Introducing the Prophet 12 Module by Dave Smith

Published on Dec 18, 2013 Dave Smith Instruments·26 videos

"Questions? Email support at dave smith instruments dot com.
Soundtrack composed 100% with Prophet 12!
Introducing the Prophet 12 Module, the same great sound engine of the Prophet 12 keyboard with enough portability to fit in a backpack! At twelve voices, the Prophet 12 boasts the greatest polyphony of any instrument designed by Dave Smith. Each voice features four oscillators capable of generating classic and complex waveforms, a sub-oscillator, resonant analog low-pass and high-pass filters, and analog VCAs. The new Character section adds a variety of wave shaping and sound sculpting options, like Drive, Hack, Decimation, Girth, and Air. Additional features include a tuned feedback path, a four-tap stereo delay per voice, expanded arpeggiator functionality, deep modulation capabilities, and bi-timbral operation. The LFOs, delay, and arpeggiator can all be synced, either to the internal clock or an external MIDI clock."

Dave Smith Prophet 12s on eBay

Update: also see:

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Desktop Rack in the Works
Roger Linn stops by DSI for a Linnstrument prototype demo
Dave Smith Introduces the Mopho SE

Update 2: the official press release:

"DSI develops powerful Prophet 12 module from flagship Prophet 12 keyboard


SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA: Premier polyphonic synthesizer manufacturer Dave Smith Instruments is proud to announce the Prophet 12 module — a space-saving tabletop and rack-ready reworking of its recently released Prophet 12 keyboard, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/ analog synthesizer that company founder and renowned designer Dave Smith duly declared his “best synth yet.”

“We have had many requests from professional musicians for a small, easily portable version of the Prophet 12 keyboard, with all the same features and incredible sound,” says Smith. “The new Prophet 12 module is just that: it has all the power of the Prophet 12 keyboard — in fact, it has the exact same voice board — and it fits into a backpack.”

All those powerful Prophet 12 module parameters are easily editable via a well-thought-through front panel perfectly fit for purpose. “People like small these days,” declares its astute architect. “Many musicians also have more than enough keyboards, or simply don’t use keyboards. The Prophet 12 module offers a sleek design that still gives you easy and incredibly fast and intuitive control over all parameters.”

Just like its Prophet 12 keyboard counterpart, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/analog Prophet 12 module not only boasts the greatest number of voices of any instrument from the distinguished designer to date, but each of those voices features four OSCILLATORS capable of generating classic and complex waveforms, a sub-oscillator (Sub Octave), analog resonant LOW-PASS FILTER and analog HIGH-PASS FILTER, and analog VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER. Additional features include a tuned FEEDBACK path, a four-tap stereo DELAY per voice, expanded ARPEGGIATOR functionality, deep MODULATION capabilities, bi-timbral operation, and much more besides. The CHARACTER section adds a variety of out of the ordinary wave-shaping and sound-sculpting options like Girth (low shelf filtering that boosts low frequencies, with some extra harmonic modification at higher settings), Air (high shelf filtering that boosts high frequencies, with some extra harmonic modification at higher settings), Hack (reduces the bit depth of the mixed output from the oscillators), Decimation (reduces the sample rate of the mixed output from the oscillators), and Drive (emulates tape saturation).

Despite its comparatively diminutive dimensions, the back panel I/O of the Prophet 12 module matches that of the Prophet 12 keyboard in almost all aspects — apart from featuring an external power supply in the interests of making it as compact and portable as possible. Headphones, Main/A Outputs, B Outputs, MIDI Thru, MIDI Out, MIDI In, Pedal 1, Pedal 2, Sustain, and USB connectivity are all present and accounted for, making musical communication with the outside world a breeze.

Be prepared to be blown away by the Prophet 12 module. It won’t break backpacks, but packs more than enough power into its easily carried form factor to meet the needs of modern music makers and savvy sound designers — wherever they take it.

The Prophet 12 module has an MAP of $2,199.00 USD and can be purchased from any authorized Dave Smith Instruments dealer."

