From: aep@icd.ab.com (Alexander E. Pensky)
Subject: Re: ARP INFORMATION NEEDED
Organization: Allen-Bradley Co., Highland Heights, OH
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1992 12:51:36 GMT

In article <gP17RB1w165w@noncomf.tdkcs.waterloo.on.ca>, 
    markp@noncomf.tdkcs.waterloo.on.ca (Mark A. Pitcher) writes:
> 	I have the opportunity to purchase an ARP ODYSSEY (pre 1980), but
> can't find any information about it. 
> 
> 	How much would this be worth?

Tell me and we'll both know.  I've thought about selling mine, but I've
never seen a used one advertised for sale or "Wanted:".  There seems to 
be a market for the Omni and 2600, but not the Odyssey or Axxe.

> 	
> 	What features does it have? # of oscillators, etc.

	*  Two VCOs
	*  White/Pink noise generator  
	*  Ring modulation of osc. 1 and osc. 2  
	*  The above are then routed thru: 
		LFO, VCF, high pass filter, VCA
	*  ADSR and AR envelope generators
	
Obligatory "neat and nearly useless" features:

	1.  Sample-and-hold, which can be patched in at various points
	    in the signal routing.  Useful for random, nonrepeating
 	    sequencer-type effects (hint: think of what a "sequencer"
	    was in 1976, not what it means now).

	2.  The keyboard sends 2 separate CVs, one to each VCO, if 2
	    or more keys are depressed.  Wow -- 2-note polyphony!
	    This was a BIG, BIG deal when it first came out -- no
	    polyphony had been available in "consumer" type equipment --
	    but was obsoleted very quickly (months?) when stuff like
	    the Omni or the original Prophet came out (8-note polyphony,
	    I think.)  
> 	
> 	What does it sound like? Is if "fat" enough for basslines?

Yes, I think it's fatter than just about anything comparable from
that era, except perhaps for Moogs.  However -- for historical accuracy,
you'd probably have used the Odyssey for 70's-style fusion or funk 
lead wailing, a la Jan Hammer, Stevie Wonder, early Chick Corea, etc.  
It would seldom have been called upon to supply the bass lines because 
a great bass player is essential to creating the sound of those genres.

> 	CV?
> 	How controllable is it?

	*  CV in/out, Gate In, Trigger In jacks
	*  External Audio In jack - so you can use the Odyssey
	   as an effects processor for a guitar, organ, etc.
	*  __NO__ MIDI.

> 
> 	I know absolutely nothing about this synth, and can't
> find anything on it. I don't even know what it looks like. Any
> info on it would be appreciated.
 
What it looks like: 39 keys.  Metal case (some models have wood side
panels).  The "control panel" behind the keyboard is about 10 inches
deep (i.e. front to back) and consists mostly of 2 rows of sliders.  
It is laid out like a block diagram of the routing of the sound sources.

Earlier models have a pitch bend knob.  Later ones have pressure-sensitive
touch pads for pitch bend and modulation.  Accept no substitutes -- pads
are better.

Let us know if you decide to buy it...

------------

That got me thinking... why don't synths have touch pads any more?
Every one I see has either wheels or a joystick.


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 Alex Pensky    	(aep@icd.ab.com)		         (216)646-5211
 Allen-Bradley Company             747 Alpha Drive, Highland Heights, OH 44143
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