Korg ARP Odyssey compact analog synthesizer

Forty years later, a complete revival

The legendary analog synthesizer that transformed its age

The ARP Odyssey was an analog synthesizer originally produced in 1972 by the American manufacturer ARP Instruments, Inc. that quickly garnered a faithful following among musicians. Well respected for its high value, ease to play and portability, the ARP Odyssey had undergone several improvements during its history and continued to be a long-seller until manufacturing stopped in 1981 due to economic hardships and the digital surge. Loved by a wide range of musicians as a historical classic, its sound can be heard on numerous classic songs.

Now in 2015, KORG has brought back the ARP Odyssey for today. With the advisory assistance of David Friend, the co-founder of ARP Instruments, KORG has completely reproduced the original circuitry for artists looking to recreate classic sounds and explore new ones. Together the engineers at KORG and Arp were able to nailthe sound and feel of the original. Every detail has been carefully considered to stay true to the quality of the original, down to the sophisticated semi-hard case.

The distinctive synthesis of the ARP Odyssey has been reproduced from the circuit level up

The original ARP Odyssey was a 2VCO duo-phonic instrument. Its most distinctive feature was its sharp, penetrating sound and its rich range of tonal variation. With a variety of functions and modulation possibilities provided by oscillator sync, sample & hold, pulse width modulation, high-pass filter, two types of envelope generator, and pitch bend using the PPC, it was able to create a versatile range of sounds.

The ARP Odyssey reproduces the sounds of these components at the circuit level. Under the supervision of David Friend, parts were carefully selected and every detail was adjusted to replicate the original unit's distinctive synthesis.

Compact body, highly operable sliders, and a slim keyboard that's easy to play

The ARP Odyssey has been downsized to 86% of the original ARP Odyssey. Carefully selected parts are used in the familiar slider section, providing an operating feel that's even smoother than the original. The keyboard uses a 37-note slim keyboard that features lighter weight and excellent playability. While making the instrument more compact and easier to use, we have also paid attention to ensuring that the mini-keyboard is uncompromisingly "playable." Although the keyboard has 37 keys, the transpose function lets it cover a broad range of seven octaves.

The new DRIVE switch

In order to deliver a more powerful analog sound, a DRIVE switch is provided as a new function. Turning this switch on makes the VCA distort, generating a rough and raw sound.

Specsifications:

• Keyboard: 37-note (Slimkey, No velocity sensitivity, No aftertouch)
• Maximum Polyphony: 2 voices for duophonic; normally monophonic
• Noise Generator: Noise Spectrum Types (white and pink)
• Portamento - Maximum Speed: about 0.01 msec./oct; Minimum Speed: about 1.5 sec./oct
• VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator): Waveforms: Sawtooth, Square, Pluse (Dynamic Pluse); Frequency Range: VCO-1 in low freq. mode, 0.2 Hz – 20 Hz: VCO-1 and VCO-2 (audio range) about 20 Hz – 20 kHz; Warm Up Drift: 1/30 semitone from turn on max; Pulse Width: 50 % – 5 %; Voltage Controlled Response: 1 V/oct; Maximum Frequency Shifts: LFO sin wave, +1/2 oct, LFO square wave, +1.5 oct, ADSR, +9 oct, S/H, +2 oct.
• USB Connector: Type B
• MIDI Connector: IN
• External Audio Input (Ext Audio Input) Jack: φ6.3 mm monaural phone jack. Maximum Input Level -10 dBu. Input Impedance 22 kΩ
• CV IN/OUT Jacks: Keyboard CV (IN/OUT)
• Power Supply: AC adapter jack (DC 9 V)
• Power Consumption: 6.5 W

• Dimensions: 50,2 x 38,0 x 12,0 cm
• Weight: 5 kg