This little device is a blast. My students can easily get up and running on it within seconds of turning it on.
The looper controls are a little harder to get, but I'm sure they'll get easier with repeated use and updates.
At least 4 of my students received these as gifts over the holidays.
The Orba really fires up young minds.
Response from ArtiphonFeb 22, 2021
Thanks for the review, Joshua. We're happy to hear your students are enjoying Orba.
AE
Adam E.
Orba is Rock Steady!
Orba is rock steady! I am going to try really hard to not sound like I work for the company. I just became an instant super fan. This was an xmas gift from my brother who knows me a bit too well. Background: I am a multi instrumentalist professional musician and a drummer first. When I moved to an apartment, I became a Dr. Rhythm Section drummer, as well as a virtual (due to the pandemic) drum instructor with a non-profit music education program. I was not pleased with these changes until recently when (Santa:) Artiphon found me. Okay, I will scale it back. Heard. lol.
Basically, Orba is a super awesome tool and I cannot be more excited to play with it on the regular. I use it with my students now and find myself creating sounds on the road. I can't wait to fully travel again because the last time I was on a plane with an MPC, it was not very comfortable to say the least. The design of Orba is fresh. The options feel unlimited and the overall vibe I get from the company is sincerely down to earth/passionate about this line of work. Oh yeah, it communicates with SoundTrap too (which is a program like GarageBand that so many middle school students across the country are using currently) which was a huge unexpected bonus.
Reminder: It's not about being a pro but allowing music to heal the soul. Game on. Let's go!!
Response from ArtiphonFeb 23, 2021
We're so happy to hear you're enjoying Orba, Adam. You totally get the vision. If we can do anything for you please let us know. Happy music-making!
MT
Mtkeeper
Ah, the Orba
Ah, the Orba.
Do I dare order this amazing looking musical instrument for a loved one for Christmas? That was my question.
I was assured by the Customer Service Rep at Artiphon that all supply and shipping issues had been resolved, that most of them had been associated with the Kickstarter phase of the Orba.
The Rep told me that orders would ship in approximately 2 weeks, with an additional week for shipping. Three weeks, then. Was I brave enough to chance it? With her reassurances, yes!
When the Orba became available at an online music store two weeks in, I almost caved, but again she reassured me they could see when orders were shipping, there were no worries. And, guess what?! She was absolutely correct! My Orba gift was, in fact, early! It arrived 3 days prior to tracking information predicted.
Now the Orba itself. It was a gift, so I’ve been waiting for an honest review from the recipient or his wife. The fact that he is “sneaking off to play with it,” speaks volumes! It’s a hit! He adores it. It will be exciting to see what he can do with the Orba!
I’m glad to have supported the small business itself, rather than buying from a huge company, especially this year when small companies are a bit more in danger of closing. And the Rep was pleasant every time I contacted Artiphon, which was at least twice a week for three weeks.
It’s a success story! Thank you, Artiphon, for making my son in law’s (and thus, my) Christmas so very happy!
Response from ArtiphonFeb 22, 2021
We're so glad to hear your family is enjoying Orba. Thank you for your support and review!
FU
Fullyard
The turtle moves slowly, but it moves!!
First of all, let me tell you, that I am far away from this modern mindset, that i, as the paying customer, have all rights to bash and smash around, because I am impatient and emotional.
Worked a decade in the front and back dealing with thousands of customers, gives me a clarified and real picture and also a neutral observed behaviour when it comes to such things.
Yes, artiphon was backed, yes they had issues and troubles, yes they delayed, yes it took way longer than expected. Instead of ranting around, I got in contact and from my first reply i got, i was informed clear and open.
I received the orba a few days ago.I am happy!
Response from ArtiphonFeb 22, 2021
Glad to hear your Kickstarter reward arrived safe and sound. :) Thank you for all of your patience during these times. We hope you enjoy your Orba!
MV
Maurice van T.
Artiphon Orba, fun device but a lot of struggles in delivery.
Kickstarter product the orba is a fun device, got delayed a lot for backers so there's a lot of frustration among them but I do believe all these delays are mainly due to the pandemic.
The orba itself is a fun little instrument, both a standalone and as midi controller. Bare in mind that both software and firmware are still in development so improvements will still come.
MM
Martha M.
Ah, the Orba
Ah, the Orba.
Do I dare order this amazing looking musical instrument for a loved one for Christmas? That was my question.
I was assured by the Customer Service Rep at Artiphon that all supply and shipping issues had been resolved, that most of them had been associated with the Kickstarter phase of the Orba.
The Rep told me that orders would ship in approximately 2 weeks, with an additional week for shipping. Three weeks, then. Was I brave enough to chance it? With her reassurances, yes!
When the Orba became available at an online music store two weeks in, I almost caved, but again she reassured me they could see when orders were shipping, there were no worries. And, guess what?! She was absolutely correct! My Orba gift was, in fact, early! It arrived 3 days prior to tracking information predicted.
Now the Orba itself. It was a gift, so I’ve been waiting for an honest review from the recipient or his wife. The fact that he is “sneaking off to play with it,” speaks volumes! It’s a hit! He adores it. It will be exciting to see what he can do with the Orba!
I’m glad to have supported the small business itself, rather than buying from a huge company, especially this year when small companies are a bit more in danger of closing. And the Rep was pleasant every time I contacted Artiphon, which was at least twice a week for three weeks.
It’s a success story! Thank you, Artiphon, for making my son in law’s (and thus, my) Christmas so very happy!
CH
Chris
This thing is a ton of fun
This thing is a ton of fun, amazingly capable and flexible, and well-built for the price. Enjoying it a lot!