The ARP Odyssey DIY kit is a 37-key Duophone analog synthesizer. It comes is separate parts and you have to assemble it yourself. How cool!
The Arp Odyssey....It's 1972 and musical interest in synthesizers is reaching a peak, creating innovations that bring the iconic sounds and sound designs. With the success of the ARP 2600 in its pockets, ARP would debut the first incarnation of its groundbreaking synthesizer: the Odyssey. For nearly a decade they would continue to reflect on this duophonic synthesizer, releasing no fewer than eight versions (spread over three generations) of the Odyssey, the last two of which - the Mk III - form the foundation of the Odyssey FS Kit. Literally. Featuring the full-size 37-note keyboard, the Odyssey FS Kit uses the original analog circuitry of the Mk III, augmented by a few modern design considerations while retaining the ineffable sounds of its predecessor(s). The synth freaks at Klundert Music are wild about this DIY kit: no special technical knowledge or soldering is required, with tools and an assembly manual included, building this synth is easy!
50 Years of Legendary Synthesis
If you worry yourself that the Odyssey FS Kit is anything less than a real Odyssey synthesizer, rest assured that the only thing that sets this apart from a classic model is who builds it: you. Each Odyssey FS features the same analog circuitry that brought about the distinct sound of the original, faithfully reconstructed from the circuit level up. From its duophonic, bi-oscillator architecture to its pulse-width modulation, envelope generators, and many more sonic sculpting tools, this is an original ARP Odyssey FS.
Same synth
Although the Odyssey FS Kit is based entirely on the original Mk III (sold from 1978 to 1981), it features a few nifty, modern additions that don't compromise its sonic integrity. The lowpass filter is the main difference between the three generations of Odyssey synths. Although each generation is sought after for different reasons, the lowpass filter contributed significantly to distinguishing the Odyssey's precise, ferocious sounds, making it used e.g. by Herbie Hancock, Trent Reznor, ABBA, Jean-Michel Jarre, Stevie Wonder and many others. With the Odyssey FS Kit, the same careful engineering that went into developing the analog circuit has been applied to a unique 3-piece switch that gives you access to all three versions of the Odyssey's LPF! How. Bold. Type I delivers the aggressive, crisp sounds of the Mk I's 12dB/Oct circuit; Type II delivers the sonorous lows of the Mk II's 24dB/Oct filter; and Type III provides the flexibility of the Mk III that maintains its tremendous stability no matter how high you crank the resonance. Other modern features include a USB-B jack, a 5-pin MIDI input and a dedicated headphone output. There's also the new Drive switch, perfect for putting your sound into sixth gear when you need it.
Vintage, a very well done
Like the original duophone game-changer, the Odyssey FS Kit has two VCOs with sawtooth, square and dynamic pluse waveform options. Pulse width modulation and FM provide even more control, coupled with per-oscillator LFO and S&H toggling, as well as ADSR and AR envelope generators. The Proportional Pitch Control system returns, allowing you to set portamento and transposition over a four-octave range. Texturizing tools include the variable white- or pink-noise generator, a flexible VCF and VCA, a ring modulator and dedicated inputs for a pedal and portamento footswitch. The 3.5-millimeter monaural phone jacks offer Gate, Trigger and CV I/O choices, for streamlined integration into virtually any arrangement.
Do it yourself
Despite the legacy of the ARP Odyssey, you don't need specialized technical knowledge or a degree in electrical engineering to assemble your synth. As a reminder of this unique instrument and the experience of building it yourself, each Odyssey FS Kit comes with a metal plaque with a serial number unique to each unit. Plus, the solderless construction makes assembly a breeze. Finally, the included manual and necessary tools provide accessible, step-by-step instructions to ensure your Odyssey delivers the signature analog heat of its legendary predecessor.
- ARP Odyssey FS (built by Korg)
- supplied as a kit
- re-issue of the ARP Odyssey Rev3
- analogue monophonic/duophonic synthesizer
- number of keys: 37 (non touch sensitive, no aftertouch)
- 2 VCO's (saw, square, pulse, pwm)
- drift (frequency deviation): 1/30 of a semitone
- LFO: sine, square (sample-and-hold)
- CV- and gate-control (3.5 mm)
- noise generator (white/pink)
- 24 dB low-pass filter (4-pole), with self-oscillation
- modulation generator
- filter: choice of three Odyssey generations
- portamento: choice between Rev1 and Rev2/3
- output: XLR (balanced)
- headphone jack
- output impedance: 10 ohms
- MIDI-IN (DIN), USB-MIDI (type B)
- audio input: 6.3 mm
- software bundle included
- housing: black with orange accents (Rev3)
- dimensions: 585 x 466 x 163 mm
- weight: 7.3 kg.
