I've mixed on Neumann KH 120s for years and love 'em. I mix in a small room. You could buy a used pair and then do DSP via Arc Studio. I use Arc...
Toontrack EZ Bass is the best I've found. If Mac/Logic the new Session Bass is also excellent. You can dial in slides and string noise on either VST.
In other words, music is getting simpler and dumber.
I like it! Regarding the She slips away mix, give this a try and see if you like it: bass and main synth: -3dB (pad/string synth is ok) snare:...
Also keep in mind that a few standalone apps (Toontrack apps, for example) rely on VSTs and won't run without them.
What is the point of freedom of speech without freedom of action? Well ... you're free to threaten to beat the crap out of someone, but you...
Separate names with a comma.