From James.eaton@accenture.com Tue Aug 21 07:25:33 2001
Subject:Re: new boy

--- In CloneWheel@y..., "Peter Graver" wrote:
> Have just joined your group.Most of the chat so far has been about
CX3 and Voce.Do none of you use the Roland VK7? .Anyone that's
happy with a VK7 let me know.

Pete,

I am still using my '97 vintage VK-7 because:
- it has a pedal section (unlike CX-3, Electro)
- the built in keyboard action is good and is just about wearing in
nicely (n/a for V-5 and OB3^2)
- it sounds okay through my Pro-3T and custom lower rotor, 31-band
GEQ to remove screachy top end etc (I don't like the onboard Leslie
much).
- it is reasonably reliable
- it has a nice expression pedal taper
- it interfaces well with the rest of my gear both for MIDI (2-ins, 1-
out, comprehensive implementation), audio separation (4 separate
outputs: 2 balanced, 2 low-Z line drivers), speed/brake switching via
11-pin Leslie connector and assignable pedals (unlike Electro)

Why would I want to change it ?
- I don't find the chorus particularly usable in any situation
- It only has one set of drawbars
- It doesn't have the detail in the tone that the B4 has (time to buy
a Mac...)

Niggles that I can live with:
- brake on panel front is disabled when fast is engaged so you can't
do a two speed effect without hitting the brake button after pressing
slow
- basic controls like vibrato on, leslie speed and brake only
transmit sys-ex messages where ordinary controllers would be much
more useful for interfacing with other gear.
- operating system would be better for me if I could define an organ
and then set the panel controls for that organ rather than defining
basics like percussion soft vol and key click every time.

What would I change it to ?
- CX-3 is great but where is the pedal department ?
- I was tempted by the VK-77 but the first time I played it I was
caught out by those nasty combination buttons between the manuals
that don't belong on a Hammond. And the price...
- Still waiting for modelled H/W controller with the sound of the B4
and 2 sets of drawbars and pedals - looks like I'll have to build it
myself, although according to Al Goff, there are things in the
pipeline. OB-5 doesn't appear to deliver according to comments on
this list although as a controller for the B4 is probably spot on.

James in London