From kshnewsgroups@pacbell.net Wed Sep 21 14:20:28 2005
Subject:Re: More module discussion ( V5+, VK8m)

I am using the VK8m for live gigs - before that I had a V5 that I ran through the
rackmountable Motion Sound ( R-147 or something like that) . I haven't tried the V5+, so
can't comment on that.
I was never really happy with the V5 - and the prospect of having an all-in-one unit was
what made me make the switch. I mainly use it for jazz/gospel type playing, and my ideal
B3 sound is that of Jimmy McGriff.
I find that the VK8m in every aspect is a better clone than the Voce/MS setup I had before.
I was not too happy with the Leslie sim in the VK8m with it's factory settings so I did install
the Soundside update - and found I didn't care too much for that either. I just ended up
making my own tweaks, and am now very happy with the Leslie sim - definately far above
the XK3's, and I think better than anything I could get out of the MotionSound.
The VK8m has a very fat sound, the amp sims are pretty good to my ears, and tweaking
the module can get you into a very dirty and growling territory - which I happen to like.
There is a certain amount of unpredictability in the sound - just like the real deal.
To my ears the overdrive is way better than the Vk7's - a clone I never liked at all.
I have to say, that I never use the VK8m in the studio - the Emagic/Apple EVB3 is
lightyears ahead of any hardware clone I have tried.
What I was very unhappy with in the V5, and still not really satisfied with on the VK8m is
the Percussion. It doesn't have the right kind of 'clonk' to it. The CX3 is better for that to
my taste - and of course the EVB3 has it nailed.
Not having a pedal input for Leslie speed is no problem for me - as I have a pedal from my
controller take care of that - plus you have the D-Beam controller and a big button on the
module itself.
One of my friends thought that to be a big setback, and had Roland actually modify his
VK8m, so the Expression input became a Leslie speed control, so apparently it's available
inside the module somehow.
The VK8m is kinda unique - there really isn't any competition for it, if you're looking for a
desktop module with drawbars. The Voce has no Leslie or Amp sim build in, the overdrive
is terrible, there is an Oberheim/Viscount one, but it's not in the VK's league at all.
The only way to get something better is to use a software clone on a laptop, maybe with
the new midi drawbar controller from Doepfer.

-Kim