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Description

Step into the rich sonic world of the ARP 2600, a legendary synthesizer that has shaped the sound of countless music genres. Now revived and enhanced by KORG, this synth marries vintage charm with modern innovation, making it an indispensable tool for musicians and producers alike. Whether you're aiming to recreate iconic tracks or forge new musical paths, the ARP 2600 delivers unparalleled versatility and authentic analog warmth.

At the heart of the ARP 2600 is KORG's proprietary Component Modeling Technology (CMT), which meticulously recreates the original circuitry's nuances. This ensures that every waveform, filter, and envelope behaves just as the original hardware did, complete with the unique imperfections that give the synth its character. With switchable filter types and a second filter inspired by the classic SEM, you'll find fresh ways to sculpt your sound.

The ARP 2600 is not only a sonic powerhouse but also a learning playground for analog synthesis. The intuitive interface guides you through the signal path, with optional patch cables for those who want to delve deeper into sound design. Modern enhancements like extensive MIDI control, a sophisticated sequencer, and up to 16-voice polyphony ensure the 2600 remains relevant in today's music production landscape.

Join a community of musicians who trust the ARP 2600 for its distinctive voice and boundless creative potential. With its blend of classic tones and modern features, this synthesizer is poised to inspire your next musical masterpiece.

Key Features:

  • KORG's CMT modeling technology for authentic analog sound
  • Faithful reproduction of 100 original ARP 2600 patches
  • Switchable main filter types and SEM-inspired second filter
  • Expanded capabilities: polyphony, arpeggiator, and sequencer
  • Premium audio quality with anti-aliasing and oversampling
  • Intuitive interface with optional patch cables for deeper sound exploration
  • Extensive MIDI control with a 30-slot mod-matrix
  • Compatible with both Mac and PC systems

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model ARP 2600 FS Semi-Modular Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 2020 - 2025
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 2 Voices

FAQs

Is the ARP 2600 FS suitable for beginners in synthesis?

Yes, the ARP 2600 FS is ideal for beginners as it can be operated without patch cords, allowing users to explore synthesis with ease while still offering advanced features for experienced sound designers.

What type of synthesis does the ARP 2600 FS use?

The ARP 2600 FS utilizes analog synthesis, providing rich, warm tones characteristic of vintage synthesizers, and features a semi-modular design for flexible sound creation.

How many voices of polyphony does the ARP 2600 FS offer?

The ARP 2600 FS offers 2 voices of polyphony, allowing for limited but effective layering of sounds and slightly more complex compositions compared to monophonic synthesizers.

Does the ARP 2600 FS require patching to produce sound?

No, the ARP 2600 FS can produce sound without patching, making it accessible for users who prefer straightforward operation, while also allowing patching for more advanced sound design.

What are the standout features of the ARP 2600 FS's sound engine?

The ARP 2600 FS features a classic analog sound engine with versatile modulation options and a spring reverb, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities from lush pads to aggressive leads.

How does the ARP 2600 FS compare to fully modular synthesizers?

The ARP 2600 FS is a semi-modular synthesizer, providing the flexibility of modular patching without the complexity of a fully modular system, making it more user-friendly while still offering extensive sound-shaping capabilities.

Reverb

Reverb

The ARP 2600: The Story of a Legendary Synthesizer | Reverb Feature

Video thumbnail for The ARP 2600: The Story of a Legendary Synthesizer | Reverb Feature by Reverb

The ARP 2600: The Story of a Legendary Synthesizer | Reverb Feature

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for The ARP 2600 In Action by Doctor Mix

The ARP 2600 In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for In-Depth with a Vintage ARP 2600 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer by Perfect Circuit

In-Depth with a Vintage ARP 2600 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for ARP 2600 Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer — Daniel Fisher by Sweetwater

ARP 2600 Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for ARP 2600 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer | Demo and Overview with James Watson by Guitar Center

ARP 2600 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer | Demo and Overview with James Watson

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Reviews

PROS

  • Centerpiece of synth setups, engaging and intuitive layout

  • Powerful sequencer with versatile pattern options and sequence recording

  • Offers polyphony through external sequencer connection

  • Massive fuzz tone capabilities when processing external audio inputs

  • Spring reverb adds unique, vibey character to sounds

  • Can produce a wide range of tones: freaky, full basses, wonderful leads

  • Audio rate modulations sound characterful and distinct

  • Special 4072 filter for diverse sound production, including great drum sounds

  • Capable of creating vocal-sounds and "speaking" basses

  • Darker, sometimes more imprecise sound adds unique character

CONS

  • Sound may feel sterile and lack character compared to vintage units

  • Spring reverb can be noisy compared to digital effects

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ARP 2600.

Features and functionality

  • It's mentioned that the ARP 2600 can create a "creamy" sound using sine and pulse waves on osc2, feeding back into osc1 filter input with pulse width modulation.

    Source
  • Behringer's 2600 models include useful additions such as a dedicated keyboard and trigger area, enhancing usability beyond the original design.

    Source
  • The synth's ring modulator adds a "metallic" edge, showcasing its versatility for both smooth and harsher soundscapes.

    Source
  • The ARP 2600's filter inputs overdrive if pushed beyond 60%, and its VCA can clip readily, especially when using the exponential input, requiring careful adjustment.

