ARP AXXE 2321 Analog Synthesizer - Late 1970's

Fully working ARP AXXE 2321 (from the late 1970's). Made in the USA. Currently missing the fader knobs, can be bought from eBay or similar platforms. Demonstration video uploaded. Missing screw to base, some of the leather covering is peeling away very slightly. Metal shows a few signs of rust, please see the images for more detailed information on condition.

The ARP AXXE 2321 is a monophonic analog synthesizer produced by ARP Instruments, Inc. in the mid-1970s. It is a more affordable and compact version of the Odyssey, another popular ARP synthesizer.

Key Features:

• Monophonic (plays one note at a time)
• Single Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) with triangle and square waveforms, plus noise
• Voltage-Controlled Filter (VCF) with low-pass design and frequency and resonance controls
• ADSR Envelope Generator and Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) for modulation
• Sample & Hold function for adding randomness to the sound
• Keyboard with three octaves (C-C) and pitch bend capabilities
• CV/Gate and trigger inputs for external control and sequencing
• Audio input for processing external signals

Design and Build:

The AXXE 2321 has a simple and straightforward design, with a compact layout that makes it easy to use. The front panel is dominated by the keyboard and a series of sliders and switches for controlling the synthesizer’s parameters. The instrument’s build quality is typical of ARP’s products from this era, with a sturdy metal chassis and durable components.

Sound:

The AXXE 2321 is capable of producing a wide range of sounds, from simple tones to more complex textures. Its single VCO and VCF provide a rich, analog sound with a distinctive character. The instrument’s simplicity and limited polyphony (it can only play one note at a time) make it well-suited for creating basslines, leads, and sound effects.

Legacy:

The ARP AXXE 2321 is a sought-after synthesizer among collectors and musicians, particularly those interested in vintage analog synthesizers. Its affordability and compact design made it accessible to a wider range of musicians, and it remains a popular choice for those looking to add a unique sound to their music.

Single VCO (sawtooth, square/pulse with PWM from the LFO and/or ADSR generator)

• 24 dB/octave VCF with modulation from the LFO and/or ADSR generator
• VCA
• LFO (sine, rectangular and random S/H from the noise source)
• Glide/portamento

Rear connections:

• CV/gate/trigger in/out
• Audio high/low out
• External audio input
• Pedal input