Dave Smith Instruments ships Prophet 12 module based on flagship polysynth

"SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA: Premier polyphonic synthesizer manufacturer Dave Smith Instruments is proud to announce that its Prophet 12 module — a space-saving tabletop and rack-ready reworking of its 2013 NAMM Show-launched Prophet 12 keyboard, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/analog synthesizer that company founder and renowned designer Dave Smith duly declared his “best synth” — is now shipping.

“We have had many requests from professional musicians for a small, easily portable version of the Prophet 12 keyboard, with all the same features and incredible sound,” says Smith. “The new Prophet 12 module is just that: it has all the power of the Prophet 12 keyboard — in fact, it has the exact same voice board — and it fits into a backpack.”

All those powerful Prophet 12 module parameters are easily editable via a well-thought-through front panel perfectly fit for purpose. “People like small these days,” declares its astute architect. “Many musicians also have more than enough keyboards, or simply don’t use keyboards. The Prophet 12 module offers a sleek design that still gives you easy and incredibly fast and intuitive control over all parameters.”

Just like its Prophet 12 keyboard counterpart, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/analog Prophet 12 module not only boasts the greatest number of voices of any instrument from the distinguished designer to date, but each of those voices features four OSCILLATORS capable of generating classic and complex waveforms, a sub-oscillator (Sub Octave), resonant LOW-PASS FILTER and HIGH-PASS FILTER, and analog VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER. Additional features include a tuned FEEDBACK path, a four-tap stereo DELAY per voice, expanded ARPEGGIATOR functionality, deep MODULATION capabilities, bi-timbral operation, and much more besides. The CHARACTER section adds a variety of out of the ordinary wave-shaping and sound-sculpting options like Girth (low shelf filtering that boosts low frequencies, with some extra harmonic modification at higher settings), Air (high shelf filtering that boosts high frequencies, with some extra harmonic modification at higher settings), Hack (reduces the bit depth of the mixed output from the oscillators), Decimation (reduces the sample rate of the mixed output from the oscillators), and Drive (emulates tape saturation).

Despite its comparatively diminutive dimensions, the back panel I/O of the Prophet 12 module matches that of the Prophet 12 keyboard in almost all aspects — apart from featuring an external power supply in the interests of making it as compact and portable as possible. Headphones, Main/A Outputs, B Outputs, MIDI Thru, MIDI Out, MIDI In, Pedal 1, Pedal 2, Sustain, and USB connectivity are all present and accounted for, making musical communication with the outside world a breeze.

Dave Smith Instruments’ Prophet 12 module will be being demoed and displayed for the first time in Hall B, Booth 5400 at the 2014 NAMM Show, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California.

The Prophet 12 module has an MAP of $2,199.00 USD and can be purchased from any authorized Dave Smith Instruments dealer."

See the Dealers section on the right and of course, eBay for prices and availability in your country.

Sequential PROPHET-12 MODULE Demos by Chris White

Published on Mar 1, 2016 Chris White

"An exploration of the Sequential Prophet 12 Desktop from Dave Smith Instruments, a 12-voice hybrid digital/analog synthesiser module.Further exploration of the Sequential Prophet-6 Module. The 6 Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesiser from Dave Smith Instruments.

on https://twitter.com/chriswhite_HQ
on https://www.instagram.com/chris_white...
on on https://chriswhitestore.bandcamp.com"

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product/prophet-12-module-2/

DSI PROPHET-12 MODULE Part2

Published on Mar 11, 2016 Chris White

"Further exploration of the Prophet 12 Desktop from Dave Smith Instruments, a 12-voice hybrid digital/analog synthesiser module."

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Prophet 12 Module Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Don't let its small size fool you. The Prophet 12 Module boasts the same power and sound as the Prophet 12 Keyboard. Each of the Prophet's twelve voices is composed of a brand new hybrid digital/analog architecture that sounds different than any other DSI line of synths, yet retains the true Prophet vibe. With a humongous twelve voice polyphony, sophisticated architecture, and sleek design, the Prophet 12 is ready to handle any sound in any setting.

