ARP 2600 V3

Name: ARP 2600 V3
Price: 149 USD
Author: Arturia

by Arturia · Synth · Semi-modular analog synth emulation

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ARP 2600 V3 recreates the ARP 2600 semi-modular synthesizer, with three oscillators, its 24 dB resonant filter and the ARP 1601 step sequencer.

Arturia adds 2 to 32 voices of polyphony, extra tracking generators, a multimode filter and built-in effects, with more than 500 presets.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic, R&B & Soul.

Keywords: arpeggiator, modular, hardware emulation, analog, polyphonic, sequencer, 70s, classic, gritty, sound design, subtractive, basses, leads, monophonic, preset-driven, steep learning curve, surgical, textures, vintage.

What it does

ARP 2600 V3 is Arturia's emulation of the ARP 2600, the "coveted semi-modular classic" behind sounds "ranging from '70s funk textures to unmistakable special FX."

Oscillators: 3 voltage-controlled oscillators with oscillator sync.
Filters: the 24 dB/octave low-pass resonant filter with self-oscillation, plus an added 12 dB/octave multimode filter (LP, HP, BP, notch).
Sequencer: a model of the ARP 1601 step sequencer and 4 added tracking generators.
Polyphony: 2 to 32 voices with a Unison mode, where the hardware was monophonic.
Effects: spring reverb, chorus and a MIDI-synced stereo delay, with 500+ presets built on TAE modeling.

It is also part of V Collection.

Source: Arturia product page

When to use it

ARP 2600 V3 is the one to pick for the ARP's semi-modular normalled layout, where it makes sound straight away but can be re-patched for effects and odd modulation. It goes less far into full patch-cable modular synthesis than Softube Modular and Arturia's own Modular V3, and its layout is less simple than u-he Diva and TAL-Mod, which cover classic analog subtractive sounds.

Best for: gritty leads and basses, analog effects and percussion, and learning semi-modular patching.
Genres: electronic, funk, R&B, ambient and film sound design.
Look elsewhere if: you want lush polyphonic pads with minimal setup; Diva or a dedicated poly synth is quicker.
Standout: the semi-modular patch panel paired with the ARP 1601 sequencer model.

What producers say

Reviews are generally positive about the authentic ARP character, with older ones noting a learning curve and a less lively sound than hardware.

KVR users average 4.0/5 over 3 reviews; a 2014 reviewer found it "truly gritty" and "perfect for that electro dub sound."
MusicRadar (2007) reviewed the first version and praised "authentic analogue sounds" and a "Grade A GUI."
Gripe: MusicRadar found it "can seem confusing at first" and "a little static and flat" on its own; a 2005 KVR user called it "very pricey for what you get."

Where to buy

Arturia: $149

Tutorials and reviews

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