From smikkel@online.no Thu Jun 22 06:15:02 2006
Subject:EVB3 vs. B4 II

Hi!

I'm just a casual reader here at this forum from time to time, but I
just got to play around with the B4 II software fineally, and found
it to be a rather impressive piece of software. (PS: I don't own a
real hammond, only having experience with software/hardware
emulations and listening to lots of hammond-based rock, and blues
and jazz.)

Now, the thing I really like about the EVB3 sound is that it sounds
very "punchy", clear and crisp. It doesn't get creamy or muffled
when dialing in those rock-sounds ala Keith Emerson.
When playing with the B4II the first thing I noticed was the tube
overdrive emulation, which sounded very authentic and nice at lower
settings. It sounded more "realistic" than EVB3 here in my ears,
though I really like the sound of EVB3 overdrive also.
I've read that NI didn't update the tonewheel section of the
software, and that I can hear. Everything sounds vastly better than
the first B4 edition, but I still think epsecially the highest
octave sounds kind of weak. Also, the percussion is a bit
inconsistant. Certain notes comes out at you, while the EVB3 is more
consistant. I don't know what's more realistic though, when
comparing with a real hammond. Anyway, when practicing with
headphones, I definately prefer EVB3 in this regard.

Still I have the same issue with B4 II, that it sounds
slightly "creamy" when dialing in rock sounds. Of course, that's
great for blues and jazz I guess. Blues-presets sound great on the
B4 II (IMO).

Also, the B4 II had better leakage effect. I think the EVB3's
leakage sound more digital, esp. at high settings.

In the end, I think I still prefer EVB3, because it has that crisp
and clear sound which I like for rock. For blues and jazz playing
I'm sure the B4II would be awsome.
Though, I think I prefer the lower octaves of the B4II with
percussion. It just sounds "tighter". Playing the tarkus left-hand
figure sound really amazing on the B4 II. I get that
angry, "spitting" sound, which I like.. :)

If Native Instruments would upgrade the tonewheel section to sound a
bit fuller/well-defined and improving the highest octave(s), then I
would consider using it together with my EVB3. For now, EVB3 is
still my hammond clone of choice.

PS:
This is just my opinion, and I'm no hammond expert. Feel free to
disagree... :)