ARP 1613 (1977)

A rare 16-step analog sequencer from ARP, built to control external synthesizers with hands-on real-time editing.

Overview

The ARP Sequencer Model 1613 is a 16-step analog sequencer made in 1977 by ARP Instruments Inc. of Massachusetts, U.S. It is not a synthesizer. It is a control device that generates CV/Gate signals to drive other analog gear. It is a rare variant of the ARP 1601 and came before the 1623. Sliders on the front panel set the voltage for each step in real time, and each slider represents a sixteenth note in a 1-bar pattern. There are two operating modes: one 16-step track, or dual 8-step tracks (A/B). A special 8 x 2 mode controls two voltage-controlled components at once, like a VCO and VCF at 1V/Oct. Step play can be straight or random.

Specifications

Tracks	2 (A/B)
Steps	16
CV range	0-10V
Scale	1V/Oct
Weight	3.6 Kg
Control interface	Sliders
Clock	Internal generator or external trigger sync
Display	LEDs
Technology	Analog and IC
Country of manufacture	United States

Design

The ARP 1613 uses analog and integrated circuit (IC) technology to generate control voltages and gate signals. Each of the 16 steps has a slider that sets a voltage (0-10V) for pitch at a 1V/Oct scale. The sequencer has step reset and skip functions, transposition via CV input, and dual quantization that locks voltages to the nearest musical note. Patch connectivity is extensive: CV/Gate I/O, multiple gate bus outputs, trigger and reset inputs, a clocked gate out, and a four-way multiple patch point. A footswitch output and a manual step advance button support live playing. The internal clock can be adjusted in frequency or overridden manually, and the unit can sync to external triggers via the step input.

Context

The ARP 1613 is described as a rare version of the ARP 1601, developed before the 1623. It is considered one of the rarest ARP sequencers, and some units may be prototype-level builds. ARP Instruments Inc. was founded in 1969 by Alan Robert Pearlman and co-founders Lewis G. Pollock and David Friend. It was based in Massachusetts and ceased operations in 1981. Korg revived the brand in 2015. The 1613 is listed among the archived models of the ARP product line.

Market

Current market values for the ARP 1613 range from €1600 to €2000. Units often need serious maintenance, and sticky sliders are a common issue that may call for lubrication or replacement. One documented service included slider replacement, power supply capacitor upgrades, timing chip replacement, and full calibration. A unit was listed on Reverb approximately four years ago and marked as sold. Despite the maintenance, the 1613 is praised as fun, hands-on, and musically engaging once it works.

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