Which one is better? Is there an obvious advantage to either the VK-7 or the XK-2?


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Andrew

[This message has been edited by ski2u2 (edited 07-26-2000).]

well, i couldn't try the XK-2 but i heard it in mp3 (downloaded from Keyboard Magazine site) and to me it has a better "attack" noise than the Vk-7 but... the VK-7 is MUCH better as it sounds warm, big, and real...
the XK-2 is so digital sounding, cold, and thin...
ah, the overdrive on the VK-7 is VERY good!
The only important improvement the XK-2 has, are the waterfall keys: but only if you already own a hammond... otherwise the keyboard on the VK-7 is the best i ever played...
OPS... I HAVE A VK-7!!!

Pappo,
So........what you're saying is that the dinky little mp3 file coming out of your consumer desktop speakers wasn't as good as the Professional keyboard amp you tried the VK7 through. Hmmmmm interresting. I wish people would stop giving reviews and opinions on "DEMOS" You MUST try these things for real. Please don't try to mislead people with "demo-bias". It's NOT the real world, just a sample. Play the two side by side, or leave the reviws to those who had tried the units, please.

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Uncle Dave

Yah... the MP3 thing had me thinking the same way. I don't think I'm going to solve my delema until I get both boards in one room and go for it - it may just come down to personal preference and what the ear says.

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Andrew

Problems with the VK-7
I purchase the VK-7 about 5 months ago and I have only had problems with it. Although it sounds great, I dont think Roland should have released it yet.
1-It reboots itself anytime it wants to.
a-you need to have the store jump the two power connectors together. Roland knows about this problem and are dealing with it on a case to case basis.

2-There is NO low end. I am a growler, and I cant get the growl compared to my old Korg CX-3.

3-The "balanced" (very unusual) 1/4 in outputs are "out of phase". One is tip-ring-sleeve. The other is ring-tip-sleeve. Therefore stereo is wrong. This could be the reason for the lack of low end.

4-The midi is very cool as far as it plays back in real time whatever you did in real time while recording into a midi program such as Performer or Pro tools or Qbase. From patch changes to leslie on-off, chorus on-off, percussions on-off overdrive, reverb. However, again, the keyboard has a mind of its own. After spending five hours with my producer we finally figured out all the midi info inside the Keyboard. when we moved to the next song, nothing worked. We went back to the previous song we recorded where everything was working properly, and nothing. It did not work. The keyboard changed all of its info we gave it.

All in all, i am very dissapointed with my purchase. I should have tried the XK-2 before purchasing the VK-7 which I was very excited about. Turns out that I now I want some expaining done by Roland and some sort of compinsation. It is still under warranty, but I dont think I could trust getting another brand new VK-7. I want Roland to keep up the consumer relationship and take back there VK-7 and give me the Hammond XK-2. I am a full time musician in a full time band that tours all over the US and dont have time for the screw ups that Roland themselves know about. I am very unhappy.
sorry to rain on anyones parade, but you need to know.
Now I have a question...I am looking for the most sturdy keyboard stand where the second teir is extremely sturdy itself and is adjustable in every which way. It must move left to right, or right to left, without slanting the teirs to accomplish this. Also up and down is very important as well. If anyone knows of such a keyboard stand which they have not thought about making yet, let me know please at: jblack2nd@aol.com
Thanks everyone, keep jamming.
Jamie Black (Domestic Problems)

Thanks Jamie, some pretty good feedback. Sorry you're so disappointed - I would not have expected that level of problems. The VK is the first in the line (to my knowledge) and that could have something to do with it.

I don't understand the mixed midi messages though. General midi and sysex are a standard. I was successful driving controller and parm changes with Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 at my favorite music store. I did not experience any problems, though I may not have tested everything.

I've now been able to spend some time on the XK-2. YES IT GROWLS! Good foldback too. Some have told me that the VK-7 digital leslie is more realistic... perhaps preference, but I like the XK-2, and the brake is more responsive.

The orchestral voicings on the VK-7 are nothing to write home about, especially if you already have plenty of sound modules. I'd rather not pay for features I won't use.

If you get a chance to play the XK-2, please share let us know what you think.

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Andrew