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In-depth Feature:
Native Instruments B4
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In Use
Clicking on the NI logo in the top left hand corner calls up an impressive preset list, offering everything from thick distorted 'full bar' to 'soft backing' or a classic 'percussive organ'. You may also choose simulations of sounds used on some classic Hammond hits such as Booker T's 'Green Onions' or Procul Harum's 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'. The latency is barely noticeable with an output buffer setting of 1.5ms and feels natural to play, although a tendency to MIDI overruns would perhaps make this unreliable as a live performance tool.
The B4 comes into its own when used in conjunction with a MIDI sequencer such as Logic Audio or Cubase. I tested it with Logic and instantly had some great results; my only complaint is that if you want to use all three keyboards to build up a really authentic part, without using Key Split, you have to use three Audio Instrument channels (one per MIDI channel). This becomes quite CPU intensive if you are running other instruments for drums, bass and so on. But being brave and bouncing to disk does overcome this. The drawbars, as with the original, allow you to conjure up some great textures, so you can really tailor the sound to fit with your individual track. The drive section is smooth and warm, with no hint towards digital distortion.
Plugging In
A fine feature of this software is the ability to use the rotary speaker and its drive amp as a plug in for any signal you fancy, using it to distort drums was really effective as was sending guitars to it , inna George Harrison stylee. Placing it post reverb on an auxilary send created some interesting effects and added an extra dimension to vocals.
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