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(IR-100 Award). In 2004, the Smithsonian Institution recognized the significance of this technology by acquiring the first Allen digital organ for its collection([1]). Since 1939 Allen has installed electronic instruments world-wide. Today Allen builds classical digital and combination digital and pipe organs, as well as digital theatre organs. All are built in the United States.
History
In 1961 the company went public ([2]). 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 (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 (on-line Heritage Designer).
Trivia
Two Allen organs are called for in the score to Leonard Bernstein's 1971 MASS.
See also
External links
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