From shrockrob@aol.com Mon Aug 08 11:45:20 2005
Subject:Re: Clone-->Speakeasy examples

I agree that audio files posted online is a very limited way to make
comparisons. I'm just looking for a broad, generic snapshot--just like many other
audio products offer audio examples of what they can do. And when you're talking
about plopping down a good bit of cash on something, I don't think an example
is out of line to want to check out.

The Dyno Rhodes examples were somewhat useful; I thought the Electro sounded
better, although I also thought the Speakeasy examples were too bright and
noisy. However, I would not dismiss a product based on that example, either—I
have no idea how they were created and what that specific product would sound
like on my rig, or if that's even the right preamp to be listening to for an
organ. Yes, I will eventually try to audition a Speakeasy with my rig; but you
can't just go get one at Guitar Center to try out and return it if you really
don't like it. All the more reason why some quality-controlled audio examples
would be nice.

I'm surprised that Speakeasy hasn't created some audio examples themselves
that really show off their preamps. Part of the reason I'm looking around is
because we at Electronic Musician are considering covering one of the versions in
a product review. I'd like to get some more info, hear some examples, and
determine which product would be best to cover for our readership. I have a CX-3,
and the consensus here seems to be that the SE makes it sound noticably
better.

Rob

PS I tried out a Presonus BlueTube DP, which has a 12AX7 in it. It can
handle both instruments and microphones, and has a tube stage that can be dialed
in separately. I also bought a GrooveTubes replacement 12AX7. After messing
with it for only one day, only extreme grind-y stuff sounded marginally better
than the CX-3's built-in distortion. The replacement tube actually sounded worse
to my ears: brighter and quicker to distort. However, even at softer
settings, the organ sounded mushy on the low end and some funky (not good) overtones
were introduced with certain note combinations in the lower octaves.

I recorded an acoustic guitar and vocal through the BlueTube DP, and was able
to get some really nice-sounding stuff in that application. Not my Neves, by
any means; but just to say that the BlueTube is not a dog--it's just not great
at fattening/warming a clone.

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