Heads-up: SpaceStation keyboard amp is apparently back

[Raymb1]

I left the signature required check on. I didn't want Fed Ex to just leave it outside my door. Thanks, Ray

[HAMEGZ]

I left the signature required check on. I didn't want Fed Ex to just leave it outside my door. Thanks, Ray

 

got it understand

[DanL]

you guys should call SW and ask for the best price they can give you.. I got a chunk knocked off the price and free shipping.

[Ashville.Guru]

A couple of questions about this very interesting product:

1. Would the 300 degree dispersion cause feedback issues for those of us also using a mic for vocals?
   
2. As I understand, stereo implies two different things: the spatial image of a large instrument like a grand piano, and phase effects (panning, ping pong, etc.). From what I've seen in the demo videos, the Spacestation does a good job of recreating the first. I'm curious as to listeners anywhere in the room would still hear a stereo effect the way it was intended.

I'm sorry if this was already answered earlier in the thread...!

 

- Guru

[16251]

A couple of questions about this very interesting product:

1. Would the 300 degree dispersion cause feedback issues for those of us also using a mic for vocals?
   
2. As I understand, stereo implies two different things: the spatial image of a large instrument like a grand piano, and phase effects (panning, ping pong, etc.). From what I've seen in the demo videos, the Spacestation does a good job of recreating the first. I'm curious as to listeners anywhere in the room would still hear a stereo effect the way it was intended.

I'm sorry if this was already answered earlier in the thread...!

 

- Guru

I can't answer your question cause I'm still waiting for mine to ship. The Stereo vibrato on Rhodes was/is a question I'm also interested in. My assumption is, it will be very good but not as much separation as monitors on each side of you.

 

I decided to go ahead and get the amp and I'm hoping it does at least an 80% job at the ping/pong effect. That and the stereo image of acoustic pianos will be fine with me.

 

The thought of everyone hearing the same image I hear is what really sealed deal for me, as well as only having to use one amp.

[cphollis]

Can you ask for better service than that?

 

Nope. Love this guy!

[HAMEGZ]

A couple of questions about this very interesting product:

1. Would the 300 degree dispersion cause feedback issues for those of us also using a mic for vocals?
   
2. As I understand, stereo implies two different things: the spatial image of a large instrument like a grand piano, and phase effects (panning, ping pong, etc.). From what I've seen in the demo videos, the Spacestation does a good job of recreating the first. I'm curious as to listeners anywhere in the room would still hear a stereo effect the way it was intended.

I'm sorry if this was already answered earlier in the thread...!

 

- Guru

 

Ive tried it with various rhodes tremolos, pannings, and delays and can say yes you hear the fx as if coming from L and R or panning between them.

 

Also as a monitor I am feeding a bit of my harmonized vocals into the SS until I get my dedicated monitor and can say emphatically no feedback

[Jazzmammal]

Would the 300 degree dispersion cause feedback issues for those of us also using a mic for vocals?

 

When I was at the Amp Show Aspen had 4 instruments and 2 vocal mics going into it from a mixer. The only feedback I heard was the usual thing when he wanted to talk he grabbed one of the vocal mics and wasn't paying attention to where the mic was pointing because he was moving around talking to people. For a brief second it was pointed straight back at the front of the amp which is where the horn is. I heard no feedback at all from the two vocalists standing out front and this is with pretty good volume. The vocals were using a stereo harmony processer plus the guitar was also using stereo effects and I heard that clearly plus of course the electric piano effects coming from the Nord Al was playing.

 

Maybe 2-3 pages back he posted a video from that show and you can see the placement. It might be easier to see all the vids if you go to his Youtube channel rather than trying to search this thread. Of course if you don't search this thread you'll miss all my outstanding commentary...yeah I know I'm just too shy.

 

Bob

[Ashville.Guru]

Thanks for the replies, gentlemen. Very interesting indeed.

 

- Guru

[AndyW]

Can you ask for better service than that?

 

No better service, just got off the phone with Aspen and he will ship a new one today or tomorrow. SW was certainly willing to ship a replacement too but is out of stock. So, order with confidence-- Aspen and SW will make sure you are happy! I gotta practice, later.

[Aspen]

Hey everybody, as promised (and long awaited) our own Jazzmammal historic visit to our humble APR studios with his Hammond SK1. Man that board has tone for days, and Bob did a great job!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTQA0XE5yuc&feature=youtu.be

[agitato]

How can anyone seriously interested in purchasing a piece of gear like that, make an intelligent judgement on the quality of sound, and all that's been said about it, "stereo sweet spot heard everywhere", etc., by listening/watching youtube video demos, which have mostly low fidelity sound, especially heard on most computer speakers? Not having the chance to go to a music store and actually trying/hearing it for your self, better yet on one's own keyboard, before one decides to buy it. Am intrigued by it though, just don't like to have to purchase the tools of my trade that way, even if I want something unique/different, like the SSV3.

