Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,995

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The ARP Omni-2 is a quintessential piece of synthesizer history, offering a unique blend of polyphonic and monophonic capabilities that captured the essence of the 1970s soundscape. This vintage synthesizer is renowned for its distinctive string sounds and rich ensemble effects, making it a cherished tool for both classic rock enthusiasts and modern electronic musicians. The Omni-2 is equipped with a fully polyphonic string section that delivers lush, sweeping textures, while its mono-synth capabilities provide punchy bass lines and solos.

Designed with the musician in mind, this synthesizer features a user-friendly interface that allows for intuitive sound shaping. With a comprehensive array of sliders and switches, musicians can effortlessly blend and modify sounds in real-time, creating an expansive sonic palette. The ARP Omni-2 also boasts a robust build quality, ensuring it remains a reliable component of any performance setup or studio environment.

This instrument is not just an homage to the past; it’s a versatile tool that continues to inspire creativity and innovation in today’s music production landscapes. Whether you're recreating classic hits or forging new musical paths, the ARP Omni-2 delivers an authentic analog experience that's hard to match.

Key Features:

  • Fully polyphonic string section for rich ensemble sounds
  • Monophonic synth section with a single oscillator for bass and lead lines
  • Built-in chorus and phaser effects for added depth and modulation
  • User-friendly interface with sliders and switches for real-time sound manipulation
  • Sturdy construction for dependable performance in various settings

Product specs

Brand ARP
Model Omni 2 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
Finish Black / Orange
Year 1977 - 1981
Made In United States
Categories Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Built-In Speakers No
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 49 Voices

FAQs

What are the key features of the ARP Omni-2 synthesizer?

The ARP Omni-2 is a polyphonic analog synthesizer with 49 full-size keys, offering 49-voice polyphony. It combines a string section, synthesizer, and bass section, allowing rich and versatile sound creation.

Is the ARP Omni-2 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the ARP Omni-2 is suitable for live performances, thanks to its robust build and versatile sound capabilities, which include lush string sounds and powerful bass tones.

How does the ARP Omni-2 compare to the original ARP Omni?

The ARP Omni-2 offers additional outputs compared to the original Omni, allowing for separate mixing of its bass, synthesizer, and string sections. This provides greater flexibility in sound management.

Can the ARP Omni-2 be integrated into a modern studio setup?

The ARP Omni-2 can be integrated into a modern studio setup, but it may require additional equipment for MIDI compatibility, as it is an analog synthesizer from the late 1970s.

What makes the ARP Omni-2 popular among musicians?

The ARP Omni-2 is popular for its lush, vintage analog sounds, particularly its string and bass sections, which have been used by iconic bands like Joy Division to create their signature sound.

SynthMania

SynthMania

ARP Omni-2 - the classic Joy Division keyboard

Video thumbnail for ARP Omni-2 - the classic Joy Division keyboard by SynthMania

ARP Omni-2 - the classic Joy Division keyboard

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for ARP Omni-2 and Roland TR-707 - 1980s Dark style by SynthMania

ARP Omni-2 and Roland TR-707 - 1980s Dark style

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for ARP Omni-2 and Roland TR-505 by SynthMania

ARP Omni-2 and Roland TR-505

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for ARP Omni-2 through Electro-Harmonix Bad Stone by SynthMania

ARP Omni-2 through Electro-Harmonix Bad Stone

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for The ARP Omni-2: Part 1- The String Section by AutomaticGainsay

The ARP Omni-2: Part 1- The String Section

AutomaticGainsay

AutomaticGainsay

Video thumbnail for ARP Omni-2 and Odyssey - June 8, 2021 by SynthMania

ARP Omni-2 and Odyssey - June 8, 2021

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Synthchaser #053 - ARP Omni 2 Demonstration by Synthchaser

Synthchaser #053 - ARP Omni 2 Demonstration

Synthchaser

Synthchaser

Video thumbnail for Synthchaser #044 - John's ARP Omni 2 Restoration & Repair by Synthchaser

Synthchaser #044 - John's ARP Omni 2 Restoration & Repair

Synthchaser

Synthchaser

Video thumbnail for Erik Deutsch demos his ARP OMNI-2 by Erik Deutsch

Erik Deutsch demos his ARP OMNI-2

Erik Deutsch

Erik Deutsch

Video thumbnail for ARP OMNI-2 with Lexicon PRIME TIME 93 by CGMAGIK

ARP OMNI-2 with Lexicon PRIME TIME 93

CGMAGIK

CGMAGIK

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ARP Omni-2.

