From bruce@ashbysolutions.com Mon Aug 04 09:45:28 2003
Subject:Ashby Solutions Barker
All,
There has been discussion on the list in the past few months about needing "a preamp before the preamp" to get the classic Hammond/Leslie distortion out of the Speakeasy Classic on certain clones, such as the Korg CX-3 and Nord Electro. At first, I thought it was just people misunderstanding how to set up the preamp, but I've come to realize that some of the "frying eggs" sound I get from my current rig has been due to my MOSFET power amp I use, which is running close to full-out much of the time, not just the SVTP. When I turn the amp down, the growl drops off, too. This is because the Korg and Nord products have less output than say, a Voce or Ham-Suz product, and just don't drive the Speakeasy as hard. After coming to this epiphany, Steve Hayes and I put our heads together and tried to correct the problem. We tried several things, but the bottom line was: To get the sound I wanted, the organ had to provide more input level, and my BX-3 just couldn't push any harder. So,
I went back to my lab and did something about it: I created the Ashby Solutions Barker (tm) for the Speakeasy preamp.
The Barker is a high-headroom boost preamp built as a small PC board that installs directly inside the Speakeasy preamp's case, using the same power supply as the tube circuits do. Designed with the Classic preamp in mind, the Barker increases the level of the input signal so that the 12AU7 in the Classic distorts naturally, yet adds absolutely no additional color to the sound. I didn't want to touch the basic design of the Speakeasy Classic, which gets the best possible sound out of its tube circuitry. The Barker leaves that alone: It simply acts as if your clone had more output to start with.
The result is a grittier Classic sound, rather than the Howler's edgy wail. I've tried the Howler, and it adds more than just overdrive; it also adds a distinct midrange bite, much like a '60s combo amp by Marshall or Ampeg would have. This may or may not be to your liking. A lot of players seem to be looking for the warmer, rounded bottom end of the Classic, just with more grit. The Barker is the answer -- it growls a lot like the Howler, but it doesn't change the overall tone the way the Howler does. Added to the Classic, it gives my BX-3 everything from the Green Onions growl, to the sound Greg Rolie got in Oye Como Va, to the scream of Gimme Some Lovin. And yes, it can be installed with a bypass switch, if preferred. It can even be used on a Howler preamp, if you're looking for an extreme overdrive sound beyond even the sound of Ken Hensley and Jon Lord.
The Barker FAQ --
Q: Does every Speakeasy Classic owner need the Barker?
A: Not necessarily. If you are completely happy with the sound you are getting from your Speakeasy Classic through your current system, the Barker will probably not do anything for you that you can't already do. If, however, you like the "clean" sound of your Classic, but can't seem to turn your clone up enough to get the grittier sound you want, the Barker is just what you are looking for.
Q: Does the Barker replace the Howler?
A: It depends on your playing style. Some players may still prefer the Howler's scream; others may find the Barker to be more what they were looking for. Speakeasy will still sell the Howler as part of their preamp line.
Q: Can I still get a clean sound with the Barker and no bypass switch?
A: Yes, by lowering the output of your clone, you can return to the sound of the original Speakeasy Classic. As an example, the sound of a sample preset on a Korg CX-3 can be restored by dropping the Volume setting of a preset from 127 to around 35, or by leaving the Volume setting at 127, and turning the volume knob to around 9:30. Full details will be provided on the Ashby Solutions website.
Q: How much is the Barker, and where can I buy it?
A: The Barker is available from Ashby Solutions as a kit, or from Speakeasy Vintage Music as an option on new preamps, for $49US. Either company will retrofit the Barker to an older preamp for an additional $25US. A bypass is optional; please contact Speakeasy or Ashby Solutions for additional details and pricing.
Q: Can the Barker damage the Speakeasy preamp?
A: No, not if properly installed. The Barker was designed to be a part of the Speakeasy preamp, using the electronics already in the preamp.
Q: I have a stereo Speakeasy. Can I install two Barkers?
A: Yes, there is room in the rack-mount preamp to stack two Barkers in the same space as the first one takes.
Q: What's this "kit" you speak of?
A: If you don't mind popping the top of your Speakeasy, or want your local tech to do the work, the Barker is available from Ashby Solutions as a fully assembled PC board with wires attached, along with instructions and diagrams to install the Barker into the Speakeasy. If you own a rack-mount, mono Speakeasy, there are already mounting holes for the Barker in the chassis, and you can use included standoffs to quickly mount the Barker to the chassis. Because of the point-to-point wiring of the preamp, installation requires moderate soldering skills. The whole process will take less than an hour.
It's a little more work to install the pair of Barkers in a stereo rack-mount preamp, because you have to use bolts and nuts to secure the two boards. Installation in a pedal preamp requires drilling four mounting holes.
Q: Is the Barker available for purchase?
A: Production of the Barker is just ramping up, so I'm only announcing this product to the CWSG for the next few days, and you won't be able to directly order one from my website. Contact me offline for more details. I've got a special offer, though,for the first ten list customers: You buy the Barker from Ashby Solutions for the kit price, and I'll do the installation of the Barker in your preamp for free, and if you don't like it, I'll take it out for free, too, and refund your purchase price!
Regards,
-BW
--
Bruce Wahler
Ashby Solutions™ http://music.ashbysolutions.com
978.386.7389 voice/fax
bruce@ashbysolutions.com