From jubaoffice@verizon.net Sat Oct 08 00:56:54 2005
Subject:New B-4 11 Software

B4 Virtual Instrument Gets an Upgrade

October 8, 2005

Native Instruments used AES to announce B4 II, the new version of the
software instrument that made the sonic potential of the classic drawbar organ
available to countless musicians for the first time. The B4 II offers even more
authenticity and flexibility due to further advances in sound synthesis and
amplifier emulation technology, and brings a wide range of additions and
improvements that make it the most versatile and easy-to-use drawbar organ
solution both in the studio and on stage.

The sound generation engine has been further improved and now includes
realistic tone wheel leakage which can be adjusted to set the amount of the
characteristic "blooming" in the sound. The bass pedal section of the B4 II has
been extended with a Pedal Bass Legato function, and now even includes a
special "String Bass" option that changes the tonal characteristics of the bass
pedal sounds, similar to the original hardware modification for drawbar
organs that was popular in the Seventies. The B4 II comes equipped with a
wide selection of included tone wheel models, ranging from a number of B3
organs of different age and condition to Vox Continental, Farfisa and
Harmonium models.

The rotary speaker section, the crucial element in achieving the signature
Hammond sound, has also received a complete overhaul that brings both its
authenticity and versatility to a new level. The B4 II now offers an analog-
modelled emulation of the original tube amplification stage in the Leslie
Speaker Model 147, based on the same Dynamic Tube Response technology
that is at the heart of the amp emulations in Guitar Rig. The new amp section
gives B4 players a broad spectrum of true-to-life and highly dynamic tube
sound flavours, from slight crunch to fierce overdrive.

The cabinet section of the B4 II offers a selection of both various rotary
speaker models as well as different conventional speaker cabinets, all
modelled after classic real-world units, which allows musicians and producers
to emulate a wide range of real-life recording and stage setups. This also
includes the option to activate two simultaneous rotary speaker units spinning
in opposite directions, reproducing a popular setup used by experienced
Hammond players for an even thicker sound. Further improvements include a
Speaker Brake to turn off the virtual Leslie motor, and the inclusion of a reverb
effect painstakingly modelled after a vintage spring reverb unit.

The versatility and ease of use of the B4 II has been further increased with
numerous enhancements, including a new Preset Manager, and a completely
reworked remote control facility that makes host sequencer automation and
working with external hardware controllers highly flexible and convenient.
The B4 II comes with a large number of control setups that allows the
instrument to work with a wide range of MIDI controllers right out of the box,
including NI's own B4D Drawbar Controller.

The B4 II will be available in November 2005 for a suggested retail price of $
229 / 199 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Store. An update
for existing B4 owners will be available for $ 99 / 79 Euro.

Furthermore, the B4 II will also be available as a bundle with the B4D
Drawbar Controller for $ 449 / 399 Euro.

For more information, visit their web site at www.native-instruments.com.