The distinctive synthesis of the ARP Odyssey has been reproduced from the circuit level up
The original ARP Odyssey was a 2VCO duo-phonic instrument. Its most distinctive feature was its sharp, penetrating sound and its rich range of tonal variation. With a variety of functions and modulation possibilities provided by oscillator sync, sample & hold, pulse width modulation, high-pass filter, two types of envelope generator, and pitch bend using the PPC, it was able to create a versatile range of sounds.
The ARP Odyssey reproduces the sounds of these components at the circuit level. Under the supervision of David Friend, parts were carefully selected and every detail was adjusted to replicate the original unit’s distinctive synthesis.
Synthesis
* 2VCO. The duophonic design allows two different pitches to sound when you play two notes.
* The high degree of pitch stability for which the ARP Odyssey was remarkable in its time has been perfectly reproduced.
* Pitch is variable over a wide range of 20 Hz–2 kHz.
* Pitch modulation and pulse width modulation can be controlled.
* Oscillator sync provides sharp, great-sounding overtones extending into a high range.
* Noise generator provides two noise types: white and pink.
* Powerful LFO can be used as a modulation source for the oscillator or filter, or as a trigger source for sample & hold.
* Ring modulator generates metallic sounds with rich overtones.
* The distinctive S/H MIXER lets you easily create sample & hold sounds by using the oscillator or noise generator as a source that’s triggered by the LFO or keyboard.
* The three types of low-pass filter found on different production runs of the original ARP Odyssey are all provided. With a single switch you can select any one of these filters with their differing characteristics: TYPE I (Rev1) is a 12 dB/octave filter with a sharp and punchy sound, TYPE II (Rev2) is a 24 dB/octave filter that’s great for thick low sounds, and TYPE III (Rev3) features excellent stability even when the resonance is increased.
* A wide variety of modulation sources such as S/H, LFO, ADSR, and AR can be used to modulate the filter.
* A high-pass filter is provided following the low-pass filter, giving you even broader sound design possibilities.
* A new function, the DRIVE switch generates extreme and aggressive sounds.
* VCA GAIN slider leaves the note sustaining. Ideal for sound design.
* Envelope generator with two types: ADSR and AR. This can be used not only for the VCA but also to modulate the filter or oscillator.