GForce Software Oddity3 is a virtual instrument plugin that emulates the iconic ARP Odyssey analog synthesizer. This latest iteration builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, offering a faithful recreation of the original hardware while introducing modern features and enhancements. Oddity3 captures the raw, aggressive sound of the ARP Odyssey, known for its distinctive tone and versatility in creating leads, basses, and experimental sounds. The plugin retains the dual oscillator architecture, ring modulator, and sample-and-hold circuit of the original, while expanding its capabilities with polyphony, additional modulation options, and built-in effects. With a redesigned user interface that pays homage to the classic black and gold aesthetic, Oddity3 allows users to easily resize the window and choose from three different skins representing the various iterations of the hardware. The plugin comes loaded with over 2000 presets, including faithful recreations of original ARP patches and modern sound design explorations, making it an invaluable tool for both vintage enthusiasts and contemporary producers.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the ARP Odyssey’s distinctive sound
• Expanded feature set including polyphony and additional modulation options
• Intuitive, resizable user interface with multiple skin options
• Vast library of over 2000 presets
• Low CPU usage compared to some competing synth plugins
Cons:
• Learning curve may be steep for users unfamiliar with analog synthesis
• Some users may find the price point high compared to other virtual synths
Oddity3 boasts an impressive array of features that both honor the original ARP Odyssey and push it into new sonic territory. At its core are two syncable oscillators and a tunable sub-oscillator, providing a rich foundation for sound design. The plugin offers three filter types, corresponding to the different iterations of the hardware: the aggressive 4023 filter, the smooth 4035 filter, and the punchy 4075 filter. Users can switch between these filters to access different tonal characteristics.
X-Modifiers section allows for complex modulation routings, with dedicated X-LFO and X-ADSR modulators for each parameter. This greatly expands the sonic possibilities beyond what was achievable with the original hardware. The plugin also includes a software emulation of the proportional pitch control (PPC) found on later Odyssey models, allowing for expressive pitch bends and modulations.
Oddity3 introduces programmable aftertouch and expanded velocity controls, adding a new dimension of expressivity to performances. Users can assign aftertouch and velocity to multiple parameters simultaneously, creating dynamic and responsive patches. The addition of four programmable macro controls further enhances real-time manipulation of sounds, allowing users to create complex parameter changes with a single knob turn.
The plugin now includes built-in effects, with delay, distortion, and reverb modules that can be individually locked when changing presets. These effects greatly expand the sonic palette of the instrument, allowing for spacious, atmospheric sounds or gritty, aggressive tones without the need for external processing.
A new browser system has been implemented to manage the vast library of presets. Users can quickly filter and search through the 2000+ included presets, which span a wide range of categories and styles. The ability to tag and favorite presets makes organizing and recalling sounds a breeze.
Oddity3 offers multiple playback modes, including monophonic, duophonic, and polyphonic (up to 16 voices). This flexibility allows the plugin to excel at classic lead and bass sounds as well as lush pads and complex textures. The addition of a “Vintage” control lets users dial in subtle imperfections and instabilities, mimicking the behavior of aging analog circuits for added authenticity.
When comparing Oddity3 to similar plugins, it stands out for its combination of authenticity and modern features. While other ARP Odyssey emulations exist, such as Korg’s software version or Behringer’s hardware clone, Oddity3 offers a unique balance of faithful reproduction and expanded capabilities. Compared to more general-purpose analog synth emulations like u-he Diva or Arturia’s V Collection, Oddity3 provides a more focused, specialized experience that captures the specific character of the ARP Odyssey. The plugin’s low CPU usage is noteworthy, especially when compared to some other high-end virtual analog synths that can be quite demanding on system resources. This efficiency makes Oddity3 a practical choice for producers working on laptops or with limited processing power. Where Oddity3 particularly shines is in its attention to detail in recreating the quirks and nuances of the original hardware. The interaction between oscillators, the behavior of the filters, and the overall “feel” of the instrument closely mimic the ARP Odyssey in ways that more generalized synth plugins might miss.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers seeking authentic ARP Odyssey sounds in a modern, flexible package
• Sound designers looking for a versatile synth capable of aggressive leads and basses
• Electronic musicians interested in recreating classic sounds from the 70s and 80s
• Composers wanting to add vintage analog flavor to their productions
• Performers who appreciate expressive control through aftertouch and velocity
GForce Software Oddity3 represents a significant evolution of their ARP Odyssey emulation, offering a compelling blend of vintage authenticity and modern functionality. The plugin successfully captures the raw, aggressive character of the original hardware while expanding its capabilities with polyphony, advanced modulation options, and built-in effects. The redesigned user interface strikes a balance between honoring the classic aesthetic and providing improved usability through resizing options and a powerful preset browser. While the learning curve may be steep for those new to analog synthesis, the vast preset library provides an excellent starting point for exploring the instrument’s sonic potential. The addition of expressive controls and macro knobs enhances the plugin’s performance capabilities, making it suitable for both studio production and live use. Despite its relatively high price point, Oddity3 offers exceptional value for those seeking the definitive software incarnation of the ARP Odyssey, with enough expanded features to justify the investment for both vintage enthusiasts and modern producers alike.