UHL Instruments X3-1 User manual

C o p y r i g h t b y U h l - I n s t r u m e n t s M a n u a l
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Owner's Manual
X3-1 / X3-2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION
C o p y r i g h t b y U h l - I n s t r u m e n t s M a n u a l
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION
Please read the entire manual and the safety instructions. It contains all the information you need to use
this unit. Don't skip any passages to ensure perfect operating of the instrument.
The product must be serviced by qualified service personnel only. DANGER! Risk of electric shock. Do not
open the chassis. There are no user serviceable parts inside. The unit should only be serviced by qualified service
staff.
Unauthorized opening of the chassis or malpractice of the unit will void warranty. The device may be used
only to its intended usage. Please operate the instrument only according to these instructions.
Mains
Before connecting the unit to the mains power supply, please check voltage. The unit can be powered with
100VAC up to 240VAC. Use the correct power cord. Do not use a damaged power cord or plug.
Humidity
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Never place containers
with liquid on the unit. Do not use the unit near water, e.g. swimming pool, bathtub or wet basement.
If the unit is moved from a cold place to a warm room, condensation may occur inside. To avoid damage please
allow the unit to reach room temperature before switching on.
Installation
Always place the unit on a stable keyboard stand or table. Protect the unit from strong impact. Do not drop it!
Cleaning / Maintenance
Never use any abrasive detergent, which may damage the surface. We recommend a slightly moist micro-fibre
cloth. Do not allow any liquids (water, soft drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
Packaging
Please keep all packaging, and use it to protect the keyboard when transporting, e.g. if servicing is required.

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Table Of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................... 5
X3 Overview........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Backpanel Connections.............................................................................................................................................. 6
Connecting the Power Cable ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Console ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Startup ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Connecting the Power Cable: .............................................................................................................................. 10
Audio Connections............................................................................................................................................... 10
Volume/Expression-Pedal Input .......................................................................................................................... 11
Foot Switch Input................................................................................................................................................. 11
Controls ................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Drawbars.............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Percussion............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Chorus/Vibrato .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Internal Rotary-Cabinet Simulation..................................................................................................................... 13
Hall / Reverb ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Split-Mode ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
Common-Presets ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Audio Output Configuration A/B ......................................................................................................................... 16
Tone-Control........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Volume Amp122 .................................................................................................................................................. 17
Volred (Main-Out + Headphone)........................................................................................................................ 17
MIDI ......................................................................................................................................................................... 18
MIDI-IN (2x) ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
MIDI-OUT............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Menu/Display .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Save Mode ........................................................................................................................................................... 20
Factory-Presets.................................................................................................................................................... 21
Change Factory-Presets....................................................................................................................................... 22
Split Mode............................................................................................................................................................ 22
Transpose ............................................................................................................................................................ 23
AudioJ Conf A und AudioJ Conf B ...................................................................................................................... 23
Vibrato/Chorus Group ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Percussion Group................................................................................................................................................. 24
Generator Group ................................................................................................................................................. 24
Reverb Group (Hall) ............................................................................................................................................. 25

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Rotary Simulation Group ..................................................................................................................................... 25
Connecting to a PC................................................................................................................................................... 26
USB: ..................................................................................................................................................................... 26
„X3 Remote“ Instruction Manual ....................................................................................................................... 26
OS Updates .......................................................................................................................................................... 28

