Korg ARP Odyssey Module Rev-1 37-Key Duophonic Synthesizer

Korg ARP Odyssey 37-Key Duophonic Synthesizer
ARP Odyssey was an analog synthesizer originally produced in 1972 by the American manufacturer ARP Instruments, Inc. that quickly garnered a faithful following among musicians. Well respected for its high value, ease to play and portability, ARP Odyssey had undergone several improvements during its history and continued to be a strong seller until manufacturing stopped in 1981 due to economic hardships and the ‘digital surge.’ Loved by a wide range of musicians as a historical classic, its sound can be heard on numerous classic songs.

Korg has brought back the ARP Odyssey for today. With the advisory assistance of ARP Instruments co-founder David Friend, Korg has completely reproduced the original circuitry for artists looking to recreate classic sounds and explore new ones. Together, the engineers at Korg and ARP were able to nail the sound and feel of the original. Every detail has been carefully considered to stay true to the quality of the original, down to the included semi-hard case. The legendary ARP sound is loved to this day. Long stopped, the wheels of history have again begun to move.

Complete reconstruction of three generations of circuitry
The distinctive synthesis of ARP Odyssey has been reproduced from the circuit level up. The original ARP Odyssey was a two-VCO duophonic 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 (proportional pitch control) buttons, it was able to create a versatile range of sounds. 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.

All three filters provided
Broadly speaking, there were three versions of the original ARP Odyssey, divided by the date of production, with the major difference being the filter circuit. The new ARP Odyssey provides all three of these different filter circuits and allows you to select one of them with a single switch. TYPE I (Rev1) is a 12 dB/oct circuit that produces a sharp, punchy sound. TYPE II (Rev2) is a 24 dB/oct filter with great-sounding lows. TYPE III (Rev3) maintains excellent stability even when resonance is raised. These distinctive filters have been reproduced just as they originally were.

All portamento behaviors provided
On the original ARP Odyssey, the behavior of portamento when using the transpose function differed between Rev1 and Rev2/3. ARP Odyssey reproduces both of these behaviors and lets you select the desired one with a switch.

ARP Odyssey evolved
The new ARP Odyssey has been downsized to 86% of the original ARP Odyssey. Carefully selected parts are used in the familiar slider section, providing an operating feel that’s even smoother than the original. The keyboard uses a 37-note slim keyboard that features lighter weight and excellent playability. While making the instrument more compact and easier to use, engineers also paid attention to ensuring that the mini-keyboard is uncompromisingly playable. Although the keyboard has 37 keys, the transpose function lets it cover a broad range of seven octaves.

New DRIVE switch
In order to deliver a more powerful analog sound, a DRIVE switch is provided as a new function. Turning this switch on makes the VCA distort, generating a rough and raw sound.

Connections
The connectors provided on the original ARP Odyssey differed by production date, but based on Rev3 of the original, the new ARP Odyssey brings the specifications up to a modern standard. In addition to a MIDI in connector and USB port, Korg added a headphone jack with adjustable volume. The XLR output jacks, which had been unbalanced, have been changed to noise-resistant balanced outputs.

1/4" and 1/8" patch cables are included. If you connect a patch cable from the newly added headphone jack to the external audio input jack, you can produce a powerful sound by applying self-feedback. If you connect the GATE OUT jack to the TRIG IN jack, the envelope generator won’t be retriggered, allowing you to play legato.

Specifications
• SKU: KOR-ODYSSEY
• MPN: ODYSSEY
• Manufacturer: Korg
• Condition: New
• Included from Manufacturer: Semi-Hard Case
• Power Supply
• Patch Cables
• Analog/Digital: Analog
• Number of Keys: 37
• Weighted Keys: Semi-Weighted
• Key Action: ‘Slim key’ synth action (no velocity sensitivity, no aftertouch)
• Aftertouch: No
• Speakers: No
• Voices of Polyphony: Monophonic (two voices in duophonic mode)
• Oscillators per Voice: 2
• Audio File Playback No
• Arpeggiator No
• MIDI: In
• USB Port (to Host) MIDI
• Audio Inputs (1) 1/4" audio input
• Audio Outputs: (1) 1/4" audio output
• balanced XLR output
• Control Connections: 1/8" CV/gate
• 1/8" Trigger
• 1/4" pedal
• 1/4" footswitch
• Onboard Controllers: PPC (proportional pitch control) buttons for pitch bending and modulation
• Width: 19.76"
• Depth: 14.96"
• Height: 4.72"
• Product Weight: 11.02 lbs.
• Unique Features: All three filter types from original Odyssey models I, II and III included
• New DRIVE switch engages VCA distortion