A voice as big as the rest

The Prophet 12's brand new hybrid voice has a digital front end followed by an all analog signal path output. Each voice has five high resolution digital oscillators, a digital character effects section, a resonant Curtis low-pass filter, a high-pass filter, a tune-able feedback circuit, a four-tap delay line with feedback per line, four loopable five-stage envelope generators, four syncable LFOs with slew and phase offset, a sophisticated arpeggiator, and a sixteen slot modulation matrix with 26 mod sources and 97 modulation destinations. The Prophet 12 Module is packed with a plethora of sonic potential and power!

Frequency and amplitude modulate the oscillators with incredible accuracy. Freely assign oscillators in whatever operator and modulator configurations you choose. You can even assign each of the oscillators to modulate LFOs, envelopes, and filters.

Et tu, control?

The Prophet 12 Module's streamlined interface invites quick and easy control of every parameter on the synth. Each synth section can be selected at the press of a button with every parameter editable from the crisp OLED display. Easily create modulation assignments using the Assign Mod buttons. Dedicated Low and High Pass Filter potentiometers provide quick and smooth control of the filters.

The Prophet 12 Module has a rugged steel enclosure and is equally at home on your desk, in your rack, or on stage! An extensive MIDI implementation covers every available parameter on the synth and you can easily pair it with your favorite MIDI controller or DAW.

The Prophet 12 Module

The Prophet 12 is the most cutting edge hybrid synthesizer on the market and defines what a modern polyphonic synthesizer is. Designed and manufactured in San Francisco, the Prophet 12 Module has a glorious combination of form and function in a sturdy, portable and elegant build."

Prophet 12 - Custom Patches 1 to 25 - geosynths.com

Published on Sep 4, 2017 GEOSynths

www.geosynths.com

"Had the chance to get hold of a used Prophet 12 Module and thought I'd put it to the test with the first 25 of my Patches...Including my Bladerunner sound that I do on everything! I wasn't going to bother getting a Prophet 12 as I was a bit of an Analogue Only type of guy, however I've completely changed my mind, since having the Novation Peak.

Anyway, have done Patches that are 'Analogue' in nature on the Prophet 12 Module and while it only has delays (I love FX) it is a very capable Synth. I'll probably get into more 'Digital' sounds in the next Batch."

Update:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dave Smith Instruments Releases Prophet 12 Update Featuring Linear FM on Christmas

Prophet 12 - Linear FM with Dave Smith and John Chowning

Published on Dec 25, 2015 Dave Smith Instruments

"John Chowning, FM synthesis inventor and longtime friend of Dave Smith, stopped by the office to check out the new linear FM capabilities of the Prophet 12. Get this feature addition and more in the 1.3 OS update, available now from our website! www.davesmithinstruments.com"

And a note in directly via DSI: "As a little Christmas present to our Prophet 12 users we released OS v1.3 this morning which features classic linear FM and several other goodies. Here’s the link to the announcement on our web page:

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/2015/12/prophet-12-os-1-3-released/"

Details for the archives:

"DSI has released a new operating system for the Prophet 12 that adds a number of highly requested features. The new version, OS 1.3, ships with newly purchased instruments. For users wishing to upgrade instruments with older versions of the OS, version 1.3 is available for download from the Prophet 12 OS Support page (see links below). In addition, a new sound set featuring 40 linear FM-based presets is available from the Prophet 12 Factory Sounds page. (Please install OS 1.3 in order to use the FM sounds.)

Watch a video of FM creator John Chowning and Dave Smith talking synths, as well as a demonstration of some of the new FM sounds here. [above]

Among the new features are:

Linear frequency modulation for classic FM synthesis
Support for up to 16 alternate tunings (a set of 16 popular tunings is included)
Assignable voice-stacking in Union mode
MIDI note output for the arpeggiator
New modulation destinations (Slop, Osc All Shape, All Delays)
Disable screen save option for OLED display
Soft knobs allow Playlist List and Set selection
The new features are covered in the Prophet 12 OS 1.3 Manual Addendum, which is available here.

Download OS 1.3 for the Prophet 12 keyboard here.

Download OS 1.3 for the Prophet 12 desktop module here."

