New VEM Engine:
While Laurens Hammond’s 1934 design was responsible for a revolutionary new sound, there were certain flaws he could never overcome, such as the characteristic electrical noise present along with the musical tones. Remarkably, those flaws were accepted by musicians as part of the vintage Hammond’s charm. With the newly developed Virtual Electro Mechanical (VEM) sound engine, the new XK-7D and XK- 7 models capture every detail of those endearing imperfections, by the exact digital replication of the original tone generator chain via Physical Modeling.
New Multi-Contact Keyboard:
The XK-7D and XK-7’s “6L Keyboard” faithfully reproduces the unique playing feel of classic Hammond multi-contact keys, achieving the closest response yet to that of a vintage HAMMOND organ. The 6L’s keys are longer than on previous models, closer to the dimension of the original 1934 design. Completing the spec are 6 physical contacts below each key, providing the elusive “classic” Hammond feel. This can be demonstrated by slowly depressing a key and hearing each harmonic play. The touch and response of vintage keyboards engendered a creation of techniques, styles, and “tricks” that became a language used by musicians of every genre from the 1930’s to the present day. The new “Series 7” keyboards provide the necessary tactile feedback essential to those techniques. The Vintage Hammond’s pedal clavier also was equipped with a 6 multi-contact system. The new (optional) XPK-250Wmk3 pedalboard features a physical 3-contact system, allowing the player’s expression to match the performance of a classic Hammond’s depth, strength, and velocity.
New Preamp Modeling:
The vintage B-3’s “AO-28/AO-29” tube preamp has been accurately recreated using advanced modeling technology, delivering the warm and powerful sound of a vintage organ. By increasing the drive gain, you can add tonal colors ranging from gentle warmth to distortion, creating the personal sound your music requires. The CLIP indicator lights up in response to the amount of distortion. There is a dedicated PREAMP control on the top panel.
Leslie™ Cabinet Control and Digital Leslie™:
The speed of a Leslie Speaker Cabinet connected via the 11-pin jack on the rear of the XK-7D/XK-7 can be controlled by the Leslie switches on the lower left. It can also be controlled with the optional CU-1 “Half Moon” switch, or by the optional FS-1 foot switch. When a Leslie Cabinet is not present, the Leslie effect can be added via the Digital Leslie onboard the XK-7D/XK-7. The Leslie switches control the Digital Leslie in the same fashion as a Leslie Cabinet. The XK-7D/XK-7’s updated Digital Leslie models the sound reflections inside the virtual cabinet with greater accuracy, delivering an even more realistic sound.
Keyclick and Leakage:
On classic Hammonds, the Tone Generator and Keyboard designs exhibited two flaws which have become beloved components of the “Hammond Sound”. The close proximity of the mechanical generator wheels created an audible “crosstalk” or “leakage” sound; while the 9-contact classic keyboard created a “click” with each note played. These electrical quirks are intentionally recreated as part of the XK-7D/XK-7’s “character”. Dedicated knobs to adjust these effects are now included on the XK-7D, also allowing the removal of these two effects. On the XK-7 you can assign these settings to the “user-assigned” control knobs
Discrete BASS out:
The XK-7D / XK-7 has an individual “BASS OUT” 1/4″ jack allowing either the Pedal voices or User-adjustable low frequencies to be output. This signal can then be sent to a separate Bass Amplifier, Sub-Woofer, or sound reinforcement channel to supplement the tonal profile of the Organ.
Transistor Combo Organ Models:
The XK-7D / XK-7 has three accurate models of 60’s-era Combo Organs, which can be authentically registered via the drawbars. Included are: The Italian “Farf”, The British/American “Vx”, and the Japanese “Ace” Organs.
Pipe Organ Voices:
The XK-7D / XK-7 has 41 virtual ranks of Pipe Organ voices, spread between Classical/Church and Theatre Organ timbres. These voices are user-scalable and registered via the Drawbars. A pair of 32′ Pedal voices are included in the specification.
DFX: Delay/Reverb/Wah
Delay, the popular “echo” effect, is ideal for dub, reggae, and more. On the XK-7D/XK-7, delay is provided as a standalone effect. Both delay time and depth can be controlled in real time using dedicated knobs. The XK-7D/XK-7’s digital reverberation is provided as a standalone effect. Both reverb time and depth can be controlled in real time using dedicated knobs. The popular “Wah-Wah” effect can be added in a number of different ways, including using an attached (optional) Expression Pedal in the traditional manner, or as “Auto Wah” where the effect is applied automatically. It can also be controlled by LFO or manually adjusted. You can control the effect in real time right from the panel.