Build quality

  • The keyboard uses thin metal rods or stiff wires as contacts, prone to breaking but easily soldered back on; steel guitar/bass strings are suitable replacements.

    Source
  • Old organs mentioned are available cheaply but caution is advised due to possible mold and water damage, especially in rural areas, highlighting the importance of careful inspection before use.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Replacing tantalum capacitors requires electronical know-how but isn't a common issue; some owners have never encountered this problem.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest a price around $500, depending on condition, noting potential for higher prices due to nostalgic value.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The synth section includes a CV patch to the filter, providing versatile sound manipulation.

    Source
  • The Lambda's three-signal generator setup allows for detuning, offering a sound versatility not present in the ARP Omni-2.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its distinctive string sounds, making it ideal for mixing with other synth sections.

    Source
  • Vintage home console organs are suggested as a budget-friendly alternative for ARP Omni-like sound, often featuring nice square and saw waves and real spring reverb.

    Source
  • Arturia Microbrute is recommended for its semi-modular filter to process organ sounds, with a tip to silence oscillators and use a guitar pick for sustained notes.

    Source
  • The ARP Omni-2 is recognized for its classic sound that appears in many famous recordings, potentially making it more suitable for recording purposes compared to the Lambda.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Behringer Odyssey and BARP are highlighted for their knob-per-function approach, contrasting with the menu-diving required in the Deepmind 12 for expanded functionality.

    Source
  • The VC340 is noted for decent paraphonic strings but lacks a synth or bass voice, while the digital Streichfett allows layering strings with another voice from the solo section.

    Source
  • The Korg Lambda is noted for its clarity and unique sparkly tones due to its Harmonic section, contrasting with the more straightforward string/horn sound of the ARP Omni-2.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight that the ARP Omni-2 might integrate into more recordings than the Lambda, suggesting its sound is more broadly applicable in varied music projects.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The ARP Omni 2 string synth has been reborn in a free plugin, so now everyone can play this late ‘70s classic | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The review of the ARP Omni-2 plugin, Oxid, from Full Bucket Music is a mixed bag. On the positive side, it's a free offering that captures the vintage '70s string synth vibe with 64 voices of polyphony and both String and Synthesizer sections. The added phaser and delay effects are a modern bonus that the original lacked. However, the review hints at potential redundancy, as Full Bucket Music has already emulated several string machines. While the plugin is praised for its comprehensive manual and nostalgic appeal, it may not offer enough novelty for those familiar with similar products.

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
brett_barnes

My favorite synth in the arsenal

This is my favorite synth. I could take this on a gig and make due with just that. It's not an emulator of anything but the strings. You could make a tone that fits most any song.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jane Weaver uses ARP Omni-2

Jane Weaver

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via reverb.com

Used in the making of Jane's 'Modern Cosmology' album.

See how Nu Guinea uses ARP Omni-2

Nu Guinea

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

The synth is being held in this promotional photo.

See how Christopher Dowd uses ARP Omni-2

Christopher Dowd

Keyboardist, Trombonist

Murphy's Law

...
Verified

Listed among Dowd's gear in the May 1991 Musician interview "Fishbone Swims Upstream To Spawn Its Punk-Funk Hybrid" by Roy Trakin.

CHRIS DOWD plays a Hammond B-2, a MIDI portable synthesizer, an Ensoniq VFX-SD organ, a Roland D-50 linear synthesizer, a Roland JX-8P keyboard and an "old-school" ARP Omni II.

See how Barış Manço uses ARP Omni-2

Barış Manço

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

From what I saw and heard in the clip, a ARP Omni 2 Polyphonic was used in this song.

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 Omni-2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More ARP Synthesizers

ARP Quadra

$21.99 - $5,800.00

 
Bernard Sumner Richard Wright Tony Banks
17 artists using
Sequential Prophet-6

$3,283.92 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Mike Shinoda
168 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides