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Korg’s full-size classic ARP Odyssey analogue synthesizer is back, but this time you’ll have to build it yourself.

It’s been more than six years since Korg ARP Odyssey was first glimpsed.

When Korg launched its first ARP Odyssey reboot back in 2015, little did we know that this was just the start of its emulative endeavours. In addition to this scaled-down synth we also got a module, an iOS app, a plugin and a limited-edition full-size version.

And now their outstanding ARP Odyssey ‘FS’ reissue model is back in kit form, allowing you to build your own, unique version of this analogue classic.

You do not need to be an electrical engineer in order to assemble it, either – we’re assured that the ARP Odyssey FS Kit doesn’t require any prior technical knowledge or soldering skill on the part of the user.

A pictorial guide is supplied to help you on your way, and each synth comes with its own serial number engraved into a metal plate, giving it an element of uniqueness.

The circuitry is exactly the same as in the original ARP Odyssey FS, and there’s a full-size keyboard, as well. The kit is based on the Rev 3 version of the original, but you can switch between the filter models from all three of the original Odysseys.

The familiar spec sheet includes the Odyssey’s switchable sawtooth and square waveforms, pulse width modulation, oscillator sync, ring modulation and pink or white noise. Connectivity includes both 1/4-inch jack and XLR outputs and an audio input jack – try connecting the headphone jack to the audio input to apply self-feedback.

CV, Gate and Trig jacks are included, as well, as are MIDI In and USB MIDI ports. 1/4-inch and mini patch cables come supplied.

Released in 1972, the Odyssey was ARP’s answer to the Minimoog, with its slider-based interface making it extremely tweakable. It was embraced by two generations of musicians – the proggers and rockers of the early 1970s (Edgar Winter, Tony Banks and Joe Zawinul) and the new wavers of the 1980s (Devo, Ultravox and Gary Numan) – and remains hugely popular today.

Available in limited numbers, the ARP Odyssey FS Kit will be released in March priced at $1,799.99/£1,699/€1,899. Find out more on the Korg website.

tsoniq has introduced a new user-oscillator for the Korg Minilogue XD and Prologue, Phase7.

Phase7 is a supersaw oscillator that works with the Logue’s front panel controls. At its simplest, it simply replicates the current VCO waveform and waveshape, but with a digital stack of seven oscillators.

There is a free ‘lite’ version that is controlled entirely from the front panel, and a ‘pro’ version (20€) that adds more waveforms, filter effects and a second LFO.

Features:

• two super-oscillators, each with 7 independent wave generators
• accurate modelling of the JP-8000 super-saw
• emulation of the Logue VCO waveforms, including shape modulation
• seven additional waveforms, including windowed-sync and filter effects (pro)
• optional phase synchronization for percussive sounds
• a second LFO with 4 modulation destinations and 25 patterns, include sample-and-hold effects (pro)
• optional velocity modulation of wave shape (pro)
• extensive front-panel control to avoid menu diving

In addition, the code that Phase7 uses to access to the Minilogue or Prologue front-panel controls has been released as open source on GitHub, allowing new user-oscillators to read VCO, VCF and LFO front-panel control settings. The code includes a complete sample phase-modulation oscillator.

Phase7 is available now for €20. A free ‘lite’ version is also available.

KORG has announced an important update for drumlogue, bringing added functionality to the popular hybrid drum machine. It’s drum machine gets chromatic MIDI recording.

Shipping now, Korg Drumlogue is a flexible and powerful drum machine, but, one of the specific criticisms is the lack of a chromatic MIDI recording option, which would enable users to explore the full potential of the Drumlogue’s built-in and expandable synth engine. However, the good news is that this has now been added as part of the new V1.1.0 firmware update.

In addition, there are new parameters for the nano user synth, as well as a solo function with latch. And, it’s possible to latch into mute and shift modes now.

The Drumlogue cost $600/£529. Find out more on the Korg website.