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Average Price: $875

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Description

Unleash the vintage charm of the ARP Little Brother, a classic synthesizer that serves as a perfect companion for your existing rig. Originally introduced in the 1970s, this compact synth module was designed to complement ARP's larger systems, offering an affordable and streamlined way to expand your sonic palette. Featuring a unique monophonic design, it allows for the creation of rich, full tones that are both warm and expressive, making it a favorite amongst retro synth enthusiasts.

The ARP Little Brother is all about simplicity and functionality. It boasts a single oscillator that can be externally controlled, enabling users to stack and layer sounds with ease. This synth is ideal for musicians who seek to experiment and refine their sound without getting lost in a myriad of complex controls. Its straightforward interface allows for seamless integration, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Monophonic synthesizer module
  • Single oscillator for rich, unique tones
  • Designed for integration with existing ARP systems
  • Straightforward interface for ease of use
  • Ideal for layering sounds and enhancing setups
  • Vintage design, capturing the iconic ARP aesthetic

Product specs

Brand ARP
Model Little Brother Analog Synthesizer Expander Module
Finish Black / Gold
Year 1975 - 1977
Made In United States
Categories Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the ARP Little Brother synthesizer?

The ARP Little Brother is known for its rich and warm analog sound, offering a single voice of polyphony. It's designed to complement other synthesizers by adding depth and texture to your sound palette.

Is the ARP Little Brother synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The ARP Little Brother is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time. It's ideal for adding solo lines or enhancing the sound of other synths in your setup.

Can the ARP Little Brother be used as a standalone synthesizer?

The ARP Little Brother is primarily an expander module meant to enhance other synthesizers. While it can produce sound on its own, it's best used in conjunction with other synths for a fuller experience.

What type of connectivity does the ARP Little Brother offer?

The ARP Little Brother features CV (control voltage) inputs, allowing it to be controlled by other synthesizers or sequencers, making it a flexible addition to any analog setup.

Is the ARP Little Brother suitable for beginners?

While the ARP Little Brother is straightforward in design, its primary function as an expander module may be more suited to those with some experience in synthesizer setups, rather than complete beginners.

-p Catalano

-p Catalano

ARP Little Brother Demonstration

Video thumbnail for ARP Little Brother Demonstration by -p Catalano

ARP Little Brother Demonstration

-p Catalano

-p Catalano

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The ARP Axxe's self-resonating filter and PPG offer expressive sound capabilities, reminiscent of early Harold Budd recordings.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider using a Moog FreqBox or modular VCO as alternatives to ARP Little Brother for fattening up the single oscillator with additional waveforms and detuning.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Low signal issues through an Ampeg Gemini might be linked to a faulty power cable, even with a constant LED power light.

    Source
  • Constant oscillator sound could indicate a stuck Auto Repeat function switch, and pitch drifting may suggest dirty key contacts needing cleaning.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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eric_besse

Great Expander which add extra waveforms and oscillator to Odyssey or Axxe Synths.

The ARP Little Brother, produced from 1975 to 1977, is a keyboardless monophonic expander module,[2] sold as an add-on for another ARP synthesizer. It was controlled by connecting the control voltage (CV) output of an ARP synthesizer's keyboard to the Little Brother's CV input.

The Little Brother had a single voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with selectable waveforms, and a sub-octave divider that could produce up to three additional tones simultaneously at -1, -2 and -3 octave intervals. It also had an LFO, and a pitch bend/master tuning knob. However, it had no voltage controlled filter (VCF), voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) or envelope generator (EG or ADSR). When used with other ARP synths to "fatten up" their sounds, the Little Brother's audio output had to be patched into the external audio input of its companion synthesizer, essentially adding an extra VCO and LFO to the system.

It was commonly sold with the ARP Axxe, and was given away for free with the purchase of an ARP Odyssey during a summer 1976 promotion. However, it could be used with any analog synthesizer that had the necessary 1v/octave CV output and external audio input connections.

Genre Usage

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

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chas3141

chas3141

Gear IQ 97

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