Toontrack’s EBX Heavy Metal captures a modern high-end bass with presets and MIDI covering five decades of heavy metal, from classic NWOBHM to contemporary styles, offering finger and pick articulations plus DI and multi-out options for external processing.
Instrument Foundation
The Heavy Metal EBX is built around Ian Hill’s limited edition Spector Euro4, a bass chosen for its blend of traditional heavy metal roots and modern tonal detail. Its classic ’80s Spector construction includes solid maple body wings, a three-piece maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, all updated with contemporary features.
A standout component is the onboard TonePump active preamp, which includes an internal boost trim pot. This circuitry imparts tube-like characteristics, allowing you to increase output without harsh breakup; the tone becomes warmer and beefier. The bass covers a wide range from A0 to E4, supporting nuanced performances across any riff.
Sounds and Articulations
Sampled with both finger and pick options, the EBX offers a spectrum of playing styles. Finger style yields a traditional, rounder stroke, while pick playing delivers a more metallic, edgy attack. Both include a broad set of articulations to capture dynamics and expression.
This versatility is tailored for heavy metal, from the warmth of classic rock to the bite of modern distortion. The meticulous sampling ensures every detail is preserved, giving you the clarity needed to sit well in dense mixes or stand out in layered productions.
Presets and Processing
The included preset library spans a wide tonal range, from classically muffled, warm, and round to modernly bright, edgy, and distorted. These presets are designed to complement thick guitar walls or cut through layered arrangements, suiting any heavy metal subgenre.
For external processing, a Clean DI preset option and multi-out capabilities allow you to route the bass signal to your own gear. This flexibility lets you shape stadium-size tones endlessly, whether you seek a classic NWOBHM vibe or a contemporary metal edge.
MIDI Library and Workflow
The custom MIDI library is riff-heavy, placing the bass in a prominent role. It draws inspiration from late 1970s vibes, big 1980s-style riffs, and modern heavy metal from the past two decades, ensuring authentic material for any project.
Designed to integrate with EZbass’s onboard MIDI features, this library streamlines the path from concept to finished track. Combined with the instrument’s tones, it helps you produce ground-shattering riffs quickly, making it a practical creative tool for metal producers and composers.
Key features
- Meticulously captured modern high-end bass
- Finger and pick articulations with broad set for both
- Wealth of presets for heavy metal-inspired tones
- Clean DI preset for easy external processing
- Custom MIDI library inspired by classic and modern heavy metal
- Multi-out options for outboard processing
Best for
Ideal for music producers and composers seeking a versatile heavy metal bass covering 50 years of styles, from Judas Priest and Iron Maiden to Pantera and Five Finger Death Punch. Its presets and MIDI library make it a go-to for riff-heavy productions and authentic metal tone shaping.