Orba 2 by Artiphon for Android

Quick summary

Orba 2 Companion by Artiphon is a free Android application built for the Orba 2 — a compact, wireless handheld musical controller. The app pairs with the instrument via MIDI over Bluetooth and unlocks sound libraries, performance tools, and sampling so you can create and record music anywhere.

Connection and setup

• Pair the Orba 2 to your Android device using Bluetooth MIDI for a cable-free workflow.
• Adjust key and tuning settings directly in the app to match the song or scale you’re working with.
• Browse and assign presets from hundreds of built-in sounds to the Orba in seconds.

Sound creation and sampling

• Capture everyday noises (a doorbell, a voice, environmental sounds) and convert them into playable Orba presets using the sampling tool.
• Tweak individual part volumes and sculpt your tone with integrated effects like reverb and delay.
• Build completely new instruments by layering samples and saving them as custom presets.

Recording, looping, and arrangement

• Record full arrangements with separate Drum, Bass, Chord, and Lead parts, then loop or overdub to develop songs on the fly.
• Use part-level volume controls to balance your mix before exporting or sharing.
• The quantize function aligns your phrases to the beat so your grooves stay tight and consistent.

Performance enhancements

• Add spatial and time-based effects (reverb, delay) to give depth to each part.
• Mix and mute individual tracks quickly during live playbacks to change arrangements in real time.
• Save and recall presets to jump between sounds and setups during a set.

Suggested alternative

If you want to try something different, consider YMusic (Free) as another mobile-friendly option for casual playback and audio manipulation.