Reduced from 35 Kilos to 25 Kilos. The XE pro-lite is essential for the solo musician on the move.

DESCRIPTION

The XE1 is potentially Hammond's most  versatile portable instrument...with one major issue; its weight. At 35 kilos the XE1 is something of a monster! Why so heavy? Traditionally Hammond instruments have always been this way. Simply because they are built to last! However the XE1 includes an advanced speaker system and MDF paneling. Each original side panel weighs around 1.5 kilos!

Our objective at HammondZone was to remove any weight the professional or semi-professional musician would not require. This included the HUGE side panels and front bar. However this equated to just 3 kilos. The next step was too look at the amplification and internal speaker array. The MDF speaker enclosure and speakers are removed (an extremely labour intensive task due to the size and structure of the internal cabinet). A further 7 kilos weight loss is achieved at this point. We decided to leave the 100Watt amplifier in situ and add speaker outputs. this way the XE1 can still be used in the home or Studio via external monitor speakers powered from the Hammond's internal amplifier.

 The included stand folds down and is easy to carry and transport. The speaker system is extremely high quality, manufactured by FIDEK (makers of professional audio and Public Address equipment) and handles the full range of the Hammond well. The difference between a standard XE1 and the Pro-lite is remarkable!

In addition to the hardware changes, 100 new preset combinations are included, with correctly set rhythm tempo's.

Price is £2995 for the XE pro-lite with expression pedal, speakers and stand; pedalboard being optional. Side panels and top are finished in black. Speakers are covered in black P.A. carpet for durability. On request the side panels can be finished in the same material.

General XE FEATURES

DRB Vase-II sound Generator

Any instrument that carries the Hammond® name must have the drawbar-sound.  That is why the XE pro-lite is equipped with the well established DRB Vase-II Digital Technology Sound engine, which has been praised by professionals and the most ardent Hammond traditionalists.  In this latest version, the sound generation system also provides an extensive range of solo and ensemble instrument voices plus rhythm and special effect options.

Harmonic Drawbars

Hammonds own drawbar control system is widely acclaimed by professional players for being the original and best. To achieve all of those special Hammond combinations and effects it is this system that outperforms all others. The XE pro-lite boasts two full sets of nine drawbars and two bass drawbars, all of which perform at real-time without any reponse-time delay.  The system has a selectable choice of tonal nuances such as the B3 with its characteristic generator crosstalk, Brite or Mellow plus features such as foldback-control on the upper and lower octaves, variable attack, adjustable overdrive and the all important  "key click" simulation.

The XE technology faithfully recreates the traditional Hammond vibrato and chorus generator effects in the recognized six degrees. It also provides the very latest in advanced Digital Leslie. This very important effect for a complete Hammond experience is fully adjustable to suit player preference. The simulated upper horn and bass rotor "Rise" (speed up) and "Fall" (slow down ) times can be independently adjusted.  The "Brake" ( stopping) time can also be changed.  Volume balances between the horn and bass rotor can by customized and even a simulated mike set-up can be varied for angle and distance.  When an external 11-pin Leslie is connected to the XE pro-lite, the on-board simulator is automatically disconnected.

Keyboard

Hammond believes that also a single-manual instrument must have a high-quality keyboard.  For the XE series, Hammond has opted for their superb  "leaf spring" keybed, found on all top quality models since 1965. This distinctive "off white" exclusive keyboard provides warmth and smoothness to the touch but also speed and toughness to satisfy all playing styles.

High Quality Instrumental Voicing

In addition to the extensive variations of traditional Hammond sounds, the XE pro-lite introduces 275 sampled instrument voices available in three combinable polyphonic sections. Hammond has introduced some newly sampled voices on the XE pro-lite including a rich stereo grand piano, a sleazy, breathy tenor sax, a haunting flute, some wonderful acoustic guitars and a selection of accordions presenting a range of reed permutations.  For the bass section 21 specific voices are available and for sound effect 16 different settings (Chorus, Flanger, various Reverb-types...) are possible.  User voice sections are also provided in which you can create and store your very own edited versions. 

