowflake' bass sounds that you haven't heard anywhere else. To get your sound dialed in, you can layer up to 3 separate sound sources before tossing them into a robust section of FX, which comprises multiple parameters for filters, modulation and much more.

This plugin pushes the envelope of what you would expect from standard bass plug-ins, but just don't expect it to produce the most authentic bass guitar tones. Here's an idea: If you want that 'authentic' sound, just play a real bass guitar over your record.

Pros

• Lots of interesting presets to whet your appetite
• Interface is easy to navigate
• Triple layered sound source configuration

Cons

• Macros aren't very beginner-friendly

5. Softube Monoment Bass

If you're into colossal bass tones with serious low-end and high-fidelity organic overtones, then you might want to give the The Softube Monoment Bass a look. Even though the plugin is grate for adding a solid foundation layer, it's also perfect for topping tacks. The sounds included in the plugin were sampled from rare, high-end, synth classics giving you deep rich colors that can add texture to your tracks.

Included in the design are some built-in effects to provide your bass with even more character, including delay, multiband compression, and a stereo spatialization tool, among others. Beyond that, you get some sounds that were finely tuned by some of the hottest producers in the industry.

You're not going to get a warm retro sound like you would from other bass emulations on the market, but what you do is get a wide range of modern bass sounds well suited for the producer class of today.

Pros

• Expect a lot of good quality presets and patches to play with
• Best suited for modern day genres
• Variety of effects

Cons

• No onboard sequencing
• Lack of standard ADSR envelopes

6. TAL BassLine 101

Back in the early 1980's, the The Roland SH-101 was the go-to analog monosyth for producers.

The 101 had only a single oscillator, one envelope generator, and a simple sequencer. Despite the simplicity of the design, the 101 sounded absolutely unbelievable. Enter TAL Audio, who created their own rendition of the famous synth, but their version was far more capable than they had ever envisioned.

The plugin UI includes individual sliders for different waveforms and a two-pulse width restriction to keep everything accurate. On the left side of the plugin, you'll find a number of controls that give you the ability to tinker around with portamento, transpose pitch, and even more.

If you're looking for something truly authentic to the original SH-101, then the TAL BassLine 101 just might be what you're looking for. We're extremely impressed with how comparable the plugin sounds to the original unit.

Pros

• No feedback delay filter
• Great for those looking for an accurate emulation
• Includes sequencer

Cons

• Only one ADSR envelope

7. Rob Papen SubBoomBass 2

If you're searching for a conventional organic bass plugin, then the SubBoomBass 2 may not be the right plugin for you. Designed by the world-famous Rob Papen, the plugin's sounds are generated from samples with unusual waveforms, many of which, have been pitched way down. The end result is an easily achievable low-end knock that'll rattle your ear drums.

Besides the standard features you get in most other virtual instruments, you also get some parameters that are unique to the plugin like Wave Sequence, that allows for some interesting sound manipulation.

In addition, the plugin has an Easy Edit window, that'll consolidate the parameters to make it easier for you to tweak and reduce any unnecessary confusion. It's all about helping you do what you do best – create! This makes the plugin super beginner-friendly.

Amp VST Effect With Bite British Valve Custom from Studio Devil is a free tube amp modeller based on the gain structure of the popular British Valve Rock amplifiers -like the infamous Marshall tube heads. This amplifier plugin has a lot of bite and attack making it perfect for classic rock and hard rock sounds. Blue Cat's Free Amp - The Free Guitar Amp Sim Plug-In (VST, AU, AAX, VST3) (Freeware) 'The free guitar amp simulation plug-in' Blue Cat's Free Amp is a completely free guitar amp simulation plug-in offering three amp models created with the acclaimed Blue Cat's Destructor amp simulation modeler. GK Amplification 2 LE. Modelled after the Gallien-Krueger MB150 amp, the GK Amplification 2 LE. FREE VST PLUGINS VST Effects CHARACTER Preamp / Sim. CHARACTER Preamp / Sim VST Effects. Analog Obsession – BritChannel. Size 3.45 MB ThrillseekerLA is a digital stereo leveling amplifier with real analog qualities. Audified has announced the release of GK Amplification 2 LE, a new free VST, AU plugin and standalone application that emulates the Gallien-Krueger amplifier and speaker.This 'LE' version is the light version of their GK Amplification 2 Pro, which is available priced at. Free amplifier vst.

