VB3-II

VB3-II Tonewheel Organ Simulator v. 2.3.0

VB3-II is a powerful tonewheel organ emulator, designed to recreate the sound of vintage Hammond organs with precision. First introduced in 2003 as a free plugin called ORGANized Trio, it evolved into the widely recognized VB3 (Virtual B3) by 2006. Over the years, VB3 has seen numerous improvements and updates, culminating in the latest version released in 2023, which celebrates two decades of continuous development.

Instrument Background

The original VB3 was developed to simulate the iconic sound of Hammond organs, utilizing advanced algorithms for tonewheel generation, crosstalk, leakage, and rotary speaker effects. It introduced realistic features such as 9-key contacts, percussion, and rotary speaker simulations, which were continuously enhanced in later versions. Throughout its development, VB3 has been adapted for use in hardware organs like the Hamichord and Crumar Mojo, as well as for standalone software use.

In 2018, GSi released VB3-II as a software plugin for both Windows and macOS. The 2023 version builds on that foundation, incorporating new features, effects, and expanded functionality, while retaining the authenticity of its predecessors.

New Features in the 2023 Edition

The latest edition of VB3-II includes numerous enhancements, such as:

• Tonewheel Engine & Rotary Simulator: Incorporating elements from VB3 v.1.4 with four different amplifier options.
• New Tonewheel Generator: Added to offer more tonal diversity.
• Effects: Introduced Ring Modulator and Delay (pre) as well as FET Limiter (post).
• Session Recorder: Captures all performances, exports MIDI files, and renders to WAV format.
• Audio Player: Plays backing tracks directly within the plugin.
• Advanced Program Browser: Manage and organize programs with ease, offering move, swap, and delete options.
• MIDI Map Enhancements: Features reverse, latch, and lock functions, along with a custom MIDI processor supporting SysEx and NRPN.
• Touch-Friendly Interface: Redesigned for improved usability with multiple drawbar view styles.
• Random Program Generator: For creative sound exploration.
• Rotary Effect Speed Control: Mapped to Channel Aftertouch for greater expressiveness.

Features from the 2018 Edition

The VB3-II 2023 update retains the core features from the 2018 release, including:

• Full polyphony with 147 notes (61 upper, 61 lower, and 25 pedals).
• 91 modeled tonewheels with accurate phase synchronization.
• Adjustable leakage noise, cross-modulation, and tonewheel generator combinations (154 in total).
• Global tuning adjustable between 430 to 450 Hz.
• Realistic "run" motor wow and flutter effects, along with rotary speaker simulation featuring virtual microphone positioning and tube overdrive.
• Built-in vibrato/chorus scanner with adjustable depth and mix, dynamic tube overdrive, and spring reverb.

System Requirements

Windows:

• Compatible with VST2 x64, VST3 x64, Standalone x64 formats.
• Requires Windows 10 x64 or newer with an ASIO-compatible audio device for low-latency performance.

macOS:

• Available in VST2 x64, VST3 x64, Audio Unit x64, Standalone x64 formats.
• Requires macOS 10.13 or later.

iOS:

• Available for iPadOS 11.00 or newer.
• Note: VB3-II is iPad-only, while VB3m is available for iPhone.

Hardware Integration

To fully enjoy the VB3-II experience, using a MIDI controller keyboard is essential. GSi offers the DMC-122, a dual manual console perfect for playing VB3-II, replicating the feel of a real Hammond organ. For those needing a simpler setup, the D9U, a DIY open-source 9-drawbar controller, provides a customizable USB-MIDI solution.

Summary of Key Features

• Real-time tonewheel organ emulation with polyphony support.
• Multiple tonewheel generators and advanced rotary speaker effects.
• Enhanced MIDI mapping with scripting and reverse/latch/lock functionality.
• Session recorder, built-in audio player, and integrated effects like ring modulation and delay.
• Touch-friendly interface with multiple drawbar styles and program management tools.
• Available on Windows, macOS, and iPad.

VB3-II is a comprehensive tool for musicians and producers looking to capture the iconic sound of Hammond organs with modern flexibility and ease of use.