So other than major price difference of the full size 2600 over the smaller M, which is better to have and use? If cost no issue, would you buy full size ARP 2600 or the M and why?
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The keyboard is the most obvious difference. I would say it depends on what else you have. If you’ve got a Eurorack system, you might not miss the added functionality of the keyboard. I bought the FS because I wanted a stand-in for my MkIII (including the keyboard) and I dig the size, shape and aesthetics. The extra panel space is nice, but ultimately unnecessary. The Tolex cases might be of some use, as well (mine are all stashed in a closet). Some people use the “flight” case as a stand. Some people have complained about the build of the M (I have no firsthand knowledge of it), but I have no such complaints about the FS.
Still, it’s a big price difference that is hard to justify. You could make up for the lack of the keyboard and then some with the money you’d save buying the 2600 M. You’d also have a lot more space for the gear you’d be able to purchase with the difference.
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yea leaning toward full size in spite of the cost. But probably not for another year or so. I will save up and keep investing my spare cash in dividend stocks. Passive income growth will help and selling off some unused gear as well. I really want this plus some of the cool new Erica Synths gear like Syntrx 2, Perkons, LXR02 and Erica Synths techno system. Big fan of my Erica Synths modules. Great sound, decent MIDI/sequencer and user interface matter a lot. I have a Hapax sequencer so can use that too.
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It sounds like it will be a superb setup!
I couldn’t justify the 3x price of the FS vs the M that I am perfectly happy with.
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totally understand and for me larger knobs and switches improve the user experience thus motivating me to use gear more often and perhaps being more productive. Thats why I love my massive Oberheim OB X8 keyboard yeah its big, heavy and expensive but a marvelous tine to fire up at home and jam on. I have smaller synths for travel.
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You can also buy 3 Ms over the time instead… 2600 sound is amazing.
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Yes I have X8 keyboard also. Would be massive pair with FS indeed.
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I bought the M version as a stand-in for when my vintage 2600 needs maintenance. which it now does. I don’t hear a massive difference between them. the smaller size is actually really nice for multiple reasons. but the big one is definitely an experience I enjoy greatly.
@Scot_Solida makes the most important point though: it really just depends upon your needs and what else you have or are planning to have with it. also space. the size difference is quite something.
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I’ve got the 2600m and enjoy it. I also enjoy having the Mk1 Syntrx and a Voltage Lab 2 near it. I think I’d rather replace the 2600m with a pair of B2600s than a single 2600 FS. I wouldn’t surrender the Syntrx and VL2 to get a bigger 2600.
I’ve had some dense Euro in the past, and the 2600m strikes me as well laid out and easy to work with. The plastic jacks are fine and IMO look better than the impossible-to-align real jacks on the VL2.
From an asset management perspective, if you set aside the money you’d spend on a 2600FS and put it towards a 2600m instead, you slightly extend the timeline for buying the 2600FS while bringing up the timeline of actually having a 2600. You may find the 2600m is good enough and then spend those funds on something else. This is even more true for the B2600.
If cost were no issue, I’d keep what I have an add a PS-3300.
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