[Jazzmammal]

I don't disagree, it's tough making a decision from vids but I will make a leap and say most of us here don't listen to anything on crappy computer speakers. I'm lucky, I live in LA so I was able to try it out and hey, I wound up in a nice video. What a deal!

 

Some preparation time and a change of clothes would have been nice but I was really rushed, I had to go home, get the Hammond and drive an hour and a half through five o'clock LA traffic to get there. I was willing to do that because I really thought I would like it and I do. Those who can't do that will just have to believe the rest of us who've played one. It's a seriously good unit.

 

Bob

[Brettymike]

Hey Bob , nice job! , I for one really enjoyed seeing and hearing you play .

 

Brett

[Analogaddict]

Hey Bob! Great playing. I always thought you'd have a big beard, for some reason...

[John Tweed]

After urging restraint upon myself, when I realised how small the SS3 is, and after listening to the demos, and taking account of the positive reviews, I had to have one. I placed an order directly with CPS, and as promised 10 days later here it is - first one in Australia, across the Pacific via USPS and AusPost.

Thanks Aspen.

 

The shipment arrived all in one piece, unscathed except for evidence of a couple of minor bumps. The unit itself is spotless. I fired it up using my SK1 through a Ventilator leslie pedal and it sounds great! I can hear the rotors spinning round. Its not exactly the same as sitting next to a real Leslie, but as has been suggested you can still hear the movement even when you walk into another room, so it promises an exciting live sound.

 

The unboxing ...

All in one piece

Had a couple of minor bumps on one side, otherwise looks good

Well packed - everything looks OK inside

The dimensions are very close to the K10.

Next to the QSC K10

On top of the QSC K10

It sits on top of the K10 at a slight upward angle. I think I'd be OK with using it like that at most gigs, especially if there was a wall or something behind. It feels quite secure - I doubt it would move unless the floor was unstable.

From the side (not as top-heavy as it looks)

My unboxing assistant

 

At this point I grabbed my SK1 and a few cables and plugged it in for a quick first blast. The SS3 was sitting on the floor about 2 feet to my left. The signal path was SK1 -> Ventilator -> SS3, and listening at moderate lounge room levels. Starting with all knobs at 12 o'clock (halfway) except for the width at 0, I can tell immediately that there's plenty of gain to run without mixers or preamps if you are only dealing with a single stereo signal.

 

The SS3 doesn't have a much bottom end as the K10, and I do quite a few LHB gigs these days. For LHB gigs I run the K10 with LF switch on normal, and the SK1 bass eq at 12 o'clock. Winding it up all the way puts the sound in the ball park. Dialling the width control up and the sound opens up nicely. I also quickly tried bypassing the Ventilator to use the internal Leslie (not as much separation evident), and the phased and auto-panned Rhodes, both of which came alive with the width control on halfway. My initial impressions are that this is going to work well for my purposes. I'll post a few more thoughts when I've had a chance to play with it a bit more.

[HAMEGZ]

How can anyone seriously interested in purchasing a piece of gear like that, make an intelligent judgement on the quality of sound, and all that's been said about it, "stereo sweet spot heard everywhere", etc., by listening/watching youtube video demos, which have mostly low fidelity sound, especially heard on most computer speakers? Not having the chance to go to a music store and actually trying/hearing it for your self, better yet on one's own keyboard, before one decides to buy it. Am intrigued by it though, just don't like to have to purchase the tools of my trade that way, even if I want something unique/different, like the SSV3.

 

so the forum members that actually own one and have made comments about it are to be discounted? I haven't read one negative comment about the reproduction and tonal quality.

That what this forum is all about, and you should know by now if something sucks, they will let you know.

 

But hey, its got to satisfy YOU, thats the end result.

[Tobias Åslund]

John - all of your picture links except the first one gives a 404 error. Just a heads up!

[John Tweed]

John - all of your picture links except the first one gives a 404 error. Just a heads up!

Whoops, thanks, fixed now.

[TimA]

Aspen explained he's trying to find a new business model, word of mouth, limited distributorship, cutting down on headaches and heartaches of too many hands in the mix.

He's been up front from the beginning he's hoping those that are happy with the product will share their experiences. I suspect there are other innovative products dieing on the vine because people are afraid the risk/ benefit is too high. I'm thrilled a seasoned inventor/businessman like Aspen is still in the game with a fantastic product to sell, and even trying creative marketing techniques which translates into (considerable?) savings for the end users. Those on this forum that took the risk are conveying their positive feedback for doing so....

[AndyW]

How can anyone seriously interested in purchasing a piece of gear like that, make an intelligent judgement on the quality of sound, and all that's been said about it, "stereo sweet spot heard everywhere", etc., by listening/watching youtube video demos, which have mostly low fidelity sound, especially heard on most computer speakers? Not having the chance to go to a music store and actually trying/hearing it for your self, better yet on one's own keyboard, before one decides to buy it. Am intrigued by it though, just don't like to have to purchase the tools of my trade that way, even if I want something unique/different, like the SSV3.

