Virtual synth [ real complexity ]

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I think KORG’s longevity in the space of musical instrument manufacturer has endowed their VST’s with a comprehensiveness. And a quality which is sometimes lacking in makers newer to the scene.  I reviewed the KORG Triton VST last year and indeed it won the samplenerd.com VST of the year 2023!

Here at samplenerd.com I have been an admirer-at-a-distance of the ARP2600 for a little while.  There is an attractive simplicity to it’s interface but that can also supply some serious complexity.  Aside from the fact it was one of the first you could take on tour!

The FS (full size) release of KORG ARP2600 sold out quickly. Gifting the legendary machine for the first time an arpeggiator.  They also released a “medium” version (2600M) that was sans the Arpeggiator.

Then if that wasn’t enough in June 2024 KORG released the ARP 2600 VST…

OK we all know that the battle of VST Vs Hardware is still being fought, whilst accumulating casualties in blogs and websites all over.  But here at samplenerd I’ve concluded that in production the listener cannot tell the difference.  And that VST’s and Hardware instruments are different beasts in and of themselves. 

Just in case your toes are curling at my conclusions, remember that even in Hardware, no-two ARP2600’s will sound exactly the same.  And in the numerous comparison videos available online, exactness is the thing the viewers ears are straining for.

This is true of all analogue electronic instruments.  Perhaps an interesting experiment would be to have two 2600’s together. The KORG VST alongside to hear the “authentic differences” between all three. 

We were determined to preserve the spirit of the original instrument.

KORG.com

Why have one when you can have four?

Now, here we come to one of the legit powers of VST!

There are studios out there that are furnished with ridiculous amounts of expensive vintage gear. But for most (like myself) that’s beyond my current remit.  With a fairly powerful computer I can run FOUR instances of the digital 2600 in my DAW! To play live and record to Master or simply have two set to the same patch to bolster the signal.

KORG – generous as ever, has not only included the sequencer from the FS version, but also a full effects rack.  Speaking of which the on board spring reverb is excellent.

And finally, KORG have also included an effects only 2600 which enables you to run audio exclusively through the VST.  Bravo.

The 2024 samplenerd awards will be upon us soon, don’t be too surprised to find KORG a worthy winner.

Hero image credit: KORG.com