"The XK-2 represents the latest step in Hammond's ongoing effort to digitally replicate the classic B-3 sound," states Steven Eaklor, Director of Product Planning and Development. "The new instrument uses Hammond's V.A.S.E. 11 (Versatile Advanced Sound Engine) sound-generating system for unparalleled realism not only from the Drawbars but from the Vibrato, Leslie, Reverb and Overdrive as well." The Hammond XK-2 contains a built-in library of 64 custom Hammond drawbar organ patches. Factory presets represent the most commonly used B-3 drawbar settings in Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Country, Rock and other music styles. The library is user programmable for Upper Manual, Lower Manual and Pedal keyboard use. Full MIDI Implementation The Hammond XK-2 can perform in virtually any MIDI environment. SEND and RECEIVE channels are programmable. LOCAL keyboard control can be turned ON or OFF, and the keyboard can be split into two MIDI ZONES with separate SEND channels, program numbers, and high and low limits for each ZONE. The XK-2 features 32-note polyphonic and 16-part multi-timbral capabilities. Performance and data information can be saved to a MIDI data recorder via the MIDI Data Dump feature. The XK-2 can be used as a master controller for the Hammond GM-1000 MIDI Sound Module or any other standard MIDI device. It can be used as a MIDI slave and controlled from a Digital Piano or any other standard MIDI keyboard, module or controller. Bass, Treble, Overdrive, Overall Volume, Reverb Controls Bass and Treble, Overdrive, Master Volume and Digital Reverb controls are adjustable through controls mounted on the front and rear of the XK-2. These controls allow the user to tailor the sound from the early "mellow" Blues and Jazz, or a later Hammond "bright" sound of solid state organs, to the unmistakable Hammond sound with heavy distortion for Rock. The XK-2's Drawbar sound can be voiced to represent older or later Hammond organs through the selectable Drawbar Voicing feature. Advanced On-board Digital Leslie "An essential part of the legendary B-3 sound is the Leslie Speaker," says Warren Brunsting, Vice President of Manufacturing. "The XK-2 uses the new B.M.T.P. (Balance Monitored Time Phased) Digital Leslie. This new system is the most authentic Digital Leslie System to be offered by Hammond and Leslie to date." The XK-2's on-board Digital Leslie is fully adjustable to suit user preferences. The simulated upper horn& bass rotor "Rise" (speed up) and "Fall" (slow down) times can be independently changed. The "Brake" (stopping) time for both horn and rotor can also be adjusted. Volume balance between the horn and rotor can be tailored to suit the user. Simulated Microphone settings can be changed to replicate the different options when miking a Leslie. The new B.M.T.P digital Leslie was designed to offer the professional user total control to replicate older single-speed tube amp Leslie's (21H, 22H, 45, 45, etc.), later two-speed tube amp models (122, 142, 147, 145) and solid-state Leslie's (760, 770, 925, etc) for live and recording purposes. Factory Equipped for Direct Leslie Plug-in The XK-2 was designed to accept direct plug-in of any 11-pin Leslie and can be used with many earlier tube and solid-state amp equipped Leslie models with appropriate Leslie connector kits. The current Leslie models of choice among XK-2 professional owners are the 122XB, original 122 or 147 or later 122A / 147A series (with connector kits), the new 771 solid-state full size high-power Leslie, or the new Pro-Line Leslie Model 303. Leslie motor speed-switching can be handled either from a control on the keyboard, through an optional footswitch which plugs in to a 1/4" footswitch control jack on the rear of the keyboard, or through MIDI. Also Equipped with Digital Leslie and 1/4" Stereo / Mono Line-Out The internal Digital Leslie allows the user to utilize the XK-2's 1/4" Line Out jack and a standard amplifier / speakers, mixing or PA equipment. When an 11-pin Leslie is connected to the XK-2, the on-board Digital Leslie is automatically disconnected. If the 1/4" Line Out jack is used with a Combo Pedal Preamp and Leslie, or another rotary horn device, it is very important to turn the on-board Leslie OFF through the programming software. Although the on-board digital Leslie is an excellent option for small bands or recording studios, for the best classic Hammond sound, an Acoustic Leslie is preferred.