From aevett1@yahoo.com Thu Nov 24 17:39:32 2005
Subject:"Beefing up" a clonewheel...

Hey folks...asking for some insights/direction, here.

I recently picked up a Roland VK-8M on Ebay, and did
post a request here previously - regarding 'low audio
output'. I appreciate the input from jblann, Bruce
Wahler, and the rest of you regarding that issue; my
VK-8M levels and EQ are much improved, and the unit is
working out reasonably well in my live rig.
But, there's something I've noticed (after 8-10
gigs...): The sound of the module is a tad 'cold', and
somewhat lacking in 'balls' and depth. While
noticeable during a performance, it is especially
clear upon playback of live recordings (Superscope CD
recorder: directly off the board - and drums, bass,
acoustic guitar & vocals essentially have the right
amount of warmth and presence [no outboard tube
pre-amps in use, just some digital effects on
vocals/drums...]). This sound 'issue' is evident under
a variety of drawbar and front panel settings - as I
'tweak' often while playing. I suspect a tube pre-amp
would help, but it seems that the problems that would
solve might not be the only ones at work, here. The
other two sound sources in my rig don't exhibit this
same 'problem' (Yamaha S90-EX & Triton Extreme [the
Triton sounds 'ballsy' with or without the tube
engaged]). Also, a previously owned clonewheel - a
Hammond XK-2 - seemed to have more warmth and depth,
live. But, I like the 'punchiness of the VK sound; and
need to have my clonewheel as a module (And, I suspect
that a Korg 'CX3-R', if it existed, would likely make
this discussion moot). Basically, my VK-8M sounds a
bit like a bright Farfisa setting - especially on
solos, where I might pull the 1' drawbar out to 3 (in
a 88840000 comping configuration). During one live
situation when I use my Leslie 44W (modified for dual
speed), the problem was, by and large, solved; though
it was necessary to exxagerate the 1' drawbar (the VK
voice's 1' tends to be 'swallowed' by real rotating
speakers). But, the Leslie's not an option for every
gig.

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.



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