Thanks for doing this video, I agree it is the best run through I've found on the Ferrofish B4000+. As I'm knew to Midi I had a problem understanding what was going on on the tiny display screen when setting the channels as I could not see the numbers you were referring to. The video was very helpful at getting me started as the manual is not very good at all.
Good demo. Most other demos on TH-cam are more like commercial product demonstrations. I agree the Leslie sim sounds a bit synthetic. Probably doesn’t translate as bad in a live situation through the PA so it works in a pinch. Still way better than the Leslie on older clones like the original Korg CX3 or the Viscount/Oberheim. Other than that, I think you nailed it. The interface is compromised but you get what you pay for. One further limitation is the unit doesn’t send drawbar movements over MIDI... which is weird because you can control everything on it via MIDI.
@@FrazierPianoStudio There aren't many clonewheel modules available new right now. The only other two that come to mind are the Viscount Legend Expander and the obscure HX3 Expander. Both 2 or 3 times more expensive than the B4000. There's a lot of keyboard clonewheels but that's another story.
very useful. I too am pretty new to all this tho seasoned pianist. What i can't work out is how to set up for the keyboard click sounds (see eg Clear Day Peddlers version - wonderful) that make so much contribution. Clearly that track is using 2 manuals but the split function should make this possible I'd guess. Any tips gratefully received. Thanks
A decisive, precise video. I thank you for this work and congratulate you. You could view my midi controller instruments: 1) arturia keylab mkii 88 keys; 2) korg pa 4x 76 keys; 3) m-audio oxygen pro 61 and 49. I could split the arturia for the midi basses in 1, then assign the korg or the maudio 61. But if I want to use basses, upper and lower manual, not having any bass pedals, having only 2 hands, how can I use basses, upper and lower manual at the same time. I accept any suggestions. Greetings. Modesto, i'm waiting your replay. 😊
My B4000+ stopped playing MIDI notes all of the sudden. The little triangle for the MIDI port (A or B) lights up but no sound is heard. When I play the Demo it can be heard. I have been trying to resolve this issue since it appeared yesterday. Today I will call the store I bought it from and see how I can get support from Ferrofish. The first solution is to perform a factory reset, but that does not work for me. I will post the solution here.
Curious what the solution is. The first thing I would check are the midi channels coming out of your midi device but it looks like you already checked that.
@@FrazierPianoStudio We finally solved it! First, there does seem to be vulnerability if the unit receives corrupted MIDI CC messages, which I believe I sent some. The solution is perform a factory reset, at the expense of losing your presets. However, I was not performing the factory reset correctly. Here are yet even more detailed instructions for performing a factory reset from Ferrofish: "Switch the B4000+ off. Hold down UPPER and LOWER and keep them pressed. Now push the Sound/On Button so long until the screen lights up. WHEN THE SCREEN LIGHTS UP RELEASE THE SOUND/ON BUTTON. Otherwise the Factory Reset won't start - the unit will start regulary. Now you should see "factory init - please wait" on the screen. This init may take few seconds. It's significantly longer than a regular boot up. The device should be reset now." And indeed, this worked like a charm for me. Thanks for making this video!
I purchased the module because of the excellent review you did, the device is amazing 99 percent like a real Hammond. a question? Can I connect the module to an 88-key keyboard and send organ sound to two separate areas?
Yep. I bought the Ventilator with external foot switch a few years back. I don't know how it stacks up against competition now but back then it was the most convincing Leslie emulator I could find and I don't feel pressed to look any further. Used to own a Hammond and Leslie ages ago (don't ask what models). That combo sounded great but needed servicing and was impractical to cart around. Have also got a Motion Sound Sidewinder (intended for guitar) which can be near convincing with close mic'ing over the top or side port but is also needs servicing. The Ventilator holds it's own very respectably.
how do you like the b4000+ overall? i watched most of the video but i didnt really hear if you like it, think its great for the $, wish you'd bought something else, etc. thanks
I really wanted a cheap(er) way to try out B3 organ with draw bars. It sounds ok. You really need something else for the Leslie effect. I honestly don't use it much in the gigs I've been doing lately. I've found it hard for the sound crew to figure out how to mix a B3 into the band. And it's an extra piece of gear I have to set up. If you really want a more realistic organ feel and sound, you're going to have to spend a lot more money. So for what it is, it works pretty well. Hope that answers your question.
