From jake92028@yahoo.com Sun Apr 04 14:28:14 2004
Subject:VK-8M unpacked 1st impression

Okay, I got this kind-of big module set up in my little home studio.
First off, I'm really impressed with the 'bite' - like sharp, crisp,
tone that gets more so at the high end. I played my Electro at a loud
gig last night through a MS145 and have been practicing with a V5 and
controller at home - same controller I set up with the VK module - so
that's my point of reference, plus recalling my recently sold CX3.
The VK seems to have more bright, clear tones as I pull drawbars than
any of the above. The C/V to me are just right for all 6, as are all
the percussion settings. Although without knowing how to edit yet,
the pedal tones only seem to be available by selecting a preset which
already has the pedals set. Switching the sound output to Pedal, then
using the two pedal drawbars, 16' & 8,' which are the only available
for the pedals, they can be pushed in/out and readjusted, like a V5
preset works. The pedal tones use a pretty well-balanced foldback to
go down to the lowest notes - below a typical lower manual's end
note. It'll keep going down to the bottom of a 76 key controller and
with the controller's octave shift Down, I think I can hear some too-
low tones sound waves (??? forgot to bring my ER-20's last night =
half deaf). The upper register goes all the way up out of range also
with volume dropping off as tone gets 'squealy.' Best pedal sound
seems to be 84 (804) which is pretty impressive pedal bass, even 80
sounds good.

Two negatives I think right off: The D-beam control or manual switch
for Rotary on off could be a real pain to use either live. I'd be
using my MS Leslie with the Rotary Brake set, might try the bypass
software, or maybe it will sound good on Brake with one of the 4 Amp
models. I'd think there must be a way to edit and use the Expression
jack for Rotary On/Off, with the module getting CC#11 from a
controller - didn't get deep enough into the manual yet to find out->
it's pretty bad plus I don't do hexadecimal.

Next, the Rotary effect sounds even worse than I remember when I
A/B'd my CX3 vs a VK-8 keyboard. Again with the MS Leslie, not a
problem, but it'd be nice to have the Rotary effect as good as
possible. The module itself is too darn big, needs a good way to set
it up close enough to work with without too big a footprint. The
Roland accessory stand picture looks weird, can't tell how bulky it
is from the ad photo. The Overdrive effect is overkill, has that
radio static sound as soon as I start to dial some in, just like the
V5; I wouldn't use it.

Overall impression: Great humongous drawbar tone generator with the
real deal percussion, foldback, and C/V; great pedal sound which is
the main reason I got it - try to overlook the Roland silly stuff.
The D-Beam could go where the sun don't shine for my nickel.. how
many times are you going to use the Tonewheel brake effect before
significant others (formerly friendly musicians) start to throw stuff
at you? Yes, the D-Beam is fun to play with - I have been for hours
and can hear the neighbors kids crying when the Ring Modulator
reminds them of scary movies = stop it Walter! If someone knows how
to set up to pedal-switch the Rotary On/Off, I'd appreciate that info
and any more about the Soundside tweaks (yes/no?) plus lowdown on the
stand package - maybe the adapter would fit on a mike stand, or? My
Roland A-33's will barely hold the V5 with a 'mini' Digiverb, and the
VK module covers this keyboard from front to back. TIA, hope
my 'review' covered some bases of interest. Wj