Arp Pro Soloist
The Arp Pro Soloist is a monophonic synthesizer used by Prince on For You and Prince. Prince also used an Arp Pro/DGX, an updated model with a different filter and switching system.
It was one of the first commercially successful preset synthesizers, with a series of presets and limited programmability. It also featured a number of performance controls, including aftertouch, vibrato, portamento, "wow", "growl" and "brilliance". This made it an expressive instrument for leads and solos.
It was the most frequently used keyboard on Prince's first two albums. It can be heard on "In Love", "Soft And Wet", "Just As Long As We’re Together", "Baby", "My Love Is Forever", "When We’re Dancing Close And Slow", "With You", "Still Waiting", "I Feel For You", "It’s Gonna Be Lonely". The solos "Soft And Wet"[1] and "I Feel For You" were performed on a Pro Soloist.
It was also used live by Dr Fink[2] and Gayle Chapman.
References
Specifications
| Synthesis | Analog subtractive |
|---|---|
| Polyphony | Monophonic monotimbral |
| Oscillators | One VCO, square and saw waves |
| LFOs | One |
| Filter | 24dB/oct Low Pass, plus 14 fixed filters (resonators) |
| Envelope | AR and ADSR |
| Keyboard | 37 keys with aftertouch. |
| Controls | None |
| Memory | 30 presets - Bassoon, Buzz Bassoon, English Horn, Sax, Oboe, Space Reeds, Clarinet, Telstar, Flute, Song Whistle, Tuba, Noze, Trombone, Pulsar, French Horn, Comic Wow, Trumpet, Mute Trumpet, Cello, Steel Guitar, Violin, Harpsichord, Bass, Space Bass, Piano, Steel Drum, Banjo, Country Guitar, Fuzz Guitar 1/2 |
| Effects | Aftertouch effects - pitch bend, wow, growl, brilliance, volume, vibrato |
