"You can never have to many VCA’s is the most common mantra amongst modern modular synth enthusiasts.
The arp 2600 is one of the desired vintage semi modular synths of all time. Perhaps its biggest flaw that prevents it from going full blown modular is “not enough VCA’s”.
Well now you can solve that with this very rare synth module produced in 1975.
This module part of the rare the educational series modular version of the arp 2600. It is a single vca but in the context of the 2600 it is a very powerful. The module runs using one 9vdc rectangular batteries.
The module uses the same mini jack system as the arp 2600. It is basically ready to work as an expander to the 2600 or in conjunction with other modules."
Was basically the modular, educational version of the arp 2600. This module is the noise source offering both white and pink noise. The module runs using two 9vdc rectangular batteries. The outputs are mini jack euro rack sized
This unit would work nicely as an expander for anyone who owns an arp 2600."
"We're back with all the regular features including KORG News, Gear Goggles, Downloads & a special Kronology Edition featuring the history of ARP & the Odyssey!! #brew
0:00 Intro
1:50 KORG News
12:34 #brew with ARP Odyssey Module Ad
13:28 KORG Kronology featuring the ARP Odyssey
32:21 #brew with ARP artist video
33:21 1972 facts
41:05 Gear Goggles
46:54 #brew with ARP FS video
48:05 Downloads with Ian
1:01:24 Close with ARP Odyssey Make Worlds video"
Update:
ARP 2500 invoice for Close Encounters of the Third Kind mentioned after 15:00 above. Apparently the system resides at Cantos. See this post for a video of the scenes that featured the ARP 2500.
"Twiddling knobs on this great American vintage analog synthesizer half way through restoration and repairs. Very well built hard wired to tag strips like an amp inside and sealed AB pots like minimoog ( a pain to open and clean) some of the caps have died and oxidation on all metal parts... The lack of connectors inside is a blessing as in my opinion most Moog synthesizers for example suffered from far too many unreliable connectors which constantly oxidised and caused random faults.
Some info from vintagesynthcom:
The ElectroComp 101 was the successor to the rare ElectroComp 100 from Electronic Music Laboratories (EML), a small synthesizer company based out of Connecticut in the USA. Like the ARP 2600, the 101 was a patchable (1/4'' patch cords) semi-modular synth with a pre-wired voice path that could be over-ridden via patching. But unlike the ARP (or Minimoog for that matter), the 101 had as many as four oscillators (two of which could go sub-sonic, for use as LFOs) with multiple waveforms that you could sweep between using its rotary knobs. The 101 was also Duophonic so you could play up to two notes at once. Another major distinction was that unlike Moog and ARP, who used transistors that would tend to drift out of tune under various operating temperatures, EML used op amps which proved to be far more stable and reliable.
Other onboard features included a voltage controlled 12 dB/oct multi-mode filter with resonance, two envelope generators, ring/amplitude modulator, noise, and sample-and-hold (they call this the "Sampler"). In addition, the 101 makes no distinction between control voltage and audio paths allowing just about any source to be patched to any control or audio input in any order. The 101 could easily be closed, secured and carried inside its wood casing.
In its day, the 101, as most of EMLs instruments, were marketed and sold to universities and other educational markets. But with the 4-oscillator architecture, multi-mode filter, and elaborate patch control, the EML-101 was undoubtedly one of the most flexible of all of the portable patch-synthesizers available at its time of manufacture. So it did not take long for it to find its way into mainstream music. It has been used by Skinny Puppy, Tommy Mars, Download, Weezer, Foreigner, and Ohm."
"Rare to find an EML 101 in such good condition, they were often owned by educational institutions and were commonly played hard by students. This ElectroComp 101 was used for 18 years in a sound design studio in Hollywood and has been sampled/played extensively on many film soundtracks and TV commercials. A real workhorse that is often described as a poor-man's Arp 2600 but that's not really fair; it has a very unique sound that some describe as harsh, metallic, alien, machine-like, I think this comes from the fact that it has no onboard dynamics and really responds well to reverb, delay and other sweeteners."
"RE-STRINGS is our Rack Extension version of the award winning VSM and contains a selection of its most popular and iconic String Ensembles including: ARP Quadra, Crumar Multiman, Elka Rhapsody, Eminent 310, Freeman String Symphonizer, Godwin String Orchestra, Hohner K4, Junost 21, Korg Lambda, Korg PE2000, Logan String Melody II, Mellotron Violins, Moog Opus III, Roland VP330, ARP Solina, Technics KN200, Yamaha CE-25 & Yamaha SS-30.