Have you played the YC88? If so, how does the Ferrofish sound compare? I am considering YC88, or CP88 + Ferrofish like you’re doing. Knowing what you know now - would you get the YC88, or CP88+Ferrofish?
I haven't played the YC88 so I don't know how to compare. It would be a lot more convenient to gig with. I know the actions of the 2 keyboards are different too. I do mostly piano so I chose the CP88 for the keybed. I think when I got the CP88 the YC88 wasn't available yet. You'll have to consider where you are going to use the keyboard and weigh the tradeoffs.
No. The Nord switch only works with nord keyboards. The switch that this is expecting is a binary on or off. The nord looks like you can control the speed. You don't even have that kind of control inside the Ferrofish menu. It is either on or off.
I'm new to midi. So, is it true that all I need is a keyboard with midi ports and the midi cable? I heard you mention a midi controller (I'm not familiar); is that necessary. Thanks, it was the best video I've seen on this system.
A keyboard with midi out is a midi controller. So yes. Minimum requirement would be midi out on a keyboard and a midi cable. Plug midi out from keyboard to midi in on the module.
Just bought this unt today. Thanks for the detailed walk-through my friend! I appreciate it! Rock on!
Glad it helped.
Thanks for doing this video, I agree it is the best run through I've found on the Ferrofish B4000+. As I'm knew to Midi I had a problem understanding what was going on on the tiny display screen when setting the channels as I could not see the numbers you were referring to. The video was very helpful at getting me started as the manual is not very good at all.
Glad it helped.
The best walk through to date! Thanks for answering all my questions!
Glad it helped.
Good demo. Most other demos on TH-cam are more like commercial product demonstrations. I agree the Leslie sim sounds a bit synthetic. Probably doesn’t translate as bad in a live situation through the PA so it works in a pinch. Still way better than the Leslie on older clones like the original Korg CX3 or the Viscount/Oberheim. Other than that, I think you nailed it. The interface is compromised but you get what you pay for. One further limitation is the unit doesn’t send drawbar movements over MIDI... which is weird because you can control everything on it via MIDI.
I'd like to see the same type of video on the other clone boxes to see if they are worth the money.
@@FrazierPianoStudio There aren't many clonewheel modules available new right now. The only other two that come to mind are the Viscount Legend Expander and the obscure HX3 Expander. Both 2 or 3 times more expensive than the B4000. There's a lot of keyboard clonewheels but that's another story.
Wish I could have seen more pg this tool in action. Currently using B3X for my B3 simulation.
Very detailed video , I have one coming Wednesday
Have fun!
Very helpful - thanks!
Glad you found it useful.
very useful. I too am pretty new to all this tho seasoned pianist. What i can't work out is how to set up for the keyboard click sounds (see eg Clear Day Peddlers version - wonderful) that make so much contribution. Clearly that track is using 2 manuals but the split function should make this possible I'd guess. Any tips gratefully received. Thanks
I know there is a setting for click ( Sound - knob A) but I can't hear much of a difference when I crank it up.
A decisive, precise video. I thank you for this work and congratulate you. You could view my midi controller instruments: 1) arturia keylab mkii 88 keys; 2) korg pa 4x 76 keys; 3) m-audio oxygen pro 61 and 49. I could split the arturia for the midi basses in 1, then assign the korg or the maudio 61. But if I want to use basses, upper and lower manual, not having any bass pedals, having only 2 hands, how can I use basses, upper and lower manual at the same time. I accept any suggestions. Greetings. Modesto, i'm waiting your replay. 😊
Not sure how you would play the 3 keyboards. You could split one of the keyboards to cover the 2 with one hand.
@@FrazierPianoStudio Thank you for your speed and esautive replay. Regard Modesto
My B4000+ stopped playing MIDI notes all of the sudden. The little triangle for the MIDI port (A or B) lights up but no sound is heard. When I play the Demo it can be heard. I have been trying to resolve this issue since it appeared yesterday. Today I will call the store I bought it from and see how I can get support from Ferrofish. The first solution is to perform a factory reset, but that does not work for me. I will post the solution here.
