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B3 : Overview : 64 Voice Tone Wheel Organ
Overview The B3 Tone Wheel Organ module is a 64/128 voice multi-timbral sample based synthesizer module that takes the Proteus concept in a new direction. This module delivers the
magical B-3 tone wheel organ sound in one pack space. Meticulously sampled there is a complete palette of all the drawbar settings, with distortion and rotary speakers. E-mu Systems initially started the B-3 project as a sample CDROM for
EOS samplers, but half way through it was turning out so well that it made it to being a module.
Expansion The B3 has 32MB of 16-bit samples and has one spare SIMM slot for an additional 16 or 32MB ROM sample upgrade.
Upgrades
The B3 is a base Proteus 1000 module, which can be TURBO upgraded with an additional 64 voices, 2 more SIMM slots, 2nd MIDI in and 4 analog outs and SP/DIF. Then brings it up to a Proteus 2000 specification. This is a factory fit.
Filters The B3 has the usual Z-plane digital filters (one for each voice)., E-mu Systems have provided 50 different types to work with, ranging from flanges, to formants, to the usual 4 pole low pass.
Configuration This module implements a modular analog synthesizer - digitally. There are four "oscillators" called Instruments, Layers 1 - 4. They each can replay any of the 16-bit sampled waveforms, which are connected to the
Z-plane filter, and then a digitally controlled amplifier(DCA) and stereo pan.
There are 2 envelope generators (one for the filter, and one for the DCA), plus a third assignable envelope generator. There are also two independent
LFO's per layer, each with 17 different waveforms and they can sync to MIDI clock. Then there is a full modular patch cord facility to enable control of any of the 64 destinations, with any of the 64 sources.
Effects
The B3 has a dual 24-bit effects set up, with 76 types of basic effects. Very useful, but not a substitute for a dedicated unit.
Verdict
The B3 was received with very good reviews, it really does sound the part. With a cracking low cost and expansion, you can't buy better.
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Site Options
Factory Demos
* 64 Voice Sample Replay
* 16-bit 44.1kHz samples
This module has space for additional sound ROM's and E-mu released a wide range of ROM's from 1999 - 2001. 
* Protozoa - Proteus 1,2,3
* OS 1.23