- ARP 2500
Infobox_synthesizer
image_caption = ARP 2500
synth_name = 2500
synth_manufacturer =ARP Instruments, Inc.
synthesis_type = Analog Subtractive
polyphony =Duophonic
timbrality =Monotimbral
oscillator = 1004p
1004r
1004t
1023
filter =
attenuator =
left_control =
lfo =
keyboard = 3002 Two voice. 5 octaves.
3222 Four voice, split. 5 octaves.
3604 One voice, portable. 4 octaves.| memory = none
ext_control =
fx = none
dates =1970 -1981
price =US$ 7180 -US$ 19920The ARP 2500, built from
1970 through the mid-70's, was ARP's first bigsynthesizer . A monophonic analogmodular synthesizer 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 main 2500 cabinet could hold 12 modules, and the optional wing cabinets 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, non-modular 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.Famous users
It has been used by artists such as
Meat Beat Manifesto ,The Who ,David Bowie ,Skinny Puppy ,Jean Michel Jarre andVince Clarke . In the classical world, electronic composerElaine Radigue has worked almost exclusively with the 2500. Contrary to popular belief, It was not the synthesizer used onThe 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.External links
* [http://www.vintagesynth.com/arp/2500.shtml Vintage Synth Explorer]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
