Korg ARP 2600 VST

Vintage65

Korg have released an ARP 2600 semi-modular synthesizer in VST format.

It looks a bit challenging at first glance, but it sounds good. Has anybody got a real one to compare?

https://www.korg.com/us/products/software/kc_arp_2600/

https://www.korguser.net/collection/manual/ARP_2600/KC_ARP_2600_OM.pdf/ARP_2600_OM_E.pdf

susbemol

I have never played a vintage ARP 2600 but I have spent quite a bit of time with both full size and mini reissues.

This software version sounds incredible and obviously offers so much more, including polyphony and effects.

Vintage65

susbemol said:

I have never played a vintage ARP 2600 but I have spent quite a bit of time with both full size and mini reissues.

This software version sounds incredible and obviously offers so much more, including polyphony and effects.

My interest in this model is being able to dig a bit deeper into the patching side of things. As you pointed out there are also some bells and whistles that the original ARP 2600 didn't have. It has always been one of my favourite synths, and it's probably the closest I will ever get to a real one!

monquixote

Vintage65 said:

susbemol said:

I have never played a vintage ARP 2600 but I have spent quite a bit of time with both full size and mini reissues.

This software version sounds incredible and obviously offers so much more, including polyphony and effects.

My interest in this model is being able to dig a bit deeper into the patching side of things. As you pointed out there are also some bells and whistles that the original ARP 2600 didn't have. It has always been one of my favourite synths, and it's probably the closest I will ever get to a real one!

Vintage65 said:

susbemol said:

I have never played a vintage ARP 2600 but I have spent quite a bit of time with both full size and mini reissues.

This software version sounds incredible and obviously offers so much more, including polyphony and effects.

My interest in this model is being able to dig a bit deeper into the patching side of things. As you pointed out there are also some bells and whistles that the original ARP 2600 didn't have. It has always been one of my favourite synths, and it's probably the closest I will ever get to a real one!

I believe Behringer make a relatively inexpensive clone.

susbemol

To me, it makes no sense to consider the Behringer cheap clone when there are actual reissues made by Korg in conjunction with one of the original owners of ARP.

If the price is too much, I'd take this software version over the Behringer any day of the week.

Vintage65

susbemol said:

To me, it makes no sense to consider the Behringer cheap clone when there are actual reissues made by Korg in conjunction with one of the original owners of ARP.

If the price is too much, I'd take this software version over the Behringer any day of the week.

I've gone all digital when it comes to recording amps and synths. I've still got a few bit's of hardware, but I can't see myself buying anything new unless I start selling loads of records and filling up large capacity venues 

monquixote

susbemol said:

To me, it makes no sense to consider the Behringer cheap clone when there are actual reissues made by Korg in conjunction with one of the original owners of ARP.

If the price is too much, I'd take this software version over the Behringer any day of the week.

One is under £400 and one is over £1000 they are both clones and the Behringer is probably better made.

susbemol

If you think the Behringer is better made, well... I guess we're all entitled to our opinion.

I think one company knows a thing or two about producing synthesizers with decades of iconic products in its catalogue and also sort of pioneering the affordable analogue synthesizers trend we have been enjoying over the last decade or so. The other has never really been associated with much more than cheap clones. Of course, YMMV.

I know which one I would pick every time.

monquixote

susbemol said:

If you think the Behringer is better made, well... I guess we're all entitled to our opinion.

I think one company knows a thing or two about producing synthesizers with decades of iconic products in its catalogue and also sort of pioneered the affordable analogue synthesizers trend we have been enjoying over the last decade or so. The other has never really been associated with much more than cheap clones. Of course, YMMV.

I know which one I would pick every time.

I'm not sure about the Arp but the Behringer K2 mk 2 seems to be a better product than the Korg MS20 mini regardless of cost.

The ethics of Behringer is a different matter.

susbemol

Unless you want an MS-20 that actually sounds like and behaves like an MS-20, I guess.

I think my MS-20M FS Kit is an incredible instrument and I highly doubt that the Behringer is anywhere near as well built:



You are right that their ethics is probably a different matter but it does influence my decisions on what I choose or not to buy.

monquixote

susbemol said:

Unless you want an MS-20 that actually sounds like and behaves like an MS-20, I guess.

I think my MS-20M FS Kit is an incredible instrument and I highly doubt that the Behringer is anywhere near as well built:



You are right that their ethics is probably a different matter but it does influence my decisions on what I choose or not to buy.

I don’t know about the module version but the MS20 mini has terrible quality keys, cheap pots, cheap jacks, inaccurate modulation and serious noise problems. 

The Behringer by all accounts is significantly better built and lacks the noise problems as well as offering both filter types and a volt per octave option so you can interface with other modular gear.

That said I haven’t been able to bring myself to buy any of their gear due to my ethical issues with the brand however it does appear that if you want semi modular gear they are close to the only game in town.

susbemol

I totally agree that the MS20 Mini's construction is nowhere near as solid as the full size and module versions but it does sound authentic to me. 

Maybe the lack of noise is one of the reasons the Behringer doesn't have the character of the real deal. 

Expecting an MS20 to be noise-free is a bit like expecting a Tweed Deluxe to be loud and clean. It's just not what they're renowned for.

Getting back on track, I would definitely recommend trying the plugin. There's a free trial available.