Korg ARP 2600M Limited Edition Semi-Modular Synthesizer

Korg ARP 2600M Limited Edition Semi-Modular Synthesizer

The ARP 2600, built between 1971 and 1980, was a revered analog synthesizer heard on countless classic recordings. Now it’s back again, this time in a space-saving module. Combining the massive sound-shaping capabilities of modular patch-point architecture with the immediacy and user-friendliness of normalled signal paths, the semi-modular 2600 delivered the perfect blend of power, portability, and ease of use. Today’s ARP 2600 M is the most iconic synth available for modern musicians, fortified with all the sonic firepower of this synth legend — including spring reverb and a built-in speaker — along with modern features such as silky-smooth sliders, improved attack and release time ratios, and plug-and-play USB/MIDI connectivity. And at 60% of the original size, it’s is even more gig-ready than its venerable progenitor. The 2600 M Ltd ships with a dedicated protective case, a free music software bundle, and a Korg microKEY-37 controller, so you can plug in and start playing right away.

Your chance to own a synth icon

In the 1970s, the ARP 2600 changed the sound of modern music. It went on the road with synth pioneers like Weather Report’s Joe Zawinul, who toured with two of them, linked by a custom interface designed by his keyboard tech. From Edgar Winter to Stevie Wonder (who had his 2600’s control panel labeled in Braille), the 2600 was everywhere. It even starred on the big screen — sound designer Ben Burtt used it to create the voice of R2-D2 in the original Star Wars trilogy, and also to generate sound effects for Raiders of the Lost Ark. Now ARP is reintroducing this iconic synthesizer, giving modern keyboard artists the pinnacle of vintage analog synthesis in a compact module that interfaces seamlessly with modern class-compliant MIDI controllers. From the panel layout to its onboard spring reverb, the 2600 M is virtually identical to its historical predecessor — except for its size and the added modern refinements we will discuss herein.

The triumphal return of a legend

When ARP released the 2600 FS — a spot-on, full-sized replica of the original 2600 — in January 2020, it immediately garnered worldwide acclaim. It was also a resounding commercial success, selling out quickly as A-list keyboardists and film composers placed their Sweetwater orders on day one. This time around, ARP is broadening the market with the 2600 M, which incorporates the same analog circuitry and components as the 2600 FS in a smaller, performance-oriented package that delivers authentic 2600 sound and versatility. The 2600 M is not your average mass-produced musical instrument. Handcrafted to exacting specifications in Japan, the 2600 M integrates the same analog components as the FS to flawlessly duplicate the sound and feel of the vaunted original. The 2600’s famous spring reverb has been re-engineered, adapting it to the new, more compact chassis. Although production will be ongoing, ARP will manufacture the 2600 M in limited quantities to ensure the exceptional quality of this extraordinary instrument.

Complete sound design studio

More than a synthesizer, the ARP 2600 is a complete sound design studio. In today’s hybrid analog/digital music production environment, the 2600 M is your bridge between the essential components of modular synthesis and the hands-on immediacy of a real-time performance/production synth. Of course, it’s armed with an arsenal of oscillators and envelopes, a filter, and an amplifier — the building blocks of classic analog synthesis. But the ARP 2600 takes you way beyond the basics with an onboard spring reverb tank and even stereo monitor speakers. The 2600 offers much of the functionality of a vintage modular synth system, including ring modulation, lag and voltage processors, an envelope follower, an audio preamp, a clock-able switch, a noise source, a sample & hold module, signal inverters, an aux mixer, and even parallel-wired/multi jacks.