The SubBoomBass2 is an excellent choice for any producer, no matter what type of genre you make.

Pros

• Numerous presets to experiment with
• Onboard modulation and step sequencer
• Easy Edit window – great for Novice Producers

Cons

• Comes with only one ADSR

8. Sugar Bytes Cyclop

The primary goal of the Sugar Bytes Cyclop digital synth is to generate low sounds with fat and changing characteristics.

It enable you to modulate synth and filter settings by picking from a range of LFO shapes, which can all be accomplished at a tempo-synced rate to keep things as natural as possible.

The plugin includes a nice 16-step sequencer as well as an automation recorder, which gives you more options for tweaking your sound. But if that wasn't enough, you can also import your own samples to be used as wavetables for even more flexibility.

But for those of you who aren't sound designers, you don't need to worry because there are an impressive 800+ presets included for you explore.

The Cyclop is a great option for anyone working in the digital realm. You get a number of in-depth editing tools, a monophonic engine, and every conceivable feature you'd expect from a contemporary synthesiser.

Pros

• Huge bass sounds
• One-of-a-kind modulation matrix
• Plenty of distinct presets to play with

Cons

• Not as flexible as other digital synths

9. D16 Group Phoscyon

Calling all TB-303 lovers, the Phoscyon from D16 Group is a plugin we think you might love. If you know anything about the history of the TB-303, you know it's massive influence on genres like acid house to more modern music like EDM.

Although there have been a few attempts, none of them have been successful in replicating the original hardware. With that said, we live in a digital and nomadic world, and it's unrealistic to carry one of the original units all over the place. That's why we love the D16 – you can bring it anywhere. Although it's not 100% accurate, it's certainly one of the best out there.

Inside the plugin you get a variety of saw and square waves, as well as a clear 18 dB/octave low-pass filter. On top of that, like all other digital recreations, you also get a few more goodies such as a randomizer, an arpeggiator, a sequencer, and top-notch distortion unit.

With this plugin you won't get a wide selection of sounds like other plugins on our list but that shouldn't matter if you're after a high-quality recreation of the original TB-303.

Pros

• Faithful emulation of the classic 303
• Additional settings you won't find on the original hardware unit

Cons

• A one trick pony

10. Heavyocity Scoring Bass: Gravity Pack 06

If scoring films is your forte, then having an earth-shaking bottom end is a must. Heavyocity has made a name for themselves with their unique variety of film scoring plugins, and their Scoring Bass plugin is no exception.

Looking for a fat and dirty bass guitar sound? You got it. This plugin is jam-packed with a number of bass guitar sounds, loops, and a handful of bass guitar VSTs that can be played.

Included in the Gravity Pack 06 is 4GB of pulses, pedals, pads, and sampled playable instruments. There are plenty of components to work with for just about any scoring situation. Browsing through the library will feel like you been given a copy to Hans Zimmer's personal instrument hard drive.

If a high-quality cinematic Bass VST is what you're after then the Heavyocity Scoring Bass is worth a look. It goes well beyond a traditional bass VST, and is actually more a kin to a full-blown sound design instrument.

Pros

• The library is super Versatile
• The sound design tools are top-notch
• Intuitive GUI

Cons

• Nothing we can think of

How Low Can You Go?

I'm sure you've noticed just how many options there are out there when it comes to bass guitar VSTs. Each plugin has its own unique set of features and tools. If possible, grab a demo before making your final decision. But either way, we think that any one of the plugins on this list would be a great choice.

Recording directly is as popular as ever nowadays. Loading up an amp sim is great for conveniently jamming, practicing, and recording bass without having to assemble a ton of gear.

With this ongoing trend, there is a vast virtual sea of amp simulators on the market to choose from (free and paid!)

Unfortunately, the majority of amp sims today are heavily tailored towards the six-string guitarists, while the bass players only get a fraction of bass amps and presets to choose from.

About This Post

From my experience learning bass and my love of amps sims. I have taken the time to construct this roundup post of the best amps simulators that are more tailored towards the bass players in 2019.

Jargon Busting

Plugin: (A programme application that can open within a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to enhance audio-related functionality.)

