From jake92028@yahoo.com Mon Apr 05 14:04:44 2004
Subject:Re: VK-8M unpacked 1st impression


> Get a Speakeasy
> Shotglass preamp if you are using the VK-8M in a solid
> state environment, although you will find that you
> only need to keep the gain on the Speakeasy at a very
> low setting. Tweak the Leslie effect by making the
> mike distance closer, mess with the stereo spread and
> the randomize a bit to your taste.
> --- jake92028 wrote:
> > 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
> >
>
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