The first portable, self contained integrated synthesizer that has stable or non-drifting analog oscillators. Although it uses patch cords, unlike other instruments of its day, the ARP 2600 does not require them to make sounds. All modular sections are hardwired behind the panel. Patch cords are only used to reconfigure internally wired connections and can be used to connect with other ancillary equipment like the ARP Sequencer, the Oberheim SEM or synthesizers like the ARP Axxe and ARP Odyssey models that have the proper control voltage, gate and trigger outputs.
ARP made two models of keyboards that are external to the main 2600 synthesizer chassis. The earlier keyboard was monophonic or capable of playing one note at a time. The later keyboard was duo-phonic or capable of playing up to two notes simultaniously and had an onboard low frequency modulator for vibrato.
ARP 2600 Features:
- 3 Voltage Controlled Oscillators
- 1 Voltage Controlled Low-pass Filter
- 1 Voltage Controlled Amplifier
- 2 Envelope Generators
- Internal Spring Reberberator
- Internal Stereo Monitors
- Sample & Hold
- Noise Generator
- Ring Modulator
- Microphone Preamplifier
- Voltage Processor
Facsimile of the ARP 2600's front panel