- Allen Organ
Allen Organ Company, formed in 1939 by Jerome Markowitz, is located in
Macungie, Pennsylvania . It is one of the world's largest builders of electronic organs. Allen introduced the world's first digital musical instrument in 1971( [http://www.allenorgan.com/www/company/AllenOrganIR100Award.pdf IR-100 Award] ). In 2004, theSmithsonian Institution recognized the significance of this technology by acquiring the first Allen digital organ for its collection( [http://www.allenorgan.com/www/news/mainnews.html] ). Since 1939 Allen has installed electronic instruments world-wide. Today Allen builds classical digital and combination digital andpipe organ s, as well as digitaltheatre organ s. All are built in theUnited States .History
In 1961 the company went public ( [https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Allen-Organ-Company-Company-History.html] ). Inspired by the Hammond organ, Jerome Markowitz was determined to build a better electronic organ. Over the years, he built many home and church organs, and in 1971 the company introduced the first digital instrument ( [http://www.allenorgan.com/www/company/AllenOrganIR100Award.pdf IR-100 Award] ). It was a risky decision. Much to the company's happiness, it took off, and Allen set the standard for digital organs.
Technology
Quantum Line
The Quantum organ line uses an advanced real-time mathematical process called
Convolution , whereby the acoustics of the sampled room become an integral part of the organ's sound. An 8-second stereo convolution reverb requires about 35 billion calculations per second, currently unobtainable for any musical instrument. With exclusive patented technology, Allen Quantum organs process this eight-second convolution reverb with about 400 million calculations per second. A digital organ that produces CD quality sound without convolution requires only about 100,000 calculations per second for each sound. Quantum organs include about 4,000 times that capacity to create convolution.Heritage Line
The Heritage organ line incorporates this technology into custom designed instruments ( [http://www.allenorgan.com/www/products/mainheritage.html on-line Heritage Designer] ).
Trivia
Two Allen organs are called for in the score to
Leonard Bernstein 's 1971 "MASS".ee also
*
Carlo Curley (who plays Allen organ)
*Aram Basmadjian (who plays Allen organ)
*Virgil Fox (who played an Allen on his Heavy Organ tours) [http://www.allenorgan.com/www/special/VirgilFox/index.html Virgil Fox Allen Touring Organ]External links
* [http://www.allenorgan.com/ Allen Organ Company home page]
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