Wicks Organ Company

CM-100 FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Please read below for answers to the most commonly asked CM-100 questions. If you require additional information, or your question is not shown below, please contact us. This list is continually being updated, so please check back often.

Q. What is MIDI?
A. MIDI is short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. MIDI is an industry standard language of which to transmit data and information between musical equipment. Since the CM-100 operates using this general standard, it allows interoperation of the unit with nearly any brand organ console that is MIDI capable. MIDI is often standard equipment on most modern organ consoles. Even simple MIDI keyboards can be connected to the CM100, creating a very inexpensive means of reproducing the sounds of a pipe organ.

Q. Will the CM-100 work if my console is not equipped with MIDI?
A. It is possible for Wicks to install a MIDI interface into existing organ consoles. This MIDI interface is compatible with all MIDI devices and guarantees complete functionality with the CM-100 and other sound modules. Please contact us for pricing or additional information.

Q. How easy is the CM-100 installation, and what equipment do I need?
A. The CM-100 setup is very straightforward and does not require any special equipment. All that is needed for its basic use are a MIDI cable and connection to an external sound system for the actual sound reproduction. Installation can range from the most basic, as described above, to actual prepared divisions in your organ console for activating CM-100 stops.

Q. Can I use my existing sound system with the CM-100?
A. Since the sound system represents a large investment in digital sound reproduction, many users of the CM-100 wish to integrate it with an existing audio system. While possible, the quality of sound will be dependent on the quality of the audio system and its configuration. Generally, audio systems built or purchased for use with a digital organ work well for this purpose. For this to be possible, there needs to be an auxiliary input of which to plug the CM-100 into. A line mixer can be used to create a “Y”, adding an additional input if one is not already present.

To represent the CM-100's unmatched sound quality and breathtaking realism, we recommend dedicated audio equipment. We are able to provide an affordable multi-channel audio solution that is customized for the application. Using state of the art technology, digital signal processing is employed to reproduce the sounds with striking realism and clarity. The use of quality components has been a priority to ensure a lifetime of trouble free operation. Wicks audio systems use standard off-the-shelf components, so no proprietary equipment is involved- This aides in flexibility as other components or sound modules can be added later on.

Q. I have a three manual organ console. Which manual will the CM-100 play from?
A. The CM-100 stops can be set to receive key data from any MIDI channel, which corresponds to which manual the stop would play from. For example, Channel 1 as Pedal, Channel 2 as Swell, 3 as Great, 4 as Choir and so forth. The actual channel will vary depending on the MIDI implementation, but should be clearly documented or obtainable from your console manufacturer. Since each stop can be set to receive data on individual channels, it is possible to program the stops as different divisions to be playable from different manuals.

Q. Does coupling work with the CM-100?
A. Yes. Normally coupling takes place before the MIDI signal is generated. For example a “Swell to Great” coupler would enable the Great manual to send MIDI information on the Swell channel, thus enabling the stops programmed to play from the Swell to be playable on the Great manual.

Q. Will my expression shoes work with the CM-100?
A. Yes. Typically, expression shoe information is sent via MIDI on the same channel as the respective division. Thus a swell shoe would add expression function to any stop programmed to play from the Swell MIDI Channel. The CM-100 is then digitally expressive in the same manner as a real enclosed pipe.

Q. What is the CM-100 warranty?
A. Wicks takes pride in our industry leading reliability. Like every organ we build, the Wicks CM-100 is guaranteed for 10 years. This warranty covers all parts, labor and return shipping to the customer.