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Description
The ARP Omni Mark 1 Synthesizer is a hallmark of vintage sound and innovation, merging the worlds of polyphonic and monophonic synthesis. Introduced in the late 1970s, this synth was a pioneer in hybrid sound technology, offering musicians a versatile tool for creating lush, textured soundscapes. Its fully polyphonic string section and four-voice synthesizer section deliver a rich palette of tones, making it a favorite among both classic rock and electronic music enthusiasts.
The Omni Mark 1 is celebrated for its distinctive sound, characterized by its warm analog tones and unique ensemble effect. Its intuitive interface allows for easy manipulation of sound parameters, making it an excellent choice both for live performances and studio work. The synth offers controls for vibrato, filter, and envelope modulation, providing an expansive range for sound design. The built-in phase shifter and chorus add depth and movement to your music, allowing for truly dynamic performances.
Whether you’re recreating the sounds of the past or crafting new sonic landscapes, the ARP Omni Mark 1 offers a unique blend of historical significance and creative potential. Its legacy continues to inspire musicians and producers who seek that timeless analog sound in their compositions.
Key Features:
- Fully polyphonic string section
- Four-voice synthesizer section
- Built-in phase shifter and chorus effects
- Intuitive interface with vibrato, filter, and envelope controls
- Distinctive ensemble effect for rich sound textures
- Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings
Videos
Synthchaser
Synthchaser #034 - ARP Omni 1 Restoration & Repair - 1/4 - Intro
Synthchaser #034 - ARP Omni 1 Restoration & Repair - 1/4 - Intro
Synthchaser
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ARP Omni Mark 1 Synthesizer.
Comparisons
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The ARP Omni can achieve sounds similar to the Crumar Orchestrator, Logan, and ARP Quartet, making it versatile for vintage string machine tones.
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Features and functionality
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The Nord Electro can load Crumar and Elka string sounds, though lacks the ability to adjust delay and attack like the original machines.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners mention that vintage synths like the ARP Omni require regular servicing, which can be costly, but are essential to maintain their unique sound.
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Use cases and applications
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Vintage string machines, including the ARP Omni, are ideal for recreating West African disco sounds, as used by artists like William Onyeabor and Fela.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings
327
Unique and fragile
Its sound is unique, it sounds as a well known one. The build is quite fragile: the pushbutton switches are highly prone to break and no replacement does exist. The tantalum capacitors that control keyboard voices are failing quite often, so it's mandatory to replace them all. The power supply had a design error that could burn the other electronics upon power-up. And the bass line is lowest-key priority, so that the old keyboard contacts usually have bounces that switches continuously between held notes... The ensemble/chorus unit is a genial creation by dutch company Eminent: three BBDs in parallel, clocked with 3 unsync'ed LFOs, and no straight signal, does create the ethereal sound the instrument is famous about. The term "synthesizer" is improperly used with the Omni: indeed it's paraphonic, with a single 24dB/oct VCF (the famous ARP 4075) and the ADSR is first-note triggered. The Omni II had an extra button to allow repeated triggers and a separate bass line EG and output.
76
Best String Machine + 1VCO poly synth
Amazing string machine. Synth is good for bass lines and just whatever. The only problem is that the fine tune knob lives on the bottom and needs a screwdriver for adjustments. Joy Division Atmosphere and 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', New Order 'Blue Monday' and 'Age of Consent', The Cure 'Just Like Heaven'. It's that classic strings sound.
Artist usage
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Kraftwerk has utilized the ARP Omni Mark 1 Synthesizer as part of their equipment lineup, as detailed in the Kraftwerk FAQ.
In this interview, Stephen explains how he was drafted to play keyboards instead of his usual drums on certain New Order songs. "Did I want play keyboards? I'm the world's most reluctant keyboard player, I didn't really want to but it happened early on because there was just the three of us. It just happened that Bernard can't sing and play guitar at the same time, Hooky can't sing and play bass, and I just can't sing playing anything! So I ended up playing keyboards. We got the ARP Omni towards the end of Joy Division for Closer after using an ARP Solina earlier. So I ended up playing that with the drum machine on top."
Another big-time keyboard in The Cars early records was the ARP Omni, which is what Greg used mostly for the "strings" type sounds (String Synths were huge in the late 1970's). If you listen to songs like "Moving In Stereo", "All Mixed Up", "It's All I Can Do", "You Wear Those Eyes" - you can really hear that ARP Omni in full effect providing the wash of strings in the back.
The ARP Omni is visible below the MiniKorg 700S during the solo on Moving in Stereo during the clip. It is also visible in a LOT of other early Cars live footage.
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Shatterproof Drum Programming [Simmons SDS5, Roland TR808], Sequencer [Sequencer Programming: Arp Odyssey, Arp Sequencer, Moog Modular], Electronics [Treatments: Ibanez AD80 Delay, EMT Plat Reverb, Mutron BiPhase] – Benge Vocals [MXR Flanger Doubler, Yamaha Rev1 Delay], Synthesizer [Synthesizers: ARP Odyssey, ARP Omni, Korg Monopoly] – John Foxx
In a user-uploaded photo from Electronicbeats, Suzanne Ciani is seen with the ARP Omni Mark 1 Synthesizer prominently positioned at the center.
In the image attached you can see Steve’s ARP omni on top of his Hammond C-3
In the description of his cover of Depeche Mode's "Everything Counts" Colin Marston lists the gear he used: "Korg Lambda, ARP Omni, ARP Odyssey, ARP 2600m, Roland JU-06A". This information is provided by Colin Marston himself on his YouTube channel, and the ARP Omni Mark 1 is pictured throughout the video.
In the image attached you can see Kerry playing the ARP omni (Bottom Right) live with Kansas. He started using it in 1977 as a replacement for his ARP String Ensemble.
In this photo, the ARP Omni Mark 1 synthesizer is visible.
In the record inlay of Tim Blake Blake's New Jerusalem (1978) are all instruments listed that Tim Blake played on the record.
Some of the many keyboards he used on and off stage are the Hammond L-101, a B-3, the EML 101, an Orchestron, a Clavinet, an Oberheim OB-1, an Arp Omni, and a Wurlitzer Electric Piano.
Album Usage
The ARP Omni Mark 1 Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:
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 Mark 1 Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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