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AES: NI Launches New B4 Version
US
Classic Organ Sounds Revamped 11/10/05
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Native Instruments B4 long ago set the standard for software emulation of the classic Hammond tonewheel organ and now the company have announced the second generation of the software - the B4 II.
According to NI, the B4 II offers even more authenticity and
flexibility due to further significant advances in sound synthesis
and amplifier emulation technology, and brings a wide range of
additions and improvements that make it the most versatile and
easy-to-use drawbar organ solution both in the studio and on stage.
Here's what NI have to say about this new version...
The sophisticated sound generation engine that made the B4 the
benchmark for electro-magnetic organ emulations has been further
improved and now includes realistic tone wheel leakage which can be
adjusted to set the amount of the characteristic “blooming� in the
sound. The bass pedal section of the B4 II has been extended with a
Pedal Bass Legato function, and now even includes a special “String
Bass� option that changes the tonal characteristics of the bass
pedal sounds, similar to the original hardware modification for
drawbar organs that was popular in the Seventies. The B4 II comes
equipped with a wide selection of included tone wheel models,
ranging from a number of B3 organs of different age and condition to
Vox Continental, Farfisa and Harmonium models.
The rotary speaker section, the crucial element in achieving the
signature Hammond sound, has also received a complete overhaul that
brings both its authenticity and versatility to a new level. The B4
II now offers an analog-modelled emulation of the original tube
amplification stage in the Leslie Speaker Model 147, based on the
same Dynamic Tube Response technology that is at the heart of the
award-winning amp emulations in GUITAR RIG. The new amp section
gives B4 players a broad spectrum of true-to-life and highly dynamic
tube sound flavours, from slight crunch to fierce overdrive.
The cabinet section of the B4 II offers a selection of both various
rotary speaker models as well as different conventional speaker
cabinets, all modelled after classic real-world units, which allows
musicians and producers to emulate a wide range of real-life
recording and stage setups. This also includes the option to
activate two simultaneous rotary speaker units spinning in opposite
directions, reproducing a popular setup used by experienced Hammond
players for an even thicker sound. Further improvements include a
Speaker Brake to turn off the virtual Leslie motor, and the
inclusion of a reverb effect painstakingly modelled after a vintage
spring reverb unit.
The versatility and ease of use of the B4 II has been further
increased with numerous enhancements, including a new Preset
Manager, and a completely reworked remote control facility that
makes host sequencer automation and working with external hardware
controllers highly flexible and convenient. The B4 II comes with a
large number of control setups that allows the instrument to work
with a wide range of MIDI controllers right out of the box,
including NI’s own B4D Drawbar Controller.
The B4 II will be available in November 2005 for a suggested retail
price of $ 229 / 199 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI
Online Store. An update for existing B4 owners will be available for
$ 99 / 79 Euro.
Furthermore, the B4 II will also be available as a bundle with the
B4D Drawbar Controller for $ 449 / 399 Euro.
More info: