Real Bass vs Programmed Bass - Are Real Musicians Being Replaced? (The Bass Player Did It Right)

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Today we are going to look at the difference between programmed computer bass and a real bass player. It's my opinion that music plugins will never replace the talent and skills of a real musician, and this is a bit of video to prove my point as to why.

So, calm down alarmists, musics are not being replaced by programs, because a real, live, experienced musician will always be better than a plugin!

Here is how Adam built the tone:

Bass Amp:
1176 into Ampeg SVT Classic (Ultra Low On) into Marshall 8x10 with Tweeter

Bass Spread:
Amp Signal through Soundtoys Microshift

Bass Grit:
Aggressive HPF EQ - Kazrog Diezel Silver (Lead 1) - 4x12 V30 cab - Mid scoop EQ

Bass Verb:
Bricasti M7 - Studio B Close

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✚ TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Why This Video Exists
1:19 - Djinnbass Version
2:50 - Adam's Version
4:21 - My Analysis

#audiomixing #musicproduction #metalguitartones

[goatsurgeon]

I think it’s easier to record a real bass and it’s less time consuming, but programmed bass for a non bass player is just fine — if they do it for drums, why not bass or guitars?

[BirdYoumans]

I suppose it would not matter as much for this type of music if played or programmed (I still prefer real bass though) because there is not much nuance here, just more less one volume level and simple lines (not knocking it at all, just explaining it) But as an arranger, programmer and multi instrumentalist myself, when you play other types of music that have dynamics and subtle notes that have a bit of voice leading involved, it would be quite difficult to program a bass part like what I would play with the bass in my hand, even though it might still be simple sounding. No part should ever get in the way of the song though. The little slides and pulls that I do on bass (bass was my main instrument for many years because I just love to play bass) can be attempted with pitch wheels etc, but it just never quite comes off right. Try playing some blues and you will start to see what I mean. Though blues is simple in it's own way, it leaves room for dynamics and subtle "walks" up or down to the next root note. But in this kind of music, given a choice, I would still play it on bass even though it would be quite easy to program. And yes, I agree with you fully. Humans rule!! But while I prefer music with dynamics and nuance, (I'm 75 and more less come from a different world of music) you're track sounds good for this style of music. In my mind there's room for all kinds of music. And I can tell you give thought to what you do. Carry on my friend. Kudos!

[MartyV]

Hey Scott, that huge white wall behind you is screaming for some art :) Nice vid.

[GatekeeperMetal]

Great stuff. Sounds way thicker and more rich with the real bass. Maybe a little less "clean" but way more character and energy.

[blacknessfallsmusic]

Programmed bass or drums will never sounds like a human playing. They can be very good while coming up with ideas an recording demos, but at the end it’s better to get a real drummer or real bass player for the song. It’s just that it’s not everybody who knows a drummer or have the money to pay one for playing on a track or to pay studio time for recording.

[OzricTentaclesRule]

I must confess I write all my bass in Midi and then learn and play it on the instrument for recording... but sometimes, as midi technology has gotten so solid in recent years I have many times just left and managed the midi alone without converting to the actual bass. Nowadays I can hardly tell who is playing and who is placing ...

[cmd_f]

Haha nice fun at the end. Some of those "like and subscribe" things people say do get longer than the video lol.

I like the real bass. As you said it's got more breath and creativity. Even if we had a completely random and modeled bass tone with 0 round robin notes ever, it's the pitch / what you play that's just as important. Same with drums. A MIDI keyboard that outputs notes to a drum VST will not have the exact feel of a real drummer. You can get very close and in a mix who can say what's a sample and a real recording these days, but they are two different medium. Sticks and pedals and shells vs something that just puts out a specific note with a velocity attached. Strings are even more obvious. Keyboard output or clicking in a guitarpro line won't sound like the nuances of a strings and frets instrument no matter how hard people try.

Peace and great video!

[TonyOnekaNobY]

When using the Emissary plugin I've been wondering, is there always supposed to be fuzz noise even when not playing. It seems like it's just there for realism or something but, I'd like to get rid of it or at least reduce it. If you have a particular video on it, I may have just not found it yet but, thanks for all you do and for all the tutorials and helpful videos. \m/

[kenanatkinson]

Hey, not sure if you've done any videos about this before, but how about reviewing some free guitar cabinet impulse responses??

[markhopper]

Hey man do you have contact Information? Im looking for someone who may be interested in doing some mixing/mastering for my album. I like the way your work sounds. Killer fucking guitar tone. I’ve tried everything and can’t get the tone I’m trying to achieve. Let me know man. Thanks.

[fretfret]

Virtual instruments are great. But nothing beats an actual bass guitar. As good as any virtual instrument sounds it’s always best to capture a human performance if possible. In my opinion anyway. Digital can’t capture nuance and personality. It gets the job done.

[fisherman]

Hey can you check my comment on your EVE Audio SC204 review?