Used Allen ADC and older model

[cantornikolaos]

I just looked at an Allen ADC 2100 (I think) and an older model (newer than MOS I think). The older of the two I think is like $1500-ish and the ADC is maybe $3500-ish. Is that a good deal. I am thinking about going for the older one though I like the ADC better. Neither of the two have midi, but they both have punch card readers and cards for alterable voices. </P>


If I add a third party reverb to the sound before it goes to the amps, will that improve the sound? I am thinking about getting one of those and adding areverb unit and using that for prarctice or something. I am also debating with myself about modding it into a midiconsole for Hauptwerk Virtual Pipe Organ. I played a Quantum and without the Cathedral reverb, it was dry and unexciting and even electric sounding. With the reverb, it wasexciting. Does anyone know if midi can be added without too much trouble? </P>

[jbird604]

Re: Used Allen ADC and older model



Nik,</P>


I'dgo with the ADC2100 if you have any interest in putting MIDI on it. Any Allen older than ADC cannot be easily adapted to MIDI. ADC models can be MIDI-ed with the simple addition of a board your dealer or tech can order. Cheaper to do the whole organ than to add MIDI to a single manual of an older model.</P>


Beware though that MIDI on these ADC models only transmits actual key-on and key-off data, not any stop, piston, expression, or transposer data. So it's perfect for driving Hauptwerk or an external module as long as you don't expect to control Hauptwerk or the external module from the Allen tabs or pistons.</P>


Expression on the 2100 would be on a small audio processor board in the back, and there are spare inputs for a MIDI module (the inputs are marked "Rhythm left and right") and they are expressed, so you could pipe your MIDI module or Hauptwerk into the Allen audio system quite easily.</P>


Also, reverb can be added easily to an ADC model, but NOT to any older Allen. The reason is that prior to ADC, Allen used a totally different signal level and impedance spec, not standard "line level" signals, so adding reverb to an older Allen is a bit complicated. It's a snap with a 2100, because it's got two amps with normal line inputs. Just unplug the audio inputs and detour the signal through any standard stereo reverb unit before running it back into the amps.</P>


The only drawback to the 2100, if memory serves me correctly, is the oddball preset capture system. I believe the capture action is 'blind" on that model. You can set up your own combinations, but the tabs won't physically move in response to pistons. You must look at a digital readout to know what preset you are using.</P>


Of course, you didn't say what the "older" Allen in question really is. I might feel differently about the whole matter if you were to say it's a big multi-computer MOS-2 organ.</P>


John</P>
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[cantornikolaos]

Re: Used Allen ADC and older model



Thanks for the Re:</P>


I will possibly have to wait for now. $3500 is a lot of money. I am totally thrilled with what Hauptwerk can do and I want to use an organ (or digital organ)console to run it. I was really impressed with what it can do. I hooked up my midi keyboard to myPC last night and never could get the keyboard to send signal to theHauptwerk Virtual Pipe organ. This is the first time I've run it myself. I'd love to get it going, but last night was all frustration!</P>


Areyou awareof a software called MyOrgan? It's a freeware from sourceforge that works with the same idea as Virtual Pipe Organ. I found it in the past, but can't find it now. </P>

[cantornikolaos]

Re: Used Allen ADC and older model



For anyone interested in how this story is developing, I decided that I think I'm going to wait on this project. I have a midi keyboard working and after seeing stuff on the Hauptwerk forum, I think I'll build a console with manuals harvested from single midi keyboards. I can also attach an old pedalboard to a midi keyboard. That'll do fine for me. Also, it will require me to design and build something, which I enjoy anyway. </P>


If I find an MDS-26 or MDS-36 and have the money, I might go for that. I would have a better sounding console and midi. </P>
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[Guest]

Re: Used Allen ADC and older model

[quote user="cantornikolaos"]

Thanks for the Re:</p>


I will possibly have to wait for now. $3500 is a lot of money. I am totally thrilled with what Hauptwerk can do and I want to use an organ (or digital organ)console to run it. I was really impressed with what it can do. I hooked up my midi keyboard to myPC last night and never could get the keyboard to send signal to theHauptwerk Virtual Pipe organ. This is the first time I've run it myself. I'd love to get it going, but last night was all frustration!</p>


Areyou awareof a software called MyOrgan? It's a freeware from sourceforge that works with the same idea as Virtual Pipe Organ. I found it in the past, but can't find it now. </p>

[/quote]</p>

MyOrgan disappeared a few months ago. I started on MyOrgan first and it got me hooked to buy Hauptwerk! If you have an older MIDI compatible organ, like mine, Hauptwerk with it's super sounds has given a new lease of life for it.</p>

Good luck in your Hauptwerk organ development. Welcome to the club!
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[cantornikolaos]

Re: Used Allen ADC and older model

How good was MyOrgan?