    Source
  • Some owners highlight the unique spring reverb and internal speakers as key features for creating distinctive feedback techniques that are only achievable with the original hardware.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners report enhancing the Behringer 2600's sound by using external reverb effects like the Zoom CDR70, which offers transformative sound enhancements.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Combining the ARP 2600 with Eurorack systems creates a powerful sound design setup, favored by owners for its expansive modulation capabilities.

    Source
  • Known for its "wild sound effect machine" quality, the ARP 2600 excels at retro vibes and encourages modulation at audio rates for dynamic sound shaping.

    Source
  • The 2600 is noted for its capability to create a "beautiful midrange honk" that easily cuts through a mix, making it suitable for sounds that need presence.

    Source
  • Known for its versatility, the ARP 2600 is used heavily in sound design and was famously utilized to create R2-D2's voice.

    Source

User experience

  • The Korg 2600M's portable case and ergonomic design, including feet for vertical positioning, are appreciated by those needing flexible setup options.

    Source
  • Many owners praise the tactile experience of the ARP 2600's sliders, describing them as easy to move and adjust, contributing to an interactive workflow.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users find the Behringer 2600's LED sliders beneficial for performance in low-light settings, contrasting with the more resistive sliders on the Korg 2600M.

    Source
  • The ARP 2600 is described as having a more "wiry and precise" character compared to Moog, which is often perceived as harder and more direct.

    Source
  • Despite its semi-modular nature, the ARP 2600 is considered more versatile than hardwired synths, balancing ease of use with extensive sound design possibilities.

    Source
  • The ARP 2600's filter is a Moog-type design, which led to legal action from Moog. It offers a rougher, more open sound compared to the smoother Moog bass.

    Source

Build quality

  • The reverb tank in the Behringer 2600 is notably small, measuring approximately 3"x5", which some users find less effective than larger pedal options.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 27 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
michael_pohl

Lots of character!

Mine is orange/black. It sounds darker than the Tonus model, sometimes more imprecise. Depending on your settings it can deliver freaky tones, full basses and wonderful leads though. Audio rate modulations sound more chracterful than on my other synths. The 4072 filter is very special. It can produce great drumsounds and changes its tone as soon as it gets modulated at high rates. Vocal- sounds and "speaking" basses are easy to set up. The reverb tank sounds very "Industrial".

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses ARP 2600

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via Photo

deadmau5 posted a picture of the synthesizer on Instagram and says "And in the spirit of synth porn... ;)"

See how Thom Yorke uses ARP 2600

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Tumblr

Thom Yorke is known to use the ARP 2600 synthesizer, as detailed on the King of Gear Tumblr page.

See how Matthew Bellamy uses ARP 2600

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mix engineer Tommaso Colliva on recording Drones : "There are fewer keyboards on Drones than on previous albums, and the ones we did use are the usual suspects, like the Buchla 200e, ARP 2600, Korg MS20, Prophet 5 and Moog Voyager."

See how Trent Reznor uses ARP 2600

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

I've seen the ARP in the background of several videos showing Trent's studio. But you get a nice clear shot of it behind Trent and Alessandro in this video, time mark 7:50. You also get a nice view of too much Eurorack gear to possibly list out.

See how Pete Townshend uses ARP 2600

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Thewho

According to thewho.net website, Townshend used ARP 2600 synth for "Relay".

See how Brian Eno uses ARP 2600

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Hyperreal

Per this interview in a 1981 issue of Keyboard:

That's a very nice synthesizer as well. I've worked with one of those. I've never owned one, but I do like them. Actually, the second piece on the second side of Music for Airports was done with an ARP 2600.

See how Martin L. Gore uses ARP 2600

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Depeche Mode's engineer Gareth Jones says Depeche Mode used the ARP 2600 for recording People are People "Everything was layered one instrument at a time," explains Jones. "Because of our relatively limited resources and because we couldn't save any of the analogue synths, we didn't have the whole song playing at the same time. It was very different to how we work now. We had the demo, so we knew where the song was going, and then we'd record something — for instance, guide drums, followed by a guide bass from something like a Minimoog, then a rhythm sequence from a triggered ARP sequencer running an ARP 2600, and then maybe something else.

See how Boys Noize uses ARP 2600

Boys Noize

Music Producer

Dog Blood

...
Verified via Musicradar

"My nice ARP 2600, I'm really, really happy. I bought it in L.A. and it was really difficult getting it here, with almost going to prison, but it worked. It works with all the filters and everything work really well. To get a sequence out of it I have meshed it up with an MFB Urzerg."

See how The Chemical Brothers uses ARP 2600

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Kreativsound

Tom Rowlands, of Chemical Brothers fame, working in his studio. Just check out the complete list of this synthesizer nerd … an instant daydream … and also explains the original sounds on their records!

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses ARP 2600

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Jean-Michel Jarre is standing amongst his large collection of synthesizers, including the ARP 2600 directly behind him.

See how Owl City uses ARP 2600

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Tumblr

Found it under a pile of dusty law books at an old lady’s garage sale yesterday. 25 bucks. I could scarcely believe my eyeballs. Yet there it was in full glory. Ironically, the clouds parted and a heavenly eruption of trumpeting melodies sounded in the deep. I smiled inwardly and reached for my wallet.

See how Andrew Huang uses ARP 2600

Andrew Huang

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via YouTube

the ARP 2600 can be first visible at 1:00

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ARP 2600, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
M

mandatorygnome

Gear IQ 210

shok

shok

Gear IQ 1493

barry_warne

barry_warne

Gear IQ 194

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