SOUND ON SOUND
The last few years have seen a rise in the number of sample-based keyboards and modules dedicated to reproducing the distinctive tones of the Hammond organ in a portable, low-cost, MIDI-friendly package. Nick Magnus checks out the latest keyboard offering from Hammond themselves.
The quest for the perfect Leslie speaker simulator continues. Nick Magnus welcomes an all-analogue member to the rotary club...
In 1995, Oberheim released the OB3, a little-known drawbar organ module, subsequently eclipsed by Hammond and Roland's advanced electronic tonewheel organ emulations. Now Oberheim have teamed up with Italian organ specialists Viscount to produce the enhanced OB3-2. Nick Magnus squares the difference.
Much hard graft has been put in by electronic instrument manufacturers over the years in an attempt to transfuse the essence of the tonewheel organ into a MIDI-compatible keyboard. Nick Magnus dissects Roland's latest virtual modelling approach, and pronounces the operation a complete success.
Offering classic Hammond sounds in a rackmount format, the XM1 module, together with the optional XMc1 drawbar controller, seems the ideal space-saving solution for those unwilling to rely on sample CDs for their organ sounds. Hammond XB2 owner Nick Magnus considers the pros and cons of a transplant.
Sony's DPSV77 is like a 'best of' compilation of all the company's dedicated single effects units, with the addition of a simplified user interface and a digital I/O. Is it a smash success or a one-hit wonder? Nick Magnus goes for gold...
There have been Leslie simulators before, but none to exploit the sympathetic warmth of valves.
The untimely death of musician Duncan Browne part-way through an album project spurred keyboardist Nick Magnus on to complete the recordings. Here Nick tells the inside story of how he accomplished it.
Though Mark Russell's work includes writing for film, TV and commercials, as well as big-name tour arranging and musical backup, he's probably best known currently for his lavish music for Radio One super-hero series, Batman, Superman, and Spiderman. Nick Magnus was invited to Mark's home studio to talk about his gear and working methods.
The flood of quality effects units from Lexicon continues unabated. The Reflex takes the familiar Alex format, enhances its front panel editing, adds Lexicon's new Lexi II chip for improved sound quality, and tops it all off with comprehensive MIDI control facilities. Nick Magnus gets dynamic...