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ARP 2600

January 01, 1970

The ARP 2600 is a subtractive synthesizer first produced by ARP Instruments, Inc in 1971.

ARP 2600
Steve Fisk's ARP 2600 (without keyboard)
ManufacturerARP Instruments, Inc.
Dates1971-81, 2020
Technical specifications
PolyphonyMonophonic
TimbralityMonotimbral
Oscillator3
LFO1
Synthesis typeAnalog subtractive
Filter24 dB/octave low-pass (1)
AttenuatorADSR and AR
Aftertouch expressionNone
Velocity expressionNone
Storage memoryNone
EffectsSpring reverberator
Input/output
Keyboard49
External controlCV/Gate

History edit

Developed by a design team headed by ARP namesake Alan R. Pearlman and engineer Dennis Colin, the ARP 2600 was introduced in 1971 as the successor to ARP's first instrument, the ARP 2500, at a retail price of US$2600.[1]

Unlike fully modular synthesizers, which often required modules to be purchased individually and wired by the user, the 2600 was semi-modular with a fixed selection of basic synthesizer components internally pre-wired. It sported clear text labels and front panel screen printed graphics indicating the function of different sections of controls, and the signal flow between them.[2] The 2600 was thus ideal for musicians new to synthesis, due to its ability to be operated without patch cords, while still offering greater flexibility to sound designers who were comfortable using them. On its initial release it was heavily marketed to high schools and universities.

Features and architecture edit

The ARP 2600 features three VCOs, a 4-pole (24 dB/octave) low-pass filter, a VCA, a ring modulator, sample and hold, a white/pink noise generator, microphone preamp, spring reverb, two envelope generators, and a four-octave keyboard.[3]

In 1973, Tom Oberheim, who was an ARP dealer, produced a kit that converted the keyboard into a duo-phonic keyboard capable of triggering two different oscillators simultaneously. The following year, ARP adopted this improvement and introduced the Model 3620 duo-phonic keyboard, which also included delayed vibrato as well as single and multiple triggering functionality.[3][1]

All versions of the ARP 2600 produced through 1976 utilized ARP’s Model 4012 filter, which was an imitation of Robert Moog's 4-pole "ladder" VCF, which became the subject of a patent dispute eventually settled out of court,[4] and was replaced by an ARP filter design, the Model 4072.

Models edit

 
ARP 2600 Blue Meanie

Model 2600 “Blue Meanie” (early 1971): The earliest 2600s were assembled in a small facility on Kenneth Street in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, during ARP's infancy as a company. Housed in a bright blue and light gray aluminum case with a keyboard mated to the synthesizer, this version was nicknamed the "Blue Marvin" (after Marvin Cohen, ARP’s CFO at the time) but is now commonly referred to as the "Blue Meanie.”

Model 2600C “Gray Meanie” (mid-1971): The 2600C was produced in the ARP factory, and featured a gray control panel and updated keyboard model 3604C. Only 35 “Gray Meanies” were produced.

Model 2600P (late-1971): The 2600P was housed in a suitcase-style vinyl-covered wood enclosure, making it a more portable instrument. V2.0 of the 2600P replaced Teledyne 4011/4017 VCO chips with more reliable 4027 chips by National Semiconductor for a brief run in 1972, before being replaced by 2600P v3.0, which was produced until 1974 and utilized 2037-1 VCO chips and featured a new G-clef ARP logo. In 1974, 2600P v4.0 introduced the new Model 3620 duo-phonic keyboard with LFO.

Model 2601 (1975): 2601 v1.0 improved the jacks and slider controls of the previous model, but still included the disputed Model 4012 filter. In 1977, 2601 v2.0 introduced ARP’s new Model 4072 filter, as well as the orange-over-black design theme of ARP’s other synthesizers.[3] One final version of the 2601, v3.0, was produced in ARP’s final days.[5]

Impact edit

The first significant user of the 2600 was Edgar Winter, who connected the keyboard controller of the 2600 to the main unit via a long extension cord, allowing him to wear the synth around his neck like a keytar. Stevie Wonder was an early adopter of the 2600 who had the control panel instructions labelled in Braille. Other early notable users included Pete Townshend, Joe Zawinul, and Herbie Hancock.[1]

The sound designer Ben Burtt used an ARP 2600, combined with his own voice, to create the voice of R2-D2 in the Star Wars films.[6] Burtt also used the 2600 to create the sound effects of the Ark of the Covenant in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

An ARP 2600 was used to record the bassline for Madonna's 1984 hit "Borderline" and the 1983 Michael Jackson single "Thriller".[7]

Reissues and recreations edit

Korg ARP 2600 FS edit

 
A Behringer 2600 clone

On January 10, 2020, Korg Inc. of Japan reissued the ARP 2600 as the ARP 2600 FS, a faithful reproduction of the original 1972 gray version. The re-issue adds features, including: the ability to select between the 4012 and 4072 filter types found in the 1970s versions, balanced XLR outputs, MIDI, a basic sequencer / arpeggiator, and a flight case for travel. The keyboard included is based on the original 3620 keyboard which now provides aftertouch.[8][9] In 2022, Korg introduced a smaller version of the 2600 called the 2600M, which was identical to the FS but 40% smaller.

