Best Simulators?

[Tubejack]

When I used the RT-20 I built a line out from my M3 using a dummy load at the line into the speakers and a DPDT switch to select either line out or internal speakers.
That way you get all the tube sound in the output. You can also add attenuation.
See the "how to add headphones section" in the M M2 M3 M100 manual.

I did see that in the manual, and it makes sense to do that for headphones. However, I'm concerned about noise and hum from the main amp when a high-level signal is used to create -20 dBu. Did you notice any issues with hum or occasional pops/clicks?

[Hammond101]

The model of the Roland/Boss expression pedal is EV-5. As I remember it wasn't really expensive.

I have amps galore here at H101 headquarters and using the stereo out on the RT-20 was great fun. I in no way meant is sounded crappy with only one amp in mono. It just sounds better with two if you have a second amp. Note: the second amp doesn't have to be big and powerful to add to the rotary effect.

Hammond Wiki has a line out you can build that will accomplish your switching needs. Build the circuit with the volume pot and you will be able to pad the level down to something the RT will like. I also feel it is not neccessary to defeat the speakers in your console. If running only one amp for the rotary it will add to the effect. My 251 sounds much deeper with my HR40 running at the same time. I found this true with the RT-20 as well. Great chorale.

[Tubejack]

Thanks, I posted a question about the low-level output over on the Hammond forum, and they also suggested the Wiki articles. I like the idea of disconnecting the RCA jack from the swell control and feeding it from the next stage (12AX7) through a blocking cap. That would minimize the possibility that the load will affect either the swell control or the NFB loop. It would also prevent transferring hum from the output stages (which have the least amount of power supply filtering) into the line out audio. Not sure what to do about the reverb; I do use it frequently. Maybe I'll just leave the factory speaker wiring alone as you suggest, or replace the main speakers with a dummy load so only the reverb speaker is active. Decisions, decisions...

[Hammond101]

Build two line out boxes, one for reverb one for dry. Get an inexpensive Berringer mixer to mix the two and you got it.

I just left the console reverb to do it's thing. I think reverb sounds better as a stationary effect.

[JamKar]

If you have a PC and a usb direct in box, get the GSI software and run VB3 in effects mode through Leslie sim. Making a lot of assumptions here, but depending on what hardware you have, the VB3 program is only 50 or 60 bucks. Granted you need a digital audio workstation but Reaper is under a 100.00 usd, and you can even try before you buy.

[Tdawg]

Well, sorta on-topic ..... I saw an ad listing a ventilator in which the seller claimed that he had the "stereo mod" done. I thought these were mono-in with stereo outs, so I'm not quite sure what that means. Anyone?

[geoelectro]

The stereo mod allows for stereo bypass. Internally the ventilator effect is mono to stereo. I used this when I wanted to use a minimal setup for organ and piano/strings. I used the stereo out from my computer into the vent then into the stereo amp. When playing organ, the ventilator added the stereo rotary effect. When playing piano/strings I simply hit the bypass switch and had stereo pass thru of the piano. Slick!

Geo

[Wes]

Wow, that's a great idea -- I'm surprised that it doesn't work that way in stock form, given the price of the unit!

[geoelectro]

I guess because most people would be using it only with organ. If stereo bypass is on then the bypassed mono signal would only go out one channel. It also requires a stereo "Y" adapter since the single input is a stereo jack.

Geo

[Tdawg]

Ahh... Thanks for the explanation, Geo..... I'll probably just be playing organ through it anyway, but I can see where that would come in handy