KORG BX3 Details
The Real Thing
For years, if you wanted the sound of a real tone-wheel organ, there was only
one instrument that could deliver – until the CX3 was introduced in 2000.
The CX3 single manual, Combo Organ so accurately and faithfully re-created the
classic sound, demand for a dual-manual grew. Now, two years later, Korg introduces
the BX3 dual manual, Combo Organ.
The original Korg CX3 first went on sale in 1979 followed by its dual-manual
sibling, the Korg BX3. Both went on to become favorites in
their own right, and are still widely used. Now, using advanced DSP technology
and painstaking attention to sound, touch and style, they have been reborn
and vastly improved upon.
Meticulous re-creation of the tone-wheel system Korg's state
of the art DSP technology has made it possible to precisely re-create the unique
sound that, until now, could only be produced by the real thing. Two different
tone-wheel sounds are provided: "VINTAGE" and "CLEAN." The
CX3 and BX-3's amazing realism even extends to such details as allowing you
to add the "leakage" noise generated by the tone-wheels, and the ability
to adjust their overtone levels.
Drawbars – the backbone of the organ sound
Both the CX-3 and BX3 feature two sets of nine drawbars that
duplicate the sonic characteristics of the originals – including the
proper foldback settings and harmonic distortion. And you can easily select
between the presets and these two sets of "live" drawbars while
performing for that real organ-playing experience. The CX-3 and BX
3 also
provide an EX mode in which all 18 drawbars can be utilized as one extended
palette. The resulting new harmonics and percussion timbres can be used to
create organ sounds never before heard.
Percussion / key-click effects add character
One of the unique characteristics of a genuine tone-wheel organ is the percussive
effect that adds a readily identifiable sound to a note's attack. The CX3
and Korg BX3 re-creates that beautifully. The volume, decay rate and harmonic
pitch (2nd, 3rd) of the percussion can be adjusted – and the percussion
has the proper
"multi-triggered-yet-monophonic" characteristic for authentic organ
performance. You can even control the amount of key-click heard when you press
or release a key, simulating the dirty contacts often found on older instruments.
Classic sounds and more
With 128 programs, the CX-3 and BX-3 are ready to cover a
wide range of musical styles including pop, hard rock, jazz, gospel, and rhythm
and blues. Detailed drawbar and parameter settings are displayed, and can
be easily edited and stored. Thanks to the involvement of leading organ players
such as Brian Auger, Bill Champlin, Tom Coster, Al Kooper, Greg Phillinganes,
Dr. Lonnie Smith and Derek Sherinian, the CX-3 and BX3 provide
a number of these artists' "signature"
sounds plus new voicings that take full advantage of this finely crafted organ.
Realistic rotary speaker and spatial effects
Korg's proprietary "REMS" modeling technology is applied bto create
effects that add further authenticity to the organ sound. The rotary speaker
effect, so important to the organ experience, is recreated here with total realism.
You can even adjust the time required for the rotor and horn to speed up or
slow down when switching speeds, or stop the rotation altogether. Three types
of amp simulation are provided: a traditional rotary speaker sound, a blend
of rotary and tube amp sounds, or a preamp-only signal. The amp simulations
are dynamic, so your sound naturally evolves from a warm and fat sound to a
natural overdrive as your volume increases. In addition, the classic vibrato
and chorus settings are provided along with three types of reverb, featuring
adjustable time and depth.
Ultra-fast response
Careful attention has been paid to the long-neglected aspect of keyboard response
speed. The key scanning method used on the CX3 and BX3 starts the sound at the
first key contact, ensuring a much faster response to your playing. Notes speak
more crisply, allowing glissandi, trills and "smears" to be played
with total authenticity.
Extensive MIDI features
Not limited to a vintage recreation, the CX-3 and BX-3 is equipped with many
advanced MIDI features. Every drawbar, switch and control can be transmitted
as MIDI data so your complete performance can be perfectly captured by a sequencer.
The CX3 and BX3 keyboard can be set to transmit key dynamics via MIDI to an
external device that can even be layered with the onboard organ sound.
BX-3 adds more
The new limited edition BX-3 provides all these features in a dual manual model.
Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels for improved MIDI control, additional voice
parameters for even more authentic sound reproduction, and a newly-designed
"waterfall" keybed for absolutely authentic look and feel have all
been added.
Different sets of drawbars, and Chorus/Vibrato On/Off can be assigned independently
to the BX-3's UPPER and LOWER manuals, just like using a real tone-wheel organ.
The single manual CX-3 gives you this functionality via a Split Mode, enabling
you to play the single keyboard in two sections. Or you can plug in a second
MIDI keyboard to recreate the dual manual playing experience.
Timeless aura and inimitable presence
Drawbars, vibrato/chorus, and percussion switches are placed in the same location
as on the classic tone-wheel organs, demonstrating a total commitment to tradition
and playability. The sturdy wood cabinet gives the instruments the proper vintage
look, and the BX-3's wooden stand pays homage to the original.
KORG BX3 Specs
Specifications
Keyboard:
61 keys per manual
Sound Generation Method:
Tone Wheel Organ Modeling
Polyphony:
Full Keyboard Polyphony
Drawbars:
9 x 2
Modes:
Normal / Ex, Normal Edit / EX Edit, Global
Effects:
Rotary Effect, Vibrato/Chorus, Reverb, Overdrive
Programs:
Normal Mode=64(A-1 - H-8), EX Mode=64(A-1 - H-8)
Display:
VFD 20 x 1
Panel:
Rotary Effect Control, Vibrato / Chorus on/off, Upper / Lower
Select, Drawbars Select, Percussion Control, Volume, Tone
Control, Preset / Manual Select, Edit, Split, Master Level, BX-3 only
– Pitch Bend Wheel, Modulation Wheel
Inputs:
Expression Pedal Input x 1,
Assignable Control Pedal/SW Input x 2
Outputs:
L, R, Headphone
MIDI:
IN, OUT, THRU
Power Consumption:
14W
Dimensions:
43.39"(W) x 24.41"(D) x 37.17"(H) (Mounted to stand),
43.39"(W) x 24.41"(D) x 8.7"(H)mm (Including rubber feet)
Weight:
112.2 lbs. (Including STD-BX3 stand),
72.6 lbs. (Without stand)
Accessories:
AC cord,
Expression Pedal(OXP-1),
Stand (STD-BX3)
Options:
XVP-10 EXP/VOL Pedal
EXP-2 Expression Pedal
PS-1 Pedal Switch.
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Specifications subject to change without notice