From funkyhammond@yahoo.com Sat Jul 05 12:54:09 2008
Subject:Re: What is it about the CX-3 sound that I like so much?

Some more thoughts after re-reading your post...

The overdrive being muddy on some demos might have to do with there
being too much overdrive applied, or simply the sound setup.

The VK8M has 4 amp models (one more than the VK8). The new Type IV amp
might actually be more to your liking because it is a brighter,
clearer sound than the other amp types. If you can get your hands on a
unit, give it a try. It's certainly a less expensive alternative if
you're on a budget.

Another thing to keep in mind with the mp3 demos is the different
drawbar settings. If one demo is using 888000000 and another is using
something like 888753333, the latter is going to sound brighter and
clearer, regardless of the overdrive. This is why mp3 demos are just
not a good guide. I'd say they are only useful for giving an initial
impression so that a potential customer is lured to try the unit out
in person.

Did you try downloading the B4 II demo program from the NI website? I
can't remember what the demo limitations are, but I think it would
have some song demos (in case you don't currently have a MIDI
interface to your computer) and you should be able to tweak the sound
as the song is playing. Play around with the overdrive, the drawbars,
and also the mic placement on the leslie sim. Since you don't care
about authenticity, the other thing you might like about the B4 is
that it allows some unorthodox settings, like setting the percussion
to harmonics other than 2nd and 3rd. I believe you can also get other
organ models, aside from the Hammond B3. The downside is that it's
software, which can be a hassle if you're interested in live performance.

Part of what you may be hearing with the CX3 mp3 demos is the
"openness" of the leslie sim. Some clones, like the CX3 and the B4,
allow a lot of tweaking of the leslie sim, including mic placement and
mic EQ. Other clones, like the Nords, have top-notch leslie sims but
don't allow any tweaking, so make sure to try them in stereo to get a
proper idea of how they sound. Another thing to note, if you're trying
the Electro (or Electro rack), when you turn it on, check that the
display reads 3.0. If it reads 2.x, it is older stock using the older
OS without the updated leslie sim, which has a less open sound. If
that is the case, ask the store if they can download and install the
latest OS or if they have a newly stocked unit that you can try out.
Based on what you've been describing, it seems like you'd prefer the
updated leslie sim.