With it's dual layer capability, it's possible to load the classic string ensemble sounds from years gone by or create your own hybrid ensembles.
Legal Notice
All musical instrument manufacturer and product names are trademarks of their respective owners and in no way associated or affiliated with GForce Software Ltd. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose sounds and technical data were studied for this instrument. All names of instrument inventors have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement of GForce Software Ltd."
Billy Currie talks String Synths, VSM & RE-STRINGS
Published on Apr 11, 2017 GForce Software
"During the process of creating patches for RE-STRINGS Rack Extension, we talked with Billy Currie about his use of String Ensemble keyboards over the years and how the Elka Rhapsody and Yamaha SS-30 contributed to some of Ultravox's classic tracks.
Billy also talks about how valuable the VSM and RE-STRINGS libraries are to him and how they've been used in his latest album, Doppel."
Freeman String Symphonizer
Published on Apr 11, 2017 GForce Software
"A brief walkthrough of the Freeman String Symphonizer, invented by Ken Freeman, sounds from which are in both VSM and RE-STRINGS.
The Further Adventures of K.FREEMAN and his Incredible Machine of a Thousand Strings courtesy of I Monster - BRIGHT SPARKS album. www.imonstermusic.com
Ken Freeman footage courtesy of BRIGHT SPARKS Documentary
http://brightsparks.movie"
The modern, polyphonic string synthesiser was invented in 1970 by Ken Freeman, a British keyboard player and engineer who discovered that if you layered two notes then detuned and slightly modulated one a pleasant ‘chorused’ sound resulted. Over the next 10+ years Ken’s initial discovery spawned an industry that saw the manufacture of more than one hundred ‘string machines’ and multi-keyboards.
Although viewed by some as a one-trick-pony or a poor man’s polysynth, string machines had so much character they’ve graced tracks by artists as diverse as; Lonnie Liston Smith, Air, Pink Floyd, The Cure, Parliament, Herbie Hancock, Camel, Joy Division, Jean-Michel Jarre, Thomas Dolby, Tonto’s Expanding Head Band, Genesis, Toni Tone Tony and countless others.
Product details
Based on our award winning Virtual String Machine (VSM), RE-STRINGS comprises 67 individual sample sets from a plethora of classic analogue string ensembles including the ultra rare (and first) Freeman String Symphonizer, the highly coveted Solina, the eminently desirable Eminent 310, the highly-lauded Logan String Ensemble, plus several other classic (and not so classic) string machines.
Each sample set spans 49 notes (4 octaves), each individually sampled and looped, plus RE-STRINGS contains a 700+ patch library created by respected patch designers including legendary string machine user and keyboard maestro, Billy Currie.
With Dual Layer capabilities - each layer comprising of a Lowpass, Bandpass & Highpass Resonant Filter Section, Two Envelope Generators, Pitch or Filter LFO, Dynamic control including filter aftertouch - if you want to create your own hitherto unrealised hybrid combinations of classic and evocative string ensembles, it’s a cinch. Finally, global vintage style Ensemble & Phaser effects are provided, allowing you to hone your sound to evocative, retro, string ensemble perfection.
RE-STRINGS includes string tones from the following classic instruments ARP Quadra (1978) Crumar Multiman (1975) Elka Rhapsody (1975) Eminent 310 (1972) Freeman String Symphonizer (1973) Godwin Model 749 String Concert (1980) Hohner K4 (1977) Junost 21 (c 1986) Korg Lambda (1979) Korg PE2000 (1976) Logan String Melody II (1977) Mellotron (1963) Moog Opus III (1980) Roland VP330 (1979) Solina String Ensemble (1974) Technics KN200 (1982) Yamaha CE-25 (1983) Yamaha SS30 (1977)"
"Help Bright Sparks Synth Documentary Ignite Funding for Bob Moog Foundation Projects
'An engrossing and fascinating documentary that pays tribute to the modest but amazing innovators who changed the face of electronic music' - Vince Clarke
Last week Bright Sparks, a film project which documents the stories of a number of iconic electronic music pioneers and companies, was released in conjunction with the I Monster album of the same name.
