Synthesizer aficionados, music producers, and sound designers looking for that iconic ARP sound and vibe will be ecstatic over the Korg ARP 2600 M, a synthesizer module that's based on the original ARP 2600 circuitry, but at 60% the size, making it more portable while retaining that vintage sound and control.
Like the Korg rerelease of the original ARP 2600 FS, the 2600 M features the same circuitry with some improvements that make it easier to use including advanced MIDI control, normalized voltages, improved attack and release time ratios, 1/4" stereo output, speaker defeat when using headphones, and improved smooth sliders.
The ARP 2600 is a classic three oscillator semimodular synthesizer with integrated speakers, a spring reverb and lots of processing potential. The semimodular design offers the best of both worlds. You can simply use the instrument without patching a single cable. Or utilize the multitude of patch points to create unbelievable sounds and effects. The preamplifier allows you to input any signal into the instrument including mic, line, and guitar level signals and includes an envelope follower which generates control voltages based on the dynamics of the input signal.
Other notable features include two filter models, ring modulation, lag and voltage processors, a clockable switch, a noise source, a sample-and-hold module, signal inverters, an auxiliary mixer with pan controls, and even a set of parallel-wired multi jacks. The ARP 2600 M ships with a power supply, patch cables, a road case, and a music software bundle.
- The ARP 2600 is arguably the most iconic and recognizable synthesizer of all time. Having been used in countless records, film scores, TV shows and game soundtracks since its appearance from the '70s through to today, the ARP 2600’s sound remains an essential part of the music world.
- The new ARP 2600 M delivers the sound admired around the world, in a more compact and portable format and includes added features that make it the ideal incarnation of this historic synth.
- When the ARP 2600 FS was announced in January 2020, it quickly became a phenomenal success with musicians all over the world recognizing the faithfulness to the original ARP 2600.
- The ARP 2600 M is around 60% the original size, making it lighter, more portable and easier to place and use in a studio. It integrates the same analog circuitry and components as the ARP 2600 FS, thus faithfully reproducing the characteristic ARP sound.
- The ARP 2600 M is built in Japan with the same care and extraordinary quality standard as the ARP 2600 FS and uses the same analog components to accurately reproduce the sound and feel of the original. The spring reverb has been re-engineered and adapted to the new size body with the same lush effect.
- With the intense focus on quality and a large amount of hand assembly, the ARP 2600 M is not a typical mass-produced instrument. Due to this boutique nature, manufacturing quantities each month will be in line with our commitment of delivering a truly prized investment.
- It is not by chance that the ARP 2600 has been so extremely popular to this day.
- More than a synthesizer, the ARP 2600 M is a complete sound-design studio. Even today, the ARP 2600 stands as a bridge between the individual elements of modular synthesis and the immediacy of a production/performance instrument.
- Included are an ample supply of oscillators, envelopes, a filter and amplifier—all of the building blocks of analog synthesis. But the ARP 2600 M goes even further with a spring reverb tank and a pair of built-in monitor speakers. Also present is much of the versatility of a vintage modular system, including a ring modulation, lag and voltage processors, an envelope follower, audio preamp, a clockable switch, noise source, a sample-and-hold module, signal inverters, an auxiliary mixer, and even a set of parallel-wired multi jacks.
- The ARP 2600 M is not only faithful to the original, it also includes an array of added features that will make it even easier to use:
- Plug and Play: Connect any class-compliant MIDI controller such as a KORG microKeys, nanokeys, or SQ-64 to one of the ARP 2600 M’s USB ports (USB-A and USB-B) and automatically get full control of your instrument.
- Resized: The new size makes it easier to visualize your patch and also allows you to use shorter patch cables
- Two types of filters from two versions of the original ARP 2600 (4012 type, 4072 type)
- DIN MIDI input added
- Pitch-Bend, Modulation, and Portamento ON/OFF can be controlled through MIDI CC messages (USB/DIN MIDI)
- Normalized Voltage: The threshold of the trigger signal required to activate the ADSR through the S/H GATE JACK has become 5V, making it much easier to use in combination with other gear such as volcas or Eurorack modules
- Improved Attack and Release time ratios
- L/R Stereo Output Jack (instead of XLR)
- Speakers automatically turn off when using headphones
- Improved, smoother sliders
In other words, the moment you get your hands on this synthesizer, you'll have a variety of tools to help you take your music to the next level.
Apps for iPad/iPhone
- Korg Gadget 2 Le (music production studio DAW app)
- Korg Module (piano/keyboard sound module app)
Software for Mac/Windows
- Korg Collection—M1 Le (synthesizer sound module)
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- AAS Lounge Lizard Session (electric piano sound module)
- Propellerhead Reason Lite (DAW music production software)
- Skoove free 3 month trial of Skoove Premium (online piano lesson)
- Korg Gadget 2 Le for Mac (DAW music production software)
- iZotope Ozone Elements (Audio Mastering Plug-in Software)