Frequently asked questions

Midicake ARP is a four-channel MIDI arpeggiator that takes a parametric approach to generating musical sequences. It integrates and synchronises with your other MIDI controllers and instruments to make new and exciting music.

Yes. ARP has four arpeggiators, and each can output on its own MIDI channel.

Yes, over 5-pin DIN MIDI, USB MIDI or the USB host port.

No. ARP is mainly a polyphonic device, and its multi-channel and layering features would need a lot of CV ports. It's also powered over USB at 5V, which isn't enough to power a 12V CV rack.

However, each arpeggiator has a Mono voice mode, so with an external MIDI-to-CV converter it works easily with CV-only gear.

Yes, through Groove patterns. Pick a two-step pattern with the second step delayed and you have the classic swing feel; the default patterns make this easy. Each pattern has up to 16 steps, so you can build much more complex grooves too.

For finer control, add a two-step pattern to the Delay parameter.

ARP isn't a traditional step sequencer: its arpeggios are driven by parameters.

The sequence length depends on the parameter values and how they interact. In a bar of 96 MIDI clock ticks, the Time parameter sets how many steps play per bar. The Steps and Repeat parameters then set how many steps play before the sequence repeats.

Add modulation, rhythm patterns and effects and a sequence might not repeat for a very long time, which takes you into generative composition.

It doesn't take long to learn how each parameter shapes the sequence. Then you can explore the huge range of results you get by combining them.

Yes and no.

ARP is parametric: every note it plays in a sequence is driven by a set of parameter values. A classic arpeggiator uses the notes you hold (and sometimes the order you played them) to build the sequence.

ARP uses the notes you play to set the scale its sequences play in. That means:

• You don't need to be Mozart to get complex, great-sounding melodies.
• Every sequence is deterministic, so it always behaves the same way.

The rhythms, themes and feel you create with the parameters stay the same whatever notes you play on the keyboard. It's pretty cool.

“A deterministic system is one in which no randomness is involved in the development of future states of the system. It will always produce the same output from a given set of inputs.”

We chose not to rely on random generators, which plenty of other controllers already do. The patterns ARP creates are deterministic and repeatable: not random, just complex.

You can still get pseudo-random effects by applying FX modulation to any of ARP's parameters.

Each arpeggiator has two independent modulators that can change any parameter over time.

Each one also has an FX setting, which works like a modulator but uses a seeded sequence to generate repeating patterns of values that change a parameter on every step. Together they let you program how a sequence evolves over time, with some amazing results.

• Dimensions: 205 × 150 × 58 mm (8.1 × 5.9 × 2.3 in)
• Weight: 1.2 kg (2.65 lb)

Yes. There are 100 mm VESA mounting points on the underside; use M4 machine screws, 10 to 15 mm long.

ARP isn't designed for rack mounting, but you could make adapter plates.

Yes. ARP generates an arpeggiated sequence when you press notes on a connected MIDI keyboard.

Or press Play and use your keyboard to change the scale that's playing.

Any mono or polyphonic synthesizer, hardware or software, works with ARP. With four channels you can play several synths at once; a multitimbral synth gives you several sounds from one box.

To connect several MIDI devices, chain them with MIDI Thru or use a MIDI hub.