Everything you want to know about Hauptwerk organs
What is a Hauptwerk organ? How much does a Hauptwerk organ cost? And how does Hauptwerk actually work? You’ll find the answer to all these questions, and more, right here.
What is Hauptwerk?
Hauptwerk is an advanced software sampler that recreates a virtual pipe organ. The name comes from the German word Hauptwerk, meaning “main manual” — the most important division of an organ. The software was originally developed by mathematician Martin Dyde, founder of Crumhorn Labs Ltd. in Birmingham.
Thanks to Hauptwerk, players can experience the sound of the world’s finest pipe organs from home. There is a vast online library with more than 150 virtual instruments available.
What is a Hauptwerk organ?
A Hauptwerk organ is a physical organ equipped with the Hauptwerk software. Take a look at our models — they’re designed to fit beautifully into any living room.
Mixtuur’s technology ensures that you don’t need any computer knowledge to enjoy your favourite instruments. Prefer more digital controls? You can also configure a Hauptwerk organ with touchscreen panels and advanced operating features. Whichever model you choose, every Mixtuur organ delivers the superior audio quality we’re known for.
We offer a wide range of customization options, so you can tailor the instrument to truly match your preferences. Choose your preferred wood finish, bench, manuals, pistons, and speakers.
How good is Hauptwerk?
Thomas Wichmann wrote a glowing review in The American Organist: “Hauptwerk produces excellent sound replicas of pipe organs. (…) The way these types of electronic organs work is promising. Future improvements in hardware, software, and sound can be implemented at very low cost. Moreover, Hauptwerk can be a means of preserving the sound of (often fragile) historical organs and making it available to a wide group of enthusiasts. (…) We can be grateful for this kind of innovation in electronic organ reproduction technology.”
How does Hauptwerk work?
Hauptwerk is designed to fully utilise the processing power of your computer. It supports more than 500 audio channels, allowing every played note to sound authentic, detailed, and lifelike.
When you play a Hauptwerk organ, it genuinely feels like playing a historic pipe organ. The only thing missing is the medieval stonework around you.
How do I use Hauptwerk?
1. Connect a keyboard to your computer
This is a budget-friendly way to start using Hauptwerk. Here’s a video from Patrick Torsell, who built a complete Hauptwerk setup for under $1,800.
Of course, the most dedicated organ lovers prefer playing on a real organ.
2. Buy a Hauptwerk-based organ
Mixtuur organs look and feel like traditional pipe organs — but they’re powered by Hauptwerk. They also look stunning: a real eye-catcher in any home or church.
Hoeveel kost Hauptwerk?
How do I install a Hauptwerk organ?
This part is easy — and fun.
If you purchase a Mixtuur organ with Hauptwerk installed, there is nothing you need to install yourself. We take care of everything, so you can start playing right away. For players who aren’t familiar with computers, we offer a simplified version of the Hauptwerk interface. Just press the power button, choose your sampleset, and control the organ using intuitive displays. Want to install new samplesets? That’s simple too. Just contact Mixtuur. Because all Mixtuur organs are internet-connected, we can install new samplesets remotely.
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