Almost two years after the release of Orba 2, Artiphon completes the trilogy. The newly announced Orba 3 sees the Nashville-based startup baking live sampling into its clever handheld device. This functionality is provided through the built-in microphone, allowing users to record their own voices, instruments, and other sounds.
All of this can be done on-device, so there's no need to use an external system to load sounds into your instrument. Instead, just record the sound by clicking the big red sample button on the side.
Switching Orba to one of four different modes (Bass, Chord, Drum, Lead) assigns different properties to the sound. This is a clever addition to what was originally a super fun little gadget.
“Drum mode lets you keep a unique sample for each pad, while chord mode automatically adjusts the samples to the chords in your music,” the company explains. “This is made possible by a sophisticated sound engine that automatically cuts, adjusts, and perfects the audio.”
Image credit: Artifon
Like its predecessor, Orba 3 can be used as a MIDI controller when connected to external devices via USB-C.
The instrument is available for purchase on Artiphon's website for $160. Meanwhile, the price of Orba 2 remains unchanged at $120. Artiphon announced Chorda last year, which TechCrunch described as a mashup of Orba and the company's first product, Instrument 1.