- Publisher: Ample Sound
- Product: Ample Metal Ray5 v4
- Release: hidera
- Version: 4.0.1
- Format: Standalone, VST2, VST3, AAX, AU
- Requirements: Windows 7 or higher, macOS 10.15 or higher
In the relentless pursuit of powerful, mix-cutting bass tones, particularly for modern rock and metal, producers demand an instrument that delivers punch, clarity, and earth-shaking depth. The iconic sound of a Musicman Stingray 5-string bass has long been a secret weapon for achieving that aggressive, articulate low-end foundation. Now, you can harness that legendary tone and an incredibly intuitive composition system, all without spending a dime.
Introducing Ample Metal Ray5 v4, a meticulously crafted virtual instrument based on the formidable Musicman Stingray 5 Classic 5-string bass. Designed to be an essential tool for today’s music production, this powerhouse plugin delivers stunning realism and unmatched playability, and it’s available for you to download completely free.
The Sound of Modern Metal: The Ray5 Roars
At the heart of Ample Metal Ray5 v4 lies the unmistakable sonic signature of the Musicman Stingray 5. Known for its bright, punchy attack, powerful low-mid growl, and articulate top end, this instrument is a staple in rock, metal, funk, and any genre demanding a bass that commands attention.
Key Sonic Features & Realism:
- Deeply Sampled Stingray Power: The instrument features an extensive 8.3 GB sample library, capturing the full dynamic range and tonal character of the Musicman Stingray 5 Classic. Every note resonates with the authority and clarity the original is famous for.
- Nine Essential Articulations: Bring your basslines to life with a comprehensive suite of meticulously recorded articulations:
- Sustain
- Palm Mute (crucial for tight, percussive metal riffs)
- Natural Harmonic
- Hammer On & Pull Off
- Legato Slide
- Slide In & Slide Out
- Accentuated Notes
- Repeat Note
- Dead Note
These articulations provide the nuance needed for truly expressive and authentic performances.
- Polyphonic Legato and Slide Smoother: Achieve incredibly realistic and fluid legato lines and slides across any interval and at any speed. This technology ensures your performances sound natural and seamless.
- Extreme Drop Tuning – Down to A0: For modern metal and heavier genres, deep tunings are essential. Ample Metal Ray5 v4 supports drop tuning all the way down to a thunderous A0, providing a rock-solid foundation for even the most detuned guitar riffs.
- Optimized for Performance: While the core library is substantial, the full instrument requires over 20 GB of disk space for its comprehensive sound set and features. An SSD is highly recommended to ensure flawless streaming and optimal performance, especially with fast, articulate playing styles.
Riffer 4: Your Intelligent Bassline Architect
Ample Metal Ray5 v4 comes equipped with Riffer 4, a revolutionary MIDI editor and composition tool specifically designed for the nuances of plucked string instruments. This powerful system goes far beyond basic note entry, empowering you to craft intricate and genuinely playable basslines with unprecedented ease.
Transform Your Workflow with Riffer 4:
- Dual View Modes – Piano Roll & Guitar Tab: Instantly switch between a traditional Piano Roll and a detailed Guitar Tab view. This unique dual perspective caters to different compositional preferences, allowing keyboard-centric and string-oriented writers to work in their most intuitive environment.
- String Visualization System – Authentic by Design: A standout feature, Riffer 4 visualizes the bass strings directly within the Piano Roll. This innovation guides you in creating MIDI parts that respect authentic fretting hand techniques, automatically preventing impossible note combinations on the same string and intelligently assigning fingering. The result? MIDI that sounds like it was played by a real bassist.
- Seamless MIDI Integration: Enjoy full MIDI import and export compatibility. Bring in existing MIDI basslines to refine them with Riffer’s advanced tools, or export your Riffer creations directly to your DAW’s MIDI or instrument tracks with the assurance of identical and accurate playback.
- Intuitive Technique Editing – Expression Simplified: Forget cumbersome key switches or complicated MIDI CC programming. Riffer 4 offers a clear, streamlined interface for programming fingerings, articulations, legato transitions, and other expressive details, making it easy to add lifelike nuances to your performances.
- Advanced MIDI CC and Velocity Editors: Achieve granular control over your bassline’s dynamics and expression. View and edit multiple MIDI CC lanes simultaneously, clearly distinguished by colors and transparency. Utilize one-click CC curve presets for rapid, expressive automation, breathing character into every note.
- Extensive Riff Library: Jumpstart your creativity or accelerate your workflow with hundreds of brand-new, professionally crafted bass riffs. These riffs, potentially geared towards rock and metal styles, offer excellent starting points and endless inspiration.
Tab Reader 4: From Tablature to Thunder
For guitarists and bassists who work with tablature, the integrated Tab Reader 4 is an invaluable asset.
- Broad Guitar Pro Compatibility: Tab Reader 4 supports Guitar Pro files ranging from GP3 to Guitar Pro 8. (Note: Files created with unofficial third-party tab editors may not be fully supported.)
- Effortless Bass Track Import: Import complete bass tracks directly into Riffer 4. The system intelligently retains crucial performance data, including fingering, articulations, and expressive nuances, allowing you to quickly transform written tabs into fully realized, authentic bass performances.
Sculpt Your Ideal Tone: Onboard Amp & FX Arsenal
A killer bass sound needs potent amplification and effects. Ample Metal Ray5 v4 includes a comprehensive built-in amp and effects system to shape your tone to perfection.
- Classic Virtual Bass Amp System:
- Three Iconic Amp Models: Choose from meticulously modeled classics: Vintage-15, Bass-500, and Bass-Pro, each offering a distinct flavor.
- Versatile Cabinet Selection: Pair your chosen amp head with four cabinet options: 1×15, 2×10, 4×10, and 8×10.
- Choice of Microphones: Further refine your tone with four legendary microphone models: U87, C414, MD421, and SM57, capturing different sonic perspectives of the cabinet.
- Essential Built-in Effects: Polish your sound with a suite of high-quality onboard effects:
- 8-Band EQ: For precise tonal shaping.
- Compressor: To control dynamics and add punch.
- Delay: For rhythmic complexity or spatial effects.
- Convolution Reverb: To place your bass in realistic acoustic environments.
Who Needs Ample Metal Ray5 v4?
This powerhouse virtual bass is perfect for:
- Metal & Rock Producers: Lay down authoritative, punchy, and articulate basslines that cut through dense mixes.
- Modern Music Composers: Access a versatile 5-string bass sound suitable for a wide range of contemporary genres.
- Songwriters: Quickly develop and realize sophisticated bass parts with an aggressive edge.
- Musicians Working with Tabs: Seamlessly convert Guitar Pro tabs into realistic, dynamic bass performances.
- Anyone Seeking a Professional-Grade Free Bass VST: The combination of the iconic Stingray 5 sound, deep sampling, and the Riffer 4 system makes this an unmissable tool.
Experience the Power of the Ray5 – For Free
Ample Metal Ray5 v4 stands as a testament to the fact that premium sound quality and advanced production tools can be accessible to all. It’s time to inject your productions with the legendary punch and clarity of the Musicman Stingray 5, backed by an intelligent and inspiring composition system.
Download Ample Metal Ray5 v4 for Free Today and Forge Your Foundation of Metal!