Which bass fits this mix best?

[FuruSamples]

Hi everyone,

I've been developing bass libraries for Kontakt and recently put together a comparison using the exact same MIDI performance and backing track played through four different bass instruments.

The idea was to compare how different bass designs naturally sit in a mix:

• Vintage Jazz Bass
• Vintage Precision Bass
• MM-style Active Bass
• Fretless Bass

Personally, I find myself leaning toward the MM-style active bass in this particular track because of its attack and clarity.

But after listening to it too many times, I'm no longer sure whether that's actually true or if I've simply become biased by familiarity.

I'd be interested to hear what bass you think works best in the mix and why.

Video:


These are all instruments I developed myself. This comparison comes from a video I originally made for my own bass libraries, but I'm mainly interested in hearing which bass type people prefer in this mix.

I'm currently working on improving these instruments, so any feedback on tone, articulation, realism, or mix placement would be genuinely helpful.

Thanks!

[zerocrossing]

This is the weirdest kind of faux question to start promoting your sample library.

[Dirk Diggler]

It all depends on the mix/music itself and any other offending instruments.

I hope you do better than NI because their similar bass offering do NOT sit well in mixes.

Oh yeah one last thing, a Real bass and Real bass player will always provide a more real sound, also they tend to have no problems in the mix. Keep in mind a real player can be much more dynamic and instantly adjustable on the fly.

[4_the masses]

The best bass sound IMO is your bass player. Samples will never replace a human.

[knob_monster]

nothing beats a real human bass player who shows up late and plays out of tune. until then, these samples work fine.

[dwringer]

In the interest of promoting good-faith discussion on this forum I would just answer that to me the vintage jazz bass - the first one in the comparison video - sounds the best and most realistic to me. The others all seemed a bit dark through my speakers, with somewhat muffled transients (maybe this is intentional and I'm sure it would work for some people or styles but it's not really to my taste).

[cryophonik]

nothing beats a real human bass player who shows up late and plays out of tune. until then, these samples work fine.

Hey, as a real human bassist, I find that completely insulting! Not because it's untrue, but because you failed to mention that we also try to hook up with your girlfriend.