MINIREVIEW: APPLIED ACOUSTICS SYSTEMS LOUNGE LIZARD 3 (EP-3)

Jul 6, 2006 4:22 PM Jason_Scott Alexander (Writer)

EP-3 realizes several major enhancements made to the acclaimed Lounge Lizard sound engine. For starters, two new pickup types are now available: electromagnetic (Rhodes) and electrostatic (Wurlitzer). Whereas previously you could simulate the difference using the pickup distance and symmetry controls, a new R-W switch toggles between discrete models of the two with clearly identifiable results that sound much more authentic than before. Now when you lean in and hammer on the keys, you can really distinguish the honk and bite. A new and improved fork model adds crucial upper-harmonic content for an even more authentic and present sound. An impressive new damper model closely interacts with the fork parameters and can add noise to a note’s attack, release or a blend of both using the new balance control. The damper provides a superb-sounding (and feeling) dynamic response as you play, unmatched by any other emulation I've tried. The EP-3 interface sports a new panel revealing a healthy triple-processor multi-effects section with wah, filter, chorus, flanger, phaser, distortion, ping-pong, DDL and tape-style delay algorithms, as well as a dedicated reverb unit. Tremolo remains on the main page and is next to a new 3-band EQ. A simple audio recorder has been integrated to capture inspired moments, and micro tuning is now possible with support for Scala files. All in all, Lounge Lizard 3 is as good as it gets, and the overhauled preset library demonstrates its inspiring potency.

For more information, visit www.applied-acoustics.com.

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