LEP ArpoLoop is a unique generative analog groovebox Synthesizer consisting of six interacting parts as a desktop and Eurorack module.
A year and a half ago, Italian developer LEP introduced the ArpoLoop, an analog semi-modular generative groovebox/Synthesizer. If you remember, last year at Superbooth 24, the developer showed the synth part as a standalone voice for Eurorack called ArpoVoce.
Both the ArpoLoop and the Voice are now complete. The final version looks very different from the prototype. To me, the aluminum finish looks very classy.
New ArpoLoop Batch
The first batch was shipped to pre-orders several months ago. ArpoLoop will not go into mass production. It will only be available in mini-batches, making it a rare instrument.
A new batch of around 30 units is now available for pre-order. There are different options. The ArpoLoop ALU desktop costs 990€, and in a wood case for 1090€.
LEP also offers customization. You can choose between organic or minimal panel graphic designs. In addition to the full ArpoLoop, you can pre-order the ArpoVoce 60HP Eurorack synth voice for 490€. The synth, including the alu and wooden case, is made in Italy.
Under this update, the article from July 30, 2023, contains all the details about the Arpoloop concept and engine. The info is still up to date.
I stick to my first impression from 2023. The LEP ArpLoop is a unique analog Synthesizer/groovebox with an original, more unusual concept. I’m pretty sure that it will find its users. I am pleased that some developers are implementing such concepts in instruments, even if the success will be limited.
Article From July 30, 2023
Italian boutique synth developer LEP is known to some for its special LEPLOOP groovebox. Other products, like the multitude of small Lumanoise synthesizers, are mainly known in the experimental music scene. The latest releases are the Luma Cassa and Multi Cassa.
For more than five years, developer Peppo Lasagna has also worked on the ArpoLoop, a generative analog groovebox. LEP recently published more information and photos on the current development stage of it.
LEP ArpoLoop
ArpoLoop is not your classic groovebox. It’s a generative analog composer (analog computer) packed with features for creating algorithmic music. It allows you to combine melodies and rhythms to generate evolving tracks. An analog intelligent algorithm supports all this, says LEP.
The instrument is a full 60hP, 7U format analog Synthesizer consisting of six distinct parts: a voice board, a ramp generator, a capacitor sequencer, a note generator, a rhythmic generator, and an octave keyboard.
Then, LEP promises that it doesn’t use any digital component like a microprocessor or even a CMOS counter IC like CD4040, etc. This gives you a living organic sound with an always drifting charm.
Features
More precisely, ArpoLoop offers:
- 4 VCOs with different feature sets
- VCO 1 and VCO 3 with sine wave with sync and FM
- VCO 2 with sine wave with FM and VCO4 with sine-square-sawtooth with LFO option
- 4 cascadable VCAs controlled by envelope generator or ring modulated by VCO4
- 3 AR envelope generators with 3 modes of operation (gate, repeat, trig)
- clock generator and 3 ramp generators for general timing
- 4 rhythm generators to control notes and drums
- note generator with 2 S&H CV outputs
- bass drum (CASSA) with pitch, resonance, and distortion
- snare drum with tom pitch and noise decay
- 6-channel audio mixer with level and individual out for CASSA, snare, VCA1/2, and VCA 3/4.
Operation
Unlike modern groove boxes, ArpoLoop offers a completely different user experience. This is because the unit does not have a microprocessor or memory, so you can’t program it in an unusual way.
Instead of programming and storing something, you interact and play with the generators and sequencers. You know it from classic analog synthesizers like the Minimoog, the epitome of hands-on play.
The developer wants to give the musicians an instrument to capture the moment and not something composed over a long period. The experience you have when you explore the magic of a piano. No recorder, no presets, you only hear what you are playing at that moment. Peppo Lasagna says:
Each time you switch on your ArpoLoop he will respond to your state of mind, letting you compose the music of that moment, this is particularly notable when in our time the music was the first product of human creativity to digitally disappear, thus making the recorded music lose importance.
The developer also announced that the ArpoLoop voice will be available as a Eurorack synth voice, so there will be four VCOs, VCAs, and more.
Demos Of Previous Prototypes
First Impression
A very unique approach to developing an analog groovebox. I like the concept and it makes me want more. It remains to be seen how versatile ArpoLoop will be and what it will cost.
LEP Arpoloop is currently in development, and the price and availability are TBA.
More information here: LepLoop
I very much appreciate the innovation and fresh ideas from small developers. It’s great to see these instruments. But here it feels like there’s something wrong with the panel design. It feels off somehow. Maybe the knob alignments or that they are too close to the edges ?
I like what LEP are doing. They create new machines. I used to have a LepLoop. I miss it. It sounded great and it was fun. I certainly didn’t really know what i was doing with it but got fun results with it.
Thanks for the detailed writeup, i had not realized it was all analog.
Just ordered one. Noisebug has a few in stock still