Balanced XLR outputs and Leslie simulator with mono 1/4" TS input

[Morten]

I have a Roland RD-700NX for which I consider to buy a Neo Ventilator Leslie simulator. The Neo Ventilator has one mono input only. Is it possible to use this box while at the same time have stereo output for the digital piano sounds etc., preferably using the balanced XLR outputs on the keyboard?

 

[delaware dave]

The bypass button on the Vent is true bypass via a relay circuit, routing you straight to the output without loss of tone nor level, which is nice. The input on the Vent is mono so when you bypass, it bypasses with a mono signal. In order to have a stereo input so that you can have a stereo output in bypass mode you need to do two things:

1) A balanced ¼” input jack (TRS, i.e. Tip/ring/sleeve) or what is known as the proper Y adapter. Check the Y-adapter section at the bottom of this page: http://music.ashbysolutions.com/neo.htm

2) You need to modify the Ventilator by changing a solder bridge on the PCB board. Many people have done it so the correction is no big deal. It is explained here (the link below is a PDF file that will be downloaded) :

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDUQFjAC&url=http://www.neo-instruments.de/en/ventilator-downloads/7-ventilator-manual-addendum-english/download&ei=sT9lUsKlLanB4AOFvoDYBQ&usg=AFQjCNG1D5D5azoX4iFRDDbq5YTiO-vNaQ

You would probably need some sort of XLR to ¼” balanced (TRS) adapter to use the balanced XLR output from the keyboard. Something like this:

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item...2G00SRCHCAPN&gclid=CLqiqNmYqLoCFYqi4Aodr00AIQ

 

[Morten]

Brilliant. Thanks!
Don't see any benefits using my XLR outputs for this (the RD-700NX has both 1/4" TS and XLR outputs), as it will need to be routed via a DI box anyhow. And this leads me to the next question, as I need a DI box when not using the balanced XLR outputs: Is the Radial JDI Duplex Stereo Direct Box worth the price (it's pricey), specifically in the terms of sound quality?

 

[delaware dave]

Those who use them say yes. In my mind I cannot justify the cost. We opened up for BB King and the sound man handed me one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Rapco-H...458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19e2b80a3a

When I asked the soundman how the keys sounded he said they sounded great. So I purchased two of them and have been using them for 20 years. Both still work great. I think I paid $29.99/each. They are mono, not stereo, so you would need two or purchase the stereo version:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rapco-Horiz...o_Audio_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e74f5fe5b

 

[Morten]

Ok, thanks, might consider the Rapco Horizon, which also have the monitor output possibilty I like with the Radial.

For the Neo Ventilator it seems hard to get, as they looks to be not manufactured anymore. From a professional source I hear that the Neo Ventilator 2 is expected in January 2014. Does anyone knows anything about this? What changes will it contain, and what will the price level be? In other words, should I wait for it, or buy the Ventilator 1 if I find it?

 

[delaware dave]

Current lineup from Neo:

1) original Vent - discontinued. can find them on ebay. I have one, love it.
2) Mini Vent for Organ - Original Vent in a smaller package with less features overall. New features: accomodates two presets and leslie stop (original Vent, stop mode was only attained with the purchase of a foot switch). Less features = fixed rotary speed, acceleration and balance, i.e. non-adjustable). $350(?). Can probably get the original Vent for $350-$400 used.
3) Limited edition RED Ventilator that can be purchased in Europe. Looks pretty cool

http://www.thomann.de/gb/neo_instruments_ventilator_limited_edition.htm

4) Vent Pro - Rackmount version of the Vent 2, which isn't out yet
5) Vent 2 - Isn't out yet.

From Guido Kirsch: some of the specifications of the upcoming Ventilator II. Keep in mind that these are the features that are confirmed. There are others that have not been decided upon yet:

- sheet metal enclosure, slightly smaller than original Ventilator
- 2 input jacks
- Hi / Lo gain switch
- internal Stop switch
- 5 Potentiometers with 2nd functions
- Parameters: Slow Speed, Fast Speed, Acceleration, Balance, Drive, Distance, Mix, Volume, Mode, Control
- Mode: Key, Git
- Control: passive Remote, active Remote (or Hammond CU-1), Speed via pedal, Drive via pedal, Mix via pedal

Mini Vent review: http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2533869/1

From GSI (maker of VB3):

GSI Burn: Almost Vent-like sound quality. General consensus is not quite as good as the Vent but has more capabilities, more leslie models (147 emulation where Vent is strictly 122) and is midi triggered, so you can call up different leslie setting presets through MIDI.

GSI review: http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2531801/1

 

[Morten]

Thanks, Dave! I found an original Vent by a dealer here in Norway; I dealt with them and got a discounted price. Also ordered a Radial JDI Duplex MK4 on eBay.