From ccmacdon@rogers.com Fri Sep 16 13:57:44 2005
Subject:Re: CX-3 ver.1 versus ver.2 - advantages/disadvantages

Randal, I think that you have things backwards here.. if I read your
note correctly, you stated that you tried playing a BX3 in a music
store the CV was beautiful and then some time later you tried a CX3
and the CV was attrocious.. ACTUALLY, the BX3 and version 2.0 CX3
share basically the same operating system (whether they are exactly
the same I can't say, but my understanding is that the BX3 CV is the
same as version 2.0 CV). So if you liked the BX3 CV then it
is more likely the version 2.0 CV that you prefered, and if you
noticed a big difference between the BX3 and CX3 CV that you played,
it was probably a version 1.0 CX3 (based on my logic). So I think
you have this backwards.

Let me add my comments here regarding Version 1 vs Version 2
operating systems because I had an original Version 1.0 CX3, then
downloaded and installed version 2.0 on it. Loved it, and then went
out and bought a new BX3.. so I am familiar with all 3 versions.

The CV in the version 1.0 was fabulous, very alive and animated. In
version 2.0 and the BX3 the CV has clearly been toned down a bit..
it was no longer quite as prominent. While I actually think that I
liked the version 1.0 CX3 CV a little better, the version 2.0 and
BX3 versions may actually be closer to the sound of the real Hammond
CV. The version 2.0 operating system, used in the BX3 was Korg's
attempt to make the Korg sound more like the real thing based on a
lot of user feedback (so I have been told by a product specialist)..
I have several real hammonds to compare this to, and I think it's
really a toss up, which CV Version 1 or 2 actually sounds more
authentic..

However, all that said, version 2.0 is MUCH more than just an update
of the CV. There are several other VERY changes that, in my opinion,
constitute significant improvements in overall sound.. FIRST AND
FOREMOST is the mellow drawbar option, which tones down the
unnatural shrill/digital sounding upper drawbar registrations, and
secondly the Dark reverb option, is also an important addition..

Version 2.0 is a "must have" as far as I am concerned.
Especially if you are playing the CX3 through an amp using the
internal SIM. It has been suggested that rather than going to
Version 2.0 you should keep version 1.0 for the CV and add an
external preamp like the speakeasy to improve the digital shrillness
in the upper keys/drawbars.. I have a Speakeasy that I use with my
BX3 and while I love it, and I think it warms the BX3 up nicely, I
don't believe that it could completely fix the upper register
problems..

VERSION 2 is great, go for it, absolutely.. but that's my
perspective (you may get different perspectives from others.

I did want to correct the confusion though.. IF you played a BX3 and
loved the CV, that's the equivalent of Version 2.0 CV that you were
actually listening to.

Craig