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Introduction
Thank you very much for choosing an Uhl-Instruments X3-1 or X3-2. You have obtained a state-of-the-art model
of a vintage organ. We recommend that you read the entire manual carefully to take full advantage of all the
functions of your new Uhl-Instruments X3. Please keep this manual for later reference. We also recommend you
to keep all packaging to protect the instrument if transporting is required.
X3-1 and X3-1 have identical connection jacks and controls. Hence both models are referred to under
the name X3 in the following.
X3 Overview
The HOAX sound engine of the Uhl-Instruments X3 organs fully matches the vintage electromagnetic organ
sound, including rotary cabinet, spring reverb and pedal sustain. This sound engine features completely new
principles of electronic sound generation. An exact physical model of the famous vintage organ delivers the
most authentic organ voices imaginable. It doesn't use computers, signal processors, sample players or analog
electronics. Instead, the layout of vintage organs has been transferred to a detailed physical model. HOAX does
not emulate the sound; it rather creates the sound in real-time –just like real magnetic wheels.
The percussion has that gorgeous round wooden "clonk" (remember "Child in Time"?). The smacking produced
by the tone generator gets under your skin, especially in connection with percussion on. We recreated even the
smallest details of the finest sounding vintage organs. No computers, no samples and no DSPs are used to
comprehensively mimic all the characteristic sound details. To take a single example: the Chorus/Vibrato can't
be distinguished. No wobbling! Switch it on and enjoy that silky C/V shimmer, long-desired by clonewheel
players.
The innovative sound generation boast a great number of advantages: there is absolutely no perceivable key-to-
audio latency since the 91 magnetic wheels are continuously running, just like in a magnetic wheel generator.
Polyphony is unlimited. No lost notes, even if all keys are pressed simultaneously. And the total absence of
unwanted phase relations between the magnetic wheels makes the sound of the Uhl-Instruments X3 so
incredibly lively and natural.
All the sought after „shortcomings“were taken over as well:
Leakage /crosstalk, magnetic wheel slip and flutter, harmonic distortion and output voltages of pickups and
filters - and of course the typical „keyclick". The X3 keyclick is not just an added noise signal. It is dynamically
produced by random "chatter“of key contacts, dependent on key velocity. Other features are: Chorus/Vibrato
based on a digitally recreated LC delay line, Percussion in all variations, foldback and precise tapering. Drawbar
response is immediate and responsive, just like a vintage organ.
Warning! Playing an Uhl X3 organ is highly addictive!

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Backpanel Connections
Expression-Pedal: The pedal jack can be used with a Yamaha FC7 or similar expression pedals
Rotary SLOW/FAST: Supports latch mode footswitches with stereo plugs. Momentary switches are not
supported. Pin configuration: Tip = SLOW/FAST, Ring = RUN/STOP
2 x MIDI IN: These inputs can be used to connect a controller keyboard for Lower Manual (Midi channel 2) and
a Midi pedal for pedal bass (Midi channel 3).
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Main-OUT L + R: Standard audio output for standard instrument cables (TS Male ¼). The audio routing can be
configured with the display/menu-panel (see page 20).
AUX L + R: Auxiliary audio output for for standard instrument cables (TS Male ¼). The audio routing can be
configured with the display/menu-panel (see page 20).
Expression-Pedal
Page 11
e.g. Yamaha FC-7
2 x MIDI IN
Page 18
Rotary SLOW/FAST
Start /Stop
Foot-Switch
z.B. BOSS FS-5L
MAIN-OUT
L + R
Page 10
AUX-OUT
L + R
Page 10

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USB: This is only for connecting to a PC for using the X3-Remote software (no USB-Midi). Please see page 26
for a X3 Remote software instruction.
MIDI-OUT: The X3 can be used as a velocity sensitive controller keyboard. External sound modules or
synthesizers can be played together with the organ sound of the X3.
PHONES Jack: This is a stereo jack for connecting headphones.
11-Pin Rotary Jack: For connection of an external rotary cabinet (see page 11)
Power Switch (see page 8)
USB
Page 26
11-Pin
Jack
Page11
MIDI-OUT
Page 19
Phones
Page 10
Power Switch
2 Fuses
a 500 mA
AC IN 100-240 V

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Connecting the Power Cable
The X3 runs on AC power: 100, 120, 230, or 240 volts at 50–60 Hz. The voltage level is set automatically. Make
sure the X3 power switch is set to off before you connect the power cable. Plug the cable into a grounded outlet
only.
Make sure that your power outlet delivers an appropriate voltage level as described above.
The power cable may vary according to the country where you bought your X3. Do not manipulate the
cable or plug. If your power source does not have a standard grounded outlet, you should have a proper
grounding system installed by an expert before using the X3. This will reduce the risk of a shock.

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Console
Percussion
Page 12
Chorus und
Vibrato + Rotary
Page 13
Drawbars Upper
Page 12
Display/Menu-
Panel
Page 20
Drawbars Lower
Page 12
Drawbars
Bass-Pedal
Page 12
Chorus und Vibrato
Drehschalter
Page 13
Tone-
Regler
Page 16
Volume Amp122
Page 17
Volred
Main-Out +
Headphone
Page 17
Hall
Page14
Presets
Page 15
OUT A/B
Page 10+16
Split
Page14

