This is an overview of the main Hammond clones available for iOS: IK Multimedia/Hammond B-3X, GSI VB3, Yonac Galileo, and how they compare to Hammond XK5 and Nord Stage 3, with the following criteria; they have to have full reproduction of B3’s layout and functionality ( not simple sample playback ) and they have to be AUV3 compatible, which rules out some good sounding competitors, like Premier for Korg Module , Garage Band or Logic Pro B3. Pocket Organ and HaNonB70 don’t meet the high quality criteria, in many aspects, especially in the processing department.
For Leslie’s , there’s Eventide Rotary Mode, and GSI Rotary. The former works better for guitars or other sounds, but not for organ. GSI is, as far as I know, the only external plug-in that works well for organ.
For the sake of simplicity, each organ is presented here in a single manual configuration. Although possible, It would be super complex to configure a double manual setup for each of them at the same time.
If you don’t have time to watch the full video, here are my final conclusions:
B3-X - The most realistic, powerfull effects section and a lot of control over the most important parameters
VB3m - The “smoother” sounding, very good Leslie and overdrive. Limited editing capabilities
Galileo 2 - The oldest and the least realistic of the three,
with powerfull and versatile effects section, and crazy sound designing capabilities
GSI Rotary - Another excellent option , in case you don’t like
the internal Leslie from your clone.
Hammond XK5 - “The new original”, realistic, raw, insanely customizable, complex, stick to presets if you don’t know what you are doing. If you do, you can clone every Hammond that ever existed. All the drawbars, and all the controls available like you would find on the real thing.
Best key action, similar to the real B3, with 3 contact points.
,Nord Stage 3 - The standard versatile stage keyboard.
It just works, for everything.
My own leslie settings for XK5:
145 Rear ( choose Front if you want a smoother sound )
Horn speed: Slow 38, Fast 410, Ris 4.5, fal 6, Brk10, dl .2
Horn mic: widt 40, Cntr -33, Dist 30
Drum speed: Slow 38, fast 410, Ris 4.5, Fal 6, Brk10, dl .2
Drum mic: Widt 40, Cntr +13, Dist 30
Level: Sub -12, Drum -2, Horn -4