Exploring the Artifoam Orbit 2: A Comprehensive Guide to Portable Music Creation

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Beat Making with the Orbit 2
• Advanced Features
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Introduction to the Artifoam Orbit 2

The Artifoam Orbit 2 is a revolutionary handheld device that combines the functionality of a looper, sequencer, synthesizer, drum machine, and more into a compact, battery-powered package. This tiny gadget allows you to create and perform your own little songs with its built-in speaker, making it a beginner-friendly yet surprisingly advanced music-making tool.

One of the standout features of the Orbit 2 is its ability to function as an MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controller for your software, allowing you to take advantage of expressive performance capabilities. Additionally, it boasts its own programmable synth engine, which you can download onto your computer and use to create your own unique sounds for the device.

What is the Artifoam Orbit 2?

The Artifoam Orbit 2 is a compact, handheld device that packs a punch when it comes to music creation. It combines the functionality of a looper, sequencer, synthesizer, drum machine, and more into a single, battery-powered unit. With its built-in speaker, the Orbit 2 allows you to create and perform your own little songs on the go. One of the standout features of the Orbit 2 is its ability to function as an MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controller for your software. This allows you to take advantage of expressive performance capabilities, such as modulating various parameters like filters and vibrato by tilting the device or sliding your finger across the pads.

Key Features

The Artifoam Orbit 2 is packed with a range of impressive features, including:

• Built-in speaker for immediate playback and performance
• Beginner-friendly interface with eight pads for easy music creation
• Programmable synth engine that can be downloaded and customized on your computer
• Sampling capabilities through the companion app for recording and transferring custom sounds
• MPE controller functionality for expressive control over software instruments
• Quantization options to help keep your beats and melodies in time
• Companion app for managing presets, scales, and basic tweaks via Bluetooth or wired connection

Beat Making with the Orbit 2

Creating beats and patterns with the Artifoam Orbit 2 is a straightforward and intuitive process. With its eight pads, built-in speaker, and companion app, you can quickly start laying down rhythms and melodies to build your own unique tracks.

Connecting and Setting Up

To get started with beat making on the Orbit 2, you'll need to connect the device to the companion app on your computer or mobile device. This can be done either via Bluetooth or a wired connection. The app allows you to manage presets, select scales, and make basic tweaks to the device's settings. Once connected, you can begin exploring the different sound presets available for the various parts of the Orbit 2, such as drums, bass, chords, and leads. The companion app provides access to a range of preset sounds for each part, which you can easily switch between by tapping the corresponding pads on the device.

Recording a Basic Beat

With your Orbit 2 connected and presets selected, you're ready to start recording a basic beat. Begin by tapping the tempo button (BPM) on the device while holding the 'A' button to set the desired tempo. Next, switch to the drum part by holding the 'A' button and tapping the corresponding pad. You can now start recording your drum pattern by holding the 'A' button and pressing the 'Rec' button. The Orbit 2 will record your drum hits in real-time, quantizing them to the nearest 16th note to keep your rhythm tight. Once you've recorded your drum pattern, you can move on to other parts like bass, chords, and leads, recording each part separately. Remember, you can take advantage of the Orbit 2's expressive capabilities by tilting the device or sliding your finger across the pads to add vibrato and modulate parameters like filters. With all your parts recorded, you can tweak the mix, switch presets, and experiment with different sounds to create a unique beat that you can perform live through the built-in speaker or use as the foundation for a more complex production.

Advanced Features of the Artifoam Orbit 2

While the Artifoam Orbit 2 is designed to be a beginner-friendly music-making tool, it also packs some advanced features that appeal to more experienced musicians and producers. From sampling and sound design capabilities to its powerful MPE controller functionality, the Orbit 2 has a lot to offer beyond its compact size.

Sampling and Sound Design

One of the standout advanced features of the Artifoam Orbit 2 is its ability to sample and create custom sounds. While you can't record samples directly onto the device, the companion app allows you to use your mobile device's microphone to capture and transfer sounds to the Orbit 2 via a wired connection. Once you've recorded your samples, you can transfer them to the Orbit 2 and use them as the basis for your beats and melodies. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating unique, personalized sounds that set your music apart from the built-in presets. Additionally, the Orbit 2 comes with its own programmable synth engine that can be downloaded and customized on your computer. This allows you to dive deeper into sound design and create your own custom synth patches, which you can then transfer back to the device for use in your compositions.