Featuring eight of the most influential companies, Moog, Buchla, ARP, Chamberlin, Mellotron, EMS, EDP, and Freeman, the feature length documentary includes interviews with many of the legendary personnel involved in the development of the instruments including Peter Zinovieff (EMS), Ken Freeman (Freeman), Herb Deutsch (Moog), Alan Robert Pearlman (ARP), John Bradley (Mellotron).
The film is available via download only.
The creators of Bright Sparks, recognizing Bob Moog's seminal contribution to modern synthesis, are generously supporting the Bob Moog Foundation with 100 downloads of their movie as a means of raising funding for our educational project, Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, and our Archive Preservation Initiative.
Make a $25 (or more) donation to the Bob Moog Foundation by December 31, 2015 and receive a download code for Bright Sparks as a thank you for your support!
Exploring the human stories of success and adversity behind these early companies and instruments, the film captures the passion of these engineers who were driven to design something in much the same way as any artist or musician is driven to create.
You can see a trailer to the movie here. [embed above]
Join Bright Sparks in supporting our important work and get rare insights into the world of synthesizer and keyboard innovators that won't get anywhere else. Donate $25 or more here. We will send you a download code with simple instructions when you make your donation.
Many thanks to Dave Spiers, Chris McLeod, and I Monster, the team behind the Bright Sparks project, for your wonderful support of our projects and for your excellent documentation of electronic music history.
'Electronic music has been around for long enough to deserve its own historians and archaeologists. Dave Spiers is right at the top of the list: this loving and exhaustive study sets a new standard in instrument research, unravelling the tangled webs that lead to innovations' - Brian Eno"
"Up for sale or best offer is one Vintage Rare ARP 2600 2600P Synthesizer with ARP 3604-P keyboard!
Serial on Synthesizer: 26685
Serial on Keyboard: 36692
Some etching below each serial number plate on each unit (can be seen in photos).
New power cable and 6 Pin Cinch Jones Keyboard Connecting cable recently purchased and included.
Jones cable is 10 ft. long.
Synth. and Keyboard were purchased new from an educational facility here in Wisconsin back in the '70's. Was used for educational purposes/educational performances/etc.
Unit recently brought to a technician who has worked with ARP's and similar for the past two decades. I had him thoroughly test the unit - testing each aspect to see its current performance. Tech played the unit for about an hour in my presence the entire time.
ALL OSCILLATORS, AMPLIFIER, ENVELOPES, PATCHES, FILTERS, ETC. WORKED EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD AS THE TECH WAS PLAYING/TESTING THE UNIT. BOTH INTERNAL SPEAKERS SOUND NICE. OUTSOURCING AUDIO TO AN AMP SOUNDED VERY NICE AS WELL. THE ONLY COUPLE THINGS THAT THE TECH SAID THE UNIT COULD BENEFIT FROM WAS THAT THE KEYBOARD BUSHINGS COULD NEED A REPLACING (BUT STILL PLAYABLE, KEYS WERE A LITTLE 'CLICKY') AND THAT SOME OF THE SLIDERS NEED SOME CLEANING BUT NOTHING MAJOR. BUSHING SERVICE WAS QUOTED AT RIGHT AROUND $250.
FURTHERMORE, UNIT IS EVEN IN TUNE AND READY TO ENJOY!.."
"This ARP 2600 is a extremely good condition. This is the last version of this synth that was built in 1980 with the suitcase handle. The outside tolex is all original and in excellent condition. All the sliders and pots are clean and scratch free. Please email me any questions that you may have.
The ARP 2600 is a semi-modular analog subtractive audio synthesizer, designed by Alan R. Pearlman with Dennis Colin, and manufactured by his company, ARP Instruments, Inc. as the follow-on version of the. Unlike other modular systems of the time, which 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. The 2600 was thus ideal for musicians new to synthesis, due to its ability to be operated either with or without patch cords, and was, upon its initial release, heavily marketed to high schools, universities, and other educational facilities
2601 v3.0: Late in 1980, a final revision was released with un-potted submodules, making them easier to maintain, and a revised suitcase. However these late models are quite rare as their release coincided with ARP's final days.
There were three versions of the remote keyboard associated with the 2600. The Model 3601 is a very rudimentary version with just Portamento and Tuning controls. The Model 3604 is similar but adds adjustable scaling and was used until 1974. The duo-phonic Model 3620 (pictured) which adds a dedicated LFO, latching and some other very useful features was introduced with the 2600P v4.0 and was used with all subsequent models from 1974 to 1980.
