The ARP 2600 went from educational concept to rock ’n’ roll icon, and was the sound of both R2-D2 and Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein.”
A modular synth in a suitcase, the 2600 immediately appealed to musicians. You could patch it like crazy, but didn’t need to. Its versatile sound became a favorite of Stevie Wonder, Josef Zawinul, Tony Banks of Genesis, Martin Gore of Depeche Mode, and many more. Combining True Analog Emulation® signature authenticity with vastly expanded features, ARP 2600 V is designed to become one of your favorites too.
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It Came From Outer Space
Alan R. Pearlman designed electronics for NASA. His passion for music soon sent a new kind of synthesizer into orbit.
It was this passion, combined with his engineering expertise, that led him to found ARP Instruments. ARP not only built some of the most complex and coveted synths of their time; the name left a lasting impact on the world of synthesis, contemporary music, and even cinema.
By 1968 Pearlman had already helmed and sold a successful company that made operational amps based on his aerospace work, but became interested in building electronic instruments after hearing that a certain famous synth brand had issues with temperature and tuning. His own early designs proved more stable, inspiring him to press forward.
In 1969 Pearlman and David Friend formed Tonus, later rebranded as ARP after Pearlman’s initials. Their first product was the 2500, a large modular system that used a matrix of sliders instead of patch cables.
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A Masterpiece of Interface Design
It may look complex, but everything about the 2600 was intended to teach synthesis concepts and get you creating sounds in record time.
ARP 2600 V builds on this tradition first by duplicating the semi-modular flow of the original — patch cables optional. But click any patch point and all eligible points for the other end of the cable light up. That’s just the beginning.
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The 2600 Goes to 11
Our exclusive improvements fit ARP 2600 V smoothly into your workflow and make it an ARP for all time.
We thought very carefully about what to add to a synthesizer that got so much right on the first try. Our decisions reflect a “superstock” approach; make it better with features that owners of the original would have scrambled for.
Hear it in action
From the funk of Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon” to the fusion of “Birdland” by Weather Report to outrageous FX,
there wasn’t much the 2600 couldn’t do. These demo songs from our users and sound designers show just how far you can take ARP 2600 V.
Artists corner
Included in
V collection
Legendary Keyboards Reinvented
This instrument is also part of the V Collection -your complete dream line-up of the legendary synths, organs, pianos and more that made keyboard history. They’re modeled with the most advanced technologies for authentic realism, and enhanced with new creative options. Whether you use it as DAW plugins in the studio or standalone at gigs, V Collection puts the greatest keys of all time at your fingertips for instant inspiration.
Learn MoreTAE® Powered
The exclusive analog modeling technology that makes our emulations indistinguishable from the originals.
By accurately mimicking the characteristics of analog oscillators, filters, and soft clipping, we can provide astonishing component-accurate detail and authentic analog charm in equal measure.
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