Monthly Archives: August 2024

KORG ARP 2600 v1.0.5 [WIN]

The iconic ARP 2600. It’s the one synth you can expect to see in every major studio. They demand astronomical prices on the second hand market. When KORG released the limited- edition ARP 2600 FS in 2020, they sold out immediately world-wide. Now, KORG is pleased to present the first truly accurate software re-creation of this essential synthesizer: the KORG Collection ARP 2600.

KORG’s proprietary CMT technology faithfully reproduces the distinctive waveforms and filters, the custom LFO and envelope shapes, the many subtle nonlinearities, even the behavior of the patch panel – unlike any other 2600 software instrument. Thanks to this obsessive attention to detail, you can open the original ARP 2600 Patch Book (available as a free PDF on KORG’s website), hook up each of the 100 patches on screen, and they will sound just like an authentic ARP 2600 – something that no other 2600 plug-in can do.

Bringing the ARP 2600 into the modern age
Preserving the fantastic sound quality, incredible flexibility, and quirky attitude of the original was only the beginning. To truly honor the legacy of this legendary instrument, we asked ourselves: if ARP redesigned the 2600 today, what would it be like? In response we made many improvements, including adding a second filter, a drive section, new modulation sources, extensive MIDI control, a sophisticated sequencer, up to 16-voice polyphony, and much more – all while keeping the spirit of the original ARP 2600 design.

Easy to learn
The ARP 2600 is the ideal way to learn about analog synthesis. The main signal path runs clearly from left to right. Unlike a modular synth, cables are completely optional; you can make incredible sounds just by moving the sliders. Everything’s there right in front of you – no scrolling required.We wanted to expand on this tradition of education and ease-of-use. A new silkscreen uses color to differentiate between signal sources, signal processors, modulation sources, and control modules. (If you prefer, of course, the original white-on-black silkscreen is also available.) When you decide to use cables, they show the signal flow direction, and inapplicable patch points fade into the background. On-screen help has information and useful tips for every slider, knob, switch, and jack.

Classic sounds
Pulsing basslines for “Thriller” and “Borderline.” Signature sounds on “Autobahn,” “Don’t Go,” “Just Can’t Get Enough,”and “Oxygene” – and let’s not forget “Birdland.” Searing guitar processing on “Who Are You” and “Discotheque.” The robot voice of “R2.” Funk, rock, jazz, pop, electronica, film – none of them would be the same without the ARP 2600. You’ll feel the same way for your own music when you play through KORG’s many awesome-sounding, professionally-designed presets.

Effects
The vintage ARP 2600 might have been the first all-in-one synth with built-in effects, in the form of its integrated spring reverb. We’ve kept the original spring reverb on the patch panel, but also brought the effects up to modern specifications with three insert effects and a dedicated reverb slot.There are 31 effects types to choose from, including vintage pedals, guitar amps, and tape echoes to modern reverse delays and shimmer reverb – taking the ARP 2600’s classic synth timbres to the next level.

Beauty in the details
Our engineers spent considerable time understanding every detail of the original and modern schematics, poring over the original ARP 2600 manuals, testing with oscilloscopes, and most importantly listening.

The original AR and ADSR envelopes, for example, might seem simple – but it took a lot of time and tweaking to get them just right. The oscillator waveforms are correct, including the slight imperfections that add a unique brightness (especially for the triangle and sine).
We modeled both of the original VCF modules, the 4012 and the 4072, with a switch to select between them. We included all of the many saturation points on the original hardware, with subtle distortions that bring life to the sound. Extensive anti-aliasing techniques spread throughout the different modules let us deliver truly premium audio quality. KORG’s Component Modeling Technology (CMT) includes variations between analog components, just as you’d find with multiple hardware 2600s, to deliver natural richness when playing polyphonically.

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