From djacques@csulb.edu Fri Jun 04 11:23:32 2004
Subject:RE: More on the Clone Comparisons

My setup gives seems to offer the ultimate Leslie Simulation. I have my
CX3 into a stereo Speakeasy into twin SRM 450s. I space the Mackies
about 6 ft apart on either side behind me. I will either raise them on
chairs or let them sit on the floor (depending on the room acoustics).

The stereo Leslie image is amazing and sounds DRAMATICALLY different
from a mono hookup. In fact, I never get that "Swirling" sound that is
evident on the MP3's, probably because of Bruce's comments regarding the
differences between headphone listening and live sound applications.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Wahler [mailto:bruce@ashbysolutions.com] A really good
simulation of a Leslie would still be in stereo -- or maybe, even in
quadraphonic sound -- but with the speakers located close to each other,
rather than across the stage as in typical PA setups. The speakers are
just too far apart in a typical stereo setup, so the "point source" of
the Leslie is lost. Also, a lot of the sound seems to come from
"everywhere" in a Leslie, just as the sound from an open-backed guitar
combo does. I recall using a Fender Deluxe as my organ stage monitor
back in the early '80s: the timbre was off, and my Elka X-50 had a
pathetic 1-rotor Leslie sim, but the basic feeling was there. I'll bet
it was because the open back on the cabinet caused the room to fill with
the sound.

The problem with running mono is that a system with good bass response
-- ex: a JBL/Mackie powered speaker, or a Roland/Peavey keyboard amp --
is also probably closed-back and ported, which makes the midrange and
highs only come out the front, increasing (rather than removing) the 2-D
feeling. Opening the back will help the 3-D, but it will also reduce
the ability to hit pedal notes. A near-perfect setup would probably be
a stereo, open-backed combo amp plus a sub-woofer; maybe, a
stereo-modified Twin Reverb + a 15" sub. (I can't remember: Is the
Roland Jazz Chorus open-backed?) The rub is, that setup is certainly as
big as carrying a Pro-3AT + LoPro, and probably even a Leslie 145. That
kind of kills the whole benefit of not travelling with a Leslie!

Regards,

-BW
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