Zoom ARQ Aero RhythmTrak

Music is a voyage of discovery. One that now goes much further with the creation of the ZOOM ARQ AR-96 Aero RhythmTrak.
The ZOOM ARQ AR-96 is an all-in-one production and live performance instrument which includes an integrated drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, and MIDI controller with a built-in accelerometer. Even more, ARQ is freedom. With its wireless Bluetooth® Ring Controller, you can escape the booth, move the music, and get in front of the crowd.

 

Base Station and Ring Controller

The Base StationThe AR-96 Base Station houses 468drum/instrument sounds (“one-shot” sampledwaveform sounds), 70 types of synthesizer sounds,and dozens of digital effects. Dual 1/4″ line-levelaudio inputs enable phrase recording and looping.There are also stereo 1/4″ line-level outputs, aswell as a dedicated 1/4″ headphone jack with itsown volume control. A USB port allows connectionto your computer, and an SD card slot letsyou save patterns and loops, import prerecordedaudio, and update firmware.
 The Ring ControllerThe detachable Ring Controller communicateswith the Base Station, as well as DAWs, viawireless Bluetooth. It offers 96 velocity- andpressure-sensitive pads for clip launching andplaying drum sounds, instrument sounds, andsequences. Phrases and sounds can be playedchromatically, or you can choose from dozens ofpreset scales in any key. And with AR-96’s FirmwareV2.0, a new pad layout in Instrument mode nowprovides you with a visual for where instrumentsare mapped on the ARQ, and Scale layout mapsout the note range of the instrument selected.Its unique Grip Detection automatically preventsaccidental triggering of the pads under your hand.There are dedicated buttons at the top and bottomof the Ring for REC/PLAY/STOP, as well as Filter/Delay/Reverb/MASTER FX on/off. An onboard3-axis accelerometer generates MIDI control messagesto alter sounds and effects in real time. Its internalLithium-Ion battery automatically charges when theRing is placed on the Base Station.

Load Your Own Samples

To further expand your music-making possibilities, you can load also your own samples into the AR-96. Simply import WAV files into the internal synth engine’s oscillator and you’re ready to edit them like you would a sampler.*Available with Firmware V2.0

 

The Only Drum Machine for Performers

Not only does AR-96 allow you to create incredible drum parts and patterns, but you can also use the Ring Controller as a live instrument. Play it while mounted to the Base Station, or remove it to take your performance to the front of the stage. AR-96 comes with a multitude of PCM drum and instrument sounds which you can edit right on the unit during a live set  These can be organized into 384 genre-specific kits.The ARQ’s Instrument Mode lets you easily view and edit pad and scale layouts, so you can make adjustments in real time. You can also develop 20 kits of your own, complete with effects. Once you perform with ARQ, you’ll never use another drum machine again.

It’s a Circular Sequencer—No Computer Necessary

Traditional devices take a linear approach to sequencing, but AR-96 is anything but traditional. For the first time, you can visualize your music as a true loop, up to 5 parts at a time.Individual patterns or complete songs can be constructed one step at a time or by recording a real-time performance, with an onboard mixer for setting volumes, muting, and soloing. Instruments can be assigned to single or multiple pads and up to 3 parts can be created at a time. Up to 33 parts can be played back simultaneously, and the timbre or note of each part can be changed with the touch of a button. 384 patterns can be combined in any order to form a complete song, then flattened into an audio loop that can be played back from a single pad—all without the use of a computer.To simplify pattern creation, ARQ AR-96 V2.0 has a new arpeggiator function which includes standard, polyphonic, and sequential settings. You can control the notes and the repeat rate of the arpeggiator with ARQ’s Ring Controller. And an updated Pad layout provides a visual guide for instrument sequencing, while the Scale now layout allows you view and edit pad length.

It’s a Comprehensive Synthesizer

AR-96’s powerful sound engine offers 468 sampled waveforms that can be pitch-shifted as they are played over multiple pads—as well as 70 types of synthesizer sounds that allow you to build completely original timbres. Choose from 538 different oscillator types for sonic variety, then add digital effects such as filtering, delay, and reverb, along with sound-shaping controls like envelope generators and stepped or smooth modulation.

