can one play organ sample sets and instrumental samples simultaneously with Hauptwerk

[hybridlover]

Hi-

I have a question about Hauptwerk that I have researched online and talked to several organ builders about, but am still confused, and was wondering, since you have experience with Hauptwerk, if you might be able to answer a question.

I am looking to acquire a two-or-three manual organ console that is MIDI-fied and set up to play the EM Skinner sample set, and a Theatre Organ set, and a American Classic organ sample set, and would like to be able to integrate some instrumental samples, as well, such as strings, piano, flute, violin (things you'd find on say an Allen or Rodgers add-on MIDI module), but am wondering if (a) such a sample/set or module could be made to play at the same time as a classic organ sample set, for layering of sounds; or (b) if there is a sample set out there for Hauptwerk, that has both pipe organ samples and instrumental samples as part of the same sample set.

If not, do you know or could you direct me somewhere to see if there might be a Hauptwerk compatible sample set that includes both traditional organ samples and such instrumental samples together?

Any information you can provide would be most gratefully appreciated.

Sincerely,


Andy

[Admin]

The short answer is yes. You'll have use a separate sound module for your non-Hauptwerk samples, and use a MIDI splitter cable to split the MIDI between Hauptwerk and your external sound module.

Your external module must also be set up to use the same MIDI channels for the keyboards and expression that Hauptwerk is using.

Some sample sets, such as the Paramount Theatre Organ sets, have MIDI stops that allow control of the external device from Hauptwerk.

I don't know of any Hauptwerk sample sets that combine organ an instrumental samples.

[m&m's]

Use any external module that you like for the instrumental sounds. Admin gave the correct answer.

It might be possible to feed the MIDI into the instrument module, and then use its Through MIDI port to the Hauptwerk computer, if you anticipate using both extensively, to avoid using a MIDI splitter.

[tucsondave]

I have run the free version of Hauptwerk with a classic organ simultaneously with J-Organ running the Allman Symphonic IV disposition as well as the JL piano dispositions.

td

[m&m's]

I have run the free version of Hauptwerk with a classic organ simultaneously with J-Organ running the Allman Symphonic IV disposition as well as the JL piano dispositions.

td

Yes, that works, but unless you have each going to its own audio output, you can cause audio problems. Been there, done that.

[Momboc]

Hello Andy,

Yes you can simultaneously play a Hauptwerk (classic or theatre) sample set and instrumental samples (or any other samples) - and it can be done using a single PC. But you need the right combination of PC hardware, software, configurations and drivers (or a MAC).

I do exactly this on my PC based modular virtual organ, using:
* Hauptwerk - for the virtual organ, and
* Native Instruments 'Kontakt' - for the virtual instruments.

I don't use Hauptwerk for instrumental samples because it is really not designed for that purpose.
Kontakt is a high quality sample player and you can buy an extensive range of sample sets for it. I use the full version of Kontakt which comes with a large library of sampled instruments, and many other sample sets are available through third parties (keys, orchestral, vocal, band, percussion, synth, ethnic, you name it) . Kontakt is also included in Native Instrument's 'Komplete' or 'Komplete Ultimate' bundle. If you are interested you can view their website here:
http://www.native-instruments.com/en...ers/kontakt-5/

Of course, you can use an external hardware sound module as suggested above. I do this as well with several modules, and also use them simultaneously.

There are few things that you need to consider.

To play virtual instruments properly, you need velocity sensitive keyboards. A MIDIfied organ console probably will not have velocity sensitive keyboards, which means that when you play a virtual instrument with such a console you will only get one velocity and all notes will sound at the same volume and timbre.

Hauptwerk, by itself, can be quite resource intensive on a PC; so if you want to simultaneously play both organ and instrument samples then you will need suitably up-spec'd hardware. Note that I have upgraded my PC to an i7 processor with 12GB RAM from the original specs that are shown in my organ build thread (the link is in my signature block), but I still use the M-Audio Delta1010lt audio card with ASIO driver (however these cards are now discontinued).

If you haven't already done so you should download the Hauptwerk Installation and User Guide.
https://www.hauptwerk.com/support/documentation/
Read the "Hauptwerk prerequisites" in Section II. Take particular note of the section on Audio interfaces which says:

"In principle, any audio or sound interface, which is supported by the manufacturer on your operating system and hardware, and has good drivers, should work. Professional or semi-professional audio interfaces with high-quality digital-to-analog converters and drivers are strongly recommended above consumer-level sound cards for best quality, reliability, performance and minimal delay between pressing a key and hearing the sound (‘latency’).

On the Windows/PC platform the quality and compatibility of the drivers and components is particularly important for reliable low-latency audio and MIDI performance. Either ASIO or DirectSound drivers can be used, but good-quality manufacturer-supplied ASIO drivers are strongly recommended for best performance."


Reduction of latency is the key. Hauptwerk works very well using ASIO drivers on my audio card and so does Kontakt, BUT ASIO is designed to be seized by a single application, so both apps cannot use ASIO at the same time and the app that is launched second will be 'locked out' of using ASIO. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_Stream_Input/Output

Fortunately, the M-Audio Delta1010lt audio card I use has a multi-client driver so it can simultaneously accept an input from one app using ASIO and other apps using other drivers.

I use ASIO with Kontakt so that pianos and other fast attack instruments don't sound delayed. With Hauptwerk, you can use the Windows Directsound driver or use a freeware driver called ASIO4ALL - which isn't actually ASIO but instead 'emulates' it and is not locked out.

This works fine for me - but it definitely is not for someone who wants to turn on "the organ" and play. Then again neither is Hauptwerk by itself.

If you do use external modules then you will need to mix the audio outputs of the PC (Hauptwerk) and the sound module(s) together.

[hybridlover]

Many thanks to all for your helpful and generous insights. Will keep you posted....