Back in 1977, this synth stepped up from its predecessor by swapping clunky rocker switches for sleek digital push-buttons with LEDs, making preset changes a breeze on stage or in the studio.
At its core, it's a monophonic analog subtractive machine with a single VCO pumping out sawtooth and pulse waves, shaped by a new filter design that delivers warm, organic tones across 30 presets like Flute, Trumpet, Fuzz Guitar, and Space Reed. The 37-note synth-action keyboard feels responsive under your fingers, with aftertouch that dynamically tweaks volume, brilliance, vibrato, growl, wow, and even bend for expressive leads. Sliders handle Volume, Portamento Time, Aftertouch Amount, and Brilliance, plus switches for Vibrato Speed, Reiterate, and routing— all housed in a sturdy steel chassis, initially in classic black, later rocking ARP's iconic orange-and-black scheme. One mono audio out keeps it simple for vintage rigs.
Players often praise its rich, characterful sounds that hold up in modern mixes, though some note the filter trades a bit of the original's raw edge for smoother response—still a gem for Tangerine Dream-style atmospherics or punchy solos.
