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Korg's new ARP Odyssey is a full-size remake of an iconic synth
At NAMM two years ago, Korg first revealed its modern take on the classic ARP Odyssey synthesizer. Despite touting that model as a "faithful recreation" of the original, the reissue was a smaller version with 37 keys. During the music industry's big trade show this year, Korg is showing off a full-size option: the ARP Odyssey FS. Available in each the original's three color schemes, the new instrument offers a standard keyboard and more space on the slider panel to make sound adjustments.
Korg brings the iconic ARP Odyssey synth to iOS
Synthesizer companies have a knack for bringing digital versions of analog gear to mobile devices so hobbyists and pros alike can get creative with ease. Earlier this year, Moog released a $30 app that brought the legendary (and massive) Model 15 to the iPad. Korg already has synth apps under its belt, including a more mobile version of its M1, and now its introducing another. Based on the iconic ARP Odyssey, the company built the appropriately-named ARP ODYSSEi mobile software for iOS.
Korg's new ARP Odyssey reboots the iconic analog synth
Korg may have missed its September target, but the company's take on the legendary ARP Odyssey analog synthesizer was officially introduced today at NAMM. If you'll recall, Korg enlisted the lead designer of the original unit from 1972 to pitch in, and the result is a synth that's 86 percent of the size of that classic instrument. While its stature may be smaller, the new ARP Odyssey still carries the same overall look, with a front panel of sliders for tweaking a range of sounds. In fact, Korg claims the new parts used here operate more smoothly than the original. There's a 37-note keyboard and MIDI output alongside a new Drive switch to help wrangle the sonic possibilities. The ARP Odyssey debuted in the '70s, becoming a popular choice for acts like Genesis, Devo and Deep Purple despite the line going out of production in 1981.
Behringer plans to revive the classic ARP Odyssey synth, too
Korg isn't the only instrument company planning to reboot the classic ARP Odyssey synth. Tipping its hand via Facebook, Behringer revealed that it too has a remake of the iconic '70s analog synthesizer in the works. Details are scarce for now, but the post indicates that Behringer may be planning to use three-mode VCF circuitry in order to pack in sounds from the ARP Odyssey MK I, MK II and MK III series with full MIDI control via USB. The company says it can do all of that and keep the price around $500. Korg's "faithful recreation" was scheduled to arrive in September, but that date was pushed to early 2015, so we could see its final product at NAMM near the end of January. There's no word on when Behringer's instrument will ship.
Korg's 'faithful recreation' of the ARP Odyssey analog synth is coming this September
Well folks, it looks like 2014 will see yet another synthesizer reboot. Korg announced that it's currently working on a "faithful recreation" of the legendary ARP Odyssey analog synth that made its debut back in 1972. The name may not ring a bell, but it's responsible for tones you've likely heard from artists Devo, John Foxx, Genesis and Deep Purple (as seen above) -- just to name a few. For September's release, Korg enlisted the original Odyessey's lead designer David Friend to lend a hand with the construction. Unfortunately details are sparse, but the outfit did reveal a new version of its popular MS-20 last January, along with other analog releases in recent years. Needless to say, the bar has been set pretty high for this next installment. [Photo credit: Fin Costello/Redferns]
