News and updates

11th February 2023 - Version 3.0.0.0

Great Organ -- Major upgrade to existing software

• New user interface
• Now available on Windows, Mac and Linux!
• Leeds Town Hall Organ released on Windows, Mac and Linux

1st November 2021 - Version 2.6.2.0

Great Organ Version 2.6.2.0 - Minor Upgrade to base software

• Further alterations to piston memory settings

• Fix for input captures when using transposer so that it uses the un-transposed midi inputs

29th October 2021 - Version 2.6.1.0

Great Organ Version 2.6.1.0 - Minor Upgrade to the base software

• Fixes to piston memory settings

• Fixes for general cancel general set on multiple memory that was reported by users

• Further preparations to the base components to accomodate the Linux version

• Development on Linux version of Great Organ is continuing and being trialed using the new Hexham Abbey organ

• Hexham Abbey - Lawrence Phelps organ is released! (Windows only presently)

• Updated version of Ripon Cathedral organ, v1.1.0.0 - Improved voicing and convolution reverb

12th September 2021 - Version 2.6.0.0

Great Organ Version 2.6.0.0 - Minor Upgrade to the base software

• Improved initial loading time

• Better and faster sample data loading

• Software expiry fixed

• Further preparations to the base components to accomodate the Linux version

• Development on Linux version of Great Organ is well underway and being trialed using the new Hexham Abbey organ

13th April 2021 - Version 2.5.2.0

Great Organ Version 2.5.2.0 - Minor Upgrade to the base software - PLEASE UPGRADE ORGANS IN LINE WITH THIS VERSION DUE TO FRAMEWORK CHANGES

• Changed .net framework SDK to .netcore3.1 from the new .net5, following some isolated reports of poor loading performance.

• Additional enhancments to the organ loading process to reduce memory used when loading an instrument.

• VST 2.4 Instrument support brought back and now available for some organs.

27th March 2021 - Version 2.5.0.0

Great Organ Version 2.5.0.0 - Major upgrade to base software - PLEASE UPGRADE ORGANS IN LINE WITH THIS VERSION

• Added support for System Exclusive MIDI messages for hardware stop / piston etc. capture.
• Added support for Novation LaunchPads
• Added enhanced MIDI support to External and Internal MIDI trace tools
• Fix to virtual keyboard display in application
• All components and installers digitally signed and further hardened to prevent tampering/malware attacks
• Upgraded Fast Fourier Transforms library to latest version and enabled more AVX functionality
• Major upgrade to underlying development platform from .netcore3.1 to .net5.0
• Prevented captured events from leaking into MIDI recordings
• Various user requested MIDI recording modifications implemented
• Fix for preset memory increment/decrement
• Number of additional audio optimisations and performance enhancements implemented
• Added proper full screen portrait mode to many organs.
• Created new ASIO 32 bit native interface in stereo, and removed slower lower resolution previous ASIO implementation
• Made some small base software feature upgrades to support upcoming organs due to be released shortly

Please note, as we have added additional digital code signing security to this version, we are advising users to also download and update the full versions of each installed organ.

Digitally signed software is your GUARANTEE that the software you download and install, has not been changed in any way since we built it!

3rd February 2021

New audio settings retrofitted to the Friesach disposition

• Friesach has now been updated to take advantage of some of the newer audio features that were not available at its first release.
• Samples remain identical to those used on other platforms.
• New convolution reverb Impulse Response created for Friesach, Program 1 long to 5 shorter.

1st February 2021 - Version 2.0.1.0

Great Organ Version 2.0.1.0 - Minor feature enhancements

• Added ability to use differential manual velocities, which are respected when coupling down ranks to other manuals. (Required for Ripon)
• Some pedalboards sending out of range messages, were playing correctly but not recording to midi recording, which was filtering the out of range messages.

23rd January 2021 - Version 2.0.0.0

Great Organ Version 2.0.0.0 - Major functionality and performance upgrade

• Many low level audio engine performance enhancements and new algorithms introduced, for smoother clearer audio
• Further improvment to the new native convolution reverb, and added drag drop import of user IR files
• Substantial changes made to piston learning, capturing and synchronisation. No user interface changes
• Brand new powerful native parametric equalizer added
• Retired 32 band graphic EQ as required expert knowledge to set up effectively
• Made a number of cosmetic enhancements and minor functionality updates, based on support queries and user feedback
• Program of upgrading existing organs to take advantage of new audio features commenced. Please bear with us.
• Further work on user documentation, and a new guide on how to get the best out of the new parametric eq, started and will be available soon.
• Added new optional setting which can if switched on, suspend all WiFi and internet connections, and resume them when the software is closed.
• RoboSampler created!
• LoopStudio software created
• Added the ability to now program the keyboard/manual switcher from MIDI input triggers
• Final testing of the new Ripon Cathedral virtual organ, and some 2 manual historic instruments in final testing.

