dcaton wrote:There hasn't been much discussion on interfaces with a lot of outputs (greater than 8 ). Are VPO's with a large number of channels in the minority?
No I don't think so. Here is short list of other audio interfaces < 1K$ being used for Hauptwerk:
MOTU 24Ao (technically under 1K)
MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Behringer FCA 1616
Search the HW forum for these models to assist with your research. Be careful with checking out the specs on these units with regards to outputs. They will be too technical and count the S/PDIF port (2 channels), Digital Toslink port (for ADAT = 8 channels), headphone jack (2 channels), and sometimes the MIDI port (1 output). So the specs may look great with something like "21 outputs", but in reality you only get 8 or 10 TRS 1/4" ports that are ready for use
MOTU recently came out with a new UltraLite MK4 similar to the MK3 but with a digital output and input allowing a connection to an ADAT for an extra 8 outputs (or inputs). Also MOTU units come with their CueMix software that has some basic reverb choices. You may want to add some reverb if you decide to get a dry classical sample set. It's almost a given that you need to add reverb to a theatre organ sample set which is 'ulta dry' by its design.
On a side note regarding surround sound, you may not need or want the 'full horsepower' of an active monitor dedicated just for surround samples. You might could get by with a nice pair of bookshelf speakers. The only issue are the pedals notes can easily overdrive some of these speakers, but that is easily tweaked. For my setup I used the S/PDIF output port on my audio interface. It was available and I couldn't stand it being dormant
I connected it to an S/PDIF input on a Yamaha stereo receiver deck. This deck powers 2 older passive studio monitors. Works really well for my setup as I just had to run speaker wire from the stereo deck (close to the console) to my surround sound speakers mounted in back about 10 feet high. This kept 2 TRS ports on my interface free for my next set of active monitors that I would eventually purchase. Both the passive monitors and Yamaha deck were purchased used giving me an economical and rewarding upgrade.
Danny B.