Are real drums/bass really any better then samples?

Hey, everybody. :chug:

So, I'm having a HECK of a time recording my own album here. I recorded all the drums in a professional studio and they sound OK I guess but when I listen to fake drums which don't have any mic bleed they sound crystal clear and I actually seem to prefer the fake ones. And bass is the same way. I don't feel like I need real bass either but what do you all think of that?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Very subjective question. There obviously isn't 1 right answer. If you like it, then do it. If you prefer real bass/drums, then do that.

It's not that the drums are recorded in a studio but the quality of the recording and the skill of the engineer to capture that sound. If you don't have those ducks in a row, having 'real' studio drums is only to say you have real studio drums.

Because I have no other option, I can't do studio drums. I use EZDrummer from Toontrack. Great production quality but you get what you get...a decent selection of beats.

However, I find that I can take those provided beats and 'adjust' to what I have in mind. Since I am not looking to program Neal Peart (Rush), I can do that. I have reasonably simple, if specific rhythmic needs.

For me, EZDrummer works very well. I have a number of the expansion packs to get different production values.

So, if you have a specific rhythmic need, a studio set up might be best. Keeping it simple, virtual instruments with good production is a great way to go.

Thanks a lot for your input. If your interested here is what the real drums sound like.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/81603940/FF01_v4.mp3

And here is the unmixed and unmastered one with fake drums that I seem to like more for some reason.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/81603940/Knight%27s%20Oath%20Sworn.mp3

It depends on your ears and taste. I actually prefered the first one. Most of the time I feel like rhythms done in a software have too perfect rhythm for my taste.
Unless you deliberately make the timing not so perfect.
There's a lack of feeling. But again, it all depends on what you like and are going for. Drum in a software have such a perfect timing that it can sound "military or robotic" and that can be good. There's no right or wrong.

Originally Posted by: Jahan HonmaThanks a lot for your input. If your interested here is what the real drums sound like.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/81603940/FF01_v4.mp3

And here is the unmixed and unmastered one with fake drums that I seem to like more for some reason.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/81603940/Knight%27s%20Oath%20Sworn.mp3

Mix n match for me. Snare is best on the real mix and the bass drum(s) are better on the fake.

To my ears any way.

Snare on the fake was too snappy for me. Whereas the snare on the real fell in to the mix better.

Particularly for this style, the bass on the fake had the breadth and thump that made for a good check pounding.

I agree. That fake kick is the best sounding kick I've ever heard.

It's all about what suites the song, and what feels right to you. If the programmed drums and bass suite what you want, then go for that. If a more live feel is what you are after, then use players.

However, in the case of live musicians SO much relies on their playing and how it's being recorded. I believe a great player can sound good anywhere, where as an OK player won't necessarily sound great with amazing gear.

It's honestly up to you. ;)