Berlin, Germany (MuseWire) – Native Instruments today introduced 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 acclaimed Scarbee Black Bass library, and is the latest release in the partnership between Native Instruments and sampling expert Thomas Hansen Skarbye.

Powered by the industry-leading 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 seminal 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 expertly sampled in nine velocities, using flat-wound strings for a smooth vintage sound, resulting in 3 GB of studio-grade 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. 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 unparalleled authenticity of the instrument.

SCARBEE MM-BASS is available for purchase in the NI Online Shop at $89 / 79 EUR for the standard version and $119 / 99 EUR for the “Amped” version.

Additional information on SCARBEE MM-BASS including video and audio demos is available at
www.native-instruments.com/scarbee-mmbass.info .

SCARBEE PRE-BASS Amped, an additional version of the PRE-BASS software instrument that provides a meticulous, highly musical rendition of the iconic Fender Precision bass, recorded through a selection of distinctive amplifiers. PRE-BASS Amped is derived from the acclaimed Scarbee Blue Bass library, and offers production-ready bass tones for a variety of styles and genres.

SCARBEE PRE-BASS Amped expands on the already available PRE-BASS instrument by providing additional versions of the instrument recorded through four different amplifiers, offering distinctive characteristics perfectly suited for a variety of musical styles. Available in Fat, Heavy, Crunchy, and Pop versions, the bass tones in PRE-BASS Amped range from warm, round and tight to crispy, hard, and even slightly distorted types.

The “Amped” version offers the same level of detail as the previously released PRE-BASS instrument, with all four strings expertly sampled in nine velocities through each of the amplifiers, resulting in 12 GB of sample material. Powered by the industry-leading KONTAKT engine, PRE-BASS Amped is playable via the free KONTAKT PLAYER as well as the full KONTAKT sampler.