13th July 2020 - Version 1.4.0.0

Great Organ Version 1.4.0.0 - Major functionality and performance upgrade

• Retired Schroder-Moorer, Dattorro and SATReverb
• Introduction of the all new revolutionary Native Surround Reverb system!!!!
• Introduced a second version of the software for using AVX enabled processors
• Added further use of parallel processing for internal MIDI routing
• Additional modifications to low level audio engine to improve quality and speed
• Made a number of cosmetic enhancements and minor functionality updates, based on support queries and user feedback

14th May 2020 - Version 1.2.0.0

Great Organ Version 1.2.0.0

• Added ability to link piston banks and provide stops/pistons to facilitate this
• Removed the SET piston button from all divisions. A single piston set button is now used instead.
• A number of existing organs have now have new user interface designs. Remaining instrument to follow.
• Spirit of Liverpool - a number of reed ranks have had some minor retuning applied
• Modifications to ensure the purchase and activation keys are fully automated and product keys can be obtained self-service
• Update to .netcore 3.1.2 framework
• Minor updates to Friesach user interface and sample set
• Made a number of cosmetic enhancements and minor functionality updates, based on support queries and user feedback

22nd April 2020 - Version 1.1.2.0

Great Organ Version 1.1.2.0

• MIDI input captures were not being filtered correctly in certain circumstances. Fix applied to filter input captures to check additional event criteria.
• Further issue related to input captures incorrectly triggering raised by user on 21st April also addressed.

13th April 2020 - Version 1.1.1.0

Great Organ Version 1.1.1.0

• Introduction of the German user interface locale
• Introduction of the Afrikaans (ZA) user interface locale
• Additional functionality required by organ building software integrated into the base software.
• Low level midi router fix, to prevent unmapped keyboard events being routed as regular note events.
• Added trap viewer to theatre organs, and the ability to adjust traps and effects independently
• Updated Spirit of Liverpool disposition, and added realtime clock
• Updated Barton Theatre organ user interface
• Added MIDI panic in title bar
• Amended more low level routing algorithms to make more use of processor optimised C++ std library algorithms
• Fixed a number of issues with the sheet music viewer, and stop control integration.
• Added better support for floating divisions and linked expression control.
• A considerable amount of testing using the new organ builder software, and testing of test, build, deploy modes
• Added Free Friesach 3 manual organ. Sample set by Piotr Grabowski. Imported and built by the builder software
• Added Kilgen 3 manual custom commissioned organ. Imported and built by the builder software
• Added Free Aeolian Skinner 3 manual organ with floating positiv division, sample set by T.Augustine. Imported and built by the builder software

7th January 2020 - Version 1.0.0.0 OFFICIAL RELEASE

Great Organ / DigitalVPO OFFICIAL RELEASE

• End of 2.5 year successful beta program, tested by hundreds of organists from around the world
• Beta test keys and licenses are retired, with sincere thanks to all who contributed
• Further small enhancements to the low level audio to give an even lower latency and crisper audio quality
• Removal of all beta test diagnostics code, and any unused components
• Further refinements to the convolution reverb processing engine
• Fixed some convolution reverb parameters which were no longer affecting audio output
• Refined the convolution reverb impulse response stretch functionality to give a smoother more natural result
• New online purchasing and licensing system introduced to the web site
• Updated to use .netcore 3.1 and remaining C++ code to 2019 runtimes
• User forum reintroduced

22nd December 2019 - Version 0.9.5.0 update

Great Organ / DigitalVPO final release candidate

This is also the first cross platform build using the final released version of the new .netcore framework 3.1

• Added music viewer and registration recording / recall functionality
• Made a number of user suggested improvements to the music library and viewer
• Increased the bit resolution of the native convolution reverb to studio quality
• Upgraded to Microsoft .netcore 3.1 cross platform development environment.
• Updated the main user interface, and also all organ consoles have had rework
• Additional work to handle non standard and not fully compliant midi hardware