Standalone version: (A software that can open independently within the desktop without requiring to open inside a DAW to make use of its features)

#1 – Amplitube 4

• Price: €149 (base version)
• Bass amps: 1
• Standalone version: Yes
• Demo version: Yes
• Plugin: Yes
• Win/Mac
• 64-bit only

Created by IK Multimedia, Amplitube 4 is one of the top dogs when it comes to amp simulators. Amplitube 4 includes the most detail and depth when it comes to tone sculpting and the most realistic sounding selection of bass amplifiers on the market.

In my opinion, this software is one of the best-paid amp simulators, offering players iconic and infinite amounts of tone creation with an impressive level of detail and sonic realism.

The interface also looks visually appealing and very easy to navigate for creating an arsenal of bass presets at will.

The level of customization in Amplitube 4 is insane, everything from…

• Iconic modeled amps (guitar and bass)
• Effects (stompboxes, distortion, reverb, modulation, delay etc)
• Room ambiance simulation
• Microphone selection and placement
• Cabinet customization
• Rack effects
• Power tube customization
• Built-in recording suite
• Impressive visuals and interface
• Tuner

I could go on for days about how detailed this programme is when it comes to tone sculpting. There is so much in this programme that will satisfy most tone freaks including the bass players.

The interface is easy to set up your ideal rig which can run in both standalone for practicing and jamming or a plug-in to record within your selected DAW.

The Base Version

When it comes to usability for bass players presets, the Base version only offers a single solid-state bass amp.

With that said, the level of customization with all aspects of your rig will be enough to keep you going and offer a lot of tone-sculpting options.

However, when you want to expand in tones with the likes of more bass amps, effects and presets here's where the problem begins.

The negative with this sim is not the features and tones because they are spot on, the problem with Amplitube 4 is its pricing structure! Let me explain…

Pricing Structure

The negative with Amplitube 4 is as detailed, real, and accurate the presets sound. To get the full experience with a satisfactory amount of bass amps, cabinets, effects, and bass presets. You have to be willing to shell out a small fortune.

Either in the form of buying the ‘deluxe version' which is not cheap at €299. Or buying the base version and paying for the official ‘Ampeg expansion packs' or paying for individual amps and effects via the ‘IK Custom Shop.'

(The ‘IK Custom Shop' is an online store to purchase and download extra packs or separate amps to your rig.)

Most Affordable Option

The Deluxe version includes a ton of regular guitar amps but when it comes to the bass players, the deluxe version only includes a grand total of 3 bass amps (they do sound great though.)

The cheaper option would be to buy the ‘Base version' at €149 and purchase the separate bass amps/packs and or any patches or effects you want from the IK Custom Shop.

The IK Custom Shop good for hand picking the amps, effects or whatever you want in your custom rig.

The problem is however, this can rack up a big bill fast as separate patches do not come cheap when purchased independently which quickly turns this amp sim into an endless money pit.

Why Amplitube 4?

Amplitube 4 is the option for bass players who want to invest a fair bit of money into a solid, usable, and fantastic sounding amp sim with tons of tone customization.

It is true that you pay for what you get in life and this is definitely the case with this software.

This option It is a little pricey but you will be rewarded with the investment of a solid amp sim to use for years to come with a crazy amount of tone customization and great sounding bass tones.

Which Version?

The version you go for depends on how far you want to invest for all of the bass presets.

Having the full programme would be ideal if you play guitar on the side or an avid recording bassist who wants the full palate of tones at their disposal.

In this case, Amplitube 4 is one of the most popular and overall best amp sim to give you an infinite amount of tones for your bass recording and jamming requirements.

Pros

• Amazing sounding guitar and bass presets
• Endless tone customization
• Tons of features
• Easy to create presets and your ideal rig
• Use as standalone version or plugin
• Ultimate all in one amp sim

Cons

• Expensive investment
• Have to invest money to get additional bass amps
• Only supports 64-bit systems
• Cheaper alternatives

2# – Bias Amp 2

• Price: $299 (Elite version)
• Bass amps: 4
• Demo version: Yes
• Standalone version: Yes
• Plugin: Yes
• 32 & 64-bit systems
• Win/Mac

Bias Amp 2 is somewhat different from most amp simulators. Most sims give you a selection of amps to twiddle and tweak the EQ parameters or even a few boost options.

