Dave Smith Instruments today announced that it is now shipping the new Prophet Rev2 Desktop Module 16-voice analog synthesizer.
The sound engine is identical to the keyboard version – with two DCOs and a sub oscillator per voice, Curtis filters, two types of sequencers, digital effects, and other enhancements designed to make it even more powerful that its predecessor, the Prophet ’08.
The essence of the Prophet Rev2’s sound comes from two DCOs per voice, with four waveshapes (sawtooth, triangle, sawtooth + triangle, and pulse), a sub-octave generator, and a 2/4 pole low-pass, resonant Curtis filter per voice. These are the same filters used not only in the Prophet ’08, but also in many classic instruments of the ’70s and ’80s.
A new feature unique to the Prophet Rev2 is waveshape modulation. You can vary the “pulse width” of any of the four waveforms by manually dialing in a desired waveshape width or by using an LFO or other modulation source for continuously shifting timbre.
An effects section provides reverb, delays (standard and BBD), chorus, phase shifter, ring modulation, and distortion. In stacked or split voice mode, you can apply a different effect to each layer. Effects parameters can be modulated through the mod matrix, which is twice as extensive as its predecessor, with 8 individual slots and many more sources/destinations.
The new polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step. A different sequence can be created for each layer when working in stacked or split voice mode.
The sequencer also functions as a modulation source, allowing you to create up to 4 different 16-step sequences for complex modulation. Sequences allow ties and rests, and can sync to an external MIDI clock. The arpeggiator features note repeats, re-latching, and can be synced to external MIDI clock, as well.
Other improvements include an integrated power supply, USB support, and an OLED display.
Pricing and Availability
The 16-voice Prophet Rev2 desktop module is available now with a US MAP of $1,799. An 8-voice version is available for $1,299 US MAP. The 8-voice version is user expandable to 16 voices with the optional Rev2 Expander Kit for $599 US MAP.
See the DSI site for details.
Prophet 12 Keys $2999, Rev2 / 16 keys $1999 Difference $1000
Prophet 12 Module $1799, Rev2 / 16 module $1799 Difference $0.
Not a typo in there. P.S: Same key-bed. 4P’s?
P12 is mostly digital
P12 is absolutely NOT mostly digital!! Where the heck do you get that factoid? Yes, the oscillators are digital, but the rest of the signal path is completely analog.
The oscillators are NOT digital, they are digital controlled analog oscillators. The only thing digital about the oscillators is what controls the pitch, making them very stable. Too stable for some analog purists. Some time ago, on this site, was a video that explains the difference between VCOs and DCOs. It was very interesting.
You’re confusing the Prophet 12’s oscillators for the same kind of oscillators used on synthesizers like the Juno 60 or Juno 106, which are analogue oscillators with digital control. The Prophet 12’s oscillators are completely digital, implemented using DSPs, or Digital Signal Processors. This is clearly stated on the DSI website, and that’s how the Prophet 12 is able to provide twelve “complex” wave shapes, in addition to the classic wave shapes.
This isn’t the Prophet 12. The Prophet 12 clearly has digital oscillators. The Rev2 has analog oscillators that are digital controlled like the Juno 60 or Juno 106. It’s also clearly stated on their site that the REV2 only has 4 waveforms: sawtooth, saw+tri, triangle, and square. I wasn’t clear about which instrument I was talking about.
P12 desktop has almost no knobs.
P12 module interface is VERY stripped down compared to keyboard version. P08 Rev 2 module is exactly same as keyboard, minus keyboard (of course). P12 was a brand new instrument built from ground up, P08 is a revised version of an already successful synth
Sexy
And … just a little too wide to be rack mountable. Does nobody care about this any more?
I was a 19″ rack fan for a few years, but I generally couldn’t reach the various controls in a musical fashion. That’s a lot of why we see Boutiques and mini-key synths far more often. A big controller-with-rack setup is just one of several options now. In the 80s in particular, it was one of just two options, the other being a Wakeman rig. Nah, laptops and a couple of modules seem better.
The LFO and effects with the exception of the distortion are digital on the P12. It says the amps are VCAs on the 12, but I thought the envelopes on the 08 and Rev2 were digital. Either way, I never had any issues with the envelopes on my old 08. The point being is that they both contain significant analog bits in the signal path, and lots of digital bits in the control realm. There is a full character section as well in the 12 before the VCF, and a heavy modulation section. I think the Rev 2 is cheaper because while it is analog, it is not discrete like a P6, or OB6. Perhaps there are a lot of discrete bits on the P12 as well??
Definitely not the same keybed between the 12 and the Rev 2. The Rev2 seems to use a 5 octave version of the Prophet 6/OB 6 keybed that is much improved in terms of feel and velocity/aftertouch response compared to the 12, Rev 2, Mopho X4, P ’08, etc.
I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is Nebula’s point – there are almost no knobs on the 12 module compared to the Rev2. The display is better on the 12, has more filters, feedback… many synthesis options both in digital and analog that go beyond the Rev2.
If I were to recommend a combination, I’d say get the Rev2 16 voice keyboard, and take advantage of the better feeling keybed, and then get the P12 module if you want to go to the outer limits. I suspect many of the knobs might match up with the P12 to make up for the fact that there are fewer knobs on the module. I noticed something similar when I experimented midi’ing up my Pro 2 to my Prophet 12 keyboard.
Envelopes and LFOs are generated in software on all DSI instruments.
With a 64 step sequencer, it should be easy to do the end of Karn Evil 9.
Here’s how I did it: (by hand)….
(keybd solo about 1:30 in or so…)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1IU34zopV8
MPE?
Every demo I’ve heard of this is awful
I’m not a fan of desktop modules. It seems like you’re getting less for the money.
Think dsi need to price p12 keys at 2499 and lower the rev 2 modules and keys with $200. They can’t really increase the p12 module price as it would go into the P6/ob6 territory. The fatar keybed is only about $200. The knobs don’t explain the p12/rev2 price difference. If the biggest cost differentiator was the circuitry then the same price for the modules don’t make sense.