ARP 2500
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| 2500 by ARP Instruments, Inc. | |||
| Synthesis type: | Analog Subtractive | ||
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| Polyphony: | Duophonic | ||
| Timbrality: | Monotimbral | ||
| Oscillators: | 1004p 1004r 1004t 1023 |
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| Keyboard: | 3002 Two voice. 5 octaves. 3222 Four voice, split. 5 octaves. 3604 One voice, portable. 4 octaves. |
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| Velocity sensitive: | {{{velocity}}} | ||
| Aftertouch: | {{{aftertouch}}} | ||
| Memory: | none | ||
| Onboard effects: | none | ||
| Produced: | 1970 - 1981 | ||
| Original price: | US$7180 - US$19920 | ||
The ARP 2500, built from 1970 through the mid-70's, was ARP's first big synthesizer. A monophonic analog modular synthesizer was equipped with a set of matrix switches to connect modules in addition to the more common patch cords. It used cords with 1/8" miniphone connectors rather than the 1/4' cords used by the Moog synthesizers of the time. The 2500 could hold 12 modules, and the optional wing cabinet could hold 6.
Although the 2500 proved to be a reliable and user-friendly machine, it was not commercially successful, selling approximately 100 units. A collection of the 2500's most popular modules was packaged into a single unit as the ARP 2600, leaving out the matrix switching and more esoteric modules.
The 2500's most notable usage was when it was employed in Close Encounters of the Third Kind to communicate with aliens. The ARP technician sent to install the unit, Phil Dodds, was cast as the musician. The unit featured in the film consisted of a fully loaded main unit, two fully loaded wing cabinets and dual keyboards in a custom case.
[edit] Famous users
It has been used by artists such as Meat Beat Manifesto, The Who, David Bowie, Skinny Puppy, Jean Michel Jarre and Vince Clarke. In the classical world, electronic composer Elaine Radigue has worked almost exclusively with the 2500. Contrary to popular belief, It was not the synthesizer used on The Who's famous song, Baba O'Riley. The sequenced type motif used for this particular song was produced by a home organ. However, it can be heard on many of the other tracks, such as "Bargain", "Going Mobile", and "The Song Is Over" , on which the parts were overdubbed afterwards.
