Free Virtual Organ Sample Sets From Sonus Paradisi

Sonus Paradisi, a provider of digital organ sample sets, offers a selection of free virtual organ downloads for musicians, researchers, and enthusiasts. According to the provided documentation, these free sample sets function as subsets or demo versions of full commercial products, intended primarily for testing purposes and educational access. The company emphasizes that while digital models cannot fully replicate the physical experience of playing a real organ, they provide significant value by allowing global access to rare and geographically restricted musical heritage. This approach enables users to explore different organ schools, periods, and sound aesthetics in detail without the need for travel.

The available free offerings include specific volumes of larger sample sets, such as the Schorndorf Bornefeld Organ and the Segovia virtual organ. These downloads are designed to operate as stand-alone virtual organs within the Hauptwerk virtual instrument software environment. They typically feature a limited selection of stops compared to the full versions but retain the core sound characteristics and perspectives of the original instruments.

Overview of Free Sample Set Offerings

The free sample sets provided by Sonus Paradisi are distributed as "demo" or "volume 1" downloads. They are intended to allow users to test the sample set quality and compatibility with their specific audio and MIDI hardware setups before purchasing the full versions. The documentation indicates that these free sets are not merely short audio previews but functional virtual organs, albeit with restricted stop counts.

Schorndorf Bornefeld Organ (Volume 1)

The first volume of the Schorndorf Bornefeld Organ is available for free download with no stated limitations on usage time, though it represents only a portion of the complete instrument. The documentation states that "a third of the instrument for free with no limitations" is provided. This free sample set is described as a subset of the full version.

The specific stop list for the free portion of the Schorndorf Bornefeld Organ includes: - Great: Gamba 16', Montre 8', Praestant 8', Roerfluit 8', Octaav 4', Holpyp 4', Speelfluit 4', Superoctaav 2', Doublette 2', Quarte, Sifflet 1 1/2', Fourniture, Scherp, Dulciaan 8', Cornet, Baixons-Clarins. - Swell: Principal 8', Burdon 8', Gemshorn 8', Flaut-amabile 8', Quintadena 8', Octava 4', Prestant 4', Flauta minor 4', Superoctava 2', Woudfluit 2', Quinta 3', Sedecima 1', Cimbel, Simbalet 2', Vox Humana 8', Trompette 8'. - Positiv: Principal 8', Salicional, Burdon 8', Copula-maior 8', Octava 4', Copula-minor 4', Quintadena 4', Quinta 2 2/3', Nasard, Superoctava 2', Larigot, Mixtura 3x1, Cimbale 2x1-2, Regal 8', Batalla 8'. - Pedal: Contrabass 32' (from Sme Subbas 16'), Prestant 16', Subbas 16', Octavbass 8'-1, Montre 8', Octavbass 8'-2, Superoctavbass 4', Prestant 4', Doublette, Quinta, Trompetbass 8'.

This configuration allows users to experience the specific sound characteristics of the Bornefeld organ school, which is historically significant in German organ building.

Segovia Virtual Organ (Free Portion)

A significant portion of the Segovia virtual organ is offered as a free download. The documentation describes this free sample set as a "stand-alone virtual organ featuring all the typical sounds of a large Spanish baroque organ." It includes foundational stops, full plenum sounds, a cornet stop, batalla trompet, and an echo trompet. All available perspectives and tremulant samples are included in the free download.

The specification of the free Segovia sample set is described as a rich 3-manual instrument. It includes two plena (HW and RW) and several reed stops. The inclusion of multiple perspectives (direct, diffuse, distant, rear) allows users to simulate the acoustical environment of the original Spanish instrument. This is particularly useful for understanding the distinct sound aesthetics of the Spanish Baroque tradition, which differs from the German or French styles.

Technical Requirements and Usage

To utilize these free sample sets, users require the Hauptwerk virtual instrument software. The sample sets are provided as downloadable files that load into Hauptwerk. The documentation mentions that the free samples are intended for testing the sample set in the user's specific environment. This implies that the free downloads help verify that the user's computer hardware (CPU, RAM, audio interface) can handle the processing requirements of the full sample sets.

The free sets include the "typical sounds" of the respective instruments. For the Segovia organ, this specifically mentions the inclusion of foundational stops, full plenum, cornet, batalla trompet, and echo trompet. The presence of tremulant samples and multiple perspectives in the free downloads adds to the realism and educational value.

Educational and Practical Value

Sonus Paradisi highlights the educational and practical value of their digital models. By offering these free samples, they bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Users can explore the mechanical and acoustic properties of specific organs without physical access. This is particularly relevant for organs that are geographically distant or historically fragile.

The free downloads serve as a gateway to understanding the distinct "school" of organ building represented by each sample set. For example, the Schorndorf Bornefeld Organ represents a specific German tradition, while the Segovia organ represents the Spanish Baroque style. The ability to switch between different stops and hear the resulting mixtures and reeds provides a hands-on learning experience that static text or audio recordings cannot fully replicate.

Limitations of the Free Offerings

While the free sample sets are functional, they are explicitly defined as subsets of the full versions. The documentation notes that the demo limitation consists of "having only a small selection of stops available for each instrument." This means that while the core sound is present, the full tonal palette and versatility of the complete organ are reserved for the commercial versions.

Specifically, the free volume of the Schorndorf Bornefeld Organ represents approximately one-third of the complete instrument. The Segovia free sample set is described as "a good part" of the instrument, implying that some stops or features may be absent compared to the full purchase. These limitations are clearly communicated to set user expectations and to encourage the purchase of full versions for complete musical expression.

Access Methods

The free sample sets are available for direct download from the Sonus Paradisi website. The source data indicates that the downloads are located in the "Free Stuff" section of the site. No complex sign-up forms or mail-in programs are mentioned in the provided documentation; the process appears to be a straightforward web download. The availability of these files as "subsets" suggests that they are permanently available for download rather than being time-limited promotional offers.

Conclusion

Sonus Paradisi provides a valuable resource for organ enthusiasts and students through its free sample set program. By offering substantial portions of the Schorndorf Bornefeld and Segovia organs, the company allows users to test software compatibility and explore specific historical organ traditions at no cost. These free downloads function as stand-alone virtual organs with limited stop counts but retain the essential sound characteristics and acoustic perspectives of the original instruments. While they do not replace the full commercial versions, they serve as effective educational tools and technical demos for the Hauptwerk platform.

Sources

1. Sonus Paradisi Official Website
2. Schorndorf Bornefeld Organ Information
3. Segovia Virtual Organ Information