Spinnin' Records Drops a Bass Plugin: Is It Worth Your Time?

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is a massive gathering for electronic music fans and professionals. While it's a hub for industry happenings, it can also get a bit wild. This year, a surprising announcement came from Spinnin' Records: they've launched their own bass plugin, aptly named BASE. Developed in partnership with Pro Logic II, this plugin aims to help producers nail the crucial balance between bass and drums in their tracks.

Key Takeaways

• Spinnin' Records BASE plugin is a collaboration with Pro Logic II.
• It focuses on creating a better balance between bass and drums.
• The plugin is largely preset-driven, using "luxurious samples."
• It offers useful features like splitting kick and bass to separate outputs or MIDI.
• A major concern is its potential to contribute to generic-sounding EDM tracks.

What Is Spinnin' Records BASE?

At its core, Spinnin' Records BASE is a plugin designed to simplify the process of creating powerful basslines that work well with drum patterns, especially in EDM. Record labels venturing into the plugin market isn't entirely new, but it does raise eyebrows. Spinnin' Records partnered with Pro Logic II, a software manufacturer, to bring BASE to life. This collaboration likely means Spinnin' is lending its brand name for marketing clout, which, from a business perspective, is a smart move. However, slapping a label's name on a product doesn't automatically guarantee quality.

First Impressions and Features

When you first open BASE, you're greeted with a selection of presets. The reviewer notes that these presets sound like they're based on high-quality samples. While you can tweak the ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) settings to alter the sound's dynamics, you can't fundamentally create your own unique sounds from scratch within the plugin. This preset-heavy approach is a significant point of discussion.

One of the most praised features is the Split Audio function. This allows you to send the kick and bass sounds to separate outputs. For audio engineers, this is a godsend. Often, when producers use plugins that combine multiple sounds into one stereo output, it can be a nightmare to mix later. Having the kick and bass separated makes blending them properly on a console or in your DAW much easier.

Another handy feature is Split MIDI. This splits your keyboard input so that one section triggers the kick drum and another triggers the bassline. This can be incredibly useful for programming drum patterns and basslines in a more intuitive or different way than you might normally approach it.

The Big Downside: Generic Sounds?

Despite the useful features, the reviewer expresses a strong concern about the plugin's potential to make music sound generic. The argument is that BASE, being so easy to use with its presets, encourages producers to quickly create tracks that sound similar to many others. The term "generic EDM" is used, implying a lack of creativity and individuality. The reviewer feels that the EDM scene already struggles with producers wanting to sound like everyone else, and a plugin like BASE might just reinforce this trend. The marketing power of Spinnin' Records means this plugin will likely be widely adopted, potentially leading to a flood of similar-sounding tracks.

TL;DR Verdict

Spinnin' Records BASE is a plugin that does what it says on the tin: it helps create bass and drum combinations. It's packed with presets and offers genuinely useful features like audio and MIDI splitting. However, its reliance on presets and ease of use might lead to a more generic sound in the EDM landscape, which the reviewer finds disappointing. Despite this, the plugin is predicted to be a commercial success due to Spinnin' Records' marketing muscle.

What It Does

• Provides a collection of bass presets for EDM production.
• Helps producers achieve a better balance between kick drums and basslines.
• Offers features to split kick and bass sounds into separate audio or MIDI channels.

Pros and Cons

| Cons |
| Potential to create generic-sounding tracks |
| Limited sound design capabilities |
| Relies heavily on pre-made samples |

Who Should Buy?

This plugin is likely best suited for beginner to intermediate EDM producers who want to quickly get a solid bass and drum foundation for their tracks. If you're looking for a fast way to get your ideas down and don't mind using presets, BASE could be a good fit. Producers who value unique sound design and creative freedom might want to look elsewhere.

Alternatives

Instead of relying on a label-backed plugin, consider exploring other options:

1. Dedicated Bass Synths: Plugins like Xfer Serum, Native Instruments Massive X, or Arturia Pigments offer deep sound design capabilities for creating unique bass sounds.
2. Drum Samplers and Sequencers: Tools like XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 or Native Instruments Battery 4 provide extensive control over drum programming.
3. Mixing and Sound Design Tutorials: Investing time in learning mixing techniques and sound design principles can help you achieve great bass and drum sounds with any tools you already have.

Or get a human ear on it — $250/track mastering at Paradise, 3 revisions.