Frequently Asked Questions

ARP is currently on sale to pre-order.

We aim to ship orders from the next batch in early June. 

We try to stabilize supply but there was a sudden increase in demand thanks to Red Means Recording and Starsky Carr (Champions both!).
 

We ship from the UK using DHL Express.
 

Midicake ARP is a 4 channel MIDI arpeggiator that uses an innovative, parametric approach to musical sequence generation. It integrates and synchronizes with other midi controllers and instruments to make new and exciting music.

Yes, ARP has 4 arpeggiators and each can output on a different MIDI channel.

Yes, either via MIDI DIN, USB MIDI, or USB Host.

No, ARP is primarily a polyphonic device and the multi-channel and layering capabilities would mean a lot of CV ports.  It is also powered via USB, so only 5V.
 

However, Each arp channel has a MONO Voice Mode and combined with an external MIDI to CV converter can easily work with CV-only devices.

Yes, swing is achieved through Groove Patterns.

You can select a 2 step pattern with the second step delayed and you'll have that classic swing feel. The default patterns make this easy. However, you have up to 16 steps in each pattern so you can create much more complex grooves too.

ARP isn't a traditional step sequencer, its arpeggios are parameter driven.

The sequence length depends entirely on the different parameter values and how they interact. For a "bar" of 96 MIDI clock ticks, how many steps are played per bar depends on the time parameter. Then the steps and repeat parameters determine the number of individual steps played before the sequence repeats.

Throw in modulation, rhythm patterns, and effects and the sequence might not repeat for a very long time; into the realms of generative composition.

It doesn't take long to get your head around how the different parameters affect the sequence, then you can experiment with the vast possibilities open to you in combining parameters in different ways.

Yes and no.

ARP is parametric, which means that each note it plays in a sequence is driven by a set of pre-determined parameter values. Where a classic arpeggiator uses the incoming notes (and sometimes the order in which those notes are played) to determine the sequence.  ARP instead uses incoming notes to determine the scale in which its pre-determined sequences are to be played. This means that you a) don’t need to be Mozart to get really complex and great-sounding melodies and b) every sequence is deterministic, so it will always behave in the same way.

The rhythms, themes, and feeling you create with the parameters are maintained regardless of the notes you play on the keyboard.

It's pretty cool.

Our design philosophy was not to rely on random generators, many other controllers do that.  The patterns created by Midicake ARP are deterministic and repeatable. Not random, just complex.

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However, you can achieve pseudo-random effects using the FX modulation with any of ARP's parameters.

Each arp channel has 2 independent modulators, these can be used to modulate any of the parameters over time.

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Each arp also has an FX setting which acts like a modulator, but uses a seeded sequence to generate repeating patterns of values that affect a parameter on each step of the sequence. 

These methods enable you to program a modification of the sequence over time, that can make for some amazing results.

ARP is:
Dimensions: 205 x 150 x 58 mm

Weight: 1.2 kg

Yes, it has 100mm VESA mounting points on the underside.  It is not designed for rack mounting, but you could make adapter plates. 

Yes, ARP will generate an arpeggiated sequence when you press note keys on a connected MIDI device.

Or you can press play and use your MIDI Device to set the currently playing scale.

No, We ship worldwide, so we cannot calculate VAT and shipping until we know your location.

VAT will be applied to UK shipments.

We ship from the UK so depending on your location, you may be liable for import duty and customs fees, depending on your local rules.  Please see our terms and conditions for more information