Hammond Suzuki Releases XK-2

Striving to recreate the look and classic sound of the B-3, Hammond has released the XK-2. The Leslie Speaker was an essential part of the B-3, and the new XK-2 features Hammond's most advanced Balance Monitored Time Phased digital Leslie simulator. The 61-note keyboard also resembles the B-3 with its deluxe square-front keys.

The XK-2 is 32-note polyphonic and 16-part multi-timbral. 64 user-programmable patches are provided, and data can be saved via MIDI dumps to an external device. The front panel of the XK-2 bears a 24-character, backlit LCD display. Controls for master volume, reverb, overdrive, and splits are also provided, plus touch tabs for the Leslie, chorus, and vibrato effects.

The XK-2's advanced Leslie simulator provides controls for rise and fall times, adjustable brake times for both the horn and bass rotor, a volume balance between the horn and bass rotor, plus simulated microphone settings. If you feel there's just no replacement for the real thing, the rear panel of the XK-2 provides a socket for connecting an II-pin Leslie speaker. Other connections on the rear panel include stereo line out, MIDI In/Out/Thru, headphone out, footswitch, and an expression pedal connector.