Tribute BMK2 [Freeware]

(Originally written by [boubou]/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Update from 12.14.2008:

- Did you have any problems during the installation?

Anybody can copy a DLL file into the VST Plugins directory, right?

- Did you encounter any incompatibility problems?

None.

- How complicated is the overall configuration?

It couldn't be easier: no preset, just rotary controls and a pair of switches (especially an interesting bass boost) to get the sound you need.

Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?

I don't think there is one... and it's not necessary.



SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Update, 12.14.2008:

- What's your computer? (motherboard/CPU/RAM/HDD/sound card..)

AMD Dual Core 3600+ / 3 GB RAM / MindPrint TRIO USB channel strip.

- Does the software work correctly with your setup?

It works very well: no bugs, no crashes, no problems.

- How is the performance? (if measurable)

Perfect, I've never had a problem. It uses almost no resources.

- What about the hardware/software configuration stability?

Perfect.

- This is a free software that does exactly what you want without a single problem and it's worth a 10.

OVERALL OPINION

Update, 12.14.2008:

- How long have you been using it?

I've been using it for few weeks.

- Which feature do you like the most / the least?

I simply love the fact that a small freeware with only an extremely small DLL file and no sample bank offers an authentic bass sound. It's true that it will never be able to replace a real bassist, but if you program your bass lines carefully and process it properly (EQ, compressor, etc.) it can sound very authentic in a mix. Some commercial software products aren't worth their price.

- Did you try any other models before buying it?

I tested virtually every available freeware/donationware VST bass instrument and this one is one of the top 3, behind Independance 2 Free which allows different playing gimmicks (slides, ghost notes, etc.) and sounds better (samples), but ahead of the very interesting Broomstick Bass demo version (no time limitation and only a couple of functions are unavailable). Since it's free, it can compete with all products.

- How would you rate its value for money?

Unbeatable.

- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

I've found a better sounding tool in the meantime (Independance 2 Free) but BMK2 is much easier to use (just a small DLL file, no installation, few rotary controls) so it's still a very good choice if you want an effective tool and don't want to install 2 GB samples. I really like this small BMK2. It amazed me!

- I'm really enthusiastic about this software because it's rare to find so much value for free.

The installation is the simplest way, like most vst.
No incompatibility.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

This vst is trs little cpu intensive, it is therefore in small configurations.
I use it with Live 5 and I've never had a problem.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 1 month.
I put 10/10 as a freeware, it was a really good bass sound.
BMK2 dmarque to its simplicity and yet the sound is really parameter.
In the end, it was a bass sound simple, clear and warm, suitable for most musical genres.
I choose to do it again and I recommend it