From k2mojo@groovedaddies.com Mon Feb 7 23:19:03 2000
Subject:Leslie sim

I play live with a Kurzweil K2000 using excellent samples off a CD-ROM called "Pocket B3" from Sweetwater Sound. I run this "Hammond" through a Korg Toneworks G4 Leslie Simulator. First of all, I own a real Leslie 147, so I know what the ultimate sonic goal is. I also own (or have owned) a Voce SPIN (original 1/2 rack unit), a H&K Roto, and the Korg G4. I felt the Roto was very clean, which made it great for recording. However, I didn't feel the rotary effect was pronounced enough and even with the tube pre-amp stage, I didn't think it broke the sound up enough (read: No Growl). I personally think it works better for guitar; it seems to be a lot more popular with guitarists than keyboardists.
My SPIN was originally the first simulator that I felt did a good job of accurate speed changes and I've hung on to it because it has some MIDI capabilities the other sims don't have, which is handy for sequencing. I believe the SPIN II is the same guts in a stomp box and without the MIDI (Voce calls this "improved"!).
Finally, I really, really like my Korg G4. It has a lot more flexibility and sounds about as accurate as a box can probably get. There is a lot of complexity in the actual "phase shift/dopler", and even though it's fully digital, the "overdrive" is fairly decent. You can adjust the virtual mic placement and cabinet emulation, in addition to the usual Fast/Slow/Brake/Upper&Lower Speed control on most of the others. It's built like a stomp box, but I've permanently rack mounted mine and run an external footswitch out the back for F/S. I get a lot of other players coming up to find out "where's the Leslie?'. Korg doesn't make 'em anymore, but if you're lucky you can find one on eBay.
For simplicity's sake, I prefer to run a line out to the main P.A. and therefore need to use an 'inline' Leslie sim. I A/B'd a buddy's MS Pro-3T with the Korg G4, and even though the Pro3T sounds a little better, a Pro3T would be a lot more hassle (for me) and I can't yet afford a MS R3-147 rack unit (but soon!) Anyway, here's my 2%.

Ed Fliege
k2mojo@groovedaddies.com