Zoom has announced that the ARQ – a unique drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, and MIDI controller – is now available.
Here’s a preview of the Zoom ARQ from the 2016 NAMM Show:
The ARQ consists of two components–the Base Station (AR-96) and the detachable Ring Controller (AR-96c):
- The Base Station – The ARQ Base Station houses 468 drum/instrument sounds (“one-shot” sampled waveform sounds), 70 types of synthesizer sounds, and dozens of digital effects. Dual 1/4? line-level audio inputs enable phrase recording and looping. There are also stereo 1/4? line-level outputs, as well as a dedicated 1/4? headphone jack with its own volume control. A USB port allows connection to your computer, and an SD card slot lets you save patterns and loops, import prerecorded audio, and update firmware.
- The Ring Controller – The detachable Ring Controller communicates with the Base Station, as well as DAWs, via wireless Bluetooth. It offers 96 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads for clip launching and playing drum sounds, instrument sounds, and sequences. Phrases and sounds can be played chromatically, or you can choose from dozens of preset scales in any key. Its unique Grip Detection automatically prevents accidental triggering of the pads under your hand. There are dedicated buttons at the top and bottom of the Ring for REC/PLAY/STOP, as well as Filter/Delay/Reverb/MASTER FX on/off. An onboard 3-axis accelerometer generates MIDI control messages to alter sounds and effects in real time. Its internal Lithium-Ion battery automatically charges when the Ring is placed on the Base Station.
Here’s the official intro video:
Pricing and Availability:
The Zoom ARQ is available now, priced at US $599.99. See the Zoom site for more info.
If you’ve used the Zoom ARQ, share your thoughts on it in the comments!
In a post Novation ‘circuit’ world (it sold well and is also weird but kind of cool- I bought one) we are seeing real innovation!
Its either total genius or utter shit, I really cant decide! Either way- I applaud Zoom for having the balls to do something different- good luck!
Totally agree that it’s great to see Zoom actually doing something original.
It would be smart for them to get some good performance videos on this, though, because otherwise people may just be like WTH?
It does sound a bit cheesy so far.
As an alien from the future, I can tell you now that this didn’t catch on – and don’t be surprised when the miniKorg becomes Earth’s 1st interstellar product in the year 2064.
everyone tries to change the way we create music and doesn´t care about the music itself.
at the end we just see flashing lights and weird moving people on stage and nobody will understand what really happens.
MIDI controller without MIDI? 😀
Up next is a Roland groove box that uses their D Beam technology to create and control sounds.
People thought Van Gough was crazy. This is the bloody future!!!!! Imagine dancing on stage with two of these. Pure mental…. FUTURE IS HERE!
Finally, a musical steering wheel!
(actually think its a cool concept, but gotta call a spade a spade)
wouldn’t look out of place on a ferarri steering column, will it plug into my PS4?
ring mod?
Awesome. Am going to get this one for sure! The fun way of making music. 600 bucks on something exciting versus the normal humdrum.
Seems almost worthless as a sound source, but innovative as a controller. A bit restricting, though, compared to a breath/tilt -controller.
It’s kind of funny to see people say they don’t like a sampler because of the sounds in the demo!
Looks like something you might pick up on your way to the cashier at Toys R Us. And sounds like it.
nice driving wheel for playing Mario Kart
Mr Tambourine Man!!!
Mr Tambourine Man!!!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_0hTtsqiFCc