Hi Ray,
I really like to use the Ensemble voices when I can as I think they sound really good for the songs I like to play. And, there are differences, between the Close 1, Close 2, and Close 3 in Ensemble mode, but importantly, not for every cord. Here are three examples. I used the 'Miller Time' Ensemble voice for this chart.
| Left Hand | Right Hand | Close 1 | Close 2 | Close 3 |
| G-Chord | G | G-D-B-G | | G-E-D-B | | G-D-B-G | |
| G7 | G | G-F-D-B | | G-F-D-B | | G-F-D-B | |
| Gsus | G | G-D-C-B | | G-D-D-C | | G-D-C-B | |
So, from that small sample, it looks like Close 3 and Close 1 do the same in Ensemble voice with some differences in Close 2, but I wouldn't be surprised if other chords produced different results. In case you weren't aware, you can see what notes are sounding in Ensemble mode if you tap the sliders icon in the upper right of the voice selection screen with an ensemble voice active.
EDIT: It occurred to me afterwards, that it might also effect note selection in chord progressions, or moving from one chord to another. I didn't check on this (yet).
BTW, One annoyance for me is that the Ensemble voices do not honor 'On-Bass' chords, at least in AI mode. (I don't know about 'Fingered On Bass', I don't use it, I'm not that good.) If I play a G/B using the AI system, the Ensemble voice will stubbornly play G-D-B-G. My current work around is to use the bass from the style, set it accordingly, and mute the lowest ensemble voice. But getting the balance right is annoying.
Adam
