Bring Elka Back - Elka Panther organ plug-in

[Koshdukai]

Version 0.9.4-beta is released [...]

Changelog:

• [Panther 100] Implemented key contacts/click.
• [Panther 100] Added chatter/preamp noise.
• [Panther 100] Implemented busbar compression.
• [Panther 100] Implemented swell pedal.
• [Panther 100] Lowered treble voice volume.
• [Panther 100] Improved vibrato model.
• [Panther 100] Fixed output polarity.

Known Issues:

• Tape delay output can overload at high feedback settings.
• Panic doesn't silence tape delay, reverb.
• Some knobs/controls add "zipper" noise.
• On/off switch (bypass) doesn't work.

I'm getting an unexpected behavior in Panther 100 mode regarding the Bass key range.


a) With "BASS EXT" Off, keys below grey E are dead and Bass only plays from grey F up to white E key. Bass pedal is dead too.
b) With "BASS EXT" On, Bass plays from the black C to grey E key. Bass pedal works.

So, at first I thought "oh, ok, Panther 100 surely had a shorter key count, thus the bass range goes up a bit and there's dead keys below that" which isn't that pleasant GUI-wise, btw.

But turning Bass Ext on, it confused me, contradicting the concept presented with a) behavior.

Searching for images of an actual Panther 100, I can understand a) though the GUI should change accordingly to represent the black F through white F 49 keys keybed, IMHO.
But the b) behavior, I don't get it, at least compared with a)

[Tale]

a) With "BASS EXT" Off, keys below grey E are dead and Bass only plays from grey F up to white E key. Bass pedal is dead too.
b) With "BASS EXT" On, Bass plays from the black C to grey E key. Bass pedal works.

That is correct behavior actually. Let me explain: The original Panther 100 has a 4-octave F-to-F keyboard, and it has no bass pedals at all. Although the bottom octave can play a monophonic bass sound, it can't be extended, and it also lacks a separate bass output.

With Bass Ext off the Panther 100 mode gives you the original behavior. With Bass Ext on the keyboard bass is extended down, the pedals are enabled, and the bass voice is routed to the bass channel.

So, at first I thought "oh, ok, Panther 100 surely had a shorter key count, thus the bass range goes up a bit and there's dead keys below that" which isn't that pleasant GUI-wise, btw.

And also (worse?), the original Panther 100 has 5 more keys to the right of the GUI keyboard, which you can't play from the GUI... You can play them via MIDI though. In fact, both Panther 100 and 300 mode support the standard 88-key piano MIDI note range.

Note that during development I had Panther 100 mode shifted down 1 octave, so it better matched the GUI keyboard as well as a standard 5-octave MIDI controller. However, then Strings 16' in Panther 100 mode would play in a different octave than Strings 16' in Panther 300 mode. In the end the current range seemed the best compromize (IMHO, YMMV).

Searching for images of an actual Panther 100, I can understand a) though the GUI should change accordingly to represent the black F through white F 49 keys keybed, IMHO.

I guess for a future version we could look into changing the key colors in Panther 100 mode. However, I don't think it would be a good idea to shift and/or shorten the GUI keyboard.

[Koshdukai]

ok, understood, the differences are expected but the mismatch with the GUI, not providing a visual feedback of "what just happened" when changing modes, will be perceived as I described, unsure if the GUI is broken or it's a bug.

Not shifting down Panther 100 is a sensible decision but "de-syncing" the GUI (which should be and actually is the only visual guide to what's happening and what to expect, key-range-wise) from the Panther 100 keyb range, gives the VST a bit of an unpolished look'n'feel, IMHO.

Even Elka (and other manufacturers) knew how important was to provide a visual feedback of the bass range, to the point of actually using different colored keys to show exactly that

I'm not saying to shorten the whole image, although that would be the best option, red Panther 300 vs shorter black Panther 100 with the correct keybed (colors + range), but not getting that on v1.0, at least something like this quick mock-up would provide a better visual guide of what to expect, key-range-wise, IMHO.

[GeneralMusic]

It is Jukka here

The price of the Elka Panther VST/AU plug-in have been asked.
Our introduction offer is 99,00 € and
the regular price will be 149,00 €

The license can be purchased at
https://sites.fastspring.com/generalmus ... lkapanther

[ZeePok]

It is Jukka here

The price of the Elka Panther VST/AU plug-in have been asked.
Our introduction offer is 99,00 € and
the regular price will be 149,00 €

The license can be purchased at
https://sites.fastspring.com/generalmus ... lkapanther

 
Sorry, have to pass then! Unaffordable!

[EvilDragon]

With a bit of saving up almost anything is affordable.

[ZeePok]

With a bit of saving up almost anything is affordable.

 
Have to make do with disability allowance and increasing medical costs. So very little saving up to do I'm afraid!

So, think before you want to speak for someone else!

[Dullee]

Looks like a niche instrument. Leaving it at 99 regular would generate more sales. Making it 79 would hit the mark.

If you follow Arturia's path with that regular pricing, don't. If it works for them to hit Farfisa V with 149 € tag and sell, it doesn't mean it will work for you. It's two different scenarios.