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Startup
Connecting the Power Cable:
Make sure the power switch (see page 7)
10
is set to OFF before you connect the power cable at the X3.
Plug the power cable into a grounded outlet only.
The X3 runs on AC power: 100, 120, 230, or 240 volts at 50–60 Hz.
Audio Connections
Make sure your sound system is at a safe volume level. Also make sure that the X3’s
VOLUME knob (on the far left side of the front panel) is all the way down.
Plug in a pair of stereo headphones or run two standard 1/4‐inch instrument cables from the
MAIN outputs of the X3 to your amplifier or mixer for stereo. Use only one of the two outputs for mono.
AUDIO-Jacks:
The X3 features two pairs of audio jacks, MAIN-Out und AUX-Out ( see page 6). Thes are standard ¼ inch
jacks. The audio routing can be configured with the display/menu-panel (see page 20). The routing options
are outlined below:
Configuration
Main-OUT L
Main-OUT R
AUX L
AUX R
ORG/PD - L/R
Organ Plain
Pedal
Rotary Left
Rotary Right
PD/ORG - R/L
Pedal
Organ Plain
Rotary Right
Rotary Left
L/R - ORG/PD
Rotary Left
Rotary Right
Organ Plain
Pedal
R/L - PD/ORG
Rotary Right
Rotary Left
Pedal
Organ Plain
ORG/L - PD/R
Organ
Rotary Left
Pedal
Rotary Right
L/ORG - R/PD
Rotary Left
Organ Plain
Rotary Right
Pedal
PD/R - ORG/L
Pedal
Rotary Right
Organ Plain
Rotary Left
R/PD - L/ORG
Rotary Right
Pedal
Rotary Left
Organ Plain
AMP/PD - L/R
Organ AmpSim
Pedal
Rotary Left
Rotary Right
PD/AMP - R/L
Pedal
Organ AmpSim
Rotary Right
Rotary Left
L/R - AMP/PD
Rotary Left
Rotary Right
Organ AmpSim
Pedal
R/L - PD/AMP
Rotary Right
Rotary Left
Pedal
Organ AmpSim
AMP/L - PD/R
Organ AmpSim
Rotary Left
Pedal
Rotary Right
L/AMP - R/PD
Rotary Left
Organ AmpSim
Rotary Right
Pedal
PD/R - AMP/L
Pedal
Rotary Right
Organ AmpSim
Rotary Left
R/PD - L/AMP
Rotary Right
Pedal
Rotary Left
Organ AmpSim
L/R = Rotary Cabinet Stereo-Simulation left/right , including Amp 122-Simulation (Overdrive)
ORG = Pure Organ signal
AMP = Organ-Signal with Amp 122-Simaltion (Overdrive) but without Rotary Effect
PD = Bass-Pedal
MAIN-Out und AUX-Out jacks can be used with professional audio equipment like active speakers, mixers,
PA, multicore /DI-Boxes, rotary cabinets (1/4 –inch plugs) and other such audio devices.

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11-Pin Rotary Output:
The X3 is designed to connect with a 11-pin rotary speaker cabinet. When a physical rotary speaker is
connected via the 11-pin plug, the [RUN] and [SLOW/FAST] control buttons perform the same functions as
with the internal rotary simulation. The rotary speed can also be controlled with a foot switch like e.g. a
BOSS FS5L (latch mode switch with stereo TS ¼ inch plug only! See page 6).
Volume/Expression-Pedal Input
Connect an expression Pedal like the Yamaha FC7 or similar (10k to 47k) here to control organ volume while
you are playing (see page 6).
Foot Switch Input
Connect a 1/4" TS foot switch here to control the SLOW/FAST settings of the internal rotary simulation. The
footswitch also can control a physical rotary speaker connected to the 11-pin jack. Attention! Please only use a
latch mode switch like the BOSS FS5L. Momentary switches are not supported! To also control the RUN/STOP
function in addition to SLOW/FAST a double foot switch is needed.

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Controls
Drawbars
9 Drawbars Upper-Manual 2 Drawbars Bass-Pedal Sustain 9 Drawbars Lower-Manual
16“ 5 1/3“ 8“ 4“ 2 2/3“ 2“ 1 3/5“ 1 1/3“ 1“ 16“ 8“ Bass-Pedal 16“ 5 1/3“ 8“ 4“ 2 2/3“ 2“ 1 3/5“ 1 1/3“ 1“
The X3 organ has 2 sets of nine drawbars, one for the upper manual and one for the lower manual plus
2 drawbars for the bass pedal. A third bass pedal drawbar controls sustain of the bass sound. The drawbars are
used for adjusting the basic harmonics of the X3. This offers a wealth of sound shaping options. All 9 drawbars
pulled out results in 9 different harmonic tones per key.
Percussion
Percussion: ON/OFF SOFT FAST 3 RD
Percussion changes the attack characteristic of a note by adding an percussion signal to the note that is played.
The volume of the percussion is adjusted by the SOFT button. Decay of the percussion signal depends on the
FAST button setting. Frequency is selectable to be either the 2nd or 3rd harmonic of the played note. Percussion
is "single triggered". To hear the percussion effect for every note requires that the currently pressed key is fully
released prior to playing the next one. The percussion can only be enabled on the upper manual. All percussion
parameters like volume, decay are programmable in the Menu/Display panel (see page 20).