Presets

With such an array of sounds and effects available it is important to be able to select and recall your favourite registrations quickly and easily. The XE pro-lite has ten banks of ten user programable set-ups each one containing information effecting the right hand, left hand, bass, MIDI, reverb, Leslie, style and rhythm settings. A complete one hundred set-ups readily available. A different set of 100 registrations can be loaded via floppy disc or via the special  CompactFlash Memory Card.

Auto Accompaniment Styles and rhythm

The auto-vari rhythm and auto-band orchestra sections combine to provide Hammond's completely redesigned rhythmic accompaniment section. 100 new rhythm patterns each with four variations which can be programmed to change automatically, work together with three accompaniment variations to create 1200 automatic backing patterns.  The accompaniment operates in 3 different modes : Single, Fingered Mode and Pianist.  For the not so accomplished player there is a one finger easy-play system.  By utilising the Rhythm Preset function each rhythm will automatically select a suitable instrumental registration to compliment the chosen pattern.  Two rhythm fills, an intro and ending pattern are also provided as well as Hammond's exclusive touch tempo which allows you to set your own rhythm speed by simply tapping the touch tempo button. This can be done at the start or even during a rhythm sequence.  Additional styles can be loaded via floppy disc or via the special CompactFlash Memory Card.

Style-converter

A built-in style-converter allows the use of rhythm-styles produced for other instruments.  This allows you to utilise previously purchased style libraries on your XE pro-lite  (Not all formats may not be compatible).

Pro Chord

Pro chord automatically generates full right hand harmony on single note play.  This way it is real easy to make your playing sound like a true professional.   This advanced Hammond feature uses multiple separate voices to create rich harmonies.  Up to 20 different settings, from jazz combos through theatre organ tibias, to Hollywood style string orchestras and big band sections are available.

Ease of use

Hammond has provided its distinctive graphic LCD information screen for the XE-series.  This new display allows instant visual access to all the voicing and control sections. A short-cut feature eliminates any time consuming effort paging through menu screens. Simply press and hold a control panel button, and all information regarding that section will be automatically displayed. You don’t have to be a computer whizz to operate this instrument.

Sequencer

Coupled to Hammond’s philosophy of ease of use the on-board sequencer is just that.  Simple controls allow for a virtual recording studio at your finger tips, enabling you to create your very own multi-tracked performances.

Data Storage

Ever wonder how you would store your style data, sequencer data, preset registration data, etc. without hooking up any external equipment and not running out of space ?  The answer is a CompactFlash slot.  You can save all your precious data on a CompactFlash Memory Card  (At the time of this writing the present  max. memory of a huge 128MB is available as a storage medium on your XE pro-lite).

In-built amplification with S.E.S. and power speaker-system

Having a great sound engine and a vast array of voicing is only as good as the amplification system through which it is played.  For the XE-series, Hammond has developed a special high-performance stereo amplifier that will generate a solid 2 x 50W output.  Couple this to the included external speakers and you will experience an unbelievable sound for such a compact instrument.  To widen the stereo image even further Hammond has added its exclusive  S.E.S. (Sound Expansion System).  This function provides the player with a much broader sound sensation through an expanded stereo image simulation.

Flash-rom 

Since your instrument is equipped with internal flash-rom memory, you can upgrade the system-software via the disk drive when an important new version becomes available.

Factory Equipped for Direct Leslie Plug-in

The XE pro-lite is designed to accept direct plug-in  of any 11-pin external Leslie.   The volume of the in-built Leslie pre-amplifier can be regulated to match different types of Leslie, which can be very usefull on stage.  Leslie motor speed-switching can be controlled via the keyboard selector, an optional foot switch or through MIDI.

Modular for your future needs

You may start out by using the XE pro-lite as a stand-alone single-manual or you may decide to progress with the additional use of the optional XPK-100 MIDI Pedalboard and the EXP-100F Expression pedal, you will have the maximum of control as offered by a full featured Hammond Organ. 

SPECIFICATIONS