Customer service per se was great. For a product like this, I'd like it to be more repairable / hackable. If you're going to ship a slightly broken product, you should let us try to fix it!
Response from ArtiphonMar 14, 2023
Hi there, thanks for the feedback. Our support team is always available to answer any questions or provide further assistance.
CB
Cameron B.
App doesn't work with older devices…
App doesn't work with older devices listed as supposed
Response from ArtiphonMar 7, 2023
Hi Cameron, please note that the system requirements for INSTRUMENT 1 are as follows:
iPhone/iPad: iOS 12.1 (or later)
Mac: Mac OS X 10.9 (or later)
PC: Windows 7 64-bit (or later)
If your device meets these system requirements, and you're still having trouble, please reach out to us at [email protected], and we'll be happy to assist you.
MI
Mims
I love my Orba 2
I love my Orba 2. I have enjoyed making music in ways I never would have imagined. It is like all the tones in my head are in this thing. My friends are amazed at the abilities of this magical instrument. With all the touch sensitivity, gestures and swiping, this team of developers have truly created a special musical device.
Response from ArtiphonMar 7, 2023
Hi there, thank you so much for the kind review.
AA
Aaron
Build quality seems nice
Build quality seems nice. Software can be finicky, and not allowing USB connection to iOS at this stage is real poor form. Being forced to connect to a laptop kind of limits the portability.
I cannot figure out how to get my input not to slave to the set BPM, so I'll tap out a beat, but it is always different in playback.
Response from ArtiphonFeb 14, 2023
Hi there, thanks for leaving a review. You can connect your instrument to an iOS device, however, you may need a Camera Kit adapter if you are trying to connect an Orba 2. As for the playback issue you are describing, you can toggle your quantization settings in the Orba 2 app to "as recorded." Please note that the loop cycle in based on the tempo chosen in the app.
RO
Robski
Fun but annoying
I love the Orba. Your customer service is decent-ish but unable to help me with all the bugs I’ve had with the device. Many more bugs than expected and the app crashes every time I use it!
Response from ArtiphonFeb 14, 2023
Hi there, we're glad to hear that you're loving Orba, and I'm sorry to hear that you are having trouble using the app. There are some known bugs that we are working to resolve. I see that you have opened a support ticket with us and we will follow up with you there to get you up and running.
JV
James V.
Love it
Love it , Truly a Work of ART
Response from ArtiphonFeb 6, 2023
Thanks for your review, James! We're glad to hear you're enjoying your instrument.
PE
Peter
Instrument 1 Battery
I had a project in November ’22 that I thought would be perfect to try out the Artiphon Instrument 1. Unfortunately, due to supply chain issues there were none in stock in Europe so I bought on Ebay, from a 100% seller. It worked fine, but I noticed over the month of the project that the battery charge was reducing, and 2 months later, it will only function when connected to the mains. For an instrument designed to be worn (at times) this is annoying. I searched the Artiphon forums and found several comments about failing batteries and even a reference to Artiphon having had a battery replacement program some years back. It appears the battery was a known issue.
Having purchased through Ebay, I knew I had no warranty, so I was prepared to take full responsibility for purchasing a replacement battery myself, but I needed to know the battery type, and the procedure for changing it - at my own risk, of course. I contacted Artiphon and exchanged a few emails with Britt. It concluded, “Unfortunately, that's as far as I can go for this instance. I don't have access to any other spec info.”. I was disappointed. How can a company not have access to its own spec info? The result of this is that I, and others in my circle, are unlikely to risk buying other Artiphon products. Interestingly, at the same time, I had a similar exchange with Nektar - who also sell music tech products. The response could not have been more helpful. Beyond the call of duty.
This really made me aware that - in the social media age - an advertising and marketing budget is seriously compromised unless the customer service is 100%. It is the customer service response that “gets around”. If a company has created a good product, why would it not do everything in its power to support someone who is using it and therefore promoting it - regardless of it being first, second or third hand?!
UPDATE!
Unfortunately, following my review, Artiphon got in touch and made the situation even worse. Their Community Manager emailed to say, "I'd love to offer you something for your troubles. Are you based in the US? If so, I'd love to send you an Orba 2 for free... Please let me know if you'd be interested in this, and I'll get one over to you immediately." A generous offer on the surface, but I am NOT based in the US - as they could have learnt by simply looking at my original complaint to them, which had my full address.
After ten days, I prompted him for a reply and he said sorry they couldn't send the Orba after all. I was offered an item of Artiphon promotional clothing - which is hardly appropriate when Artiphon is clearly NOT a company I want to promote!
Deeply disappointed, and all my original thoughts about their customer service confirmed.
Response from ArtiphonJan 19, 2023
Hey Peter, I apologize we weren't able to reach a resolution in this situation. I understand you were hoping to open the INSTRUMENT 1 and attempt to replace the battery yourself, and our Tech Support Specialist expressed that we do not recommend opening the INSTRUMENT 1 and are unable to support attempting to replace the battery yourself. I know this doesn't leave us many options, but I will follow up in our email and see what we can do to make things right.
JS
Janis S.
Womore advanceduld have been better for younger kids…
Would have been better for younger kids and some with limited teaing making music. My 18 and 16 year olds were way above this. Would think maybe 12 and under depending on their training.
Response from ArtiphonJan 12, 2023
Thanks for your feedback, Janis. Our goal with Orba is to spark creativity through music. For any additional help getting started with Orba please visit our website, artiphon.com/pages/orba-2-start