Omni Mk 1 (1975-77)

The Omni is an analog synth with preset Orchestral String sounds. It has polyphonic Violin and Viola waveforms as well as monophonic Bass and Cello waveforms. It is split into 3 sections: Strings, Synthesizer, and Bass synth - all simultaneously available. It has traditional and simple VCA, VCF, and LFO controls for contouring your sounds as well as a nice chorus that really thickens up the string sound. It has no program memory.

Omni Mk 2 (1978-81)

ARP later released the Omni Mk 2 (pictured above). It was basically the same machine as its predecessor, except for a few minor enhancements and a cosmetic Orange & Black color-scheme upgrade. And it did have a much more advanced triggering system for the VCF and VCA for more expressive results. The Omni has been used by Tangerine Dream, The Cars, Joy Division, Kraftwerk, Trouble Funk and New Order.

Arpfreak

April 22, 2011 @ 4:04 pm

Both the Omni and Omni-2 are vastly underrated. Having one is like having a Solus and a Solina in the same box. They're capable of some ultra-creamy analog string sounds that just melt like butter across your speakers. Just listen to Steve Hillage's Rainbow Dome Musick album (Alex "The Orb" Patterson's favorite album) for a demonstration of the Omni's abilities. I know the tantalum caps pose a problem but if you can find one on ebay or craig's list that's in good condition and for a good price(which I'd say is somewhere between $500-700), you'll have hours of fun with this analog beast.

micke

January 3, 2011 @ 12:29 pm

To correct a few mistakes:

The Omni I was released in late 1976 and remained in production until early 1978 when it was replaced with the Omni II.

Jareth

October 15, 2010 @ 12:19 am

Just got a omni mark 1 and I love the strings. I have a polymoog and this little synth goes great with it. Does anyone know if Pink Floyd used this synth? I can get some sounds like off their album, "Wish You Were Here". The only thing I do not like about ARP is the plastic slides they used, but everything else is nice.

Clive

July 29, 2010 @ 5:45 am

Mk 2 used by Gary Numan/Tubeway Army in this video, sat on top of a Polymoog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9AWSccB7Vs

fredturd

February 24, 2010 @ 1:48 am

The Omni Mk1 can be seen in an episode of adult swim's Delocated, "The Soother." It is in the studio where agent has fallen asleep to Jon's voice. There is another synth below the Omni, but I haven't figured it out yet.

<4321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.