Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
3.5 (16)
$99.99
Amazon
4.2 (1221)
$58.76
Amazon Prime
Reverb
1.0 (3)
$65.00 New
$79.09 Used
Musician's Friend
3.0 (1)
$99.99
Gear4Music
£111.00

Average Price: $81

Budget/Beginner

$99

$300+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Artiphon Orba". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Artiphon Orba, a revolutionary handheld instrument that seamlessly combines a synthesizer, looper, and MIDI controller in one compact device. Perfectly designed for musicians and hobbyists alike, this versatile instrument lets you create music wherever inspiration strikes. Its intuitive touch-sensitive surface invites you to play notes and beats with a simple tap, slide, or swipe. Meanwhile, the built-in accelerometer and gyroscope translate your gestures into expressive musical performances, from subtle vibratos to dynamic strums.

The Orba is more than just a musical gadget; it's a full-fledged creative partner. Layer your sound with the integrated looper, allowing you to build intricate songs by combining Drum, Bass, Chord, and Lead parts. Connect to the cross-platform Orba app to explore a universe of sounds and settings, customize your instrument, and share your masterpieces with the world. The app also offers seamless integration with your favorite music-making software, so your creative journey doesn't have to stop here.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting, the Artiphon Orba offers a unique and engaging way to interact with music. Its compact size and multicolor LED feedback make it a visually compelling companion, while its USB-C connectivity ensures you're always ready to create.

Key Features:

  • Handheld synth, looper, and MIDI controller
  • Eight capacitive-sensing pads for feather-touch control
  • Built-in accelerometer and gyroscope for expressive gestures
  • Onboard synthesizer with a built-in speaker
  • Cross-platform Orba app for expanded sounds and settings
  • MIDI over Bluetooth or USB-C connectivity
  • MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) support
  • 1/8” (3.5 mm) headphone, speaker, and amp output
  • Multicolor LEDs for responsive visual feedback
  • Embedded haptic engine for vibration feedback
  • USB-C rechargeable battery

Product specs

Brand Artiphon
Model Orba Handheld Synth Looper and Controller
Finish Black
Year 2020 - 2025
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O USB MIDI
Number of Pads 8 Pads
Polyphony 4 Voices

FAQs

What types of music can I create with the Artiphon Orba?

The Artiphon Orba allows you to create a variety of music styles by layering Drum, Bass, Chord, and Lead parts using its built-in looper and synthesizer. Its versatility makes it suitable for genres ranging from electronic to pop.

How does the Artiphon Orba connect to other devices?

The Artiphon Orba connects to devices via Bluetooth or USB-C, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with your favorite music-making apps on iOS, Mac, Windows, and PC.

Can the Artiphon Orba be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Artiphon Orba functions as a MIDI controller using MIDI over Bluetooth or USB-C, and it supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) for dynamic sound control.

Does the Artiphon Orba have built-in sounds, or do I need external software?

The Artiphon Orba includes an onboard synthesizer with built-in sounds and a speaker for immediate playability, though you can expand your sound palette by connecting it to the Orba app.

Is the Artiphon Orba suitable for beginners?

The Artiphon Orba is user-friendly and intuitive, making it a great option for beginners. Its touch-sensitive pads and gesture controls provide an engaging and accessible music-making experience.

Artiphon

Artiphon

Introducing Orba by Artiphon – An instrument designed for your hands

Video thumbnail for Introducing Orba by Artiphon – An instrument designed for your hands by Artiphon

Introducing Orba by Artiphon – An instrument designed for your hands

Artiphon

Artiphon

Video thumbnail for A MIDI Controller UNLIKE ANY OTHER | How To Use Artiphon Orba As A SUPER EXPRESSIVE Instrument by TAETRO

A MIDI Controller UNLIKE ANY OTHER | How To Use Artiphon Orba As A SUPER EXPRESSIVE Instrument

TAETRO

TAETRO

Video thumbnail for making summer lofi chill beats with the artiphon orba by TAETRO

making summer lofi chill beats with the artiphon orba

TAETRO

TAETRO

Video thumbnail for Artiphon Orba Review: ALMOST Great by Gabe Miller Music

Artiphon Orba Review: ALMOST Great

Gabe Miller Music

Gabe Miller Music

Video thumbnail for Orba by Artiphon – Make Songs In Seconds by Artiphon

Orba by Artiphon – Make Songs In Seconds

Artiphon

Artiphon

Video thumbnail for Orba by Artiphon + GarageBand – Tutorial by Artiphon

Orba by Artiphon + GarageBand – Tutorial

Artiphon

Artiphon

Video thumbnail for A Complete Dawless Synth, Looper & Midi-Controller for Under £100? - Artiphon Orba by Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