Curious what the solution is. The first thing I would check are the midi channels coming out of your midi device but it looks like you already checked that.
@@FrazierPianoStudio We finally solved it! First, there does seem to be vulnerability if the unit receives corrupted MIDI CC messages, which I believe I sent some. The solution is perform a factory reset, at the expense of losing your presets. However, I was not performing the factory reset correctly. Here are yet even more detailed instructions for performing a factory reset from Ferrofish:
"Switch the B4000+ off.
Hold down UPPER and LOWER and keep them pressed.
Now push the Sound/On Button so long until the screen lights up. WHEN THE SCREEN LIGHTS UP RELEASE THE SOUND/ON BUTTON. Otherwise the Factory Reset won't start - the unit will start regulary.
Now you should see "factory init - please wait" on the screen. This init may take few seconds. It's significantly longer than a regular boot up. The device should be reset now."
And indeed, this worked like a charm for me. Thanks for making this video!
@@HazeAnderson glad you found a solution. Thanks for posting the solution.
I purchased the module because of the excellent review you did, the device is amazing 99 percent like a real Hammond. a question? Can I connect the module to an 88-key keyboard and send organ sound to two separate areas?
Yes. There is a split feature. Go to the midi section and set the 2 manuals to the same midi channel.
How does the Ferrofish sit on the Yamaha Keyboard? Do you better need a stand?
Velcro tape
It has 2 midi inputs for 2 keyboards. How do you connect a pedal board? Would there be another entry missing?
You are going to need a midi splitter to split the channel to 2 inputs.
@@FrazierPianoStudio tank you!!!
Get the Ventilator for the Leslie effect, I have the B4000 since couple of years.
Yes. Saving my money. The ventillator is about as much as the B4000.
@@FrazierPianoStudio ok
Yep. I bought the Ventilator with external foot switch a few years back. I don't know how it stacks up against competition now but back then it was the most convincing Leslie emulator I could find and I don't feel pressed to look any further. Used to own a Hammond and Leslie ages ago (don't ask what models). That combo sounded great but needed servicing and was impractical to cart around. Have also got a Motion Sound Sidewinder (intended for guitar) which can be near convincing with close mic'ing over the top or side port but is also needs servicing. The Ventilator holds it's own very respectably.
Ventilator don't make it
how do you like the b4000+ overall? i watched most of the video but i didnt really hear if you like it, think its great for the $, wish you'd bought something else, etc. thanks
I really wanted a cheap(er) way to try out B3 organ with draw bars. It sounds ok. You really need something else for the Leslie effect.
I honestly don't use it much in the gigs I've been doing lately. I've found it hard for the sound crew to figure out how to mix a B3 into the band. And it's an extra piece of gear I have to set up.
If you really want a more realistic organ feel and sound, you're going to have to spend a lot more money. So for what it is, it works pretty well.
Hope that answers your question.
thank you that is very helpful@@FrazierPianoStudio
Have you played the YC88? If so, how does the Ferrofish sound compare? I am considering YC88, or CP88 + Ferrofish like you’re doing. Knowing what you know now - would you get the YC88, or CP88+Ferrofish?
I haven't played the YC88 so I don't know how to compare. It would be a lot more convenient to gig with. I know the actions of the 2 keyboards are different too. I do mostly piano so I chose the CP88 for the keybed. I think when I got the CP88 the YC88 wasn't available yet. You'll have to consider where you are going to use the keyboard and weigh the tradeoffs.
can you connect the Nord Half Moon Switch?
No. The Nord switch only works with nord keyboards. The switch that this is expecting is a binary on or off. The nord looks like you can control the speed. You don't even have that kind of control inside the Ferrofish menu. It is either on or off.
Actually I just found a guy on Ebay that makes a moon switch for this. I'll do a video soon on it.
Does it have a Hammond b200?
No not really. It emulates all the drawbars and settings of a typical b3.
I'm new to midi. So, is it true that all I need is a keyboard with midi ports and the midi cable? I heard you mention a midi controller (I'm not familiar); is that necessary. Thanks, it was the best video I've seen on this system.
A keyboard with midi out is a midi controller. So yes. Minimum requirement would be midi out on a keyboard and a midi cable. Plug midi out from keyboard to midi in on the module.