B-Scanner
by PSP Audioware · Chorus · Scanner vibrato / chorus
Not rated yet
An emulation of the scanner-based vibrato and chorus from vintage Hammond tonewheel organs such as the B-3, C-3 and A-100.
It goes beyond the original with higher-resolution modes, speed and inertia controls, tremolo, drive and tempo sync.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Guitars, Vocals. Genres: Rock & Indie, R&B & Soul, Jazz, Acoustic & Classical, Pop.
Keywords: chorus, vibrato, hardware emulation, keys, tempo-synced, tremolo, vintage, electric guitar, smooth, synths, wide, gentle, mixing, piano, rotary, vocals.
What it does
B-Scanner is an emulation of "the analog scanner-based effect" found in Hammond B-3, C-3 and A-100 organs, the vibrato and chorus circuit that sits before the Leslie. PSP's tagline: "It's the sound that counts!"
- Scanner emulation: models the nine-stage LC phase-shift delay line of the original, with vibrato and chorus settings.
- Extra modes: switchable higher-resolution and completely smooth modes beyond the original's "lumpiness," per Sound On Sound.
- Speed control: independent fast and slow speeds with adjustable inertia, plus tempo sync.
- Extras: tremolo, stereo spread and drive saturation for widening and adding movement to any track.
Source: PSP Audioware product page
When to use it
B-Scanner is more specialized than its nearest options on the site, chorus and vibrato effects such as Universal Audio Dytronics Tri-Stereo Chorus, Baby Audio Magic Switch and Soundtoys MicroShift. Pick it when you want the specific Hammond scanner vibrato and chorus sound, on organ or on other sources.
- Best for: organ tracks, electric pianos, guitars and synths that need gentle vintage vibrato or chorus movement.
- Genres: rock, soul, gospel, jazz and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a full rotary speaker sound; pair it with a rotary plugin such as L'otary2.
- Standout: an emulation of the Hammond scanner circuit with smoother, higher-resolution modes.
What producers say
Reviewers in 2016 praised its sound, with the niche focus the main caveat.
- Sound On Sound (2016): Paul White found it faithful to the original, which it "replicates" while offering "far more scope" beyond it.
- Computer Music (2016): called it "a truly lovely modulation effect, albeit one which may be a little niche."
- Gripe: Computer Music found it pricey for a specialized effect and missed dirtier or faulty modes.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $61
- PSP Audioware: $69
- PluginFox: $69
- AudioDeluxe: $69
Tutorials and reviews
- PSP B-Scanner (PSPaudioware)
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