ARP 2823 Odyssey Mark III (1978–1981)

Duophonic analog synthesizer built in the U.S. from 1978 to 1981. It belongs to the final revision of the ARP Odyssey series.

Overview

The ARP 2823 Odyssey Mark III is a duophonic analog synthesizer made by ARP from 1978 to 1981. It belongs to the Rev3 series (models 2820-2823). The big change is a redesigned 4-pole low-pass filter, which sets its sound apart from earlier revisions. It has a 37-key keyboard with full-size synth action keys and a black finish with orange and white lettering. The Odyssey platform is known for a tight sound and plenty of versatility. Herbie Hancock, George Duke, John Lord, Kraftwerk, and YMO all used it, and it shows up on numerous classic recordings.

Specifications

Number of Keys	37 Keys
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
Key Size	Full Size
Polyphony	2 Voices (Duophonic)
Synthesis Type	analog subtractive synthesis
Oscillators	2 VCOs (dual oscillator)
Filter Types	resonant low-pass filter, non-resonant high-pass filter
LFO Waveshapes	triangle and square wave LFOs
Special Controllers	three pressure-sensitive Proportional Pitch Controller buttons
Finish	Black / Orange
Made in	United States

Design

The ARP 2823 Odyssey Mark III uses ARP's redesigned 4-pole low-pass filter, which changes the sound compared to previous Odyssey revisions. It also has oscillator sync, sample & hold, pulse width modulation, a high-pass filter, and two types of envelope generator. The control panel is black with orange and white lettering, the same as the rest of the Rev3 series.

Context

The ARP Odyssey was introduced in 1972. The Rev3 series, including the 2823, was produced from 1978 to 1981. The ARP Axxe (1975) was a simplified version of the Odyssey. The ARP Solus (1980) sat between the Axxe and the Odyssey in complexity. The ARP Avatar (1977) guitar synthesizer used the Odyssey's sound engine.