From harjoy@elknet.net Wed Jun 16 11:19:50 2004
Subject:Re: NordElectro and Motion Sound - Do I need a Preamp?


From: phonkyphab

>I run a Nord Electro 2 with a Motion Sound Rotary Pro 145 speaker on
stage. Had a venue yesterday evening and I was really happy with the
sound.

>However, I'm a bit disappointed by the Electro's low output level.
I've read a lot on the Speakeasy here in this list, and to me it seems
it's exactly the piece missing in my setup. I'm from Europe, though,
before investing in something I can't try out before, and must be
shipped at additional costs from US, I'd like to know more...

As a recent purchaser of a Speakeasy Stereo Preamp I will have to state that this is like the "missing Link" in the audio chain. Once you have one your rig will sure sound lame to you without it. And another thing about it is that there is sound enhancement other than just getting scream or distortion.

These units have a gain control that would be appropriate for low output sources. This is in addittion to the volume and Bass and treble controls.

>Yesterday I routed both Rhodes/Clavi sounds and the organ directly to
the Pro 145. Probably it's best to send the Epiano sounds to the PA
directly? I'm tempted to get a setup with a specific speakeasy preamp
for the piano (mono) channel sent to PA and another one for the organ.

Sending Piano, guitar or chime sounds (or voice) through a spinning horn is novel but may mess up the attack and envelope characteristics. Some synths will provide tremolo. chorus, or other motion to be added to these very type of sounds and tthis can be quite nice. I have owned an MKS 20 which has Ep and Clav sounds. I was really amazed at the sound of some of the EP's with the MKS20 chorus,a Quadreverb chorus rvb effect and then through the Speakeasy. I don't know if anybody ever built regular EP that sounds like this but I'm sure they would wish they could!

As far as sending reverb through the spin- again some like it. but it is not the same as you get without the motion. Be aware that some organists will also route the Bass into non spinning speakers for better strength and clarity of the bass.

Doesn't mean it can't be done or whether you'd like it, or endure it for a while.

>If anyone could drop a line on effects too I'd be very grateful. Does
anything stand against feeding the organ line with effects directly
into the MS amp? Effects on the piano channel to PA seem obvious to me.

I have an extra line out of a C3 that does not go to the Leslies but is sent through the mixer, the quadraverb and Speakeasy at just the level that it doesn't start to negate the rotary effect. Since adding the Speakeasy into the chain I really have a great Organ sound.

Since everything else goes through the mixer and Speakeasy to a KB100S, a KC500, and an FBT Maxx 4 the piano, horns, and VK7 are all improved. I'm not sure how or why but the tendency for clones to be brittle and too bright in the upper octaves is contgrolled (and not particularly with the Speakeasy's treble set to cut).

I would be real surprised if you didn't love it!

Harold

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