Last comment from anybody from the Artiphon team had been made 2 month ago on the forum, they do not even try answering users questions anymore. The USB connectivity means you can also use the Orba as an external MIDI controller. This allows you to control your favourite music software and virtual instruments using this handheld instrument. Handheld portable design with rechargeable battery

Orba 2 allows you to record loops ri ght on the device itself. Using Drum, Bass, Chord, and Lead, you’ll be able to layer sounds to create songs that are uniquely yours. Orba 2 also has a quantize feature that snaps your musical phrases to the beat so that every moment fits perfectly into the groove. And since Orba 2 has far more memory than its predecessor, you’ll be able to make way longer songs: up to 128 bars! PLAY WITH GESTURES I’m always interested in an unusual and interesting ‘musical instrument’ and the Orba 2 has turned out to be a standout example of a “Good Buy”. I bought it thinking it had potential as a portable sampler and that if I didn’t get on with it then the kids would have fun with it.

Hong Kong

We’re also pleased to be introducing an all new Drum sampling feature, which lets you sample your world. Build your own drum kit and add custom samples to individual pads. And you’re not limited to drum sounds, by the way: you can turn your Artiphon instrument into your own sound effects board and DJ kit. This feature has been highly requested, so we expect some crazy creative setups from all of you! Changing volume of the particular instrument type forces switching to the next instrument type, that's really annoying. Orba 2 features a brand new sound engine that includes sampled audio recordings. This means you can now play instruments like electric guitars and upright pianos, as well as more adventurous sounds like vocals, found sounds, and custom artist songs. Imagine conducting an orchestra in the park with no strings attached and no screens required. CREATE YOUR OWN INSTRUMENTS

Orba 2 features a brand new sound engine that includes sampled audio recordings. This means you can now play instruments like electric guitars and upright pianos, as well as more adventurous sounds like vocals, found sounds, and custom artist songs. Imagine conducting an orchestra in the park with no strings attached and no screens required. I waited four months before writing this review, hoping that Artiphon would provide fixes and I would be able to write a positive review to support a small company doing interesting device, but there was no significant change during this time. A bicycle bell, a bird in a tree, and your roommate’s amazing voice can be the start of a new song. You can also import samples you’ve already recorded, such as your solo from the middle school musical. The Orba Gestures This device has potential for custom presets, but Orbasynth app that was available for Orba1 device and can edit instruments, does not work with Orba2. It is not clear from the marketing materials that there is such a regression in functionality compared to Orba1 and no version for OrbaSynth for Orba2 is still available, after half a year of release.

Specifications

The Artiphon Orba 2 is a handheld synth, MIDI controller and looper that fits within the palm of your hand. Building on the design of the original Orba 1, the MKII has seen a massive overhaul, providing a wide range of new features and upgrades including the ability to record and import your own samples. The Orba 2 allows you to interact with sound in multiple ways using various gestures. You can press, glide, tilt, shake and even spin the Orba 2 to achieve different tones and sounds. You’ll also use your Artiphon Connect app to explore the new quantize feature, which snaps your musical phrases to the beat so that every moment fits perfectly into the groove. In addition, you’ll be able to mix the volume of your individual parts, add reverb and delay, and more. It’s when you try to get a little more advanced that the Orba 2 can falter. When I tried to establish a Bluetooth connection between the Orba 2 and the Android app on my Pixel phone, things got pretty flaky. Connecting the two devices with the included USB-C cable made everything work fine, but wouldn’t it be nice to deal with one less cord in your life? That's just from top of my head, I think the list is longer. App and it's connection to Orba is really bad, but it is required.

We want people to express themselves musically in their everyday lives,” explains Artiphon CEO Mike Butera.“We’ve dreamed of allowing anyone to play any sound they can imagine, anywhere they go, without worrying about historical instrument skills or abstract music theory. Orba 2 finally makes that possible.” Problem is, that software part quality ruins it all, and I cannot recommend Orba2 to anybody until these issues are resolved. And, unfortunately, there are no visible signs that it is going to happen.Orba 2’s sounds include traditional instruments as well as electronic synth sounds. Open your Orba 2 and play upright pianos, guitars, found sounds, and more. Imagine conducting an orchestra in the park — no strings attached and no screens required. Key Features Create songs/ideas on the fly using the built-in looper with four individual parts (Drum, Bass, Chord and Lead) The Artiphon Connect app allows you to choose between over a hundred new audio-based presets. Including sounds inspired by genres like Trap, RnB, Electro-pop, Lofi, and more. With Artiphon Connect, you can now play instruments like electric guitars and upright pianos, as well as more adventurous sounds like vocals, found sounds, and custom artist songs. Imagine conducting an orchestra in the park with no strings attached and no screens required. This app is only compatible with Orba 2 and Chorda by Artiphon. If you are looking for the Orba 1 app, search for “Orba 1” in the app store.