Behringer 2600 edit

In 2020, Behringer released its own updated variant.[10] In contrast to the original ARP or the versions produced by Korg, the following features are different or new:[11]

  • 8U 19-inch rack chassis
  • No speakers
  • Digital spring reverb simulation instead of a physical spring tank (Behringer also makes "Blue Marvin" and "Gray Meanie" versions with a physical spring tank)[12]
  • LED faders
  • VCO3 can output a sine or triangle wave, and has a PWM patch point
  • VCO2 and 3 can sync to VCO1
  • Both VCF versions available, selected with switch

TTSH edit

Beginning in 2013, Swedish DIY synthesizer designer The Human Comparator has created multiple iterations of 3/4 scale PCB kits featuring circuitry and front-panel designs identical to the ARP 2600 (minus the keyboard). Dubbed the TTSH ("Two Thousand Six Hundred"), this project allows a hobbyist to build their own synthesizer for a fraction of the price ($499USD for a panel and PCB set) of the original.

Software emulations edit

Software companies, such as Arturia and Way Out Ware, have released software emulations for use with modern music equipment, such as MIDI devices and computer sequencers:

  • Arturia ARP 2600 V[13]
  • TimewARP 2600[14]
  • Cherry Audio CA2600[15]

Gallery edit

  •  
    ARP 2600P v1.0 (1971) or v2.0 (1971-72) with 3604P keyboard, after the 2600 Blue-Marvin (1971) and the 2600C Gray Meanie (1971).
  •  
    ARP 2600P v3.0 (1972–74) or v4.0 (1974) with
    3620 duophonic keyboard (1974-?), new G-clef logo.
  •  
    ARP 2600P v3.0 (1972–74) or v4.0 (1974) panel details
  •  
    ARP 2601 v2.0 (1977–80) or v3.0 (1980, last 100 or so) black-on-orange model

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Colbeck, Julian (1996). Keyfax Omnibus Edition. MixBooks. ISBN 0-918371-08-2.
  2. ^ Bjørn, Kim; Meyer, Chris (2018). Patch & Tweak: Exploring Modular Synthesis. Denmark: Bjooks. ISBN 978-87-999995-0-7.
  3. ^ a b c Vail, Mark (1993). Vintage Synthesizers. San Francisco, California, USA: Miller Freeman Books. ISBN 0-87930-275-5.
  4. ^ Pinch, Trevor; Trocco, Frank (2002). Analog Days: The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer. Boston, Massachusetts, USA: Harvard University Press. ISBN 0-674-00889-8.
  5. ^ "ARP 2600". vintagesynth.com.
  6. ^ "ARP 2600 - Vintage Synth Explorer". www.vintagesynth.com.
  7. ^ Carr, Dan (2022-11-30). "The synth sounds of Michael Jackson's Thriller (and how to recreate them in your DAW)". MusicRadar. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  8. ^ "ARP 2600 FS". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  9. ^ "Korg's ARP 2600 FS Should Not Be Overlooked". futuremusic.com. 27 January 2020. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  10. ^ Sethi, Rounik. "Behringer Reveals Sub $600 Price For 2600 Synthesizer".
  11. ^ "Behringer 2600 and Arp 2600 and Karp 2600 comparison with talking and sound from all". matrixsynth.com. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  12. ^ Vincent, Robin (11 February 2021). "Behringer opens pre-orders on Blue Marvin and Gray Meanie 2600 limited editions".
  13. ^ Bjørn, Kim; Meyer, Chris (2018). Patch & Tweak: Exploring Modular Synthesis. Denmark: Bjooks. ISBN 978-87-999995-1-4.
  14. ^ "SONiVOX - TimewARP 2600". sonivoxmi.com.
  15. ^ "Cherry Audio CA2600". cherryaudio.com.

External links edit

  • The ARP 2600: Evolution and Revolution The Metamorphosis of an Iconic Instrument - Google Arts & Culture / Music Makers Machines exhibit
  • The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation
  • Vintage Synth Explorer
  • - Patch Diagram, useful for "saving" your patches
  • ARP 2600 Test Report - GreatSynthesizers

YouTube links edit

  • "Arp2600 Demo" - A YouTube demo of the 2600. Later episodes go into detail about building patches.