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Chorus/Vibrato
Sixfold rotary switch Chorus/VIB Chorus/VIB
Chorus/Vibrato Upper Lower
3xVIB/3xChorus
Rotary switch is used for selecting one of the six effects vibrato V1, V2, V3 or chorus C1, C2, C3. The two
push-buttons Vib/Chorus Upper and Lower are used to switch the effect on/off, either for the upper or lower
manual. Ex-factory the Vib/Chorus parameters are set according to a real vintage organ. All Vib/Chorus
parameters are programmable in the Menu/Display panel (see page 20).
Internal Rotary-Cabinet Simulation
Rotary START/STOPP (Break) Rotary SLOW/FAST
The X3 features a fully programmable rotary effect of the highest quality. It faithfully replicates the sound of a
rotary speaker cabinet including tube saturation (Tube Drive).
To activate the included rotary speaker cabinet simulation the MAIN-OUT audio jacks must be routed to [L+R].
Please check the Menu/Display panel instruction on page 20.
Use the START/STOP button to switch on the internal rotary effect. Use the red SLOW/FAST button to switch
between slow and fast rotary speed (Chorale and Tremolo). The LED in the START/STOP button indicates the
rotary speed.
The rotary effect is fully programmable with the Menu/Display panel (see page 20). Many parameters like
speed, acceleration, horn/bass balance and distance of microphone placement can be adjusted to taste.

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Hall / Reverb
REV1 REV2 REV3 (REV1 + REV2) SPLIT
The X3 features a well-balanced reverb which emulates a vintage spring reverb.
There are four reverb levels available: OFF, REV 1, REV 2 and REV 3.
To activate the reverb press one of the buttons [REV1] or [REV2]. To obtain reverb level REV3 both buttons
[REV1+ REV2] must be pressed simultaneously. The individual levels of REV1, REV2, and REV3 can be adjusted
to taste in the Menu/Display panel (see page 20).
Split-Mode
Keyboard split is available for the lower or upper manual with a selectable split point. Two keyboard zones are
easily set up by assigning any desired key split zones.
Lower to Upper: Press the key of the desired split point on the upper manual, hold while pressing the
[Split] button. Now the left part of the keyboard plays the Lower Manual. Use the right-hand drawbars
to adjust the Lower Manual sound.
Pedal to Upper: Press two adjacent keys at the desired split point on the upper manual, hold both keys
while pressing the [Split] button. Now the left part of the keyboard plays the Pedal Bass. Use the Pedal
Bass drawbars to adjust the Pedal Bass sound.
Pedal to Lower (X3-2 only!): Press two adjacent keys at the desired split point on the lower manual,
hold both keys while pressing the [Split] button. Now the left part of the lower keyboard plays the Pedal
Bass. Use the Pedal Bass drawbars to adjust the Pedal Bass sound.
The split point will be saved automatically until the X3 is switched off.

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Common-Presets
The X3 provides 14 common presets. All settings of a sound are stored in these presets, such as percussion,
chorus/vibrato, reverb, split and audio-out routing. If none of the four LEDs is lit, the "live" setting is selected
which means that drawbars and buttons are used to adjust the sound. When pressing a preset button the stored
preset sound is recalled. Pressing the button again switches the X3 back to "live" setting.
14 „Common“ Presets (Buttons 1–4)
Storing a preset: After you adjusted a sound to your liking press a preset button of your choice and keep it
pressed until the LEDs of all preset buttons start blinking. Then release the button. Your preset is now
stored and can be recalled with the respective button.
Common-Presets:
The number of common presets is derived from different combinations of the 4 preset buttons.
Up to 3 button can be pressed simultaneously to store and recall a preset:
Example 1: The preset named 1 is button 1.
Example 2: The preset named 32 is a combination of the buttons 3 + 2.
Example 3: The preset named 23 is a combination of the buttons 2 + 3.
In total there are 14 presets available.
What is stored in a common preset?
Drawbar settings (upper, lower, pedal)
Settings of percussion, reverb, chorus/vibrato, split, rotary, audio routing

