Product: Native Instruments B4 VST PC
Price Paid: $269 CDN
Submitted
04/03/2005
at
06:06am
by
Don
Email: donnyc2001 at sympatico<dot>ca
Reviewer Background
:
I've been around Hammonds since the 60s, the only software B3 that ACTUALLY sounds and performs like it's 465LB brother is Native Instruments B4 Organ. Make SURE you download the "Vintage Tonewheel Collection" This is MUCH more than just a bonus pack! NI totally cleaned up the B3 by adding "B3 PURE" and "B3 CLEAN" These are GLOBAL settings that get rid of the TG rumble and crosstalk hash...what you get is the SAME sound as that comming from a SHOWROOM Hammond just off the floor in ...say 1963!!! TRUST ME, I WAS THERE!!!
Oh Yes, and download the update V1.15 Too!!
Sound card? Try M-AUDIO "Audiophile 2496" PCI in a REAL DESKTOP PC
PC try AMD 750 MHZ or better with 256 MB ram AT LEAST...AVOID CELLERON
HINT...AVOID ANYTHING to do with USB if you can.
For a VST HOST, try D-SOUND's RT EXPRESS. This is MUCH less CPU intensive than CUBASIS, AND very easy to use. The latency is actually slightly better than stand alone B4. Neat Trick? With D-SOUND RT Epress you can quickly MUTE the B4 to do a piano solo etc.
Ease of Use
:
9
The VST B4 as an Instrument lacks some control features found on the stand alone version, but it performs (with D-SOUND RT Express)quite well. Still, I prefer the stand alone B4 for better control options.
Sounds/Sound Quality
:
10
VERY IMPORTANT...Connect the PC sound card to a good STEREO AMP and GOOD musical instrument speakers... LOTS-O-BASS!!!
Face the speakers BACK TO BACK, and turn on the Leslie simulator. Tweek it, and be prepared for a BIG SURPRISE...I almost cried it sounded so good!
Tweek the organ's settings...AHHH THATS BETTER. Then SAVE those settings...each preset can sound different!
Overall Rating
:
10
This unit replaces my 465 LB B3 for Jazz / Blues on the road.
YEY...no more technical work...my rig is done!!!
Product: Native Instruments B4 VST PC
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted
05/11/2004
at
07:09am
by
John
Email: b3blues at hotmail<dot>com
Reviewer Background
:
I've played Hammond/Leslie since 1975: L100, C3, B3, XB-3 and now I use a Viscount DB-5. The DB-5 matches a real Hammond in most aspects, when used together with a Leslie. But when I first heard the B4 I litteraly flipped out!! It had the sound I've been looking for, although I just checked it out on a rather simple computer owned by a friend.
Ease of Use
:
8
Can't say really, since I haven't bought it yet. But judging from the various testruns I've made in different musicshops, it seems fairly simple to use.
Sounds/Sound Quality
:
9
As a standalone instrument it sounds just right, including the Leslie simulator. The presets are plenty and with a good mix from soft to dirty.
Overall Rating
:
9
As I've stated above: sounds absolutly right on the B3 spot. For my future use of this program, I really would like to get i contact with Davide in the earlier submission. HELLO YOU MIDI WIZARD, CONTACT ME!!!
