Native Instruments B4

I had problems installing Native Instruments B4, nor did I have any compatibility issues with my machine. It was easy to install, and I have installed and used it both on a Mac and a PC. I use it as a standalone plug-in and in Logic. I don't a manual for this as it is straightforward enough where I didn't need it.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I run the B4 on a Mac Book Pro lap top with a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB or RAM. I have also used it on a Hewlett Packard lap top with a 3.0 Ghz processor and 2 GB of RAM. It has almost run smoothly on both machines for me. I only used it as a stand alone on the PC, but on the Mac have run it successfully in both Logic and as a stand alone. I only run one of these at a time to play on usually, but it can also be used as a plug-in effect that can be really cool sometimes!

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using Native Instruments B4 for about four years. It provides me quick and easy organ sound that I can play with my MIDI controller. The B4 is quite a realistic organ sound, and while it definitley doesn't match a real B3, it is just as good as most organ sounds on synthesizers, if not better and more versatile. I haven't used any other virtual organs like this one, as this fit my price range and I liked it from the get go. I try to use a real organ whenever I have a recording that needs organ, but when that is not possible the B4 comes in handy. It is easy to use and is also great for getting down ideas before you go to dub with a real organ. Overall, the B4 suits my needs and I would definitley recommend looking into it.

To fully utilize the B4 a pedal board would have to be used. Since most people don't have or desire to obtain one certain chord voicings become difficult. This is a minor gripe because it only applies to live application and doesn't pose much a problem for studio work.

price paid: $240

The interface is exactly what you would expect from a Hammond organ. Drawbar settings, percussion switches, and tone controls are all created well here so the organ feels familiar. None of these features being strictly cosmetic which makes this instrument a spectacular investment. It can be played in two modes. The default is the organ view as if you're sitting at the organ viewing the drawbars and the keys (even the pedal board). The second only shows the drawbars for those who have no need of seeing the entire instrument.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

This is absolutely the best organ I've ever heard. I played this virtual B4 next to a Hammond B3 and was surprised that this sounded significantly better! Native Instruments really did their homework in creating this VI. They've even included nuances like distortion. The Leslie effect is amazing. When programming with this it even sounds better when its played back.

This product alone made me want to purchase everything Native Instruments makes! If they do their research this well on all of their tools they will be around for a very long time.

OVERALL OPINION

I take this with me when I travel because none of the organs I play sound close to this. It's become a necessity for every gig and gives my studio work an authentic feel.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown (January 1-, 2003)

This plug is super easy to install. Basically just load in the disc, type in your serial which should be with your DVD, and register the VST with your DAW. I didn't have any issues when I installed this, it went very smoothly. You don't really have to do any configuration at all once it is registered with your DAW, except to tell the program which MIDI controller to use if you are even using one. You will want to turn down your latency if you are using a MIDI controller, otherwise this plug will be difficult to use. The manual is really thorough and lets you know everything you need to know. Great package.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have a Windows XP system that is custom built with top of the line CPU and RAM. I am running B4 on Cubase in the VST format, and it works like a charm - no problems at all. It only eats up about 3% of the CPU overhead, which is pretty good for a soft synth that sounds as good as this one does. The latency depends on your current driver setting, so again you'll want to crank that down so you can audition some sounds properly. It is also very stable, I don't think it ever crashed.

OVERALL OPINION

I have this in my home setup and I use it with a MIDI controller. I swear it's like playing the real thing! You can easily get a very basic B3 sound from the presets, and then you can adjust a huge amount of settings to get whatever tone you want. You can also adjust the leslie properties as well as reverb, amp type, and distortion. Overall it's a really great sounding, easy to use, plug that is worth every penny. I would definitely recommend it and would get it again myself. It's a great value too, they could probably charge more for this thing.

No problem to install.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Super stable, trs little greedy.

OVERALL OPINION

B4 I use the past year. it is super stable, trs demand few resources (that is the native, whatever).
at her, with jou purists will say that on a real lack of attack, and of course you can easily grind the drawbars while playing, unless you have a MIDI controller program and should not be as ergonomic.
Despite all the sound is stunning, a real one would. the simple path of presets rotates the head so there is a possibility (there are more an extension to other organs, and can paramtrer the age of the instrument, for the clean sound to sound dirty).
height of luxury, we can use the effect section (Leslie, drive, vibrato ...) In fact ... I vst classqiue the test drive example of the voice, a is the use of plugins steinberg magneto type that are certain to Global Warming and bigger sound, with few resources compared using a magneto ...
in short, of all good, and just a 9 to say that this is unfortunately not true! (One of my two plugs prfrs ...). on the other hand I do not know the competitors ...