Native Instruments has announced the release of Scarbee MM-Bass, a new software instrument that provides an authentic rendition of the distinctive Musicman Sterling electric bass. MM-Bass is based on the Scarbee Black Bass library, and is the latest release in the partnership between Native Instruments and sampling expert Thomas Hansen Skarbye.
Powered by the Kontakt engine and playable both via the free Kontakt Player or the full Kontakt sampler, Scarbee MM-Bass recreates the full sonic spectrum of the Sterling bass guitar, a modern classic whose characteristic tone has become a mainstay for funk, hip-hop, disco and similar groove-oriented genres. The instrument was created with assistance from producer Nile Rodgers, and is available in two separate versions that address different musical applications and production requirements. The standard version was recorded through a DI box for a clean "funk" sound, and retains full flexibility for individual re-amping and further sound processing. The optional "Amped" version offers the choice between four different amp characteristics, providing various ready-to-record tones for rock, pop and urban genres.
All four strings of the original instrument have been sampled in nine velocities, using flat-wound strings for a smooth vintage sound, resulting in 3 GB of sample material for the regular version and 12 GB for the "Amped" version. Specific "Player Profiles" for various genres as well as EQ and effect controls allow musicians and producers to further customize the sound and behavior of MM-Bass to fit the musical context.
To preserve all the intricacies of the real instrument, MM-Bass takes full advantage of the unique scripting features of Kontakt, resulting in a performance that is virtually indistinguishable from a real professional bassist, according to NI. Authentic articulations and playing techniques include hammer-ons, pull-offs, grace notes, various trills, mutes, harmonics, pickup hits, fret noises and much more, most of which are automatically triggered based on the note material. The fretboard display in Kontakt and Kontakt Player shows the playing position and articulation of each note in real-time, with intelligent string selection and index finger/middle finger alternation as well as dedicated slide and chord modes that contribute to the authenticity of the instrument.
Scarbee MM-Bass is available for purchase in the NI Online Shop at $89 / €79 for the standard version and $119 / €99 for the "Amped" version.
Registered Black Bass and Black Bass - Amped users can now download a Kontakt 3.5 update that will transform it into an identical version of Scarbee MM-Bass and MM-Bass - Amped including new graphics and new manual.
New Features and changes:
- Human Vibrato using Modwheel or Aftertouch. Vibrato based on real performance.
- Player profile - alters the auto string selection depending on musical style.
- Position keys moved 1 octave up.
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