Orba Review: A $99 Pocket-Sized Music Maker for Beginners
The Rise of Accessible Music Technology
At CES earlier this year, I discovered an exciting trend: crowdfunded musical instruments designed to democratize music creation. While most hardware startups face significant challenges, a few innovative products manage to break through. Roli’s Seaboard was one such success story, and now Nashville-based Artiphon is making waves with its user-friendly Orba device.
What Makes the Orba Special?
Artiphon first gained attention with its Instrument 1 hybrid device, which raised \(1.3 million on Kickstarter in 2015. However, their 2019 follow-up, the Orba, surpassed expectations by raising \)1.4 million. This palm-sized gadget combines:
- A synthesizer
- Looper functionality
- MIDI controller capabilities
- Intuitive gesture-based controls
Image Credits: Brian Heater
Designed for Musical Newcomers
The Orba stands out by eliminating traditional barriers to music creation:
- No prior skills required: The device uses pre-programmed scales to prevent “wrong” notes
- Immediate gratification: Works straight out of the box without complex setup
- Portable design: Resembles a cross between a gaming controller and half a grapefruit
Hands-On Experience
After pandemic-related delays, I finally tested the Orba and found it remarkably accessible:
- Simple operation: The large “A” button controls mode switching and recording
- Layered composition: Start with drums, then add chords and melodies
- Physical interaction: Despite static keys, nuanced gestures affect sound output
While the companion app currently offers limited sound customization (about 10 packs per instrument), Artiphon confirms recording/sharing features are coming soon.
Limitations and Potential
The Orba isn’t without its constraints:
- Primarily electronic/ambient sound palette
- No user-generated sound library (yet)
- Basic first-gen product limitations
However, for $99, it delivers impressive value as:
- A creative outlet for beginners
- A portable music sketchpad
- An engaging alternative to mindless scrolling
Image Credits: Artiphon
Final Verdict
The Orba succeeds by focusing on what matters most for novice musicians: immediate, enjoyable music-making without technical hurdles. While professional musicians might want more advanced features, it’s perfect for:
- Aspiring creators
- Music therapy applications
- Casual entertainment
As Artiphon continues to develop the platform, the Orba could become an even more powerful tool for democratizing music creation.