But good luck!

[Koshdukai]

FWIW, I agree with the above pricing comments, especially with the unpolished UI/UX quirks pointed out, which I did exactly because of the planned pricing.

If this was a "freeware" release, one would obviously ignore all of those GUI UX shortcomings, because in that case, we're just glad, considering ourselves fortunate enough to access whatever the developer was able to do and share with the world as-is.

Paying for a product, one naturally expects another level of quality of UX, assuming we're dealing with same level of audio quality (else, not even being free will make it popular and usable).

...and since this was also mentioned, speaking of other vintage organ emulations, I may add that one can't possibly consider the (current) soft-instrument Elka Panther version as a serious commercial competitor to Arturia VOX Continental V2, Farfisa V or B-3 V again mainly due to the current UI UX.

Those products do offer the kind of next-level improvements one expects to pay for, when comparing them with martinic's ComboV and ComboF, as an example of what I'm trying to convey here.


IMHO, if the #BringElkaBack idea/initiative/project/movement (?) wants to make the right kind of splash and start at the proper quality level, Elka Panther, as the 1st product, should be the one getting everything right, regarding usability, besides the obvious audio quality and emulation fidelity one expects. ...paving the right path for when/if Synthex becomes a reality and compete with Xils Lab Syn'X 2.

...just trying to help with some free feedback

[Spitfire31]

I have to agree with Dullee above, that $99 might be tolerable for the regular price, with an intro price perhaps around $79. Being too greedy might misfire…

Just to compare with two recent and magnificent Hammond clones, GG Audio Blue 3 v2 is $99 and the GSi VB3-II about $115 (converted from €100). In that light, a regular $149 price for the Panther seems excessive to me.

Also, the settings page still looks like an early mock-up, not as a premium price instrument.

All IMHO, of course.

/Joachim

[ZeePok]

I have to agree with Dullee above, that $99 might be tolerable for the regular price, with an intro price perhaps around $79. Being too greedy might misfire…

Just to compare with two recent and magnificent Hammond clones, GG Audio Blue 3 v2 is $99 and the GSi VB3-II about $115 (converted from €100). In that light, a regular $149 price for the Panther seems excessive to me.

Also, the settings page still looks like an early mock-up, not as a premium price instrument.

All IMHO, of course.

/Joachim

 
Hear hear!

I think they have to pay a hefty fee for the 'Elka' branding!


There is a fine proverb: "Het is wat de gek ervoor geeft" (The two devs are Dutch so they'll understand it. )

Internationally it's kind of comparable to "A fool and his money are easily parted!"

So they can set the price as high as they want to. Those willing to pay do and those not willing don't.

It's just a bit of an anti-climax after all the hype and anticipations, but do I need it? No.

[dark water]

Maybe I'm a fool easily parted from my money, but I just bought it because I like its sound.

I agree that there are some excellent alternative organ plugins around, and if I'm being honest, I'd prefer it to be about 20 quid less. But I'm not overly fussed if this costs $99 versus $79.
And tbf I'm going to use it a fair bit in my projects. Reminds me of the Charlatans (UK) classic organ sound, even though I don't think Rob Collins used an Elka...

Anyway, if sales go well hopefully it will encourage the developers to look at recreating other Elka hardware machines in software too.

[GeneralMusic]

ELKA PANTHER VST/AU PLUG-IN IS OUT NOW

The Elka Panther Organ VST/AU audio plugin is published and downloadable at www.bringelkaback.com.

The Elka Panther 300, also known as the Capri, is a classic Italian combo organ of the 60s. The instrument produces bold, rich organ sounds and has a wide range of tonal variations (13).

REALLY UNIQUE MODELED COMBINATION
The Elka Panther plug-in is based on physical modeling (no samples inside) of vintage Elka Panther 300 organ. The modeling of the rare LEM Echo Music tape delay enlarge original organ sound with reverberation and echo. Even the wow and flutter characteristics are audible in this authentic tape delay modeling. This plug-in includes a separate Elka Panther 100 modeling. It expands the sounds of the plug-in more expressiveness and emotional impact. Certain amount of noise belongs to the sound of vintage instruments. To achieve this original sound and authentic vibe, that noise has been modeled and the level of that noise can be adjusted. Several other expanded or additional features are included in this plug-in. More info in the User Manual.

More info and downloadable ver. 1.0.0 at www.bringelkaback.com - Buy Now!

More info, downloadable demo version and sound demos at www.martinic.com/products/elka-panther

Soundion Oy Ltd
Jukka Kulmala
managing director

[Koshdukai]

Congratz on the release and I hope it'll do well

btw... you may want to check this year's Charity event in progress right now:

Call to Arms: Charity 2018 @ KVR forums

Always a cool gesture, getting some more exposure to Bring ELKA Back / Generalmusic / Soundion, while helping the kids at the same time

[Dullee]

managing director completely ignored pricing concerns expressed above by a few potential buyers, like none of us even posted or he couldn't be bothered with us. not really a cool attitude.

OK. but NO. I don't see a fine-tuned, bug-free product worth the price, I don't see a company worth supporting.

but you'll be fine without us, of course.