Hymn Accompaniments

Our accompaniments are available on CD or as MP3 computer files. CDs are best if you don't have access to a computer or iPod/tablet/smartphone. However they can be fiddly to use in a service, switching CDs and finding the right tracks. The huge advantage of using the MP3s is that once they are loaded onto your device and the device is connected to a sound system, you can find any track simply by searching for the hymn or tune name (or A&M number for the Ultimate Set). Best of all, you can put all the tracks for a service into a playlist, which means you see just the tracks you need for that service. To hear how the MP3s sound, you can download some free complete MP3s (256 Kbps) to try on your sound system by clicking here.

If you decide to go with MP3s you can either download tracks from iTunes or Amazon - individual tracks can be accessed from our library page or tracks/full albums from each of the album pages - or buy sets from us. We provide these on memory sticks or preloaded on iPods/iPads. With a memory stick, you will simply need to copy the files from the memory stick onto your computer. If you wish to use an iPod/tablet/smartphone in the church, you can then transfer the tracks from the computer using its music software (iTunes or the Windows or Android equivalents). Pre-loaded iPods and iPads are ideal if you don't have access to a computer and just want to play the music straight away (you will need a sound system to plug the iPod into). However, if you already have a computer and a tablet or smartphone, you can use that instead with no extra hardware cost.

Our MP3s come as standard at 256 Kbps, the usual bit rate for MP3s. The Master Set at 256 kbps takes up around 14 Gb.

If you still aren't certain which format to use, please do drop us an email at info@cul.co.uk - we are happy to give advice.

To play the music and sing along you will need amplification. Many churches/schools already have sound systems with the option of plugging a device into the auxiliary port (AUX in) - if that's the case you can connect the audio socket of a computer, iPod, tablet or phone loaded with our tracks to that socket using an appropriate cable. If you don't already have a sound system, it's worth borrowing a domestic hi-fi system and try plugging the source (computer, iPod etc.) into that at the venue to see if it's loud enough before spending more on a professional sound system.

Don't be surprised if the organ sounds a little distorted when turned up high on a computer or phone's speakers. Small speakers struggle to handle the very wide frequency range of an organ - play the music through a decent sound system and the quality will be much better.