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Average Price: $5,800

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

Step into the world of classic synthesizers with the ARP Quadra, a powerful analog synthesizer that combines the best of ARP's legendary sound design in one cohesive package. Designed for musicians who appreciate vintage gear, the Quadra offers a unique combination of four synthesizer sections: Bass, Strings, Polysynth, and Lead. Each section can be played individually or layered together for a rich, textured sound that is truly versatile.

The ARP Quadra is revered for its distinct sound, thanks to the inclusion of a 61-note keyboard, which provides a wide range for exploring different musical styles. The integrated phase shifter and stereo outputs allow for immersive soundscapes, while the onboard arpeggiator and portamento add dynamic movement to your compositions. Its interface is intuitive, featuring sliders and buttons that provide hands-on control over each section's parameters, making sound shaping both easy and enjoyable.

Whether you are in the studio or on stage, the Quadra offers a blend of classic analog warmth with modern functionality. Musicians will appreciate its robust build and distinctive sonic capabilities that continue to inspire creativity decades after its initial release.

Key Features:

  • Combines four synthesizer sections: Bass, Strings, Polysynth, and Lead
  • 61-note keyboard for extensive range
  • Integrated phase shifter for enhanced sound effects
  • Stereo outputs for immersive audio experience
  • Onboard arpeggiator and portamento for dynamic sound movement
  • Intuitive interface with sliders and buttons for hands-on control

Product specs

Brand ARP
Model Quadra Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
Finish Black / Orange
Year 1978 - 1981
Made In United States
Categories Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 64 Voices

FAQs

Is the ARP Quadra suitable for live performances?

Yes, the ARP Quadra is well-suited for live performances due to its full-size 61-key keyboard and polyphonic capabilities, allowing for rich and complex soundscapes on stage.

What kind of synthesis does the ARP Quadra use?

The ARP Quadra is an analog synthesizer, known for its warm and vintage sound, characteristic of late 1970s synthesizers.

How many voices of polyphony does the ARP Quadra have?

The ARP Quadra offers 64 voices of polyphony, providing extensive layering and sound design possibilities.

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

The ARP Quadra's sound engine is notable for its four-part architecture, combining bass, string, polyphonic, and lead synth sections, allowing for diverse and complex sound creation.

Does the ARP Quadra have MIDI connectivity?

No, the ARP Quadra does not have MIDI connectivity as it was manufactured before the introduction of MIDI technology. External MIDI-to-CV converters are required for integration with modern setups.

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

The Glorious ARP Quadra from 1978!

Video thumbnail for The Glorious ARP Quadra from 1978! by Alex Ball

The Glorious ARP Quadra from 1978!

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for ARP QUADRA Analog Synthesizer (1978)  "Four In One" by RetroSound

ARP QUADRA Analog Synthesizer (1978) "Four In One"

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for ARP QUADRA (PART 1) by Stephen Teller

ARP QUADRA (PART 1)

Stephen Teller

Stephen Teller

Video thumbnail for ARP Quadra by LtPicard

ARP Quadra

LtPicard

LtPicard

Video thumbnail for ARP Quadra by MrFirechild

ARP Quadra

MrFirechild

MrFirechild

Video thumbnail for ARP QUADRA Analog Synthesizer (1978) Over the Clouds - 70s electronic music style by RetroSound

ARP QUADRA Analog Synthesizer (1978) Over the Clouds - 70s electronic music style

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Synthchaser #104 - ARP Quadra Demonstration by Synthchaser

Synthchaser #104 - ARP Quadra Demonstration

Synthchaser

Synthchaser

Video thumbnail for Best of ARP QUADRA Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo by RetroSound

Best of ARP QUADRA Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Arp Quadra's brass by Synthguru

Arp Quadra's brass

Synthguru

Synthguru

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique sound and features for its time

  • Incorporates best elements from several ARP synths

  • First true workstation concept in synthesizers

  • Quadra's unique design suited for live performances

  • Rare collectible synthesizer with distinctive ARP sound

CONS

  • Prone to reliability issues even when serviced

  • Expensive compared to other ARP models with similar capabilities

  • Unwieldy design makes transport challenging

  • Buttons prone to malfunction and keys easily damaged

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The membrane switches are considered fragile, and the keyboard extending past the bottom lip can be a maintenance concern.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The lush flanger/ensemble effects are highlighted as standout features, significantly enhancing the synth's sound compared to when these effects are off.

    Source
  • The pure octave divider sound is seen as lackluster without the flanger/ensemble effects, making it easily emulated using FPGA technology.

    Source
  • The Quadra's design integrates multiple pre-existing products, making it unique but challenging to replicate with modern synths like the Minilogue.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ARP Quadra is compared to Yamaha Electones from the same era, although Electones are now much more affordable.

    Source
  • The ARP Quadra combines elements like the Omni, Odyssey, a Solina-like string unit, a phaser, a divide-down organ with ADSR, and a 4075 24 db low pass filter.

    Source
  • Korg's Minilogue, despite being modeled on ARP reissues, doesn't replicate the Quadra's string synth sound, making it different from the original ARP experience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For a sound similar to New Order's "Procession," consider alternatives like the Behringer Solina reissue or Waldorf Streichfett, as they better emulate the string synth aspect.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
captchesmusic

unbelivable

one of the rarest synths I own, such an amazing sound

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Adam Blake uses ARP Quadra

Adam Blake

Drummer, Keyboardist

The Films

...
Verified via Facebook

Appears in the video along with Roland Jupiter 8 and MiniMoog Model D

P

Propaganda

...
Verified via YouTube

The ARP Quadra can be clearly seen in this video of p:Machinery at 1m17s: https://youtu.be/O-kB6nuoCcg?t=77

D

David Balfe

Bassist, Keyboardist

The Teardrop Explodes

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "The Teardrop Explodes - When I Dream," David Balfe is seen using the ARP Quadra synthesizer along with a combo organ.

T

Thomas Troelsen

Music Producer

Superheroes

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"My favourite keyboards of all time are the Jupiter 4 and the ARP Quadra, which is like a weird combination of four other ARP synths that makes weird, weird sounds!"

See how David Arnold uses ARP Quadra

David Arnold

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified

David Arnold is confirmed to use the ARP Quadra synthesizer, as demonstrated in a YouTube clip showcasing the analog synths he has bought and collected over the years.

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 Quadra, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
resonancestudios

resonancestudios

Gear IQ 214

chahxeex

chahxeex

Gear IQ 139

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