Modular flexibility, instant gratification

Any synthesist who’s had experience programming a fully modular synthesizer will tell you it can be a frustrating experience getting up to speed with a new, unfamiliar system. The key word here is “programming,” as every signal path must be patched from scratch before the synth will even make a sound. There are no great-sounding presets that can be used as is or to serve as starting points for your own explorations. With that said, modular systems offer flexibility that non-modular systems cannot. You can include any and all modules in a “patch,” in any order. Because there are no real rules governing modular programming (other than common-sense ones like “start with a sound source”), you can definitely patch your way into sonic malfeasance — or “happy accidents.” But the takeaway is that, although fully modular systems offer amazing sonic dexterity, they do not particularly lend themselves to live performance. That is, unless you’re perfectly happy to play just one sound all night. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a synth that offered the best of both worlds? ARP was thinking just the same thing when they designed the 2600.

Best of both worlds

Nearly every slider and switch on the 2600 front panel is hard-wired to a specific control source. Having hard-wired pathways gives you immediate control over all the 2600 has to offer, allowing the instrument to be played as is, with no patching required. In true modular fashion, when you’re in the mood to roll up your sleeves, throw some patches, and dive into sound design, inserting a patch cord into the jack associated with any hard-wired control interrupts that internal connection, letting you create an entirely new signal path to suit your needs. As a programming aid, the 2600’s famously detailed panel graphics clearly display the available signal routings and provide insight into the instrument’s architecture. It’s this marriage of sophistication and ease of use that sets the 2600 apart from other vintage analog synthesizers. Whether you’re an accomplished synthesist or seeking to become one, the ARP 2600 M will seriously up your game.

Patchbay precision

Unlike earlier modular synthesizers that relied on full-size 1/4-inch jacks and patch cables, the ARP 2600 M uses the more compact 3.5mm Bantam (Tiny-Tel) jack. This allows for more patch points to occupy the same amount of panel space, giving you more options and greater versatility. Most of the patch points are arranged in a single row below the controls of the individual sound modules, an arrangement that keeps the main panel clear and unobstructed for tweaking the controls you need to quickly access during a performance. A major bonus is that the 2600’s onboard processors and patch points can be used with other modular and Eurorack synthesizer systems.

Features:

• Includes Korg microKEY-37 MIDI controller
• Faithful rendition of the iconic synth, at 60% of the original size and with modern updates
• Includes every detail, including spring reverb and speakers
• USB/MIDI and 5-pin DIN for plug-and-play connectivity
• 3 stable, versatile audio oscillators with 5 waveforms and LFO functionality
• Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) option on oscillator 2
• Analog FM (Frequency Modulation) capability
• Noise Generator with White, Pink, and Low-Frequency options
• 4-pole filter with switchable early-/late-period 2600 response
• 2 Envelope Generators with Gate and Trigger outputs
• Internal Spring Reverb unit
• Onboard stereo speakers
• Ring Modulation, lag and voltage processors
• Envelope Follower; clock-able Switch
• Sample & Hold module
• Aux Mixer, Signal inverters
• Preamp input for processing external audio sources
• Headphone output jack (internal speakers mute when in use
• Dedicated case with anti-shock damping, custom casters, and space for accessories
• Handcrafted in Japan
• Free music software bundle included

Free music software bundle

The ARP 2600 M comes with a varied assortment of popular music software, so you can start composing right from the get-go. The bundle includes:

• Korg Gadget 2 Le (music production studio DAW app for iPhone/iPad)
• Korg Module (piano/keyboard sound module app for iPhone/iPad)
• Korg Collection — M1 Le synthesizer sound module (macOS/Win)
• UVI Digital Synsations synthesizer sound module (macOS/Win)
• AAS Ultra Analog Session synthesizer sound module (macOS/Win)
• AAS Strum Session acoustic guitar sound module (macOS/Win)
• AAS Lounge Lizard Session electric piano sound module (macOS/Win)
• Propellerhead Reason Lite DAW music production software (macOS/Win)
• Skoove free 3-month trial of Skoove Premium online piano lessons (macOS/Win)
• Korg Gadget 2 Le for Mac DAW music production software (macOS/Win)
• iZotope Ozone Elements audio mastering plug-in software (macOS/Win)