How Did I Achieve This Sound?

Hello Everyone,

This might come across a little odd, because I actually achieved once what I am looking to do now, but can't remember.   

Also, warning:  please forgive the cheesy synth sound/melody, was using this simple piece just to test something LOL.

OK, so here is my question.   I am going to link you to two mixes of the same piece of music.  

#1:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/pbtb57vzrqve8v3/1.mp3?dl=0
 
#2:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/u4g2d6y78hh1e3x/2.mp3?dl=0
 
If you notice, #2 sounds so much more analog and a big thing about it, is the transients on the drums and the bass are softer.  Infact if you listen closely to the bass/drums on track #2, you can hear there is almost a slight REVERSE lead-in to all the transients (including the bass!).   

I almost feel that is how these softsynths are SUPPOSED to sound.  The transients in track #1 are just to hard hitting.

The reason I ask, is I lost the project file I worked this on and it was a long time ago LOL.

I tried to import track #1 and use a transient shaper, but it doesnt have the same effect.   I have no clue how I did it, but this slight reverse sound on the transients in track #2 just sound so much more analog and GOOD!

If anyone has any advice for me on how to reproduce, that would be amazing.

I am also wondering if these are the way the softsynths are supposed to sound but Cakewalk is somehow adding extra attack or something?  
 
Thank You!!!
-Adam