 

If you like stereo effects and sounds then you should be very happy with it. It really is like being in the sweet spot all the time. And actually I think it is under priced for what it does. Even if it was mediocre stereo get me that for $600.

[AndyW]

Aspen explained he's trying to find a new business model, word of mouth, limited distributorship, cutting down on headaches and heartaches of too many hands in the mix.

He's been up front from the beginning he's hoping those that are happy with the product will share their experiences. I suspect there are other innovative products dieing on the vine because people are afraid the risk/ benefit is too high. I'm thrilled a seasoned inventor/businessman like Aspen is still in the game with a fantastic product to sell, and even trying creative marketing techniques which translates into (considerable?) savings for the end users. Those on this forum that took the risk are conveying their positive feedback for doing so....

 

+1

[AnotherScott]

Aspen explained he's trying to find a new business model, word of mouth, limited distributorship, cutting down on headaches and heartaches of too many hands in the mix.

He's been up front from the beginning he's hoping those that are happy with the product will share their experiences. I suspect there are other innovative products dieing on the vine because people are afraid the risk/ benefit is too high. I'm thrilled a seasoned inventor/businessman like Aspen is still in the game with a fantastic product to sell, and even trying creative marketing techniques

I agree. The only downside is that there's no effective way to personally evaluate it. Sure, Sweetwater has a return policy, but you pay shipping both ways on a return, which means basically that you have to be willing to spend about $50 to try it out, because that's what you'll be out of pocket if you decide it's not for you. Particularly for something where there's no other way to try one out, I think it would have been better if there could have at least been some arrangement where, even if you have to pay to ship it back, you're not also out the initial shipping. Sweetwater doesn't work that way, but some other companies do.

[Jazzmammal]

Hey Bob! Great playing. I always thought you'd have a big beard, for some reason...

 

Thanks, I tried growing a goatee once but my beard is thin and scraggly, it looked like an armpit. But I kept a 70's porn star mustache for years.

 

Bob

[TimA]

Your company or distributor would then sell the product for $700 to cover all the bases, sometimes you have to listen to the word of mouth and decide if it's worth taking the plunge and then do it, there's worse things than being out 50 bucks

[AnotherScott]

Your company or distributor would then sell the product for $700 to cover all the bases

Let's assume even what I think is a very unlikely 10% return rate, and that their shipping cost is $25. They could absorb that expense at a cost of about $2.50 per sold unit. No reason that has to raise the retail price $100.

 

There are companies that don't demand reimbursement of the out-going shipment cost on a return, it's calculated as part of their cost of doing business. If the return rate is low, the expense is minimal, and in theory, could even be more than offset by the profit of additional sales to people who won't order if their exposure on a return is too high.

[TimA]

I personally hope Aspen sells a million of these units. The SSv3 won't fulfill every live sound application out there, but for me , just the thought that I can convey my music to a lot of small/medium venues and an audience can hear and appreciate the same surrounding ambiance I do as I'm practicing brings a smile to my face every time😀

[TimA]

Sorry, it doesn't like smilys

[Jazzmammal]

When we talk price, compare this to the Bose L1 or L2. Those are nice units and sound great. They have great dispersion but they're not stereo and man, talk about expensive! I think the SS is a real bargain.

 

Bob

[Aspen]

The unboxing ...

All in one piece

Had a couple of minor bumps on one side, otherwise looks good

/20141024_101323.jpg]My unboxing assistant[/url]

 

John, just 2 quick comments:

1) I am so relieved to hear it got there in one piece! I had just the one layer "beauty" box design (albeit with cushioned corners and hard side rails) and was worried it may not hold up. And,

2) what a lovely unpacking assistant you have there! I just wonder if he caught sent of my 2 packing assistants?

 

FYI, I have since ordered and received outer shipping boxes so as to better protect th4e V.3 in future shipments to far away places. And, also to conceal the SS V.3 box graphics. My first shipment from the Eminence factory was hit with a single theft (one "empty box" from the bottom corner of the 12 stacked pallet), which I believe happened on the China side of the pond...and may have been some IT bandit monitoring KC who read English and noted the "patented protected" contents. Perhaps there will be a SS V.3 clone on Alibaba in the coming months?

Thanks to you and the other users here who have been kind enough to post honest comments about your experiences. I am too close to this baby, I have been birthing this technology for 14 years and frankly I am too close to be objective.

That's why I am so excited to read the reviews of our "early adopters" experiences.It means so much more for me, and potential users, to hear from seasoned independent and expert authorities...and who have many various top notch amps to use for comparisons (actually, I am amazed how many different amps you guys have burned through "Seeking Alpha"...you are at least as passionate, if not moreso, than the guitar amp geeks I have worked with for 40+ years!)