This is the full size ARP Odyssey FS supplied as a build it yourself kit, so the assembly happens on your bench rather than in the factory. Underneath it is the same 37 note duophonic analogue instrument, with two oscillators, a ring modulator and three switchable filter characters. It suits players who want the classic circuit and enjoy the process of putting one together.
Two oscillators, one or two voices
Each oscillator offers sawtooth, square and pulse waves, with pulse width sweeping from 50 per cent down to 5 per cent under envelope or LFO control. Playing is monophonic by default. Duophonic mode sounds two keys. VCO-1 also drops into a low frequency mode from 0.2 Hz, which turns it into a second modulation source rather than an audible tone.
Three filter voices in one panel
The low pass filter has three selectable types, one at 12 dB per octave and two at 24 dB per octave. Cutoff sweeps from 16 Hz to 16 kHz and resonance runs all the way into self oscillation. That range covers everything from soft pads to the screaming leads this design is known for.
Modulation and performance controls
White and pink noise, a digital ring modulator and a sample and hold circuit feed the modulation section. Separate ADSR and AR envelope generators run side by side. Pitch bend and modulation come from the three proportional pads rather than a wheel, and transpose shifts two octaves either way. Jacks are provided for a pedal and a portamento footswitch.
Specifications
| Keyboard | 37 note, full size keys, no velocity sensitivity, no aftertouch |
|---|---|
| Maximum polyphony | 2 voices in duophonic mode, normally monophonic |
| Transpose positions | 2 octaves down, normal, 2 octaves up |
| Proportional pitch control | Pitch down pad about -2/3 octave, modulation pad, pitch up pad about +2/3 octave |
| Noise generator | White and pink noise spectrum types |
| Portamento | Maximum speed about 0.01 msec. per octave, minimum speed about 1.5 sec. per octave |
| VCO waveforms | Sawtooth, square, pulse (dynamic pulse) |
| VCO frequency range | VCO-1 in low frequency mode 0.2 Hz - 20 Hz, VCO-1 and VCO-2 audio range about 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Pulse width | 50 % - 5 % |
| Pulse width modulation | ADSR +45 %, LFO +15 % |
| VCO voltage controlled response | 1 V per octave |
| Maximum frequency shifts | LFO sine wave +1/2 octave, LFO square wave +1.5 octaves, ADSR +9 octaves, sample and hold +2 octaves |
| VCF types | Low pass (I: 12 dB per octave, II and III: 24 dB per octave) |
| VCF frequency range | 16 Hz - 16 kHz |
| Maximum usable Q | 30 |
| Resonance | 1/2 to self oscillation |
| Keyboard control voltage | C3 key (left edge) 0 V, C6 key (right edge) 3 V |
| VCA dynamic range | 80 dB |
| Ring modulator type | Digital |
| Ring modulator input signal | VCO-1, VCO-2 (square wave) |
| Sample and hold | Command sources: keyboard or LFO trigger. Sampled signals: VCO-1 sawtooth and square waves, VCO-2 square wave, pink noise |
| ADSR envelope generator | Attack 5 msec. - 5 sec., decay 10 msec. - 8 sec., sustain 0 - 100 % or peak, release 15 msec. - 10 sec. |
| AR envelope generator | Attack 5 msec. - 5 sec., release 10 msec. - 8 sec. |
| Control input jacks | Pedal: 6.3 mm monaural phone jack. Portamento foot switch: 6.3 mm monaural phone jack |
Specifications from Korg. Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.
