Compact Deluxe

Compact DeLuxe - Italian Combo Organ v. 1.0.0

The Compact DeLuxe is a software recreation of the classic Italian combo organ, the Farfisa Compact DeLuxe. This organ, along with the larger Compact Duo, was a key instrument in the European beat scene during the 1960s and 70s. Designed to replicate the sound of transistor-based combo organs, this plugin offers a faithful reproduction of the original instrument's unique tone and functionality.

Instrument Background

Combo organs, particularly popular in the 1960s and 70s, were transistor-based instruments that differed from their mechanical counterparts like the Hammond or Pari organs. Instead of using a mechanical tonewheel generator, combo organs utilized a "Top Octave Synthesizer" (TOS) to produce waveforms for each note in the highest octave. These waveforms were then divided down electronically to create lower octaves. While this method resulted in perfectly synchronized oscillators across different octaves, it also introduced subtle harmonic differences that gave each octave a distinct character.

This technology was not limited to combo organs; it was also applied in other electronic instruments, such as "string machines," which aimed to emulate orchestral sounds like violins and brass. The tonal nuances created by the TOS and frequency dividers played a significant role in the iconic sound of instruments like the Farfisa Compact DeLuxe.

In terms of sound design, combo organs like the Farfisa achieved their variety of tones by passing raw waveforms through filter banks. These filters would shape the sound, producing different tonal registers, from bass-like tones to violin-like highs. Some waveforms passed through multiple filters, resulting in slight phase shifts between registers, which contributed to the organ's unique sound signature.

The Compact DeLuxe plugin by GSi brings these intricate sound characteristics to life through real-time synthesis, rather than relying on pre-recorded samples. This allows for more authentic and dynamic sound reproduction, capturing the essence of the original hardware.

Features

The Compact DeLuxe plugin includes a comprehensive set of features aimed at accurately replicating the original Farfisa organ's sound and functionality:

• Component Modeling Engine: Unlike sample-based instruments, this plugin generates sound in real-time using advanced synthesis techniques.
• Full Polyphony: The organ supports 61 notes of polyphony, with 12 top-octave oscillators and frequency dividers to simulate the original hardware.
• Key Multi-contact Simulation: This feature recreates the authentic key click response, which can be adjusted for accuracy.
• Register Filter Recreation: The plugin accurately reproduces the Farfisa's distinctive register filters, providing the same variety of tones as the original instrument.
• Noise and Leakage Simulation: Background noise and leakage—common traits of vintage organs—are faithfully modeled for added realism.
• Adjustable Vibrato: Users can control the speed and depth of vibrato to suit their preference.
• Built-in Stereo Effects: The plugin includes stereo delay and reverb effects, which can enhance the sound directly within the interface.
• Programmable Patches: With unlimited program slots, users can save and recall their own settings with ease.
• Low CPU and RAM Usage: Despite its detailed modeling, the plugin is optimized to run efficiently on a wide range of systems.

System Requirements

The Compact DeLuxe is available in several formats and is compatible with both Windows and macOS platforms, as well as iOS for iPad.

Windows:

• VST2 x64, VST3 x64, Standalone x64
• Requires a Windows computer running Windows 7, 10, or 11 (x64).
• Only 10 MB of free disk space is needed.
• An ASIO-compatible sound card is recommended for low-latency performance.

Mac OS:

• VST2 x64, VST3 x64, Audio Unit x64, Standalone x64
• Compatible with Intel or Apple Silicon Macs (native UB2).
• Requires macOS 10.11 or later.
• 30 MB of free disk space required.

iOS (iPad Only):

• Standalone App, AUv3 plugin
• Device compatibility should be checked via the App Store.

Sound Engine Integration

The sound engine of the Compact DeLuxe is also integrated into other GSi products, including the GSi Gemini and Crumar Mojo 61. These instruments share the same underlying technology, ensuring that the Compact DeLuxe's distinctive tonal qualities are available across different platforms.

To get the most out of this plugin, running it through external effects and amplifiers is highly recommended. Experimenting with different effects from the GSi catalog can open up new sonic possibilities and further enhance the organ's vintage character.