MPE Controller Functionality

Another advanced feature of the Artifoam Orbit 2 is its ability to function as an MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controller. This means that you can use the device to control expressive parameters in software instruments and digital audio workstations (DAWs) on your computer. By tilting the Orbit 2 or sliding your finger across the pads, you can modulate various parameters like vibrato, filters, and more, adding a level of expressiveness and nuance to your performances that goes beyond traditional keyboard or pad controllers. This MPE controller functionality opens up new possibilities for expressive performances and allows you to take full advantage of the latest software instruments and features in your DAW, making the Orbit 2 a versatile and powerful tool for both beginner and advanced music makers.

Pros and Cons of the Artifoam Orbit 2

Like any music-making device, the Artifoam Orbit 2 has its strengths and limitations. Understanding its advantages and potential drawbacks can help you decide if it's the right tool for your music-making needs.

Advantages of the Artifoam Orbit 2

• Compact and portable design, making it easy to take with you on the go
• Built-in speaker for immediate playback and performance without external speakers
• Beginner-friendly interface and quantization options for easy music creation
• Expressive performance capabilities through MPE controller functionality
• Sampling and sound design options for creating unique, personalized sounds
• Programmable synth engine for customizing your own synth patches
• Fun and engaging gadget that can spark creative ideas and serve as an entry point into music making

Limitations of the Artifoam Orbit 2

• Lack of a display means you need to rely on the companion app for managing presets and settings
• Limited sound library with a relatively small number of high-quality presets
• Sampling capabilities are not as immediate as dedicated sampling apps or devices
• Standalone functionality may be too limited for serious music production purposes
• Price point may be considered high compared to mobile music-making apps with similar or more advanced features

Conclusion

The Artifoam Orbit 2 is a unique and innovative device that combines a wide range of music-making capabilities into a compact, handheld package. Its beginner-friendly interface, built-in speaker, and quantization options make it an excellent choice for those just starting their journey into music creation.

However, the Orbit 2 is not just a toy or a simple gadget. With its advanced features like sampling, sound design, and MPE controller functionality, it offers a lot of creative potential for more experienced musicians and producers as well. While it may have some limitations in terms of its sound library and standalone capabilities, the Orbit 2 remains a fun and engaging tool that can spark ideas and serve as a gateway into the world of music production.

Whether you're a beginner looking for a fun and accessible way to start making music, or an experienced producer seeking a portable and expressive controller, the Artifoam Orbit 2 is a device worth considering. Its unique blend of features and compact design make it a refreshing addition to any music maker's toolkit.

FAQ

Q: What is the Artifoam Orbit 2?
A: The Artifoam Orbit 2 is a handheld, battery-powered looper, sequencer, synth, drum machine, and sampler that allows users to create their own music on-the-go.

Q: What are the key features of the Orbit 2?
A: The key features of the Orbit 2 include a built-in speaker, an MPE controller for software integration, a programmable synth engine, sampling capabilities, and a companion app for making adjustments.

Q: How do you connect the Orbit 2 to a device?
A: The Orbit 2 can be connected to a computer or mobile device via Bluetooth or a wired connection for sampling and using the companion app.

Q: Can you record samples directly onto the Orbit 2?
A: No, sampling is done through the companion app on a computer or mobile device, and then the samples are transferred to the Orbit 2 via a wired connection.

Q: What are the pros of the Orbit 2?
A: The pros include its fun and easy-to-use design, portability, low latency, and potential as an entry point into music making for beginners.

Q: What are the cons of the Orbit 2?
A: The cons include the limited sound library, lack of display (requiring the companion app for basic adjustments), and limited standalone functionality for serious music production.

Q: Is the Orbit 2 suitable for professional music production?
A: While the Orbit 2 has some advanced features like MPE controller functionality, it is generally too limited for professional music production as a standalone device.

Q: Who is the Orbit 2 best suited for?
A: The Orbit 2 is best suited for casual music makers, gadget enthusiasts, and as an introductory tool for kids to learn about music making in a fun and accessible way.

Q: How much does the Orbit 2 cost?
A: The Artifoam Orbit 2 costs around $150 or €150, while the Orbit 1 costs around $100 or €100.

Q: What are the main differences between the Orbit 2 and Orbit 1?
A: The main differences between the Orbit 2 and Orbit 1 are the addition of sampling capabilities and some other advanced features like quantization in the Orbit 2.