A
monophonic semi-
modular analog synthesizer with a 49-note
remote keyboard. Manufactured between
1970 and
1981.
The ARP 2600 features 3
VCOs. VCO1 is
switchable between
sawtooth and
square waveforms. VCO2 offers the same plus
triangle,
pulse and
sine, while VCO3 provides sawtooth, square and pulse.
As a
filter there is a 24
dB/
octave self-oscillating
VCF with a
digital ring modulator. Two
envelope generators (
ADSR and AR) are included, as well as a saw/square/sine
LFO with
sample/hold. For
external control, a CV/gate
interface is available.
Both
hard wired and patchable
routings are available, but using the
cords is necessary for doing anything with the 2600. The patching offers enormous
flexibility, with really
versatile modulation routings. There are plenty of
knobs though, to satisfy the needs of the modern
electronic music composer.
Versions:
"Blue Meanie" (1970-?)
A prototype version, cased in blue aluminum. Easy to break and hard to fix.
"Gray Meanie" (1970?)
Similar to the Blue Meanie, but with gray casing. Only a couple of these were produced.
Mk 1 (197?-
1977)
The first official version, with gray font panel and white lettering. No fine tuning for the VCO or VCF. Later Mk 1:s featured an improved keyboard (Model 3620) and better quality parts.
Mk 2 (1977-1981)
This version is easily recognized by the black front panel and orange lettering. Mk 2 added fine tuning for the oscillators, plus ARP's PPC system for the keyboard. (basicially just rubber pads under the keys)
Information collected from various sources.
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