19th November 2019 - Version 0.9.3.0 update

Great Organ / DigitalVPO third release candidate

A new build of Great Organ 0.9.3.0 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users. This is also the first cross platform build using the final released version of the new .netcore framework

• Updates to hardware capture mechanisms to make learning hardware consistent across the system
• Added programmable console and windows shutdown from MIDI events
• Increased use of all available processor cores for parallel sample processing
• Increased use of hyper-threading, and Asynchronous processing
• First version on the new Microsoft .netcore 3.0 cross platform development environment.
• All use of the more heavyweight .Net framework retired in favour of the lighterweight .netcore equivalents
• Updated the main user interface, and also all organ consoles have had rework
• New simpler JSON based settings files format for storage of user and console settings
• Much internal redesign to allow further optimizations in responsiveness and audio quality
• MIDI Trace and diagnostic tool included in the main software installation
• Fixes to music viewers to take better advantage of available screen space
• Better handling of landscape scores and higher resolution display of music notation
• Added after touch vibrato, for use in non-pipe organs, specifically in the orchestral samples
• Four existing organs reintroduced, the Symphony Orchestra, the 3 manual Cavaillé-Coll, and 2 Hammonds (B3 and A100)

2nd September 2019 - Version 0.9.2.0 update

Great Organ / DigitalVPO second release candidate

A new build of Great Organ 0.9.2.0 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users. This is also the first cross platform build using the new .netcore framework (pre-release preview version)

10th June 2019 - Version 0.9.0.0 update

Great Organ / DigitalVPO first release candidate

A new build of Great Organ 0.9.0.0 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• Initial hardware setup reworked and thumb piston programming fixed
• Updated automatic upgrade of organ settings from the global system settings
• Updates to hardware capture mechanisms to make learning hardware consistent across the system
• Added system wide hardware programming capability to transposer, piston memory levels, music display control and crescendo control.
• Added direct crescendo programming functionality
• Added support for up to 50 crescendo positions
• Fixed a number of bugs raised by users in the midi hardware learning, and also speeded up the detection and learning process
• All native code has now been upgraded to C++ 2019
• New faster interop layer has replaced the existing middleware which also assists in the move to other non windows platforms
• Further refinements to the audio layer to produce smoother clearer output
• Additional fixes to hardware stop programming and support
• Captured events from stops, pistons etc, can now be directed to MIDI out, for further external processing, eg. by hardware stop actions

7th April 2019 - Version 0.8.5.0 update

Great Organ / DigitalVPO first release candidate

A new build of Great Organ 0.8.5.0 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• Final handover work from Great Organ to DigitalVPO, (not for profit corporation)
• Initial setup reworked and thumb piston programming added
• Removed necessity for console reset after changing global organ or MIDI settings
• Added automatic upgrade of organ settings from the global system settings
• Added 32 Band Graphic Equalizer
• Updates to hardware capture mechanisms to make learning hardware consistent across the system
• Updated and restyled user interface system wide
• Ability to back up many of the individual settings for later restoration
• Upgraded MIDI record and playback support
• Added ability to record organ output to studio quality lossless audio in both 2 and 6 channel surround sound
• Added further support for hardware stop capture and activation

7th January 2019 - Version 0.7.0.0 update

Great Organ / DigitalVPO (formally known as Great Organ) under new ownership and management.

A new build of Great Organ 0.7.0.0 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• Transition work for handover of Great Organ to new owners, DigitalVPO - Great Organ
• New large Willis samples
• New three manual Willis samples
• New Marcussen 3 manual samples
• New Brindley and Foster 3 manual organ
• Updates to hardware capture mechanisms
• Ability to change MIDI out settings

21st October 2018 - Version 0.6.6.0 update

A new build of Great Organ 0.6.6.0 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• MIDI out added to support various hardward stops and switches
• Convolution reverb overhauled and added IR shrink / stretch
• Trems fixed on a number of sample sets
• French standard interface added for 3 Manual Cavaillé-Coll organ
• Added ability to sort the sample sets on the start screen
• Various bug fixes to MIDI stop / coupler hardware capture
• NEW SAMPLESET ENCODING - Old sample sets MUST be discarded