All-NewEdit andKIT Mode

Edit Mode on the AR-96 is now visually enhancedwith more dynamic graphics and additionalparameters. Two sync pitches give you moreflexibility in sound design, and MIDI mappinglets you assign knobs to specific functions.An updated KIT mode allows you to changethe number of instruments in the ARQ’s padlayout. You can use up to 32 instruments formore creative flexibility, and each instrumentcan be played with the ARQ’s scale keyboardto create bass, chord backing, and melodycomponents more easily. You can also copy,edit, backup, and erase patterns with ease.*Available with Firmware V2.0

It’s a Loop(er)

AR-96 allows you to create completely original loops from onboard sounds or patterns, or by capturing external audio. Set start and end points, change the pitch if desired, choose between forward or reverse playback, then assign each loop to a different controller pad. Up to 16 loops can be played simultaneously and synchronized to the same tempo. ARQ makes creating loops a lot more fun.

 

It’s a Wireless MIDI Controller

Use the Ring for wireless control of all your MIDI instruments and devices connected to your computer—samplers, synths, and drum machines, as well as MIDI-enabled effects processors. Its 96 pads are velocity-sensitive and can also send aftertouch (MIDI messages generated based on the pressure applied to the pads once they are being held down).

Accelerate your Performance

The Ring’s onboard 3-axis accelerometer can be used to change sounds and effects in real time. Wave and tilt it to alter onboard effects parameters and to generate MIDI control messages. You can even link it to your digital mixing console and use the accelerometer to fly sounds around the room. ARQ utilizes wireless Bluetooth LE for low power consumption, giving you lots of performance time between battery charges.

The NewAR-96 Editor

View and access all of AR-96’s functions through yourMac with the new AR-96 Editor. The editor lets youeasily make changes or adjustments on your laptopduring live performances or in the studio.
*Available for download, requires Firmware V2.0

 

Break Out. Break Free. Break Away.

Take your performance to places you’ve never been before. Express yourself and get closer to your audience. Open up a world of new options for music production. Create in ways that were simply not possible until now.
The Zoom ARQ AR-96—see how instrumental an instrument can be.

 

 

Create More with Your ARQ

Includes Ableton Live 9 LiteWith the ARQ and Ableton Live 9 Lite, you have everything the modern music creator needs. Record your tracks quickly and intuitively, enhancing them with studio-quality effects like EQ, compression, reverb, delay, chorus, filter, and more. Plus, Ableton’s performance workflows let you take your music to the stage where you can mix and record live.

Features At A Glance

Drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, clip launcher, and MIDI controller in one device
Includes 468 drum/instrument sounds (“one-shot” sampled waveform sounds), 70 types of synthesizer sounds, and dozens of digital effects
Ring Controller can be used wirelessly as a handheld aerial instrument and to launch audio clips from DAW software
96 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads and 160 programmable color LEDs
Grip Detection to automatically prevent accidental note triggering
3-axis accelerometer for altering effects parameters and sending MIDI control messages
Dedicated buttons for sequence REC/PLAY/STOP and for effects on/off
Use up to 5 effects simultaneously, applied to overall drum kit or individual drum sounds
Split mode allows one instrument to be assigned to multiple pads for ease of input
Onboard mixer for setting volumes and muting/soloing parts
Flexible precount, quantize, swing, and beat settings
Audible and/or visual click
Dual 1/4″ inputs for phrase recording and loop creation
Audio capture from patterns and songs, from SD card, or from incoming audio signal
Create up to 96 mono or stereo loops, play up to 16 mono loops simultaneously
Loop start and end points can be adjusted manually
Loop tempo synchronization, pitch change, and reverse playback functions
Programmable synthesizer engine 
538 oscillator types and 16-voice polyphony
Sound-shaping controls include effects, envelope generators, and stepped and smooth modulation
Play sounds chromatically, or choose from dozens of preset scales in any key
Adjustable pad velocity and pressure sensitivity
Dedicated tap tempo button for synchronization
Selectable LED light-show animations 
Dual 1/4″ line outputs and separate 1/4″ headphone output with dedicated volume control
USB port and SD card slot
Bluetooth LE for low power consumption and extended usage times

ARQ™ is Patent Pending

In the Box

Here’s what comes included with ARQ AR-96:

Base Station (AR-96)
Ring Controller (AR-96c)
AC adapter (AD-14)
Operation Manual
Ableton Live 9 Lite software download code

 

MEDIA
VIDEO

ZOOM ARQ
Wireless Bluetooth Control

ZOOM ARQ
Go Live!

