B3
64 Voice Tone Wheel Organ
Overview The B3 Tone Wheel Organ module is a 64/128 voice multi-timbral sample based synthesizer module that takes the Proteus concept in a new direction. This module delivers the magical B-3 tone wheel organ sound in one pack space. Meticulously sampled there is a complete palette of all the drawbar settings, with distortion and rotary speakers. E-mu Systems initially started the B-3 project as a sample CDROM for EOS samplers, but half way through it was turning out so well that it made it to being a module.
Expansion The B3 has 32MB of 16-bit samples and has one spare SIMM slot for an additional 16 or 32MB ROM sample upgrade.
Upgrades The B3 is a base Proteus 1000 module, which can be TURBO upgraded with an additional 64 voices, 2 more SIMM slots, 2nd MIDI in and 4 analog outs and SP/DIF. Then brings it up to a Proteus 2000 specification. This is a factory fit.
Filters The B3 has the usual Z-plane digital filters (one for each voice)., E-mu Systems have provided 50 different types to work with, ranging from flanges, to formants, to the usual 4 pole low pass.
Configuration This module implements a modular analog synthesizer - digitally. There are four "oscillators" called Instruments, Layers 1 - 4. They each can replay any of the 16-bit sampled waveforms, which are connected to the Z-plane filter, and then a digitally controlled amplifier(DCA) and stereo pan.
There are 2 envelope generators (one for the filter, and one for the DCA), plus a third assignable envelope generator. There are also two independent LFO's per layer, each with 17 different waveforms and they can sync to MIDI clock. Then there is a full modular patch cord facility to enable control of any of the 64 destinations, with any of the 64 sources.
Effects The B3 has a dual 24-bit effects set up, with 76 types of basic effects. Very useful, but not a substitute for a dedicated unit.
Verdict The B3 was received with very good reviews, it really does sound the part. With a cracking low cost and expansion, you can't buy better.
Factory Demos
Demo Sequence Press and hold the Master and Edit buttons together to play the song demo's.
OS Updates
OS 1.24 is the latest version from E-mu and it's well worth upgrading to. Previous Versions:
- OS 1.23
- OS 1.21
- OS 1.11
- OS 1.10
- OS 1.05
- OS 1.04
- OS 1.03
E-Loader
In 2002 E-mu created Mac and PC software for updating the OS. Features:
- Connects via USB or MIDI
- OS Downloader
- MIDI Utilities
- Sequence Bank Browser
- Sequence Downloader
Resources
Upgrades
- Various Sound ROM's
- 16 or 32 MB Flash ROM
- TURBO Upgrade:
- 128 voices
- 32 MIDI Channels
- Total of 4 ROM slots
- 6 Outs + S/PDIF
- Factory Fit (#9190) $429
Sound ROMs
This module has space for additional sound ROM's and E-mu released a wide range of ROM's from 1999 - 2001. Here is the definitive list.
- Protozoa - Proteus 1,2,3
- Holy Grail Piano
- Techno Synth Construction Yard
- Definitive B3
- Orchestral Sessions 1 & 2
- Sounds of the ZR (Piano)
- World Expedition
- X-Lead
- Pure Phatt
- Siedlaczek Orchestra
- Beat Garden