Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $81
Budget/Beginner
$99
$300+
Price Tier
Budget
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.
* 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
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.
Videos
Artiphon
Introducing Orba by Artiphon – An instrument designed for your hands
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
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
Use cases and applications
Build quality
-
Despite software issues, the build quality is praised as fine, if not excellent, suggesting a durable physical design.
Source
Critic Reviews
2.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Artiphon MIDI Pad Controllers
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Most Popular MIDI Pad Controllers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
pfister37Gear IQ 55
-