ARP Quadra

I purchased my ARP Quadra new in 1979, and used it non-stop until about 2001. It was in storage for a dozen years, but I've brought it out again, and love the sounds even better now than I did "in the day". No longer distracted by trying to emulate string and horn sounds (I can use sample-based digital synths for that), I am now able to appreciate the distinctive character of the analog synth for its own beauty.

Having entered the analog synth world late, due to youth and poverty, I found that this synth gave me a perfect bundle of what I needed at the time, without causing me to stack up four or five keyboards. In the days before MIDI and rack-mount sound modules, this bundling was enough to make the investment worthwhile -- a cleaner stage setup, all the sound I needed, and nice peformance-supporting (i.e. easy-to-tweak in real time) layout.

The earlier review on this Audiofanzine site gives a good technical review of the instrument. I'll just add that it sounds completely awe-inspiring when you play it live.

A nice feature not mentioned there is the XLR outputs which can be used for recording.

I'm looking forward to adding a Sequentix Cirklon to my rack in the next couple of months (they have a backlog and you have to get on the waiting list). With the CV I/O option of that hardware sequencer, you will be able to do unlimited sequencing of the Quadra via its ample I/O options. You will still need to manipulate the sliding controls "live", but could have both hands free to do that (and add live keyboard parts), while letting the Cirklon play complex sequences and songs. Kind of a dream come true...thirty years later.

If you can get a Quadra in working order, it's worth considering. If you can only get one with "problems", still consider it. I know of at least one expert who can bring these beauties fully back to life.

Cheers!

This was the first Polyphonic synth I ever bought. It was big, meaty, and the sound was exactly tthat as well. I still have and use it in my studio. The "Quad"ra has four distinct sections, controlled from it's front panel with a membrane switch area and sliders within the specific "modules" of the face panel. The bass synth section features a monophonic synth over the lower 2 octaves of the 5 octave, keyboard action keys. The keys are extended over the edge of the chassis making stacking the synth over another a Rhodes or B3 a comfortable option. The 2nd synth was a dedicated ARP Omni type String synth, with a switchable "Hollow" waveform "reed-like" timbre. (nice) Smack dab in the middle of the panel is a mixer with sliders for the 4 dedicated sections and a switchable Phase shifter. Next section was an 8 voice polyphonic synthesizer followed by 2 voice lead synth. The keys have pressure sensitivity helpful for adding vibrato or pitch-bend, (no joystick here). The back panel was interesting back in the day. Besides the standard voltage control pedals and sustain pedal jacks, Control Voltage and trigger voltage jacks for connecting to other synths with this option was an amazing idea, (pre-midi days we're talking about), and With 6 cables you could be connected. The multiple outputs and digital memory (which only remembers which sliders were active) made for an at the time versatile synthesizer, and with analogs making a comeback, (and argueably never leaving) will be around for awhile if you can find them.

UTILIZATION

The panel is well laid out, with signal flow graphics, sliders, LEDs, and membrane touch switches allowing for programming for the 4 main sections and master section. Sure beats a crowded LCD and layers of menus and a few buttons. Though this synth takes up alot of space. I had it on my Rhodes with a modified flat top by itself. The Bass synth, (far left on the panel) has 2 Octave settings as well as a String synth waveform that can be substituted in for the standard analog bass synth waveform. Next was the String synth which utilized 4 octaves of the keyboard with unless you switch in the bass synth waveform , using the entire keyboard. The mixer/Phase shifter is in the middle of the panel followed by a basic Polyphonic synth. The final section on the right was the 2 voice lead synth, fairly versatile, and key-pressure sensitive for pitch bend, multiple and single triggering, and arppegiator. With a basic knowledge of modular synth programming, you could get around on the panel of the Quadra very quickly.

SOUNDS

The sound are a bit limited, (and dated as any classic synth would be) although I found them to be warm, layered, and adequate for the songs I was composing or imitating in my coverbands, and rock bands. It was and is a great synth that can lend it self to fatting up a keyboardist's sound, stuck in sampled, pre-programmed, un-tweakable, need it fast times.

OVERALL OPINION

Owning a Quadra since the late 70's early 80's and going back to it time after time, I'm glad to have it as part of my keyboard sound. I'd buy it again if I had the chance, and in hindsight the dollar value versus usage is high. Please keep in mind, this review is fairly slanted, and I hope you can make an informed listening decision for yourself.

It's an analog synth with 4 section: bass, string, poly, lead. The octaves are rpart according to sections and poly + string bass, with the first 2 are for the bass section. The connectors are provided for a synth of this era, each section has its released and is available between 2 cv / gate inputs and of course pedals to vary certain paramtre Live . With 16 memory for patches, do not expect to have a complete backup of your rglages ... The polyphony is RALIS by the principle of octave divider.

UTILIZATION

It is a synthetic analogue rev instinctive. Despite a relative simplicity to edit sounds, any time you can get a nice panel. The lead section, and the bass section can be connected in cv / gate, which also allows the Midif via a MIDI> CV / gate. Against the rest by hand, for one, found in French ...

SOUNDS

The grain of this synth is absolutely gnial, you feel the exprience of other brand products. The phasing is incorporated vritable a pleasure for the ears even if after a time it has had enough. (Must not abuse the good things ...). The keyboard is still enjoyable but do not expect a heavy touch. And its top when the output spares for each section.

OVERALL OPINION

Since 10 I possde this synth I always take pleasure to use, the sound is powerful and effectively. The only complaint is the failure to control by noon on 4 sections (unless to do so by a specialist in midifier). The finding in a broquance for the modest sum of 500 Fr, I remain convinced of having made this day a great meeting ...