ARP 2600 FS

More than just a legendary synthesizer

The ARP 2600 is more than just a synthesizer, it's a complete sound design studio that bridges the gap between the individual elements of modular synthesis and the immediacy of a production / performance instrument. It comes equipped with ample supplies of oscillators, envelopes, a filter, and amplifier - all the building blocks of analogue synthesis. Additionally, it includes a spring reverb tank and even a pair of monitor speakers, making it a versatile and powerful tool for sound design and production.

Immediate control

With nearly every slider and switch on the front panels hardwired to specific control sources, the ARP 2600 provides immediate control that doesn't require patching. This makes excellent use of all that the ARP 2600 has to offer, but inserting a patch cord into the jack associated with any hardwired control lets you create a new signal path of your choosing. The panel graphics clearly show the available signal routings for easy programming.

Patch precision

The ARP 2600 uses streamlined 3.5mm (1/8”) jacks for its patch points, allowing for more patch points to occupy the same amount of panel space and delivering more options and versatility. Most of the patch points are arranged in a single row below the controls of the individual sound modules, keeping the main panel clear and unobstructed for tweaking the controls during performance. These patchable connections and the onboard processors can be used to interact with nearly any modular or Eurorack synthesizer system, making the ARP 2600 an excellent addition to any setup.

Complete control

The 3620 keyboard, included in this limited ARP 2600 release, retains the original design while offering significant functionality enhancements. The 3620 Keyboard contains 49 full-size keys, aftertouch, portamento, and is also duophonic, allowing two keys to be played at once – single or multiple triggering is available. In addition, the duophonic keyboard can use an optional foot switch to lock the interval between any two notes, without retuning the oscillators during performance. Vibrato can be added via a dedicated circuit controlled by aftertouch, or by the onboard LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), using any of three available waveforms. Most noticeable is the addition of a flexible Arpeggiator that allows a user-defined pattern to be manually sequenced and played back. Still present are the original Pitch Bend knob and the Two Octave Up / Two Octave Down Transpose switch. Connecting the keyboard to the main unit now uses a secure eight-pin din cable.

A powerful legacy

The ARP 2600 FS meticulously reproduces the distinctive synthesis of the original instrument by replicating the sounds of its components at the circuit level. David Friend, the co-founder of ARP Instruments, oversaw the careful selection of parts and adjustment of every detail to ensure the faithful recreation of the iconic instrument.

David Friend is a prominent figure in the world of music technology. As the co-founder of ARP Instruments, he was responsible for designing the ARP 2600 and Odyssey, as well as contributing to the development of numerous other products. He later transitioned to management and became the president of the company. He has also been recognized for his achievements as an entrepreneur, receiving the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award in the Emerging Technology category from Ernst & Young in 2010.

Currently, Friend is the President, CEO, and Co-founder of Wasabi, a lecturer at MIT's Sloan School of Management, and an emeritus of the New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. His contributions to the world of music technology have been significant, and his involvement in the reproduction of the ARP 2600 FS ensures that the ARP legacy continues to live on.

The Oscillators

ARP Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCO) are extremely stable in their tuning. All three oscillators feature Initial Tuning and Fine-Tuning sliders, and every oscillator can be designated as an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) modulating oscillator or as an audio oscillator. (Additional LFO modulation sources are available on the ARP 3620 keyboard; included.) Each oscillator generates multiple wave shapes at once. Available Waves include Sawtooth, Square, Triangle, Sine, and Pulse. The Pulse wave of Oscillator 2 and Oscillator 3 include a manual Pulse Width control, and Pulse Width Modulation is available on Oscillator 2. One audio oscillator can be used to modulate the frequency of another audio oscillator to create analogue FM effects.

The Filter

The ARP 2600 is equipped with a 4-pole Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF), offering a roll-off curve of -24dB per Octave. As with the oscillators, the ARP 2600 filter also offers a Fine Tuning slider. The addition of Fine Tuning allows precise and useful control of the pitch of a self-resonating filter. The input mixer stage of the VCF includes sliders for each Oscillator, the Noise Generator, and the output of the Ring Modulator. Over time, the ARP 2600 historically went through a number of changes; some were cosmetic, and some were more crucial to the sound. The Filter Type switch selects between a filter response more closely related to either earlier or later models of the ARP 2600.

The Envelopes

Two Envelope Transient Generators (EG) are available on the ARP 2600. The first is a full four-stage Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release Envelope. The second EG offers variable Attack and Release only. The Manual Start button allows the Envelopes to be retriggered at any time, without using the keyboard. The Envelope module also provides both Gate and Trigger outputs – ideal for patching into another analogue modular or Eurorack system.

The Amplifier

To produce and output sound, the ARP 2600 relies on a Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) to bring the output up to a suitable level. The Amplifier features both Linear and Exponential control inputs, and the Initial Gain setting provides continuous output at its highest setting.