ARP 1601 (1976)
Analog step sequencer with dual 8- or 16-step configuration, quantized and non-quantized outputs, and 25 patch points.
Overview
The ARP 1601 is a 16-step sequential voltage generator that ARP built in 1976. It has two tracks (A/B). You can run it as one 16-step sequence or as dual 8-step sequences. It was designed to go with the ARP 2600 and other vintage ARP synthesizers. It puts out both quantized and non-quantized CV on a 1V/Oct scale (1/12V per semitone) over a 0-10V range. There are three gate busses, and each one can generate positive gate signals. The clock can run internally or from an external trigger input.
Specifications
| Tracks | 2 (A/B) |
| CV Range | 0–10V |
| Scale | 1V/Oct (1/12V per semitone) |
| Outputs | Quantized and non-quantized |
| Clock | Internal generator or external trigger input |
| Step Modes | Configurable between 16-step mode and dual 8-step mode |
| Gate Type | Positive gate (no S-trig) |
| Gate Busses | 3 |
| Patch Points | 25 |
| Control Sliders | 60mm travel LED sliders for step CV control |
| Step Indicator | Each step slider LED lights when that step is gated |
| Clock Indicator | Clock frequency LED slider flashes in time with sequencer clock |
| Power Supply | IEC jack with auto-sensing 110V/220V capability |
| Weight | 3.6 Kg |
| Dimensions | Approx 25"x9"x4" |
Design
The ARP 1601 uses through-hole components, including 0.047u polystyrene capacitors (C30 and C31) and an LM301 IC. Construction is good. The resistors are 1% tolerance low temperature coefficient metal film, the quantizer uses 0.1% tolerance resistors, and the ceramic capacitors are EIA Class I temperature compensating types. The front panel is powder coated and silkscreened, with wood side panels. Each step generates different voltage gates across the three gate busses, so the unit can act as a smart envelope generator. A dual VCO quantizer locks voltages to the nearest relative note.
Context
The ARP 1601 was derived from module 1027 of the ARP 2500 modular system. It belongs to the Mk 1 design series, along with models 1611, 1612, and 1613. All of them share a black and gold color scheme and wooden side panels. The design was later updated with the ARP 1613 and then the ARP 1623.
Market
The ARP 1601 is now rare and priced between 1500 and 2000 Euros. Heat damage to the polystyrene capacitors during soldering is a common problem, and it often leads to quantizer failure. Faulty LM301 ICs, sometimes counterfeit, can cause calibration problems, especially when power draw at the 12V input is abnormally high. Repairs on record include fixing the unit by reflowing solder joints and by replacing C30 and C31.
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