I posted this in the KVR Audio forums, and I thought it might prove helpful for anyone looking for a better Hammond Organ sound (if you're not happy with what you already have, or if you have none at all) I should point out that there is already a thread in this Software Forum about the new GG Audio Blue3 plugin, along with several other B3 plugins. But since that time, I've been doing some extensive playing and comparing with all the Hammond Organ plugins I own, and have come up with a more definitive opinion about which ones I like the best:--------------------------------------------------------
Ever since GG Audio's Blue3 came onto the scene a few weeks ago, I've been playing, comparing, researching and reading reviews of the top Hammond Organ emulators/VSTi's. And as my grandfather used to say "OY VEY! My head hurts!"
I actually have Hammond Organ plugins that I forgot I purchased (that should tell you something) and I have one trial version.
This is the list of all the Hammond Organ VSTi's that I have installed on my DAW, and have been comparing and reviewing. I've been playing them by themselves and with other instruments (in songs), I've also been combining two together, which has some great results in some cases. I tried to list them from my favorite to least favorite (with a couple of exceptions):
GSi - VB-3 - Still my go-to Hammond Organ, although Blue3 is a very close second. For many users, this has been the Hammond organ plugin to beat. I've been reading in various forums that a good percentage of users prefer this one....as do I.
GG Audio - Blue3 - After playing this for a few days, I waffled back and forth between this and the
VB-3 as a "go-to" organ. It doesn't have a decent bottom end (you can't do a good "gliss" - a hand slide up from the bottom keys), and many presets sound too synthy. But it can punch through other instruments better than the
VB-3, and I think it has a slightly better Leslie Speaker emulator. The amount of features and adjustments blow away anything else I own. It has a LOT of presets and Tonewheel sets. So for that alone, it's definitely worth checking out. I will most likely be using it on some songs. I tried combining the VB-3 and Blue3, playing them together, and it creates a very full sound, with the VB-3 adding the needed bass that's lacking in Blue3.
Native Instruments B4/ B4 II - It used to be my go-to Hammond Organ. When it was first released it was one of the best. It still ranks high on my list. It's a shame NI discontinued this line.
Native Instruments Vintage Organs - The replacement for
B4 II, one of the worst product mistakes NI ever made, IMHO. A big step down from the B4-II. I don't use these organs at all. (This one should be at the bottom of the list, but I wanted to put it next to the B4 II.
Arturia B-3 V - (I have the Demo Version) Some people like this one best, but not one of my favorites. So your mileage may vary. It doesn't have too many decent presets for my taste. And the Effects Pedals (stomp boxes) don't really sound that great. Especially the Overdrive efx is
not a good replacement for
Tube Overdrive, found in other Hammond VSTi's. But it has a lot of unique presets that create synth-like, spacey, and non-Hammond sounds, along with traditional Hammond organ sounds.
AcousticSamples B-5 (
Plays in the UVI Workstation) I had version 1 which I didn't care for. But Version 2 is a big improvement. You can update it for free from v1. It's got a ton of presets, offers several different Hammond models and it really doesn't sound too bad. But for authentic B3 sounds it rates somewhere in the middle. I'm not too crazy about the rotating speaker sim either.
AIR DB-33 This is one of the VSTi's I forgot I owned. When I got the VB-3, I never went back to this one. Although it really doesn't sound that bad.
So there you have it. In many cases, the differences between these plugins are more like comparing apples and oranges. Again it comes down to your personal tastes, or in the case of
this post/review, MY personal tastes. They all have different sounds or "flavors" to them, but that doesn't necessarily make one better than another. However when comparing features and under-the-hood adjustments, some are definitely better.
Blue3, as other users have noted, probably has the most choices, adjustments and controls allowing you to sculpt sounds from several different models and tonewheel sets that Hammond built, spanning many years. This includes many adjustments for aging and the condition of the virtual instrument. And for some, that would put this plugin at the top.
I hope this helps in some way, but there's nothing like hearing and playing them for yourself. I suggest if you download any trial versions (where available) you play them with other instruments to hear how these plugins sound within an actual song. Playing these plugins by themselves can give you a quick idea of how they sound, but it really makes a big difference when playing with other instruments in the mix.