January 01, 1970
2600, subtractive, synthesizer, first, produced, instruments, 1971, steve, fisk, without, keyboard, manufacturerarp, instruments, dates1971, 2020technical, specificationspolyphonymonophonictimbralitymonotimbraloscillator3lfo1synthesis, typeanalog, subtractivef. The ARP 2600 is a subtractive synthesizer first produced by ARP Instruments Inc in 1971 ARP 2600Steve Fisk s ARP 2600 without keyboard ManufacturerARP Instruments Inc Dates1971 81 2020Technical specificationsPolyphonyMonophonicTimbralityMonotimbralOscillator3LFO1Synthesis typeAnalog subtractiveFilter24 dB octave low pass 1 AttenuatorADSR and ARAftertouch expressionNoneVelocity expressionNoneStorage memoryNoneEffectsSpring reverberatorInput outputKeyboard49External controlCV Gate Contents 1 History 2 Features and architecture 3 Models 4 Impact 5 Reissues and recreations 5 1 Korg ARP 2600 FS 5 2 Behringer 2600 5 3 TTSH 5 4 Software emulations 6 Gallery 7 References 8 External links 8 1 YouTube linksHistory editDeveloped by a design team headed by ARP namesake Alan R Pearlman and engineer Dennis Colin the ARP 2600 was introduced in 1971 as the successor to ARP s first instrument the ARP 2500 at a retail price of US 2600 1 Unlike fully modular synthesizers which often required modules to be purchased individually and wired by the user the 2600 was semi modular with a fixed selection of basic synthesizer components internally pre wired It sported clear text labels and front panel screen printed graphics indicating the function of different sections of controls and the signal flow between them 2 The 2600 was thus ideal for musicians new to synthesis due to its ability to be operated without patch cords while still offering greater flexibility to sound designers who were comfortable using them On its initial release it was heavily marketed to high schools and universities Features and architecture editThe ARP 2600 features three VCOs a 4 pole 24 dB octave low pass filter a VCA a ring modulator sample and hold a white pink noise generator microphone preamp spring reverb two envelope generators and a four octave keyboard 3 In 1973 Tom Oberheim who was an ARP dealer produced a kit that converted the keyboard into a duo phonic keyboard capable of triggering two different oscillators simultaneously The following year ARP adopted this improvement and introduced the Model 3620 duo phonic keyboard which also included delayed vibrato as well as single and multiple triggering functionality 3 1 All versions of the ARP 2600 produced through 1976 utilized ARP s Model 4012 filter which was an imitation of Robert Moog s 4 pole ladder VCF which became the subject of a patent dispute eventually settled out of court 4 and was replaced by an ARP filter design the Model 4072 Models edit nbsp ARP 2600 Blue Meanie Model 2600 Blue Meanie early 1971 The earliest 2600s were assembled in a small facility on Kenneth Street in Newton Highlands Massachusetts during ARP s infancy as a company Housed in a bright blue and light gray aluminum case with a keyboard mated to the synthesizer this version was nicknamed the Blue Marvin after Marvin Cohen ARP s CFO at the time but is now commonly referred to as the Blue Meanie Model 2600C Gray Meanie mid 1971 The 2600C was produced in the ARP factory and featured a gray control panel and updated keyboard model 3604C Only 35 Gray Meanies were produced Model 2600P late 1971 The 2600P was housed in a suitcase style vinyl covered wood enclosure making it a more portable instrument V2 0 of the 2600P replaced Teledyne 4011 4017 VCO chips with more reliable 4027 chips by National Semiconductor for a brief run in 1972 before being replaced by 2600P v3 0 which was produced until 1974 and utilized 2037 1 VCO chips and featured a new G clef ARP logo In 1974 2600P v4 0 introduced the new Model 3620 duo phonic keyboard with LFO Model 2601 1975 2601 v1 0 improved the jacks and slider controls of the previous model but still included the disputed Model 4012 filter In 1977 2601 v2 0 introduced ARP s new Model 4072 filter as well as the orange over black design theme of ARP s other synthesizers 3 One final version of the 2601 v3 0 was produced in ARP s final days 5 Impact editThe first significant user of the 2600 was Edgar Winter who connected the keyboard controller of the 2600 to the main unit via a long extension cord allowing him to wear the synth around his neck like a keytar Stevie Wonder was an early adopter of the 2600 who had the control panel instructions labelled in Braille Other early notable users