Antonus 2600 – remaking the classic
Antonus 2600 is a remake of the classic synthesizer ARP model 2600, more specifically the grey face version with transistor ladder filter.
The electronic circuit is a faithfully recreation following the same scheme and components. Even being harder or more expensive to work with classic thru-hole technology we choose to work in that way to ensure en the sound and character of the original instrument, and event ensure that the instrument can be serviced in the future, during the years.
The 2600 character is so special, the sum of pros and cons parts are the soul of the instrument. We don’t want to “improve” or “update” nothing from the instrument nature, we like the sound and character of the original one and thats the work path for us. This sound was part of the music history, and have a shape in so many recordings from the 70’s from today. We love the warm, the punch and the electric sound of the original instrument so we work with that idea now.
Faithful to the original – 100% analog
We work with thru.hole components, using traditional soldering techinques, using “human scale” components. All IC’s are socketed using high grade turned sockets. No SMD components were used, only the small MIDI board have some SMD components. In the future you can change, repair any component of the boards like classic electronic thru-hole designs.
Using this build technique can make slower and more cost manufacture today, but the sound and behaviour worth it, also we feel that this is part of the soul and intention of the instrument, being far from the consumer mass media electronic production.
Faithful design
One of the main reasons to recreate the classic 2600 is that look and design. The design of the 2600 is something that adds a lot to the personality of the instrument.
The design of the cabinet follows the style of the original, retaining its shape and design, using Tólex and hardware both in the cabinet and in the front cover. The idea was respected in our work, despite the work and costs of this technique, because we believe that it is part of the special spirit of this instrument,
We love the portable sound synthesizer laboratory concept with a very musical approach, with that typical look of old musical instrument cases.
Some changes were made with the Antonus 2600, the first the form factor which is approximately 80% of the original size, which allows to fit in studios where space is more limited and also allows it to be stored inside a a travel suitcase. Something that with the original 2600 was impossible to fit in. You can travel now in different transports such as the plane and the train.
The front panel choosed for a textured black color and white silkscreen. The texture and silkscreen have been worked with an extra hardness treatment to be scratch and marks proof.
Since 2021 we added the panel option of the classic ARP orange. You can select at the order moment you prefered colour scheme.
The sliders design has been changed to a LED-lit design that allows a very visual and direct experience Also since 2021 the new transluced slider knobs, to add better touch feeling and keeping the illuminated colour looking.
The brightness is adjustable by front trimmer. High quality faders with smooth and precise travel with 45mm travel to ensure precision during playing the instrument
The spring reverb used is the long version, used in the early units of the 2600. (In later models of the 2600 gray face the reverberation was shorter spring / time).
Connecting a classic with the present
In the Antonus 2600, standard MIDI features are incorporated to achieve integration with current studios and configurations. Additionally a GATE input compatible with most systems, unlike the GATE input of the genuine one that was much more restrictive design. Now we ensure a lot of more compatibilty with analog instruments of today.
Since 2021 the Antonus 2600 has a new duophonic interface with enhaced features. Some news are:
- Monophonic and Duophonic modes
- Upgrade to 2 auxiliary CV outputs and 2 GATE ouputs
- Extra LFO routable to any CV output (pitch or AUX) with 4 different waveforms and wide frequency range.
- Pitch Portamento
- Interval latch and HOLD functions
- All parameters are CC and can also be programed by user.
Like the previous version it recognizes MIDI note and pitch-bend. It also has an additional CV input to control the internal tuning bus of VCO’s and VCF. It is mixed with the MIDI-CV signals so you can mix both for creative techniques like transposing, or different scales.
More info at the interface manual:
www.antonus-synths.com/antonus2600/Manual%20MIDI%202600%20DUO%20ENGLISH.pdf
Expanding the design
Inspired by the beautiful 2600 design, we developed a line of instruments that can expand the possibilities even more.
With the Antonus Step Brother we add a very inspiring analog sequencer based on the classic ARP Sequencer and also adding lot of exciting new features for expand the 2600 design. Extra VCO, ADSR, 2x VCA and frequency / clock divider are some of the new features.
Also with the Antonus Sidecar we bring the connection with the eurorack modular modular world, in a total integration with the 2600 and Step Brother, creating the ANTONUS SYSTEM, an infinite world of possibilities for sound creation.
We want this reinterpretation of the classic to achieve an integration with current studio and live configurations reliably and without giving up the character and feeling of such a special design as the ARP 2600 was.
Customize your Antonus
All Antonus instruments can be customized as request, by Tolex covering colour and led light colour. Being small handcraft works we can work at custom demand if customer need it. Custom works info.
Technical specifications
The Antonus 2600 is based on the classic gray “gray face” version of the ARP 2600 and as such shares the same electronic components and specifications.
The following elements and modules that make up the 2600 system are:
Sound samples
Antonus 2600 is handcrafted made in Barcelona with love and care.
For order or reserve please use the purchase button to show you details for order it.
