KeyboardPartner B3 Clone HOAX |
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HOAX means Hammond On A Xilinx FPGA which is a completely new approach for a Hammond emulation. The sound module HOAX uses neither computers, signal processors, sample player nor analog electronics for recreating the Hammond sound. Instead, the original plans of a Hammond B3had been transferred to a detailed physical model and implemented in a freely configurable logic gate chip with around 400,000 gates. HOAX does not emulate, but creates the original sound by a physical and electrical model in real time. |
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HOAX Technical DemonstrationExplore this short demo video of theHOAX prototype that (for our specialists) explains the technical background and gives a few brief sound examples: |
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The new concept offers a wealth of advantages: HOAX eliminates completely latency (ie there is no delay between keystroke and sound event), because nothing needs to be calculated - the 91 tonewheel signals are available as in the original all the time and need only be turned on. HOAX polyphony is unlimited - you can press all keys simultaneously without losing notes. HOAX does not crash, because it is based on pure hardware. HOAX sounds natural, because there are no phase relations between the separate digital Tonewheels - and were taken over by the way, of course, all the "shortcomings" of the real HAMMOND: leakage / crosstalk, slip and mechanical unbalance of tonewheels (flutter), different harmonic distortion and output voltages of the pickup coils and filter, vibrato / chorus scanner digitally recreated LC delay line, Percussion 2nd/3rd in variations Slow / Fast and Normal / Soft, foldback (repetition of upper drawbars) and precise tapering (volume of drawbars over the entire keyboard), and of course the random mechanically breaking of the 549 key contacts per manual, which produces the typical Hammond-"click." Examples are to be heard here or here as MP3, alternating with a real B3 together on a Leslie 147. Hear the difference? A little tip: HOAX was transposed in these recordings by a semitone. Like on a real Hammond, you can not adjust keyclick or leakage, etc. - it's just there! The native HOAX keyclick is not an added noise signal, but is caused by random "chatter" of key contacts all by itself, and even dependent on the velocity. However, it is possible to "personalize" your HOAX, so bear with a very personal "aging" of the generator, the vibrato linebox and key contacts - from brand new to dirty and vintage. When playing, drawbar response is "immediately" and feels responsive like the real one. HOAX does not emulate a Leslie speaker. If you do not have a real Leslie, I recommend the VENTILATOR from Neo Instruments, certainly the best 122 emulation I know. The HOAX bass pedal drawbars 8 'and 16' are provided with adjustable sustain (disabled). In split function (tab switch), the bass sound ist mapped partly to lower manual (or upper on single manual versions). By the way, HOAX has no default 16'-foldback in the lowest octave of the lower manual, which annoys many of the original "manual bass organists" because the bass is thin and muffled here. I can turn this "feature" on at your instance. HOAX could be controlled via MIDI, but preferably scans ist own keyboards: This avoids the tedious MIDI latency and stuck notes. HOAX can be connected directly to (up to) two keyboards and bass pedal on the scan boards listed below, featuring (depending on the scan board) velocity-sensitive MIDI signals at the output. To DIY a one-manual organ, you will need only 9 drawbars (or slider pots) and 8 registers switches (simple toggle switch). The HOAX MIDI implementation is limited to Note-ON/OFF-commands and program changes (presets), for upper, lower manual and pedal on three consecutive channel numbers 1, 2, 3. HOAX is currently accepting no MIDI controller values besides program change. Reason: MIDI is simply too slow for 9 or 18 simultaneously operated controllers (drawbars) , so significant jumps in volume and noticeable latency will appear. If you think your project needs for something like this, please contact me (email). HOAX installationHOAX can be retrofitted into any organ, and the next video you will see a HOAX installation in a otherwise defect Hammond XB-2 (mainboard has no function). It is connected to a Neo instruments VENTILATOR (Leslie simulator):
Gerrit Kuhlendahl from B.A.S.S. has designed its own housing for HOAX. In the next video (unfortunately very bad sound quality due to a cheap camera), he also demonstrates his OptoScan board with optical scan single contact emulation. Leslie is not connected, just a normal PA speaker, vibrato comes from the board HOAX: HOAX installattion to your instrument can be made in my workshop, please make an appointment by phone or email.Testimonials |
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Joe Dinkelbach: "Unbelievable, especially the feel!"! |
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Lutz Krajenski: "It sounds really cool. Build me one immediately!" |
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Rainer Schallenberg: "I have banished the miserable notebook with the Hammond emulation off the stage. Your HOAX is absolutely outrageous. Build me another one immediately!" |
HOAX KitsHOAX is available in a variety of versions and adjustments to certain organs / keyboards / keypads. Please ask in this regard by email. Scaled drawings and printed circuit diagrams / schematics can be found here: HOAX Technical DocumentsFor an overview I have listed the main boards here:
HOAX 2.1.S (mainboard with tone generators). Input port for 9 or 18 plus 3 drawbars, bass and bass sustain drawbars (voltage-controlled inputs 0 to 3.3V), 16-tab switch, vibrato / chorus knob (rotary switch), 1 to 3 scan-boards. Audio output (no volume control) to RCA cinch 300 mV, separate for bass and keyboard main channel. MIDI input and output. Needs a stabilized 5V/250 mA power supply. Price 349 €. HOAX 2.1.T (mainboard with tone generators) as above, but connection of 16 buttons and 16 LEDs instead of the register tabs. In certain circumstances it is advisable to use simple push-buttons instead of tab switches (eg DIGITAST by Schadow, 6425 series switches by Marquardt, Illumec series by MEC) to use. Price € 369 €. HOAX 2.1.M (mainboard with tone generators) as above, but MIDI control only. No analog and switch inputs, only swell pedal input. MIDI mapping subset of Native Instruments B4 / SoundFonts VB3 or VOCE MIDI Drawbars (please specify when ordering). Price 319 €. HOAX scan boardsYou can control the HOAX via MIDI, but key response is much quicker with keyboards and bass pedal keys attached directly. There are several options: You can use keyboards by the Italian company Fatar (sales: Doepfer electronic music or B.A.S.S.), in conjuction with the scan board FatarScan2. Or you can use existing keyboards. Very simple, if the keyboard has separate switching contacts with common bus (as in most organs in the analog era). For these keyboards, the scanning circuit boards or OrganScan61 or OrganScan16 are provided. The direct connection to matrix style keyboards (as in modern synthesizers and organs, from about 1983 and up) is possible, but always assosiated with certain troubles. In doubt it is easier to control HOAX by MIDI output of the instrument. FatarScan2
Scan FatarScan2 board, to connect 1 or 2 standard (eg Doepfer Music Electronics ) Fatar matrix keyboards with up to 61 keys (eg types 61TP/8O -Waterfall or 61TP/9S). Simultaneous connection of two keyboards available (upper and lower manual). When connecting this board, HOAX provides a velocity-sensitive MIDI signal. Price 59 €. Also available as a bare circuit board spare, price 24 €. Optional: Fatar cable set, mini-module connectors 16pin, Price € 10 per manual. OrganScan61 |
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