However, Bias Amp 2 essentially allows players to build and design your own ‘custom bass amp'… literally from the ground up.

Players have the option to tweak the smallest details that go into amp design such as transformers, power tubes, preamp tubes, biasing, power supply and shelf frequencies.

And all these small details will affect the overall tone of the amp. For example, the way you tweak the transformers will affect the sound of the upper midrange.

This is a single example of how amazingly detailed this amp sim can be for sculpturing and creating your perfect core bass tone which will please all the tube amp players out there.

Features

The programme includes 4 bass amps presets which as mentioned, can be heavily tweaked and customized to your personal preferences when it comes to amp design.

This is before dialing the amps EQ or playing around with the selection of microphones, microphone placement, and cabinet speaker selection.

This programme gives the heavy tweakers and tube amp purists a field day when it comes to shaping your perfect bass tone.

This amp simulator focuses heavily on the level of customization that goes into the core amps design and elements which is good for tube amp purists.

Other features include the ‘Tonecloud' which is an online community allowing users to upload and download amps presets created by members of the community.

Allowing users to audition and download some of the best presets rated and uploaded to the cloud adding users to share their best tones.

A noise gate is included and a selection of reverbs types to choose from with customizable parameters to dial in an ambient reverb to go with your perfect bass amp.

Sound

When it comes to sound and authenticity of a real tube amp, Bias Amp 2 has redesigned the previous engine used in the original Bias Amp.

Improving the responsiveness and realism when it comes to the dynamics, frequencies, and nuances of the sound of their line of tube amplifiers and cabs.

This new engine software, the tones are authentic and sound great when DI through any recording software adding a level of realism to any dry bass signal.

The Negatives

The only let down about this sim is there are no usual stompbox effects such as distortion, overdrive, flanger, phaser, or special effects etc like in other sims.

Another negative is that you have to pay the full price for the elite level to get the full experience which is not cheap at $299.

To show or hide the instrument plug-in's GUI, click on the Edit VST Instrument button in the Inspector. Inserting a NI Plug-in as Insert Effect In the Inspector, under the Instrument Name box (in this example, Massive), click Audio Inserts to open the Audio Inserts rack. https://renewhome.mystrikingly.com/blog/how-to-open-vst-plugins-in-cubase. Click the Windows 'Start' menu button. The menu will open and display a 'Search' box at the bottom. The VST plugin format was introduced to the world in 1996 by Steinberg, the same time it released Cubase 3.02. At this time, VST was only used as effects plugins and the Cubase 3.02 came with effects like reverb, chorus, echo, and auto panner, all offered in this format. By 1999, the format had been updated and version 2 released. Plug-in Manager Window You can manage your effects and VST instruments in the Plug-in Manager window. To open the Plug-in Manager window, select Devices Plug-in Manager. The Plug-in Manager window shows the following.

Saying that however, with the level of customization from this sim there is a lot of features and some great professional tube amp tones available from Bias Amp 2.

Pros

• Detailed and in-depth amp sim designer for bass and guitar
• Authentic and responsive sound
• High level of tone customization
• Standalone version
• Tonecloud community
• Amp matching feature

#3 – Helix Native

• Price: $399
• Bass amps: 13
• Standalone: No
• Demo Version: Yes
• Win/Mac
• Plugin: Yes

Helix Native by Line 6 is one of the most expensive amp sims on this list but offers a huge array of presets. Including 60 amps, (13 bass amps), 30 cabs and 100+ effects accommodating nicely for bass players.

Helix Native features the most bass amps on this list all modeled form popular and iconic bass amps from ‘Hiwatt,' ‘Ampeg' and ‘Mesa Boogie' for example.

Features

The interface follows a simple design of dragging, dropping presets into the signal chain with each aspect of the rig can be shaped with the designated sliders to change the dynamics of the sound.

This sim caters in the effect department with everything you could want for shaping your ideal tone and experimenting with sounds.

• Distortion
• Dynamics
• EQ
• Modulation
• Delay/Reverb
• Pitch Shift
• Filters etc
• Wah
• Synth

This amp sim may not be the most visually appealing. But with lots of things going on inside a DAW, users can be thankful for the simple function of creating authentic bass tones without a cluttered interface. Excessive menus and other bells and whistles can distract from the usabailityin my opinion.

