L.E.P. - ArpoLoop Desktop

L.E.P ArpoLoop — Raymond Scott's Analog Dream Machine.

The ArpoLoop brings something rather special to the world of electronic instrument gadgets: a fully analog generative composer, the rough size of a pizza box — what other analogy better suited for a new device from Italy?

L.E.P developed this instrument over the course of 5 years, and like many other devices from them, it takes a rather unconventional approach to music making. There are no digital parts, no microprocessors, not even CMOS chips. Just pure analog circuitry that generates endlessly evolving melodies and rhythms.

So, what even is this device? The ArpoLoop combines four voltage-controlled oscillators with a sophisticated rhythm and melody generation system. The analog "brain" stores and manipulates CV values to create musical intervals, while three ramp generators interact to produce complex rhythmic patterns. There's an eight-step capacitor sequencer arranged in a cube formation, giving you direct hands-on control over note sequences.

The voice architecture provides plenty of sonic possibilities: VCO1 and VCO3 can be hard-synced to VCO2, allowing for classic synthesizer tones as well as vocal-like formant sounds. Each VCA can be controlled by envelopes or turned into a ring modulator using VCO4. A resonant bass drum and snare circuit round out the percussion section.

This little mystical box offers a nice way to go on deep analog signal excursions. Something that definitely feels more on the exploration side of things rather than traditional sequencer programming. Since there's no memory storage, each session becomes a unique performance where you guide the instrument's behavior through its various CV inputs and controls. Take a listen to the demos and you should get a pretty good idea — it might not be for everyone but this thing is both, weird, fun and inspirational :)

Features:

• Four voltage controlled oscillators
• Four cascadable VCAs with envelope/ring mod control
• Three attack-release envelope generators
• Eight-step capacitor sequencer ("cube sequencer")
• Analog ramp generator system for rhythm creation
• Built-in bass drum and snare circuits
• One octave keyboard with three modes
• Full CV control over most parameters
• Six channel audio mixer with stereo outputs
• Compact 60HP/7U format (34 × 35 × 4 cm — "Pizza box sized")
• Available in desktop or Eurorack (ArpoVoce) format
• 100% analog signal path
• External sync via MIDI Clock or analog clock input