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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 Underworld uses ARP 2600

Underworld

Music Producer

Freur

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Rick Smith listed the ARP 2600 as one of the most important pieces of gear in Underworld's studio in this Sound On Sound interview.

See how Kraftwerk uses ARP 2600

Kraftwerk

Composer, Music Producer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via Kraftwerkfaq

Kraftwerk has used the ARP 2600 synthesizer among their equipment, as noted in the Kraftwerk FAQ. Confirmed by Karl Bartos in the following Music Radar interview: https://www.musicradar.com/news/karl-bartos-interview

See how The Prodigy uses ARP 2600

The Prodigy

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

in the picture you see a member with an arp 2600

See how The Real Mike Dean uses ARP 2600

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified via Photo

The Real Mike Dean confirms the use of the ARP 2600 synthesizer, as detailed in his Instagram post: "New addition to the family ARP 2600. Had to get the @arturia_official key step pro to sequence it and a few other things. Shoutout @rosen_sound for keeping me in synths."

See how BT uses ARP 2600

BT

Music Producer

BT and Tommy Stinson

...
Verified via YouTube

BT talks about ownership and usage of his ARP 2600 modular synth, which was once owned by Pink Floyd, in this video.

See how Alessandro Cortini uses ARP 2600

Alessandro Cortini

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Instagram

"I wasn't kidding when I said he likes electronic music!" exclaims Alessandro Cortini, about his cat who can be seen next to an ARP 2600 in this Instagram video clip.

See how Ryuichi Sakamoto uses ARP 2600

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via Photo

Features in his New York Studio as of 2014

See how Orbital uses ARP 2600

Orbital

Music Producer

Orbital & Angelo Badalamenti

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 0:19 mark of this video of Paul Hartnoll in his studio, you can see his ARP 2600 Modular Synthesizer (with an Orbital sticker on the casing for good measure).

See how Stevie Wonder uses ARP 2600

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Vintagesynth

Stevie Wonder is mentioned as a user of the ARP 2600 synthesizer on Vintage Synth Explorer.

See how Vince Clarke uses ARP 2600

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Synthtopia

In the Synthtopia article "Vince Clarke and the Temple of Synth," Vince Clarke is noted for using the ARP 2600 synthesizer.

See how Anthony Gonzalez uses ARP 2600

Anthony Gonzalez

Guitarist, Composer

M83

...
Verified via Photo

Taken from his Instagram

See how Michael Jackson uses ARP 2600

Michael Jackson

Singer, Composer

The Jackson 5

...
Verified via YouTube

Anthony Marinelli, programmer on Michael Jackson's 1982 album "Thriller" has stated the synth bass ostinato in the 1983 single "Thriller" was performed and programmed on his Tonus ARP 2600 and disproven any previous speculation as to whether or not this sound was performed on a Minimoog.

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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10
Moog Memorymoog
Moog Memorymoog Synthesizers
8
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
7
ARP 1623 Sequencer
ARP 1623 Sequencer Audio Sequencers
7

Community setups

Show yours
M

mandatorygnome

Gear IQ 210

shok

shok

Gear IQ 1509

barry_warne

barry_warne

Gear IQ 194

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