Re: Noise Gate / Pre-amp

["Bruce A. Wahler" <bwahler@tiac.net>]

Ken Hall wrote:
> 
> I have a V3 which I love, but it seems the only way to use MIDI volume 
> to control it is to run a cable from the effects out to the effects in 
> which disables the internal noise gate.  Apparently, there is some 
> kinda wierd interaction between MIDI volume and the internal noise 
> gate which causes an irritating "popping" noise to occur.

This is a known problem with the V3, and to my knowledge, no internal 
cure has been found for it.  The options are:  a) live with it, b) use 
MIDI expression instead of MIDI volume (no popping there!), or c) use an 
external noise gate.  I use MIDI expression myself, since it's a 
closer approximation of the Hammond Experience (tm), and it doesn't have 
the popping.  My only complaint is that the expression doesn't give you 
quite as much travel as the pedal on a real AO-28 -- something like 15dB 
average vs. 25dB average.  I fixed the problem by using a little volume 
adjust in my reverb/EFX unit, tied to the same MIDI control message as 
the expression pedal.  Kludgey, but it works.

> The basic sound of the V3 is fabulous, but the level of background
> noise when the unit is not being played is, frankly, unacceptable. I'm
> really quite surprised at how bad this noise level is, and I'm also
> surprised to have recieved no response from Dave Amels at Voce when I 
> asked for help. They seem to be slipping a bit with their famous 
> support.....

The noise is not in the TG simulation; it's in the analog processing on 
the back end.  If you are using a real Leslie or a Pro-3, one very 
useful alternative is to use the Effect Out jack as you main feed.  You 
give up the EQ and overdrive circuits as well as the Spin, and only MIDI 
expression still works.  I think the tradeoffs are worth it; the hiss 
drops by at least 10dB.

Steve Morenzi had his V3 modified to provide the same signal out of the 
V3's Leslie interface.  To my understanding, this is a serious 
modification which Voce performed on the unit, and it is not easily 
reversable.  He might be able to provide more details.

> ... but please don't get me wrong, with all it's shortcomings, the V3 
> is still the best sounding clone out there.

Amen!

> Maybe Voce will offer a software upgrade to solve this bug?

I wouldn't hold my breath on it.  The V-3 is a pretty mature product 
at this point, and I haven't heard of any recent software updates.

-BW