Ferrofish B4000+ – Authentic Organ Sound Module

The Ferrofish B4000+ is a fantastic little unit. First of all it is built like a tank. It’s solid steel construction bodes well for many years of use in all kinds of environments. I purchased this module to use with my Yamaha 105. The Yamaha has excellent weighted 88 key, action and great piano samples all in a 25 pound package. I wanted to get authentic B3 sound without loosing the benefits of the Yamaha 105. The only thing out there right now that incorporates weighted piano action with a fantastic B3 simulator is the Nord Stage Piano 2 which will set you back about $. Since I don’t need the synth aspects of the Nord, and also since I do not want to part with that amount of money, I sought out the solution which was found with the Ferrofish B4000+.The sounds of the B4000+ are very realistic. In addition to a rich variety of presets, you also have complete control over sculpting authentic B3 sound with all of the authentic B3 parameters that are laid out in a friendly and logical fashion (What would you expect with German engineering).The only down side is that while you do have real time control over your drawbars in any particular setting, it is virtually impossible to adjust other parameters such as overdrive or tremolo options while playing. Even with the very well lit view screen there are too many knobs and menus to address address in real time. However, you do have the opportunity to create your own presets. Rotary speaker on and off can be addressed with the use of a foot switch.One huge issue with the Yamaha 105 is the midi interface. The big problem is to make the USB midi on the Yamaha interface with the traditional barrel style midi interface on the B4000+. After much research I finally found a product that handles this dilemma, the Kenton Midi USB Host. It is rather expensive for a little box that should cost no more than $ . But it is the only one of its kind and even with the exorbitant price it still makes the overall package for a light weight, portable B3 very inexpensive. I also run the B4000+ sound out through a volume pedal which allows me to literally turn the sound on or off while I play though the Yamaha Keyboard. The downside to using this interface is that you have some additional cables to tend with during your set up and break down. I you are using the B4000+ with a simple keyboard controller with a barrel style midi interface, this thing will work out of the box without a problem. It will also work great in recording and DAW applications. Overall, for the money, this is an excellent buy.