included Pete Townshend Joe Zawinul and Herbie Hancock 1 The sound designer Ben Burtt used an ARP 2600 combined with his own voice to create the voice of R2 D2 in the Star Wars films 6 Burtt also used the 2600 to create the sound effects of the Ark of the Covenant in Raiders of the Lost Ark An ARP 2600 was used to record the bassline for Madonna s 1984 hit Borderline and the 1983 Michael Jackson single Thriller 7 Reissues and recreations editKorg ARP 2600 FS edit nbsp A Behringer 2600 clone On January 10 2020 Korg Inc of Japan reissued the ARP 2600 as the ARP 2600 FS a faithful reproduction of the original 1972 gray version The re issue adds features including the ability to select between the 4012 and 4072 filter types found in the 1970s versions balanced XLR outputs MIDI a basic sequencer arpeggiator and a flight case for travel The keyboard included is based on the original 3620 keyboard which now provides aftertouch 8 9 In 2022 Korg introduced a smaller version of the 2600 called the 2600M which was identical to the FS but 40 smaller Behringer 2600 edit In 2020 Behringer released its own updated variant 10 In contrast to the original ARP or the versions produced by Korg the following features are different or new 11 8U 19 inch rack chassis No speakers Digital spring reverb simulation instead of a physical spring tank Behringer also makes Blue Marvin and Gray Meanie versions with a physical spring tank 12 LED faders VCO3 can output a sine or triangle wave and has a PWM patch point VCO2 and 3 can sync to VCO1 Both VCF versions available selected with switch TTSH edit Beginning in 2013 Swedish DIY synthesizer designer The Human Comparator has created multiple iterations of 3 4 scale PCB kits featuring circuitry and front panel designs identical to the ARP 2600 minus the keyboard Dubbed the TTSH Two Thousand Six Hundred this project allows a hobbyist to build their own synthesizer for a fraction of the price 499USD for a panel and PCB set of the original Software emulations edit Software companies such as Arturia and Way Out Ware have released software emulations for use with modern music equipment such as MIDI devices and computer sequencers Arturia ARP 2600 V 13 TimewARP 2600 14 Cherry Audio CA2600 15 Gallery edit nbsp ARP 2600P v1 0 1971 or v2 0 1971 72 with 3604P keyboard after the 2600 Blue Marvin 1971 and the 2600C Gray Meanie 1971 nbsp ARP 2600P v3 0 1972 74 or v4 0 1974 with 3620 duophonic keyboard 1974 new G clef logo nbsp ARP 2600P v3 0 1972 74 or v4 0 1974 panel details nbsp ARP 2601 v2 0 1977 80 or v3 0 1980 last 100 or so black on orange modelReferences edit a b c Colbeck Julian 1996 Keyfax Omnibus Edition MixBooks ISBN 0 918371 08 2 Bjorn Kim Meyer Chris 2018 Patch amp Tweak Exploring Modular Synthesis Denmark Bjooks ISBN 978 87 999995 0 7 a b c Vail Mark 1993 Vintage Synthesizers San Francisco California USA Miller Freeman Books ISBN 0 87930 275 5 Pinch Trevor Trocco Frank 2002 Analog Days The Invention and Impact of the Moog Synthesizer Boston Massachusetts USA Harvard University Press ISBN 0 674 00889 8 ARP 2600 vintagesynth com ARP 2600 Vintage Synth Explorer www vintagesynth com Carr Dan 2022 11 30 The synth sounds of Michael Jackson s Thriller and how to recreate them in your DAW MusicRadar Retrieved 2023 03 19 ARP 2600 FS www soundonsound com Retrieved 13 April 2021 Korg s ARP 2600 FS Should Not Be Overlooked futuremusic com 27 January 2020 Retrieved 7 December 2020 Sethi Rounik Behringer Reveals Sub 600 Price For 2600 Synthesizer Behringer 2600 and Arp 2600 and Karp 2600 comparison with talking and sound from all matrixsynth com Retrieved 3 November 2020 Vincent Robin 11 February 2021 Behringer opens pre orders on Blue Marvin and Gray Meanie 2600 limited editions Bjorn Kim Meyer Chris 2018 Patch amp Tweak Exploring Modular Synthesis Denmark Bjooks ISBN 978 87 999995 1 4 SONiVOX TimewARP 2600 sonivoxmi com Cherry Audio CA2600 cherryaudio com External links editThe ARP 2600 Evolution and Revolution The Metamorphosis of an Iconic Instrument Google Arts amp Culture Music Makers Machines exhibit The Alan R Pearlman Foundation Vintage Synth Explorer ARP 2600 Patch Diagram Patch Diagram useful for saving your patches ARP 2600 Test Report GreatSynthesizers YouTube links edit Arp2600 Demo A YouTube demo of the 2600 Later episodes go into detail about building patches Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title ARP 2600 amp oldid 1182932540, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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