"The ARP 2600 is a semi-modular analog subtractive audio synthesizer, designed by Alan R. Pearlman with Dennis Colin, and manufactured by his company, ARP Instruments, Inc. as the follow-on version of the. Unlike other modular systems of the time, which 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. The 2600 was thus ideal for musicians new to synthesis, due to its ability to be operated either with or without patch cords, and was, upon its initial release, heavily marketed to high schools, universities, and other educational facilities
2601 v3.0: Late in 1980, a final revision was released with un-potted submodules, making them easier to maintain, and a revised suitcase. However these late models are quite rare as their release coincided with ARP's final days."
"The ARP 2600 is a semi-modular analog subtractive audio synthesizer, designed by Alan R. Pearlman with Dennis Colin, and manufactured by his company, ARP Instruments, Inc. as the follow-on version of the. Unlike other modular systems of the time, which 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. The 2600 was thus ideal for musicians new to synthesis, due to its ability to be operated either with or without patch cords, and was, upon its initial release, heavily marketed to high schools, universities, and other educational facilities
2601 v3.0: Late in 1980, a final revision was released with un-potted submodules, making them easier to maintain, and a revised suitcase. However these late models are quite rare as their release coincided with ARP's final days."
1. For Once In My Life
2. If You Really Love Me
3. Superwoman
4. You And I
5. Interview
6. What's Going On/My Cherie Amour
7. Blowing In The Wind
8.With A Chid's Heart
9. Love Having You Around
10. Signed Sealed Delivered/Papa Was A Rolling Stone
11. Superstition
12. Maybe Your Baby/Superstition Outro
13. Uptight Everything's Alright
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976,
allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism,
comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship,and research.
Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
"Arp's version of Little Bits, Odyssey in module form"
You can find previous posts including video of the ARP Educational modules here. Not sure if these compare to the Odyssey though. I seem to recall mention in previous posts that they weren't quite as powerful sounding, however according to synthmuseum.com, they were "Designed for classroom instructional use, a cheap alternative to the 2600, this system consists of individual battery-powered modules similar to those found in the second generation of ARP Odysseys. The basic setup included the keyboard and the VCO (modules 1504), VCF (module 1506), envelope (module 1506) and a battery operated amplifier/speaker modules. Also available were modules for LFO, VCA (module 1509), noise(module 1503), sample-and-hold (module 1507), ring modulator, multiple (module 1510), and mixer/atenuator. The modules are connected by mini cables (grey, yellow, or red), and were designed to be used with or without a keyboard. ARP sold each module for between $40 (for the multiple module 1510) to around $70. The keyboard sold for around $175."
"Here's a vintage ARP 1506 'Sound Lab' Filter in its original housing being tested for functionality (yes, it works).
The 1506 is being fed a RAW, unfiltered bass line from the Analogue Solutions Telemark synthesizer. The filter on the TM was purposely left raw and dry for this test. The Oberkorn analogue sequencer is modulating the CV input on the 1506.
The 1506, once properly fitted onto a new plate, will make for a great (authentic) eurorack ARP filter -- battery powered of course.
Here's a bit more information on these rare modules:
"ARTISTS: DotCom Modular + Roland RE-201, Roland TR-606, Roland Juno-60, Minimoog, Elka Synthex, Pearl Syncussion SY-1, EDP Gnat + EH Holy Grail, OSCar Synthesizer, Oberheim SEM ........
Just for Fun:-)) NEW SOUND NOW!!!!!!
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"Three modules from the super rare ARP Modular Synth Lab ('MSL'), which was the educational version of the ARP 2600, which is to say that the components were identical but separated into battery-powered modules.
Included are:
Voltage Controlled Filter (Model 1501) - comparable to the legendary ARP 2600 and Odyssey filters ! Envelope Generator (Model 1506) Speaker / Amplifier (Model 1511)"
via this auction
"How To Make Electronic Music
by Russell Drake, Ronald Herder, and Anne D. Monugno
USA 1975 Educational Audio Visual Inc.
