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Average Price: $259,000

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$350+

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Description

Explore the captivating world of sound with the ARP 2500, a legendary modular synthesizer that has shaped music history. Known for its versatile and expansive sound capabilities, the ARP 2500 is a modular powerhouse, celebrated by musicians and composers for producing everything from deep, rumbling basses to ethereal, soaring leads. This instrument is a dream for sound designers, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities through its comprehensive array of modules.

The ARP 2500 features a unique matrix switch system, allowing for intuitive patching without the need for traditional patch cables. This design facilitates rapid experimentation and exploration of new sonic landscapes. Whether you're crafting intricate sequences or experimenting with abstract textures, the ARP 2500's distinctive sound-shaping abilities provide unmatched creativity.

With its rich analog tones and robust build, the ARP 2500 is more than just a synthesizer; it's an enduring piece of musical heritage. Its modules include oscillators, filters, amplifiers, and envelope generators, each contributing to its reputation as a versatile and reliable tool for any studio setting. This synthesizer is perfect for those looking to push the boundaries of music production and explore the full potential of analog sound design.

Key Features:

  • Unique matrix switch system for flexible patching
  • Comprehensive array of modules including oscillators, filters, and amplifiers
  • Rich, warm analog sound renowned in the music industry
  • Ideal for both sound design and traditional music production
  • Reputed for its robust and reliable build quality

Product specs

Brand ARP
Model 2500 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer
Finish Silver with Wood Cabinet
Year 1970 - 1980
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

What makes the ARP 2500 unique among modular synthesizers?

The ARP 2500 is renowned for its matrix switch system that allows flexible patching without patch cords, making it a unique choice for sound design and experimentation.

Is the ARP 2500 suitable for beginners in modular synthesis?

The ARP 2500 is more suited for experienced synthesists due to its complex interface and advanced features, which can be challenging for beginners.

How many voices does the ARP 2500 support?

The ARP 2500 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it supports one voice at a time, ideal for creating intricate and detailed soundscapes.

Can the ARP 2500 be used for live performances?

While the ARP 2500 can be used live, its large size and complexity make it more practical for studio use, where its full capabilities can be explored.

What kind of sounds can I create with the ARP 2500?

The ARP 2500 excels in creating rich analog textures, experimental sounds, and complex sequences, making it a favorite among sound designers and film composers.

HAINBACH

HAINBACH

The ARP 2500 at Willem Twee Studios - an introduction

Video thumbnail for The ARP 2500 at Willem Twee Studios - an introduction by HAINBACH

The ARP 2500 at Willem Twee Studios - an introduction

HAINBACH

HAINBACH

Video thumbnail for Distance of Time - A Piece for Arp 2500 Synthesizer by David Baron

Distance of Time - A Piece for Arp 2500 Synthesizer

David Baron

David Baron

Video thumbnail for Gelbart in Worm/Klangendum studio by Defekt Records

Gelbart in Worm/Klangendum studio

Defekt Records

Defekt Records

Video thumbnail for David Baron - Solo for Arp 2500 Synthesizer by David Baron

David Baron - Solo for Arp 2500 Synthesizer

David Baron

David Baron

Video thumbnail for Arp Fields  - ARP 2500 live in concert by Pablo Garreton

Arp Fields - ARP 2500 live in concert

Pablo Garreton

Pablo Garreton

Video thumbnail for Arp 2500 "Winter" by David Baron

Arp 2500 "Winter"

David Baron

David Baron

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ARP 2500.

Features and functionality

  • The ARP 2500 excels with multiple oscillators, voltage-controllable mixers, and ring modulators, crucial for creating meditative drones like Eliane Radigue's works.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to subtractive synths, the ARP 2500's modular setup provides immediate access to complex drone sounds, unlike the more performance-oriented KARP Odyssey.

    Source
  • The KARP Odyssey is praised for its looping envelopes and ring modulation, but lacks the depth of modular systems for drone composition.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A small modular setup with a Doepfer case is recommended for beginners to avoid overwhelming complexity while achieving rich drone textures.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Modular synths allow for nuanced sound creation with slight oscillator detuning and amplitude/ring modulation, ideal for evolving drone music.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest using an LFO for added movement in drone sounds, potentially paired with a filter for more sound sculpting options.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users recommend starting with software like VCVRack to familiarize with modular synthesis concepts before investing in hardware setups.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses ARP 2500

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Emusician

"His collection includes a Doepfer A100 modular synthesizer, a Mellotron, a Minimoog, and a 1970 ARP 2500. “For a long time I was using mainly the Doepfer. I was more interested in using the LFO and gates and treating other instruments with it. I wasn't interested in using a synthesizer's oscillators. But the ARP 2500 has renewed my interest in oscillators completely, because they sound incredible. It's the same thing with guitars and recording equipment — the old stuff sounds better, louder, warmer, and more soothing."

See how Deadmau5 uses ARP 2500

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via YouTube

This beautiful synthesizer can be seen at 2:24 of the video. "Moving along, we have the Arp 2500, which is actually the voice of R2D2. Classic synth."

See how Jimmy Page uses ARP 2500

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

Page can be seen in this photo with an ARP 2500.

See how George Harrison uses ARP 2500

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

At 14:30 a few artists who owned a ARP 2500 are mentioned, George Harrison amongst others.

See how Aphex Twin uses ARP 2500

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via Photo

Aphex Twin lists the ARP 2500 modular synthesizer amongst the gear used on his 2014 album Syro.

See how Pete Townshend uses ARP 2500

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Thewho

According to thewho.net, Townshend used ARP 2500 for "Going Mobile".

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses ARP 2500

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Redbullmusicacademy

Jean Michel Jarre discusses his use of the ARP 2500 synthesizer in an article on the Red Bull Music Academy website.

See how Andrew Huang uses ARP 2500

Andrew Huang

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via Splice

The ARP 2500 used for Close Encounters of the Third Kind was used for some of the samples on Space Slime, as specified in the product description.

Many of the sounds were made with his collection of boutique, analog, and modular synths, as well as some iconic vintage pieces he has had access to such as TONTO (used by Stevie Wonder) and the actual ARP 2500 that played the famous alien message in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

See how Kraftwerk uses ARP 2500

Kraftwerk

Composer, Music Producer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via Kraftwerkfaq

Kraftwerk's use of the ARP 2500 modular synthesizer is mentioned among other equipment in their history on Kraftwerkfaq. However, its usage remains unconfirmed based on the available information.

See how Vangelis uses ARP 2500

Vangelis

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Aphrodite's Child

...
Verified via YouTube

At 14:30 a few artists who owned a ARP 2500 are mentioned, Vangelis amongst others. Vangelis apparently used it on the Chariots of Fire soundtrack.

See how Vince Clarke uses ARP 2500

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Archive

The ARP 2500 is featured in the "Studio Equipment List" on Vince Clarke's website.

See how cEvin Key uses ARP 2500

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Side-line

"Basically everything we’ve used we practically still have here. So it’s a list too long to go into. There is a wall alone that is the orginal setup of Skinny Puppy, based around a pair of Roland TR-808’s, Roland TR-909 with trigs going to many differnat devices including Sequential Circuits Pro One, Roland System 100m, ElectroComp Eml 101, Korg SQ-10, Korg MS-20, Korg MS-10, ARP 2500 and ARP 2600."

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ARP 2500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
3
Korg MS-10
Korg MS-10 Synthesizers
3
Atari 1040 ST
Atari 1040 ST Computers & Peripherals
2
EMS VCS 3
EMS VCS 3 Synthesizers
2
Waldorf Microwave
Waldorf Microwave Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2

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