The Negative

The elephant in the room with this amp sim is the price! It is one of the most expensive options n this list and seems a lot of money for an amp sim just for using for bass.

On the plus side, you will have professional bass and guitar recording producers covered with a large number of amps, effects, and features.

This option would be a suitable option if you are a bass player that plays guitar on the side. Or if you happen to record other guitarists as a producer in a home studio situation.

Pros

• Simple interface
• Versatile selection of bass amps and cabs
• Realistic tones
• Large selection of effects
• High level of tone customization

#4 – Softube Bass Amp Room

• Price $149
• Presets: 1 amp, 3 cabinets
• Standalone Version: No
• Free Demo: Yes
• Plugin: Yes
• Win/Mac

Bass Amp Room by Softube stands out from most sims. Most programmes aim to please the masses with a ton of presets, effects and other bells and whistles. ‘Bass Amp Room' from Softube however, do things differently… Free vst horn sections.

Bass Amp Room only includes the one charming bass amp and a selection of 3 cabinets to choose from. So why am I recommending this considering the lack of bass amps?

The reason is that Softube have focused all their time and energy achieving the most ‘accurate' and ‘realistic' core sound from both head and 3 cabinets using their advanced modeling technology.

Although the interface looks simple, don't underestimate the quality of tones from this sim. They are one of the most authentic that I have heard from any bass amp software.

What's Included

The one available bass head replicates the iconic ‘Hiwatt DR103' head while the bass cabinet is based off a classic ‘Ampeg' 8×12 cab.

Bass Amp Room does an incredible job of simulating the tonal and sonic qualities of a bass tone down to the tee. Although added features are scarce, I will admit, the bass amp sims are one of the most authentic tonally.

The tone shaping abilities offer a good level of customization allowing you to modify the core building blocks of a tone. Everything from…

• Amp Head EQ
• Click and drag microphone placement
• Microphone tilt (off axis)
• DI EQ controls
• Pickup input gain
• Tone blending features

Unfortunately, Bass Amp Room doesn't include any stompbox effects or features such as tuner, additional bass amps or a standalone version but does include a free 20-day demo version to test it out.

A good way to utilize this programme is to use it in your DAW to create an authentic raw sounding bass tone.

Then enable desired plug-ins to build on the tone in the form of effects adding ‘icing on the cake' sounds and effects that are unavailable in the software.

Pros

• Authentic sounding bass tones
• Versatile tones for most genres (rock, metal, funk, jazz, etc)
• Enough tone shaping customization
• Solid sounding bass tones for recording in a DAW
• Dial a tone in quick without overcomplicating anything

Cons

• A tad on the pricey side for one bass head
• No standalone version
• No stompboxes or effects
• No additional amps or cabs to expand in sounds

#5 – GTR-3

Best Guitar Vst Effects

• Price: $49
• Bass amps: 7
• Standalone: Yes
• Plug-in: Yes
• 64-bit only
• PC/Mac
• Free Demo: No

GTR-3 by Waves for the price, includes a great number of bass amps and stompboxes rolled into a simple and compact interface for easy tone customization. This software is well equipped for bass players with the inclusion of 7 bass amps.

The GTR-3 replicates bass tones with impressive accuracy adding a level of realism to any bass signal with any DAW and audio interface.

The pedalboard allows 6 designated spaces for stomp boxes with a selection of 26 effects which can be modified to add a surprising level of tone sculpting. It also runs a standalone version for running on the desktop without having to load it up as a plugin in a DAW.

I must admit, GTR-3 is not as heavily loaded with features as the other amp sims, excluding some features such as microphone customization, room ambiance, built in recording etc.

However, for the price, you do get a lot of great sounding amps and effects which in the grand scheme is great value for money.

Best for

This programme may not be for the tone twiddling freaks out there like other amp sims. However, this programme does not make too much of a deal and is designed and marketed to be simple and straight to the point.

GTR-3 is a good option for any bass players who are maybe new to the amp sim world. Possibly looking for an easy to use guitar modeling software who are not looking to spend a fortune first time around.

Pros

• Simple easy to use
• Affordable
• Authentic sounding amps and effects
• Standalone version

#6 – GK Amplification 2 Pro

• Price: $79
• Bass Amps: 3
• Free Demo: Yes
• Standalone: Yes
• Win/Mac
• Plugin: Yes

GK stands for Gaillain and Kruker. For all of you who are unaware, GK is a high-end bass amp and cabinet manufacturer based in the US.

