The ARP 2600 is a legendary analog synthesizer that was first introduced in 1971 by the American company ARP Instruments, Inc.
Over the years, several versions and variations of the ARP 2600 have been produced.
Here are some of the notable versions:
ARP 2600 (Original Model): "Blue Marvin"
This is the first version of the ARP 2600 released in early 1971.
They were made in a garage. The filter used was the 4012.
VCO: 4011 . The 4011 are 1st generation VCOs
VCA: Teledyne 4010 output chips.
The synth had a bright blue aluminum case with a attached 3604 keyboard and walnut handles.
It was nicknamed the "Blue Marvin" (after Marvin Cohen, ARP’s CFO at the time) but these days it's referred to as the "Blue Meanie.”
Only about 25 of these were made. Apparently, the voice path uses microchips.
ARP 2600C: "Grey Meanie".
this version was produced in mid 1971 and featured a gray color scheme with a wood handle and sides.
These were factory produced and the new model introduced a few circuitry changes and improvements over the original model.
They used first generation 4011 & 4017 oscillator sub modules
The filter was a Tonus 4012
4010 VCA sub modules (used Teledyne 1339 op-amps).
The Teledynes had a much higher slew rate than the later LM301s (National Semiconductor).
They were replaced with the LM301s in later ARPs as the Teledynes weren't as reliable... they sometimes latched up.
About 100 were made. They use the Tonus logo.
It had an updated and attached keyboard (model 3604C). The case like the earlier Blue Meanie was aluminium.
ARP 2600P
There were 3 versions of this.
Probably 1700 units were made in total.
ARP 2600P v1:
This version was released in late 1971 and featured a rugged Tolex covered
roadcase and separate 3604P keyboard.
VCO: 4017. (1st gen)
VCF: 4012
VCA: 4010 with Teledyne output chips
ARP 2600P V2:
Late 1971 - 1972
V2.0 of the 2600P replaced the 4017 VCO chips with more reliable 4027 chips (First generation).
VCF: 4012
VCA: 4010 with National Semicnductor LM301s
** note that in mid 1972 the VCA was changed to a 4019
ARP 2600P V3:
The 2600P v3.0 was produced from 1972 to 74 and is the most common model.
VCO: 4027-1 2nd generation
VCF: 4012
VCA: 4019
The rectangular Tonus ARP logo was replaced by a new G-clef ARP logo which is often used to distinguish these newer 2600's from the previous models version of the 2600P.
The V3 version had a different filter design and added an output level control for the preamp.
ARP 2601 V1
Produced between 1975 & 76
Looks like the earlier 2600Ps but has a 3620 duophonic keyboard.
Check the serial numbers : starts with 2602-XXX.
VCO: 4027-1 (2nd generation)
VCF: 4012
VCA: 4019
** Note that in early 1976, the filter was changed to a 4072.
ARP 2601 V2
Produced between 1977 & 79
These had the new designed orange and white front panel
All the modules were now un-encapulated
3620 duophonic keyboard.
VCO: 4027-1 (2nd generation)
VCF: 4072
VCA: 4019
ARP 2601 V3
Produced 1980
3620 duophonic keyboard.
Avatar power-supply
VCO: 4027-1 (2nd generation)
VCF: 4072
VCA: 4019
ARP 2600 TTSH:
The TTSH (Two Thousand Six Hundred) is not an official ARP product but a DIY clone created by The Human Comparator. It is a faithful replica of the ARP 2600 and was released as a kit in the 2010s.
The kit comes with a detailed assembly manual to guide users through the construction process.
There are 4 versions of the TTSH.
TTSH V1:
Released 2014.
This was the original version of the TTSH, which closely replicated the functionality and design of the ARP 2600. It featured a four-octave keyboard, three VCOs, a resonant low-pass filter, a VCA, a ring modulator, a sample & hold circuit, an envelope generator, and a spring reverb tank.
VCO: 4027-1
VCF: 4012 & LM301 op-amps
VCA : 4010 & 4019 (& LM301 op-amps at the output stage)
Ring Modulator : 4014
ADSR: 4020
TTSH V2:
Released Jan 2016.
This version introduced some improvements and enhancements over the V1. It featured a redesigned power supply section, refined circuit boards, and some component substitutions to improve reliability and performance.
TTSH V3:
Released Dec 2016.
The V3 version brought further refinements and updates. It incorporated changes based on user feedback and introduced additional enhancements to the build process, layout, and overall functionality.
TTSH V4:
Released July 2019.
This version was a major update that included several new features and improvements. It adds a MIDI-to-CV converter. The V4 also featured a redesigned keyboard section and added a glide/portamento circuit.
Korg ARP 2600 FS: In 2020, Korg announced a reissue of the ARP 2600 under their own brand. The Korg ARP 2600 FS (Full Size) is a faithful reproduction of the original ARP 2600, featuring the same circuitry, semi-modular architecture, and a full-sized keyboard.
I understand this is made using SMD technology, so repairs may be more difficult.
The last major manufacturer of 2600 clones is of course Behringer.
They use a 8U rack mount format.
They have 3 versions:
Standard "Christmas Tree".
Black/orange
Digital reverb - Coolaudio V1000 Multi-FX DSP chip
Multi coloured LEDs
features a mechanical spring reverb.
Uni coloured LEDS
Filter section uses some polyester through hole caps instead of the SMD caps used in the
black/orange version.
features a mechanical spring reverb.
Uni coloured LEDS
Filter section uses some polyester through hole caps instead of the SMD caps used in the
black/orange version.
Apart from the new paint jobs I wonder if there is much similarity between the Behringer Blue/Grey models and the original 1971 ARP Blue Marvin & Grey Meanie. And maybe the search for "original"
is a never-ending quest best left alone.
Behringer say these models contain "hand picked components" and are "Authentic reproductions of the ultra-rare ARP* Grey Meanie circuitry from the ‘70s with specially selected op-amps and transistors".
They provide no further details.
I've read that the filter section of the Behringer Grey/Blue use through hole capacitors instead of the SMD variety in the Orange/black type and that all 3 use LM4580 op-amps (in the filter) that replace LM301s. In the 4012 amp section, a TL072 and/or LM4580 is used instead of a LM301 ??
I don't have a Behringer 2600 so can't open one up to see if they are using 1st generation 4011 VCOs
and Teledyne 1339 op-amps.... probably not. The Telydyne 1339 & later National Semiconductor LM301s were a bit sluggish , and though this added to their sound it could be argued that using these would be less than ideal from a technician's view point.
I would love to see some schematics too.
It's important to note that the availability and production of different versions may vary over time, and some versions, like the TTSH and Behringer 2600 are not officially produced by ARP or its successors.
Do let me know if I've made any mistakes or omissions.
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