HX3 MIDI expander module
HX3 MIDI expander is a tonewheel organ with all B3 features in a small box! Controlled completely via MIDI, selectable CC-sets for NI B4, Hammond XK, Hamichord and other. 30 presets (to be stored locally), many "secret" HX3 parameters tweakable by menu with incremental encoder - like key contact flex and damping for key click response, or AO28 gain adjustments for more or less percussion punch etc. And, of course, it yields the legendary unmatched HX3 sound (see page Lineout-Demo for comparison with real B3).
Features
- Compact organ emulator module in aluminum box, 222 x 150 x 42 mm
- Authentic reproduction of generator, tapering, key contacts, percussion and vibrato by FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)
- Extremely low internal latency of 50 microseconds Key-to-Audio (see note below)
- Natural key click by "rattling" contacts
- Accurate Leslie simulation with separate 122 amp output
- MIDI IN accepts 5 different MIDI CC sets
- 7 LEDs show vibrato and percussion setting
- LCD display and menu system with 2x16 presets, virtual drawbars and parameter tuning
- Swell (expression) pedal and footswitch jacks
- Built-in DSP reverb with 3 levels
- DC input 9 to 12V, 500 mA min.
Note: HX3 yields an extremely low latency of 50 microseconds Key-to-Audio (not >20 ms as with other MIDI expanders and software emulation). However, MIDI transmission delays still occur which are about 1 ms per note played.
HX3 Remote/Update Application for firmware updates and parameter tweaking
Kit Assembly
Obsolete - for Reference only!
You will need only a phillips screwdriver to build! The HX3 expander kit comes with fully functional boards, front and rear bezel/panel, cables, screws and aluminum enclosure. Make shure you have a size 1 PH screwdriver handy, also small pliers or metric 5.5 mm wrench to holt the nuts while fastening.
- Install HX3 main board to rear panel. The 4 jack nuts hold the entire board. The 4 washers are to be installed outside of rear bezel.
- Use M3 screw, locking washer and M3 nut to fasten the voltage regulator to back panel. The voltage regulator's body should have full contact to back panel as it is used as a heat sink.
- Remove protective film from LCD just prior to final installation.
- Fasten MenuDisplay board to front panel using 6 M3 bolts with spacers. Space between board and front panel should be approx. 12 mm. Be shure not to bend LED wires.
- Fasten side panels to front panel using 4 self-tapping screws.
- Insert bottom panel into slots of side panel.
- Connect 2 flat-ribbon cables to board connectors as pictured.
- Set jumper JP6 on HX3 main board to desired operation: In position "MONO", organ main and pedal outputs are mixed to one channel on MAIN/BASS output jack (plug tip), in other position to separate channels (pedals on plug "ring", right channel).
- Be shure to remove jumper JP12 (near DC jack) when using a 9 to 12V DC power supply (default: no jumper). If you plan to use a 5V power supply, move jumper from AGND spare position to JP12. Note: Damage will occur if higher voltage than 5V applied whith JP12 installed!
- Fasten side panels to back panel using 4 self-tapping screws.
- Affix 4 self-adhesive bases to bottom panel in each corner.
You're done! Time to try out: Plug in appropriate power supply 9 to 12V 800mA min. to DC jack. Display will illuminate and show welcome message, serial number and owner information (your name per default). Turn knob to select a preset. LEDs on right side will show corresponding vibrato/percussion setting.