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Audio Output Configuration A/B
HX3 generates selectable output signals: stereo rotary simulation = L/R, plain organ = ORG, bass pedal = PD and
organ with tube amp simulation = AMP.
The X3 output signals can be routed to any of the 4 jack s of the two output pairs MAIN OUT and AUX OUT. Two
configurations are available, so you may set these for your own needs and toggle between them with the OUT B
button on the panel board.
• AudioJ Conf A sets audio jack configuration A
• AudioJ Conf B sets audio jack configuration B
The audio output routing is fully programmable with the Menu/Display panel (see page 20).
Tone-Control
Cranked up high frequencies accentuate the key click and percussion. Turn the knob counter-clockwise to
reduce high frequencies.
It is recommended to discreetly dial back the high frequencies if the X3 is played with
very high volume levels during live performance.
A/B Button
Tone-Regler

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Volume Amp122
In addition to the accurate rotary simulation the X3 also features a separate 122 amp output. It emulates the
sound and characteristics of the 12BH7 tube and the two 6550 tubes .The tube amp overdrive starts from the
center position of the volume control. Turning the volume control clockwise adds more harmonic tube
overdrive.
Volred (Main-Out + Headphone)
The intensity of the overdrive increases loudness with increasing volume level. Full overdrive can increase
the total volume level too excessively. To accommodate that many clonewheels just add an unvariable
monotonic overdrive. This entails limited overdrive dynamics and unnatural sound. Not so with the X3! The X3
features an additional post-overdrive Volred (= volume reduction) control. The Volred control allows for fully
dynamic tube overdrive at reasonable total volume levels.
Settings:
- Volred fully turned clockwise = no volume reduction.
- Volred turned counter clockwise = reduced volume level including overdrive at MAIN-OUT jack/headphone
jack (Volume Amp122 control must be turned clockwise!).
Volume Amp122
Volred
Main-Out +
Headphone

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MIDI
MIDI-IN (2x)
The two Midi inputs can be used to connect a controller keyboard for Lower Manual (Midi channel 2) and a Midi
pedal for pedal bass (Midi channel 3) to obtain a fully fitted magnetic wheel vintage organ.
l
Example X3-1:
Example X3-2:
2 x MIDI-IN
MIDI-OUT
To play the „Lower“ of the X3-1:
Connect a MIDI-Keyboard to one of the both
MIDI-IN-Sockets of the X3-1. To play the Lower
select MIDI Channel 2
To play the Pedal-Bass of the X3-1:
Connect a MIDI-Keyboard to one of the both
MIDI-IN-Sockets of the X3-1. To play the Lower
select MIDI Channel 3
To play the Pedal-Bass of the X3-2:
Connect a MIDI-Keyboard to one of the both
MIDI-IN-Sockets of the X3-1. To play the Lower
select MIDI Channel 3

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MIDI-OUT
The Midi-Out can be used to connect a sound module or synthesizer which then can be played together with the
organ sound of the X3. This way the X3 can be used as a velocity sensitive controller keyboard.
MIDI-OUT

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Menu/Display
Menu Panel Display Controls
The menu panel display offers full access to many X3 parameters like percussion, chorus/vibrato, keyclick, rotary-
cabinet, reverb, factory presets, leakage, tapering. All parameters can be stored individually.
Use Up/Down buttons to scroll through menu items.
Use the Data Entry incremental encoder knob to change parameter values by turning the knob either right or
left. A changed parameter is indicated by an asterisk in the display. To store changed settings press the Data
Entry rotary knob for 2 seconds until the [Saved] message appears. Hereafter the asterisk disappears.
.
If you change more than one parameter, every single parameter change must be stored individually.
To find parameters which have not been stored, just use the Up/Down buttons to scroll through the
complete menu and look out for asterisks. Then press the Data Entry knob for 2 seconds to permanently
store each parameter still showing an asterisk.
Save Mode
Press the Data Entry knob for 2 seconds to permanently store parameter changes. The asterisk disappears after
saving.
Menu Up -Button
Menu Down -Button
Data/Entry Button
(Rotary-Switch + Button)
Display
The organ was transposed
by a semitone –die Change
is active but not stored for
future: Asterisk appears
The change has been saved for
the future: the asterisk is no
longer displayed.