- ARP Chroma
Infobox_synthesizer
image_caption = ARP Instruments, Inc. Logo
synth_name = Chroma
synth_manufacturer = Fender/Rhodes-ARP
synthesis_type = Analog Subtractive
polyphony = 16
timbrality = 2
oscillator =
filter =
attenuator =
left_control =
lfo =
keyboard = 64-key weighted| memory =
ext_control =Apple II interface
fx =
dates =1982
price =The ARP Chroma is a model of
polyphonic synthesizer developed in1981 byARP Instruments, Inc. just before that company's bankruptcy and collapse. The design was eventually released by Fender as the Rhodes Chroma, and was one of the early microprocessor-basedAnalog synthesizers . It was the first commercial synth with a touch-sensitive keyboard, using 64 weighted wooden keys; some units also included apolyphonic pressure sensor under the keys. The synthesizer had 16 channels normally used in pairs for 8-note polyphony. It was controlled via a panel consisting of multi-purpose touch switches for selecting sounds or parameters of sound with a single slider for adjusting parameters. This approach was later copied by many more successful synths, such as theYamaha DX-7 . The main microprocessor was a 68B09, and it had a computer interface consisting of a 25-pin D-sub connector – this was before the invention ofMIDI ). AnApple IIe interface card with sequencing software was released later on. Eventually, a third party came out with a Chroma-to-MIDI converter box.Fact|date=June 2008 Fender also released a keyboardless version called the Chroma Expander, which could be slaved to the Chroma via its computer interface.The Chroma was rather expensive, and Fender wasn't as good at selling high-tech keyboards as it was guitar equipmentPOV-statement|date=June 2008, so it didn't sell as well as it might have. Other factors, such as the introduction of the Yamaha DX-7, may also have played a part. However, it developed a dedicated following.
External links
* [http://www.rhodeschroma.com/ Site and community dedicated to the Rhodes Chroma]
* [http://www.rhodeschroma.com/?id=arpeggio ARP Chroma announcement]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