GK Amplification 2 Pro is an affordable and versatile bass amp sim offering 3 popular emulated versions from their line of bass heads for adding to your mixes or jamming on the side. The heads available are the popular CK bass head models.

• GK MB150
• GK 800RB
• GK 2001 RB

This sim also offers a large selection of cabinets to match with your ideal bass head. A good feature is combining 2 speaker cabs for a mash and blend of cabinet sounds allowing a good level of tonal customization.

The main tonal options you can customize with this amp sim are…

• Bass Head EQ
• Boost option
• Voicing filters
• Microphone positioning
• Microphone type selection
• Microphone angle
• Cabinet tone blending

GK Amplification Pro 2 programme includes a metronome and track recorder which is useful for recording moments of inspiration and creative ideas in the standalone version. This programme is available for use as a plug-in within a DAW.

Overall this programme is an affordable, easy to use and great sounding amp sim for dialing in solid bass tones for recording or jamming. There are no effects in the form of stompboxes which can leave users feeling a little empty handed for experimenting with sounds.

I would say this software is more geared towards recording in a DAW for adding addition plug-ins for effects, therefore, adding more tone shaping capabilities.

Pros

• Gallain-Kruker bass tones
• Simple interface
• Recording track
• Metronome
• Affordable
• Good amount of tonal shaping
• Standalone version

#7 – Ignite Amps SB-1

• Price: Free
• Presets: 1 Amp
• Standalone version: No
• Win/Mac
• Cabinet plugin Required: Yes
• Plugin: Yes

The SHB-1 is a virtual simulation of the actual real-life SHB-1 amp head created by Ignite amps for the bassist Frederico Fulceri of metal band ‘Subhuman.'

Every component in the real amp including the circuitry and tube technology was considered to create the most accurate and well represented simulated version of the SHB-1 bass head as functional plugin.

It's no surprise then the SHB-1 plugin is a modeled aggressive sounding bass tube head, transforming a dry bass signal to a distorted, aggressive and mid focused metal sound without changing the core dynamics of the bass tone.

For me, this is where the plugin sounded at it's best as it is voiced to sound aggressive and metal. What I liked about this plugin was the simple interface with a good amount of EQ and tone shaping controls for a free plugin.

I must say the amp head is surprisingly versatile, I have used this preset (before going to paid simulators) on many projects and was able to shape a number of bass tones across a range of genres.

I must admit, the SHB-1 plugin sounded at its best for sculpting an aggressive and distorted tube amp tone for my metal tracks.

When it comes to function, this plugin serves as a recording tool inside your DAW than a ‘standalone programme' for real-time practicing and jamming. This programme also requires a matched cabinet simulator when you load up the plugin inside your DAW.

Overall, the SHB-1 serves as a great free simulator for creating a versatile palate of bass sounds for recording and achieving a range of worthy studio bass tones within your recording software.

Pros

• Free
• Simple interface
• Great sounding bass tube head plugin
• Supports 32 and 64-bit systems
• Great amp sim for recording

Top Tip

When recording bass inside your DAW, activate up to 3 separate tracks, each track with a different amp sim enabled. This will blend a range of sounds to achieve a unique tone allowing the bass frequencies to stand out ever so more in a full instrument mix.

You could also assign each individual amp sim to focus on the frequencies ranges of the tone. For example, one on the high, one on the mids and one focusing on the lows.

It's always a good idea to utilize a few amps sims instead of relying on one to provide 100% of the tonality and do all the work.

Final Word

Best Guitar Vst Plugins

Before buying a paid amp sim, I always recommend first downloading the free demo version of the programme. So you can trial which one sounds best to your ears and meets your requirements in a bass amp sim.

Bass Guitar Effects Vst Plugins

This post has brought you a selection of the best bass amp simulators for all of your recording and tone tweaking needs, thanks for reading!

Before you go, there are other ways to amplify a bass guitar for practicing without amp simulators…

I recommended you read my post 'Plugging a Bass into a Guitar Amp.' This will explain how to get a workable bass tone for practicing without needing to invest in a bedroom bass amp.

Vst Bass Guitar