IK Multimedia has built a business with a model of free core software that can then be upgraded for a price to the more feature rich versions. It’s a good model and seems to work well for them.

The latest product to get the freemium treatment is MODO Drums v 1.5. We wouldn't normally highlight these things in any great detail but we were so shocked by the sheer value proposition of the free version of MODO Drums we wanted to make sure you didn’t ignore it!

So why is MODO Drums CS 1.5 so special? Read on and find out more.

Drum Modelling

Most drum VIs use audio sampling to create their sounds, albeit complex multisamples to give different sounds depending on how hard or where you hit the drum. MODO Drums is different. In the words of IK Multimedia;

“MODO DRUM uses a breakthrough drum synthesis unlike anything you’ve ever seen, or heard, before. A new hybrid audio engine fuses modal synthesis and advanced sampling techniques, for incredibly lifelike drum sounds and a level control and flexibility that traditional drum sample libraries just can’t match.

With a level of customization never seen before, MODO DRUM allows you to dig into to the sonic foundation of your music, tweaking and editing the deepest details of your drum sound as it’s being created. Personalise the features of every element in your drum kit and hear the effects of every move as you go – from snare, kick, tom, to pedal, and beyond.”

Control

The sound from the free MODO Drums kit is impressive, but what shocked us more is the sheer level of control you get from this free drum VI.

For starters you get a 6 piece kit with cymbals that sounds excellent. The studio kit is inspired by the industry standard Yamaha drum kit that could be found very often in recording studios due to its versatility. 

• Shell Material: Lacquered birch

• Bass Drum(s): 22" x 18”

• Tom(s): 10" x 9", 13" x 11"

• Floor Tom(s): 15" x 15", 19" x 17"

• Snare: 14" x 5"

• Total Pieces: 6

Then you get the chance to edit each kit element, giving you almost limitless combinations to tailor the sound you want. It’s far more than simply being able to tune the kit elements, this is granular detail.

You then get the chance to place the kit in numerous rooms, ranging from dry studios to huge cathedrals.

There’s also a fully featured mixer giving you an array of quality EQ, COMP, Effects and more to use on each element of the kit. The mixer has FX and buss sends that can have effects added to them too. Even better, if you want full control over any element of the kit you can send it to separate channels within your DAW mixer to use your own plugins on any element of the kit.

There’s a fully featured groove section offering Intros, Verse, Chorus, Fills and more in a wide range of styles with an easy to use selection grid to narrow down the options. You can drag any groove right into your DAW as a MIDI pattern and quickly build up your own song.

If you are using an electronic drum kit then you have all the options you need to map your drums via MIDI.

Summary

As free plugins go MODO Drums CS 1.5 is a winner and one you simply can’t ignore. It offers the kind of features you would expect to find on paid for products and in some cases it offers more.

Download MODO Drums CS now and check it out for yourself, you’ll not be disappointed.

To install this you’ll need a user account and then you’ll need to install the IK Multimedia Product Manager Software. The video below explains how it works.