5th October 2018 - Version 0.6.5.0 update

A new build of Great Organ 0.6.5.0 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• Further improvements to the midi assignment for single device consoles
• Auto detection of portrait mode monitors, for twin or more monitors
• Now has the ability to have an alternate organ plugin location
• Added the ability to move organs between primary and secondary organ plugin location
• Fixes to the list view mode to size to the screen better
• Fixes to the manual switcher to respect the instrument definition rather than physical console
• Piston programming and event capture programming fixed
• Not all instruments were respecting the new portrait mode
• Improvements to the non-proportional portrait display mode
• Better detection of misconfiguration of MIDI keyboards
• Updates to ALL sample sets to correct pitch, tuning and tremulants
• Fix for some sample sets refusing to load, showing a blank white screen
• Completely rebuilt Friesach sample set to respect tuning set by Piotr Grabowski
• *** Complete overhaul of Convolution Reverb, adding extra parameters ***
• Added ability to shrink or strech the reverb impulse responses for better control over reverb decay time
• St Nicholas Blundellsands, updated sample set and definitions.

23rd September 2018 - Version 0.6.1.5 update

A new build of Great Organ 0.6.1.5 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• Modified piston learning / programming
• Fixes to MIDI settings dialog
• Number of cosmetic issues on sample sets fixed
• Programming for Coupler rocker stops on Willis and Skinner organs added
• Various stability updates

12th September 2018 - Version 0.6.1.2 update

A new build of Great Organ 0.6.1.2 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• MIDI Assignment and settings modified
• MIDI Assignment of expression and crescendo pedals fixed
• Pedal MIDI assignment issues fixed
• Diagnostic logging and tracing added to assist with user support enhanced

5th September 2018 - Version 0.6.1.1 update

A new build of Great Organ 0.6.1.1 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• MIDI Assignment and settings modified
• Shift-Right Click on virtual stops to learn stops to MIDI stops/tabs/buttons
• Capture of MIDI hardware to organ functions overhauled
• Pedal MIDI assignment issues fixed
• Auto transpose of midi devices playing in wrong range
• Diagnostic logging and tracing added to assist with user support

10th August 2018 - Version 0.6.1.0 update

A new build of Great Organ 0.6.1.0 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• MIDI Assignment and settings overhauled
• Number of new organs created.
• Many sample sets upgraded to 24 bit from 16 bit
• Reverb issue fixed where additional reverb was applied but uncommanded
• 32 band parametric graphic Equalizer VST plugin added

13th June 2018 - Version 0.6.0.3 update

A new build of Great Organ 0.6 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• Console keyboards were being defaulted to the incorrect divisions
• Master volume control changed to work on a linear not logarithmic curve
• Ability to update and patch the base software without requiring to re-download sample sets
• Learning more than 3 keyboards now possible up to a maximum of 5 plus one pedal board
• Keyboard switcher only showing a maximum of 3 keyboards, now shows all keyboards configured for your console

2nd June 2018 - Version 0.6 update

A new build of Great Organ 0.6 has been uploaded which fixes a number of issues found by our users.

• Midi setup and learning completely re-written based on some great feedback and suggestions.
• USB keyboard devices don't need to be relearned if devices change, or have upgraded drivers.
• Large Willis (Spirit of Liverpool) now using 24bit sample set and had a total revoice.
• St. Ouen Cavaillé-Coll organ using brand new 24 bit sample set and also had a full revoice.
• St. Nicholas Blundellsands organ using brand new 24 bit sample set and also had a full revoice.
• New 24 bit Rieger Orgelbau organ from the USA added to collection of instruments.
• Ability of users to use their own favourite VST2.4 plugins for Reverb etc, instead of the build in reverb.
• Spring reverbs added for Hammond Organ when using built in Convolution Reverb.
• Default voicing was not applying the voicing we intended on installation, leaving the organs incorrectly voiced.
• Support for up to 6 Midi input devices (5 keyboards and one pedalboard) added.
• Expression pedals don't need to be learned for every instrument individually any longer.
• Organ version numbers were incorrectly reporting as 0.5 not 0.6
• Previous build which had expired has been fixed

Known issues as at 2nd June 2018

Known issues with version 0.6

• Rapid input switcher not resizing correctly on all instruments.
• Some organs stop on/off noises are not always activating.
• New Midi learning and detection only tested on a limited number of hardward configurations.
• Global piston and preset learning has not been implemented yet on general setup