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GregoryBourassa « Best Bundle of Analog »
Published on 11/15/15 at 15:02
Best value:
Excellent
Audience:
Anyone
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!
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!