From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Fri Jul 13 05:39:42 2001
Subject:Re: Yet another evaluation: OB-3

Mika,

>I'd ask some opinions about this clone (Oberheim OB-3 - not squared) -
>anyone? I would have a chance to get it (or actually the same module
>under Viscount (D9e) label) cheap so how does it sound? I've seen the
>Harmony-Central reviews but the opinions varied from useless to
>brilliant (different views for both the Oberheim OB-3 and Viscount
>D9e although they are in fact one and the same module.. ;-).

Opinions on Hammond clones differ greatly, depending on a) the user's ears
and level of "pickyness"; b) the context in which the organ is being used
(pads in a loud rock band, jazz trio, etc.); and c) whether the user has
access to a real Hammond for comparisons. I try not to depend on Harmony
Central reviews in general, because they are often written by new owners,
and new owners usually love their purchase -- at least, for a while.

>- How would you describe the basic dry "tonewheel" sound? Too much
>high end, lacking warmth, too shrill or too dark, murky or something
>else? Could it be used as slow chords in the background or when
>playing simple solos?

It's been a while since I heard one. This is an early clone design --
pre-V3, pre XB-2 -- and as such suffers from a little thinness, and too
much high end (foldback is either not used, or the fold points are too high).

>- Does it have a correct (just?) B-3 tuning (no evident "flanging"
>with the black drawbars out as with Hammond XB-2 or XM-1)?

I doubt it. The OB-3 uses an octave-divider IC to create the basic notes,
and most of those designs don't take corrected tuning into consideration.

>- Is the chorus/vibrato, overdrive, keyclick ok?

Can't remember. I'm sure the chorus/vibrato is lacking, as only the latest
clones seem to have gotten it right.

>- Is it playable (if not quite a B-3)..?

It's certainly useable. In the right hands and context, the "jazz organ"
patch on a Casio is 'useable'. I've heard players tear down the house on
synth "Hammond" patches.

>- What about MIDIbility? Does it respond to 2 manuals + pedals?

No.

Personally, I would not buy this module without hearing it first, even if
the cost is low. A lot of improvements have been made in clone designs
since the OB-3/D9e came out (1993?). We had the opportunity to A/B compare
it (actually, a D9 with keyboard) during the "Clone Wars Shootout" in 1996,
and we declined because of time constraints, and the general feeling among
the participants that it would certainly lose the contest to the newer
XB-2, V3, and XM-1 -- even though all three of these clones have been
replaced, some with improved designs. This is a classic case where 'your
mileage may vary'.

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Design Consultant
Ashby Solutions"
www.ashbysolutions.com
CloneWheel Support Group moderator
978.386.7389 voice
978.964.0547 fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com