Bass III

Rhythmic Robot's Bass III is a Kontakt sampled version of the Hohner Bass 3 key bass. This compact analog bass monosynth featured three preset tones (Guitar, String and Tuba). Of these, Guitar was characterised by a sharp plucked attack portion to the sound which helped drive it through a mix, while String was a mellower version of the basic Guitar tone, and Tuba was a much more raucous, squarewave-style patch with lots of overtones. The Bass 3 featured a short two-and-a-half octave keyboard built into a black leatherette-covered suitcase which could often be seen perched on top of electric pianos or string machines on stage. This characterful form factor has been replicated in the software user interface.

The software version samples the original instrument at 24-bit, and adds considerable extra versatility, with full ADSR envelope control, effects, speaker cabinet simulation with a choice of cabs, and tube saturation all built in. Vibrato with controls for rate, depth and delay is available, plus stereo spread and control over the glide (portamento) speed in mono mode. Polyphonic playability is also included if desired.

The Bass III also features an "All Buttons Out" mode completely unavailable on the original instrument, which combines all three Preset tones into one monster patch.

Features:

• Every note of the original Bass 3 sampled at full 24-bit.
• Guitar, String and Tuba presets plus "All Buttons Out" extra patch.
• Rear-panel effects including Chorus, Phaser and Tube Saturation.
• Speaker cabinet simulation with a wide choice of cabs.
• Stereo spread control.
• Mono mode simulates original, but with variable Glide (Portamento).

Bass III is available now for and requires Kontakt version 4.2.3 and above (including Kontakt 5). Not compatible with Kontakt Player.