From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Thu Sep 06 19:28:23 2001
Subject:Re: Auditioned a CX-3 today!

Dave,

>Chorus/Vib - a little heavy, but fairly authentic. Sounds great with
>horn off or on chorale. I heard a little swirly interaction with the
>horn on fast speed. The treble boost when vib was engaged was a
>little more than in an authentic Hammond. My reference point is a
>somewhat mellow '59 B-3, however.

It IS a little heavy, more like the vibrato on an A-100, which is slightly
deeper (by accident or by design) because of component changes from the B-3
preamp. I use C-2 on some settings to compensate.

>Expression - the expression pedal didn't cut the sound down enough
>for me
>when closed down. Maybe this is programmable.

It is. Look in the Global settings, and there is a minimum value. I use
about 15.

>Controls - Generally really good. I like the authentic placement of
>everything. But what's up with that ignorant expression knob? It
>should be a dedicated overdrive level knob as on the original.

That's truly a mystery to most owners!

>The Chorus/Vib knob should be an actual switch instead of a rotary
>encoder. You barely turn the knob, and you have jumped around the
>dial to the other side. Aside from the lack of physical resistance,
>it's too touchy.

If you end up buying the CX-3, check my website for instructions on how to
improve this situation a bit. You'll never get to the point of a real B-3,
though, with its 6P6T (I think) switch!

> Also, I thought the rotary speed switches worked a
>little funny. If I want to switch from fast to off and back on, I
>should be able to just toggle the fast switch. If I do, however, it
>turns the slow speed back on. ????@#$%

It's different than the "Leslie 3-speed standard." If the brake is
enabled, and you touch the speed switch, the brake goes away. The 'proper'
way to do the 1-speed change is to set the speed to fast, then engage the
brake. When you want Tremolo again, hit the brake switch.

Luckily, the function of the two foot pedal inputs can be programmed per
patch, so you can set Pedal 1 to speed on one patch (2-speed Leslie) and
brake on another patch (1-speed Leslie). Or, you can connect two pedals,
and have a 3-speed system.

>Overall experience - Great! I want one! I'd love to know how much
>better it can get using the tube preamps and other speakers that
>people are trying. I've listened to Bruce's mp3s, but can tell little
>or no difference with my crummy soundcard (except for the one with
>the real Leslie).

Try using headphones, or connect your PC to your stereo system for a
bit. The difference is subtle, but you CAN hear it without
straining: added warmth, and a less edgy overdrive.

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