ODsay

ODsay by Elektrostudio: Recreating the ARP Odyssey Legend in the Digital World

The world of virtual instruments is constantly expanding, offering musicians and producers access to the sounds of classic synthesizers of the past. The ODsay plugin by Elektrostudio is just such a tool – it is a masterful emulation of the legendary ARP Odyssey analog synthesizer, an instrument that left a significant mark on the history of electronic music and was used by a multitude of famous artists in various genres, from progressive rock and funk to electronic music and film soundtracks. The ARP Odyssey was known for its distinctive, “raw” and powerful sound, as well as flexible synthesis capabilities, despite its compact monophonic (with duophony) design. ODsay strives to reproduce this unique timbre and functionality, making it available in a convenient VST plugin format for Windows users.

History and Inspiration: The ARP Odyssey

The original ARP Odyssey, released in the early 1970s by ARP Instruments, was a direct competitor to the Minimoog from Moog Music. It offered a slightly different approach to synthesis and had its own unique features, such as a static high-pass filter, two types of low-pass filters (which varied in different revisions), a Sample/Hold function and, which was quite innovative at the time, the ability to play two notes at once (duophony). This instrument quickly gained popularity thanks to its portability, reliability and distinctive sound. ODsay by Elektrostudio brings this spirit and architecture to the digital realm, allowing modern musicians to experience the magic of this classic synthesizer.

Architecture and Sound Basis of ODsay

At the heart of the ODsay sound is its dual-oscillator architecture, which is central to the ARP Odyssey. The plugin carefully emulates:

• Two powerful oscillators (VCOs), which are the source of the main tone. Their interaction and settings determine the character of the initial sound.
• Revolutionary duophony: Although the ARP Odyssey is often perceived as a monophonic synthesizer, its ability to play two notes at the same time (one for each oscillator) was a key difference. ODsay reproduces this function, allowing you to create two-note harmonies, bass lines with a top melody or more complex two-note sequences.
• A wide selection of waveforms: Each oscillator can generate a sawtooth, square or pulse wave. Choosing and combining these basic forms is the first step in shaping the timbre.
• Oscillator synchronization: The Sync function allows you to “hard” synchronize the phase of the second oscillator with the first, creating aggressive, metallic or piercing timbres that are ideal for leads and effects.
• Ring Modulator: This block multiplies the oscillator signals, creating non-harmonic overtones. It is a great tool for getting bell-like, metallic, or experimental sounds.
• Noise Generator: Pink and white noise are available, which can be mixed into the oscillator signal. Noise is often used to create percussive sounds, wind effects, or as a source of modulation for Sample/Hold.

Flexible Sound Shaping: Filters and Modulation

After the oscillators, the signal passes through the filter section and is subjected to modulation, which gives the sound its final form and dynamics:

Filter System

ODsay emulates the characteristic ARP Odyssey filters:

• Static High Pass Filter (HPF): Unlike most synthesizers where the high-pass filter was dynamic, in the ARP Odyssey (and ODsay) it is static. This means that you set a fixed cutoff frequency that does not change dynamically from envelopes or LFOs. It serves to “clean up” the bass or form a certain character of the sound.
• Voltage-Controlled Low-Pass Filter (VCF): This is the heart of timbre shaping. ODsay reproduces a self-exciting low-pass filter that can create resonance up to generating its own tone. The filter can be controlled by various sources, including envelopes, LFOs, Sample/Hold, keyboard tracking and external signals (in this case, their emulation).

Modulation Capabilities

The plugin offers rich modulation capabilities to “liven up” the sound:

• Two Envelope Generators: A full ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) usually controls the volume (VCA) and/or the filter (VCF). A simple AR (Attack, Release) is often used for additional filter modulation.
• Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO): Provides periodic changes to create vibrato, tremolo or other cyclical modulations of the filter, pitch or pulse width.
• Sample/Hold Block: Takes a “snapshot” of a signal value (e.g., noise or LFO) at certain intervals, creating stepped, random or synchronized modulation sequences, ideal for experimental sounds and effects.
• Keyboard Tracking: Allows the filter or other parameters to change depending on which note you are playing, making the sound more “natural” or allowing you to use the filter as an additional oscillator on high notes.
• CV (Control Voltage) input emulation: On the original synthesizer, this was a physical input for connecting external modulators. In ODsay, this is emulated, providing an additional control point for the VCF.
• Flexible Pulse-Width Modulation: The width of the pulse wave can be modulated manually, with an LFO or an ADSR envelope generator, creating moving, chorus-like timbres.

Advanced Features: FM Synthesis via Sample/Hold Mixer

One of the interesting features of the ARP Odyssey was the Sample/Hold Input mixer. ODsay emulates this function, which allows the audio signal from the oscillators (VCOs) to be routed to the frequency modulation (FM) input of the second oscillator (VCO 2) and filter (VCF). This opens the door to audio-rate modulation, allowing you to create complex, harmonically rich and metallic timbres that go beyond standard subtractive synthesis. Using this feature adds depth to the plugin and allows you to experiment with unusual sounds.

In Conclusion: Why ODsay?

ODsay by Elektrostudio is more than just a software synthesizer. It is a portal to the golden age of analog synthesizers, providing access to the legendary ARP Odyssey sound without the need to search for and maintain vintage equipment. Thanks to its careful emulation of architecture, filters, modulation capabilities and unique features such as the Sample/Hold Input Mixer for FM, ODsay is a powerful tool for creating classic basslines, piercing leads, atmospheric pads, experimental sounds and effects. If you are looking for authentic analog character and synthesis flexibility in digital form, ODsay is an excellent choice for your Windows-based music studio. Download it and let the legend sound in your tracks!