ARP Sequencer

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A classic sequencer of the 70's. This is not a synthesizer, it was (for its time) a sophisticated 16-step sequencer used to control other synths. You create your sequences with the sliders. Adjust the sliders to change pitch while each slider represents a sixteenth note, for example, in the 1 bar pattern it loops. It uses the ancient Control Voltage (CV) and Gate protocols to play your sequences on another analog synthesizer. Because of the various types of CV/Gate used by different makers at the time, the ARP Sequencer works perfectly with the ARP 2500, 2600, Odyssey, Avatar and other ARP synthesizers as well as Roland, Oberheim and Sequential Circuits. To interface the Sequencer with other types of CV/Gate capable synths would require a CV converter box.

ARP Sequencer Image

Once you get it working it's fun and easy to learn. Use it to create continuous arpeggios or simple sequences of patterns for your vintage analog gear. Tweak it in real-time as you create or perform, it's very hands-on. It has a classic and recognizable character as you can hear in the demo below. Famous users include The Who, Depeche Mode, 808 State, Vince Clarke, Jean-Michel Jarre, Billy Currie of Ultravox and Visage, and film-maker John Carpenter.

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Demos & Media

Audio Clip 1 Some hard and fast grooves from the Sequencer played through an ARP 2600.

Specifications

Polyphony - n/a
Oscillators - n/a
LFO - n/a
Filter - n/a
VCA - n/a
Keyboard - None
Arpeg/Seq - 16-step
Control - CV/GATE
Weight - 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Date Produced - 1976

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