Native Instruments Session Bassist – Jam Bass: the Synth and Software Review

The series is growing, but is it in the right direction?

When I reviewed Prime Bass, it was the first entry in Native Instruments’ Session Bassist series. I remember being quite impressed with the versatility and sound of that library, which was based on the Fender Precision Bass. The latest offering in the growing Session Bassist series is Jam Bass, which aims once again to cover a wide range of styles, this time utilizing the sonic characteristics of the legendary Fender Jazz Bass.

The library, which can be downloaded and authorized through NI’s Native Access app, comes in at slightly over 8 gigabytes. Don’t let the size fool you though – developer Drumasonic managed to pack in over 280 bass patterns, as well as a “Melody” version, which is a playable multi-sampled instrument for those who wish to program their own bass lines from scratch.

For those unfamiliar with the Session Bassist series, the libraries comprise a number of pre-programmed patterns that automatically sync to the host DAW’s tempo. The pitch bend wheel is used to vary the intensity or “impact” of the playing, while the mod wheel adds a subtle vibrato to the playing.

Patterns are mapped out over a 3-octave range, while the notes below C2 are used for key-switching control pattern variations and also adding some grace notes and slides. The pattern’s performance can be further customized with Humanization, Swing, Feel, and Timing Shift parameters.

I was interested to see how Jam Bass would fare with some funk tracks. For this demo I used the key switches to vary the patterns, and the mod and pitch bend wheel to fine-tune the dynamics and articulations. Drums, Clavinet,and a B3 organ fill in the rest of the piece. 

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Jam Bass’ UI shares the same familiar layout as all the other Session Bassist instruments – four tabs at the bottom allow access the Patterns, Bass Settings, Amps & FX, and Playback settings. The top left offers a visual indication of the real-time controls, as well as an option to transpose the instrument down an octave with varying degrees of fidelity, depending on the range played.

You access a number of pre-configured signal effect chains in various descriptive groups through a drop down menuon the top right. A Phrase/One Pitch toggle lets you “collapse” melodic patterns down to the root note while maintaining the same rhythmic activity.

A small but noticeable issue that I noticed while triggering the various patterns was the inability to have it stop instantly as I lifted the key on my controller. While it’s possible to select whether the pattern should stop within a full, half, 1/4, or 1/8 note time, I wish an “instant off” option were also available. 

One workaround is to hit the A#1 key, which triggers a “ghost note” to the playback instantly. In addition to thatghost note, Jam Bass provides some slides and open 5th chord cadences that can be triggered by pressing the four keys immediately below C2.

How does Jam Bass fare in a rock context? I fired up the “Lust for Bass” preset, which as you might have guessedhas a definitive Iggy Pop/Stooges vibe. One of the benefits of the Session Bassist series is how well they pair up with the Session Guitarist sample libraries. I was able to find an appropriately suited guitar preset from the Electric Sunburst Deluxe collection, and in no time I was rocking away with some additional drums and a B3.

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Along with the ability to select bass grooves in styles ranging from Rock to Latin to Funk to Blues and even EDM, Jam Bass features a wide range of Amps and FX presets that provide a nearly unlimited amount of sonic possibilities. [FIG.6 – Effects Menu]

While the discovery process of going through the various grooves can be quite inspiring, I wish there was an option to lock-in a desired style for preset browning with the left and right arrows on the main page. It would make finding the right groove a bit quicker, without having to constantly switch between the main page and the preset browser page.

Compared to Prime Bass, the sound of Jam Bass has a more pronounced high-mid and treble sound with a sharper attack and a slightly more metallic quality. It is bound to cut through a busy and aggressive mix slightly better than the more rounded character of Prime Bass. Which one is more desirable can be very subjective. To show the difference between the two libraries,  I created a short example with the Melody instrument set through the Direct Output FX and Amp on both instruments.

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I enjoyed playing with the Session Bassist: Jam Bass collection. Its stylistic and sonic options are numerous, and should cover most composers and songwriters’ needs. The addition of the fully playable Melody instrument makes adding custom lines and fills a breeze, and the variety of amps and effects offers a great deal of flexibility.

Jam Bass is a welcome addition to the growing line of Session instruments, and I look forward to seeing what Native Instruments and Drumasonic cook up next.

Price: $99

Free Kontakt Player version 8.2.0 and higher, or Kontakt version 8.2.0 and higher.

8.24Gb Download through Native Access (NI’s software downloader)

Click here for more info

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