EX condition, approximately 6 x9 inches, 108 pages
Vintage instruction book explaining how to make electronic music. The 'Synthesizer' chapter includes pictures of all the synthesizers of the day: Moog satellite , Moog Sonic Six , Moog 15 , ARP Pro Soloist , ARP Odyssey , ARP 2600 , ElectroComp 101 , ElectroComp 200 , and the RMI Keyboard Computer .Chapters in the book include:
"ASHEVILLE, N.C. – September 19, 2011 – A raffle to benefit the Bob Moog Foundation begins today. Two lucky winners will each receive the new impOSCar2 Controller from Touch Digital Controllers and an entire suite of five virtual instruments from GForce software—a prize package valued at nearly $2,500. The raffle will continue until all 500 tickets have been sold. Because the BMF will be awarding two complete packages, each entry has a 1 in 250 chance of winning. Tickets are $20 each, or you can improve your odds by buying six for $100.
Raffle tickets are available from the Bob Moog Foundation’s Web store. Be sure to enter before all 500 tickets have sold out. Two winners chosen by a random-number generator will be announced once all 500 tickets are sold. The winner will be announced within 24 hours after that time. Raffle participants should check the Foundation’s website and social media outlets to learn when all 500 tickets have been sold and who the two winners are. The winners will be contacted by email.
The new impOSCar2 Controller provides a physical user interface for both the standalone and plug-in versions of GForce Software’s acclaimed impOSCar2 soft synth. The combination of software and hardware offers the sound and functionality of one of the most sought-after analog/digital hybrid synthesizers ever made—Oxford Synthesizer Company’s OSCar—brought up to date with automation, effects, 16-note polyphony, and tons of patch storage.
As a tribute to the memory of Bob Moog, Touch Digital Controllers donated not one, but two impOSCar2 Controllers to the BMF. One is produced in a hand-finished natural mahogany and the other in ebony black on oak. These beautifully made controllers deliver plenty of visual and tactile feedback to make programming impOSCar2 a pleasure, just like programming the original OSCar but with total recall. With 101 high-resolution knobs and buttons, every parameter is available from the controller’s front panel to remotely operate the software. In addition to its dedicated impOSCar functionality, the controller can be configured to control any software instrument that supports MIDI Learn.
“The impOSCar2 Controller is our first product, and we are proud of what we have been able to achieve with this handcrafted music instrument,” said Richard Lawson and Kent Spong of Touch Digital Controllers. “As synthesists, and as a manufacturer, we have been deeply inspired by the one man who pioneered the whole thing: Bob Moog.”
Released in July, GForce’s impOSCar2 breathes new life into the popular previous version, first launched in 2004. New features include more comprehensive modulation routing, an improved arpeggiator, ring modulation, panning mono and poly unison modes, and more than 1,000 signature patches. Add nine filter types, six portamento modes, and a programmable additive synthesis grid, and you have one powerful soft synth.
Want more? The BMF’s raffle winner will also receive licenses for M-Tron Pro, Minimonsta, Oddity, and Virtual String Machine, which realistically emulate the Mellotron, Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, and numerous polyphonic string synthesizers, while adding dozens of innovative touches. In addition, GForce Software has included the ChamberTron and OptiTron Expansion Packs for M-Tron Pro.
BMF Executive Director Michelle Moog-Koussa said, “Through the ImpOSCar2 Controller, Richard and Kent bring their love of vintage synthesizers into the design and ethos of this very special piece of handcrafted hardware. Bob’s goal was always to give musicians the highest level of expressivity, and his interface design was a big part of that. The construction of the ImpOSCar2 Controller echoes that commitment to musicians. Our many thanks to Richard, Kent, and the team at GForce Software for sharing their life's work with us. Their support is a tribute to Bob Moog's legacy and to the work of the Bob Moog Foundation.”
The Bob Moog Foundation (www.moogfoundation.org) honors the legacy of synthesizer pioneer Dr. Bob Moog through its mission of igniting the innovative and creative spirit at the intersection of music, science, and history. Its projects include Dr. Bob's SoundSchool, which brings electronic musical instruments into the schools to teach children science through music; the Archive Preservation Initiative, an effort to preserve and protect the inventor's extensive and historic archive; and the future Moogseum, an innovative educational, historic, and cultural facility that will bring Bob Moog's spirit alive to ignite innovation and creativity in children and adults. It will be located in Asheville, N.C., in the years ahead, pending necessary funding. The Bob Moog Foundation is an independent, donor-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is not formally affiliated with Moog Music, Inc."