A Complete Dawless Synth, Looper & Midi-Controller for Under £100? - Artiphon Orba

Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Reviews

PROS

  • Fun for casual loop recording and pad hitting

CONS

  • Software and company support is lacking

  • Flaky device performance

  • Requires connection to phone or computer for sampling

  • Some units may not function at all

  • Difficult to integrate into professional studio setups

  • Limited MPE MIDI functionality with certain software

  • Restricted to preset tones, offering limited sonic variety

  • Firmware updates can be problematic

  • Connection issues with iOS app and other devices

  • Not suitable for professional music production tasks

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Some users have noted that the dynamic sensors do not fully support gestures like rotation or elevation, with most sound sets only utilizing 2 or 3 gestures.

    Source
  • The device can be underwhelming for some, with limited audio capabilities that may not meet high expectations.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Orba models reportedly support velocity sensitivity, despite being made from hard plastic, which is seen as a notable feature.

    Source
  • The Orba 3's haptic feedback is described as delayed, with owners considering disabling it for better performance without headphones.

    Source
  • The Orba 3 introduces live sampling, eliminating the need to record via a separate device before transferring audio.

    Source
  • The Orba is highly portable and can be used standalone, but a companion app on a phone or tablet is recommended for full functionality.

    Source
  • The Orba's looper function lacks quantization post-recording, which some users find limiting for precise loop creation.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The companion app for Orba 3 is cumbersome; it requires frequent reloading when sending patches and sometimes a cable connection unexpectedly.

    Source
  • The Orba requires a Bluetooth or USB connection to change sound sets or keys, which some users find inconvenient.

    Source
  • Android app is prone to crashes, impacting stability; however, USB connection to Android for controlling custom synths in apps like Caustic 3 is responsive with minimal latency.

    Source
  • Some users report difficulties with software pairing, impacting the ease of setup and use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Korg Kaossilator, the Orba is seen as less feature-rich, lacking the Kaossilator's extensive built-in content.

    Source
  • The Orba 2 offers improved features like quantizing up to 128 bars and exclusive real instrument patches, differentiating it from the original version.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Orba serves as an effective musical "fidget toy," appreciated for its ability to quickly generate sounds and relieve stress.

    Source
  • It's noted for sparking inspiration and can record short musical ideas, making it ideal for quick, creative sessions.

    Source

Build quality

  • Despite software issues, the build quality is praised as fine, if not excellent, suggesting a durable physical design.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At less than $100, expectations should be modest; the Orba 2 comes at a higher price point with additional features.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Artiphon Orba 2 Review: A Fun, Touch-Sensitive Musical Instrument | WIRED

wired.com

The Artiphon Orba 2 serves as an intriguing entry point for novice musicians, offering a tactile and fun way to create music. Its innovative features, like velocity-sensitive controls and sampling capabilities, enhance the experience, making it portable and engaging. However, the device's limitations, including finicky touch sensitivity and lack of export options, may frustrate serious musicians. While its built-in speakers fall short for live settings, the Orba 2 shines for personal use. Overall, it strikes a balance between playful creativity and technical shortcomings, making it a unique but imperfect tool for music-making.

Tech Reviews: Orba 2

musicteachermagazine.co.uk

The Orba 2 is a unique, palm-sized musical device that combines synthesis, sampling, and MIDI control, making it an engaging tool for young learners. Its intuitive design and haptic feedback enhance the user experience, and it supports various gestures for creative play. However, connectivity issues via Bluetooth can be frustrating, and the lack of export options for created tracks limits its utility for more advanced users. While the clear sound quality and impressive sequencing capabilities stand out, the overall experience is somewhat marred by technical quirks and a few usability drawbacks. Ultimately, the Orba 2 offers a fresh approach to music creation, but it may not satisfy everyone’s needs.

Orba 2 Review: Cool Toy Or Essential Music Production Tool?

magneticmag.com

The Artiphon Orba 2 is a pocket-sized music maker that combines several functions, offering impressive portability and creative potential. Its touch-sensitive pads and accompanying app open new avenues for expression, making it a fun tool for casual musicians and producers alike. However, the device is not without drawbacks; the app can be frustratingly slow and lacks saving options, which may alienate more serious users. While it excels in the realm of playfulness, it may not meet the demands of professional environments. Overall, the Orba 2 shines as a cool gadget for experimentation but may fall short for those seeking a robust production tool.

2.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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