HYBRID ORGAN SOLUTIONS
An affordable and durable alternative
The combination organ, as the name indicates, is a combined pipe and digital organ. This might entail, for example, replacing an outdated console with a digital one (often at a lower price). Adding extra digital stops to the pipe organ stoplist is also an option. Adding digital components or using them to replace outdated components is an affordable and durable alternative.
Highlights
Hybrid Organ Solutions is actually a collective title for four specific hybrid solutions. The solution chosen depends on the specific circumstances and wishes.
Adding a digital console to a pipe organ
Perhaps the console of an electro-pneumatic pipe organ is due for replacement, or adding a positive seems necessary. With Hybrid Organ Solutions, we can offer you a new console completely tailored to suit your organ. Completely replacing the console or adding an extra manual are both options.
The advanced Pipe Integration Manager (PIM) technology enables a Johannus console to be seamlessly connected to the pipe organ’s pipe controls. The device works simply, can be connected to any number of pipes, and can be programmed on location. Following installation, any necessary changes are easily made.
The PIM is controlled by a file that can be modified on the computer. The computer file specifies whether a stop is speaking (pipe) or non-speaking (digital). Loading the file onto the organ by means of a USB stick means the changes take effect immediately. All digital stops can be tuned on location, note by note.
Electro-pneumatic pipe organs are particularly well-suited to the integration of a digital console using PIM technology. It’s a little more complicated for mechanical pipe organs, but we can review the options for a digital console after analyzing the mechanical pipe organ concerned.
Adding (more) digital stops to a pipe organ
Perhaps there is a need for more stops, but there is no longer enough space in the organ cabinet (and/or the budget) for additional pipes. Hybrid Organ Solutions offers various options for adding extra digital stops. Our Digital Stop Unit, for example, is a module containing the selected stops, which are heard through loudspeakers in the organ cabinet. In addition to stops for the Great and Swell divisions, we can also add pedal stops. This also gives you the option of attaching a pedalboard and having it work independently from the rest. For optimal control of the organ stops, we equip the current console with a number of additional features. The equipment needed to optimize the organ is assessed based on the individual instrument.
We also offer another option with Pipe Midi Interface, which enables the control of new pipe stops. We add drawknobs to the existing console, and these can be used to operate the pipe stops. Once the organ incorporates a combination of digital and pipe stops, this option makes it easier to play.
Adding a digital console + stops to a pipe organ
Either an existing pipe organ needs to be expanded with the addition of a manual and extra stops, or the existing manual needs replacement. With Hybrid Organ Solutions, we build a customized digital console that sends information to the Pipe Midi Interface controlling the pipes in the pipe organ. We also add stops that are controlled by the new digital console. With the help of the Pipe Midi Interface, we can also install drawknobs in the digital console to control the pipe organ stops.
If additional digital stops are desired, then the number of manuals can also be expanded. When adding an extra manual, such as a Swell or Choir, digital stops can easily be selected. The same applies to adding a pedalboard that has to operate independently. We add a number of pedal stops so that the pedalboard can be disconnected.
A complete new hybrid organ
There is no existing pipe organ, but the client would like to have a new hybrid organ built. Hybrid Organ Solutions offer every conceivable combination option when it comes to hybrid ogants. In collaboration with our consultant, a complete new hybrid organ is designed on the basis of almost unlimited options for the console, digital stops and pipe stops.
In order to create an ultimate hybrid between a pipe organ and a digital organ, Johannus works with renowned pipe organ builders from around the world, including Germany, France, England and America.
The six pros of Hybrid Organ Solutions
Combining the romance of the pipe organ with the technical potential of a digital console and digital stops always ensures higher quality.
Adding a digital console and digital stops costs less than traditional pipe organ restoration or expansion.
Digital stops stay truer to tone and are unaffected by fluctuating temperatures in the church building.
If desired, a hybrid organ can also be enriched by adding such stops as a piano, trumpet or orchestral stops. Adding a 64-foot stop is also a possibility.
A digital console eliminates the need for expensive maintenance and tune-ups in the long run.
Digital components in a pipe organ are easy to update and can be replaced at relatively reasonable rates.