Oddy-Free: Reviving the Classic Arp Odyssey Mk.II
Arp Odyssey synthesizers have long held legendary status in the music world, leaving their mark on countless recordings across various genres – from funk and disco to progressive rock and electronic music. Their unique, characteristic sound, flexibility, and intuitive interface have made them favorites of many musicians and sound engineers. Finding a physical Arp Odyssey in good condition today can be challenging, and its cost is often exorbitant. Fortunately, modern technology allows us to experience the magic of these instruments thanks to software emulations.
Introducing Oddy-Free from Roberson Audio – a VST software instrument created as a tribute and accurate emulation of the iconic Arp Odyssey Mk.II synthesizer. This plugin brings the classic analog sound directly to your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), opening up a wide range of creative possibilities.
Accuracy of Emulation and Unique Sound
The developers at Roberson Audio paid significant attention to detail when creating Oddy-Free. The signal path in the plugin has been meticulously modeled to precisely match the behavior of the original Arp Odyssey Mk.II. This means you get not just a set of samples or abstract waveforms, but a living, breathing emulation of an analog circuit that responds to your actions like the original.
However, Oddy-Free has its own special touch that sets it apart from other emulations. This version of the plugin is based on the so-called “illegal” modifications of the original Arp Odyssey, which used a -24dB low-pass filter borrowed from the famous Moog synthesizers. This filter is known for its richer, warmer, and smoother sound compared to the standard Arp filters. Thanks to this, Oddy-Free is capable of producing exceptionally smooth and rich timbres that are perfect for soft basslines, atmospheric pads, or lyrical solos.
But don’t be misled by this smoothness. Despite the presence of the “Moog-style” filter, Oddy-Free fully retains the ability to reproduce the signature, sharp, and even metallic sounds for which the original Arp Odyssey is so valued. You can easily switch between different sound characters, exploring the entire palette of possibilities – from screaming leads and funky basses to experimental effects and textures.
In addition, according to the developers, Oddy-Free has a little more “punch” or “umph” compared to many original instruments. This added energy makes its sounds more punchy and expressive in the mix, which is especially useful for creating modern tracks where a clear attack and presence are needed.
Features and Applications
Oddy-Free is a fully-fledged virtual synthesizer that recreates the main components of the original Arp Odyssey: two oscillators with the ability to synchronize and ring modulation, a noise generator, a filter (in this case, with the Moog character), envelope generators (ADSR and AR), LFO, and other controls that allow you to delve deeply into sound design. Although the interface may seem simple at first glance, the combination of these elements allows you to create extremely diverse sounds.
- Creating classic synthesizer parts: funky basses, singing leads, atmospheric pads.
- Experimenting with sound: using ring modulation and a noise generator to create unique textures and special effects.
- Studying the principles of synthesis: Oddy-Free is an excellent tool for understanding the basics of analog subtractive synthesis thanks to its intuitive interface.
System Requirements
Currently, Oddy-Free is available as a VST plugin for the Windows operating system (Win32). Make sure that your DAW supports this plugin format on the 32-bit Windows architecture.
Oddy-Free from Roberson Audio is more than just an emulation. It’s an instrument that breathes new life into the legendary sound of the Arp Odyssey Mk.II, adding modern punch and a unique character thanks to the implementation of the Moog filter. If you’re looking for a classic synthesizer sound with a special touch, Oddy-Free deserves your attention. It offers deep sound design possibilities and can become a valuable addition to the arsenal of any musician or producer.