ZOOM ARQ
Sequencer

ZOOM ARQ
Accelerometer

ZOOM ARQ TUTORIALS
Function Overview

ZOOM ARQ TUTORIALS
Creating Patterns

ZOOM ARQ TUTORIALS
Master Effects and Accelerometer

ZOOM ARQ TUTORIALS
Kits and Editing Sounds

ZOOM ARQ TUTORIALS
Bluetooth MIDI Setup

ZOOM ARQ TUTORIALS
Firmware Update

ZOOM ARQ CREATORS
O.K.I.M.

ZOOM ARQ CREATORS
K-WIZ

ZOOM ARQ CREATORS
TeddyLoid (Japan)

DOWNLOADS

IMAGES

DOCUMENTS

ARQ AR-96 V2 Operation Manual
ARQ AR-96 V2 Quick Guide
ARQ AR-96 V2.0 Outline

SOFTWARE

Firmware

ARQ AR-96 System Version 2.20

ARQ Editor

Windows 7/8/8.1/10
Mac OS X 10.10 ~ 10.15

Ableton Live template

Ableton Live Set for AR-96c (ZIP, 10.15 MB)

SPECS

CONTROLLER: PADS

Number of pads:

96

Velocity sensitive:

Yes

Pressure sensitive:

Yes

Sensitivity curves:

4 types

Velocity (send):

Yes

Aftertouch 
(send):

Yes

Number of LEDs :

160

LED color:

Multi

 

Accelerometer:

Yes

Number of parameter knobs:

3

Number of control keys:

Base Station: 18Ring Controller: 11

INTERFACE

USB MIDI:

Yes

Bluetooth LE:

Connect to Mac/iOS via MIDI over Bluetooth LE

LINE INPUTS

Type:

1/4″ Phone

Number of inputs:

2

Function:

Line

Impedance:

50 kΩ

Gain:

+10～-65 dB

Dynamic range:

92 dB typ (IHF-A)

LINE OUTPUTS

Type:

1/4″ TRS Phone

Number of outputs:

2

Impedance:

200 Ω

Dynamic range:

106 dB typ (IHF-A)

PHONES

Type:

1/4″ Stereo Phone（20mW x2 [32 Ω]）

Impedance:

10 Ω

Dynamic range:

102 dB typ (IHF-A)

SOUND SYSTEM

Internal sound engine:

Yes

Sampling frequency:

44.1 kHz

Bit rate:

24-bit

Maximum polyphony:

16

Number of instruments:

33

Number of oscillator types:

538 (468 PCM sounds + 70 synth sounds)

Number of patterns:

384 (176 preset)

Number of filter types:

7

Number of Insert FX types:

11

Number of Delay types:

3

Number of Reverb types:

3

Number of Master FX types:

14

Number of Modulation types:

8

Number of Modulations:

2

Number of Envelope Generators:

2

SEQUENCER

Number of Steps:

32

Motion Sequences:

256 motions

Song mode:

Yes

Tempo:

40.0～250.0 bpm

LOOPER: AUDIO CAPTURE

Sampling frequency:

44.1 kHz

Bit rate:

16-bit

MEDIA

Media type:

SD, SDHC, SDXC

Internal memory:

32 MB

POWER SOURCE: CONTROLLER

Type:

Li-ion Polymer,DC 4.2V maximum voltage,DC 3.7V nominal voltage,450mAh capacity

Battery life:

About 4.5 hours (differs according to use conditions)

Recharging times:

2.5 hours

POWER SOURCE: BASE STATION

External Power:

AC adapter (AD-14)

Rated Output:

DC5V / 1A (center positive)

Power Consumption:

Max: 1.25W (No charging)Max : 4.5W (Charging)

OS SUPPORT: BLUETOOTH LE

Windows:

No

Mac OS:

10.10.4 or later

iOS:

8.0 or later

OS SUPPORT: USB MIDI

Windows:

Windows 7 SP1 or laterWindows 8 (including 8.1)Windows 10

Mac OS:

10.8 or later

PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS: BASE STATION

Dimensions:

260 mm (W) x 64 mm (H) x 260 mm (D)

Weight:

990g

Display:

2.0 inch (320 x 240) full color TFT

PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS: CONTROLLER

Dimensions:

280.5mm (W) x 33.5mm (H) x 280.5mm (D)

Weight:

540 g