Dave Smith Instruments Formally Announces First Eurorack Module - DSM01 Curtis Filter

Looks like the filter module featured in this video will be released:

"Dave Smith Instruments Debuts DSM01 Curtis Filter Module

Acclaimed Synth Designer Introduces First-Ever Module for Modular Systems

San Francisco, CA—July 17, 2014—Dave Smith Instruments today introduced the DSM01 Curtis Filter module, their first offering for modular synthesizers. The module takes its name from the original filter chip designed by the late Doug Curtis and provides both a switchable 2/4-pole low-pass filter and a VCA. The Curtis filter is an integral part of the sound of many synthesizers created by Dave Smith, including the classic Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and Pro-One, and more recent instruments such as the Evolver, Mopho, Prophet ʼ08, and Prophet 12.

The 'Curtis sound,' which is often described as saturated, brash, and powerful, was fundamental to not only Smith’s synthesizers, but also to such highly-regarded instruments as the Oberheim Xpander, Rhodes Chroma and Polaris, PPG Wave, Korg MonoPoly, Waldorf Wave, Elka Synthex, and many others. “We wanted to make the classic Curtis filter sound, which I’ve always found very versatile and expressive, readily available to modular users,” said Smith. 'Adding the DSM01 to a modular system is an easy way to give it the sonic edge that people typically associate with a vintage Sequential synth. But it’s also a big part of the sound of my current synths such as the Prophet 12.'

The module is a standard 8HP wide, Eurorack-format device with interconnections made using 3.5 mm phone jacks.

A carefully designed set of inputs and parameters allows voltage control of filter frequency and resonance. Filter slope is selectable between -12 dB and -24 dB. The module also provides its own VCA and features two separate outputs for the filter—one pre-VCA and the other, post-VCA. A unique feature of the filter is a Boost function that introduces harmonic distortion into the signal for more aggressive coloration.

'With modular synths, having the widest possible tonal palette to draw from has always been the name of the game. Our Curtis Filter module is our first, but significant contribution to that world. We think modular users are really going to get a lot of sonic mileage out of it.'

The DSM01 module will be available in August of 2014 with a MAP of $179.

Launched in 2002, Dave Smith Instruments is helmed by legendary musical instrument designer and Grammy® award winner Dave Smith. Dave’s many accomplishments include the creation of the Prophet-5—the world’s first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer—and his legacy as the primary driving force behind MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).

About Dave Smith Instruments
Dave Smith Instruments’ products are used by an ever-growing roster of well-known musicians and are available from music retailers worldwide. Instruments include the Mopho, Tetra, Prophet 08, Prophet 12, and Evolver synthesizers, and the Tempest analog drum machine. Dave Smith Instruments is based in San Francisco, where the instruments are also manufactured. For more information, visit www.davesmithinstruments.com."

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet -6 Desktop Module Site Now Live

Published on Oct 22, 2015 Dave Smith Instruments

"Vintage Analog Sound — Small Enough to Fit in a Backpack. Poly chain any two Prophet-6's for 12 voice polyphony!"

Update: video added above, and the official press release added further below.


Follow-up to this post. The site is now live. Details and pics captured here for the archives. Note the image to the left is in via VINCENT ASCOLI and not on the DSI page from what I can see.

"Vintage Analog Sound — Small Enough to Fit in a Backpack
The Prophet-6 desktop module is every bit as powerful and easy to use as its counterpart, the Prophet-6 Keyboard. The module has all of the same controls as the keyboard version and provides the same immediacy and easy of use — with absolutely no menu diving. As with the Prophet-6 Keyboard, all parameters are at your fingertips, with full-sized knobs and switches and a comfortable, intuitive layout.

How does it sound? Awesome — just like the keyboard, because on the inside, it’s exactly the same. The same analog signal path with discrete VCOs and VCFs. The same high-quality digital effects. The same classic sound that has been earning raves from customers and reviewers alike.

We’ve also added a poly chain feature so that any two Prophet-6s can be paired for twelve-voice polyphony!

Vintage with a Modern Twist
Both the Prophet-6 desktop module and keyboard are Dave Smith’s tribute to the poly synth that started it all—the Sequential Prophet-5. But it’s not simply a reissue of a classic. Rather, as Dave puts it, “It’s the result of our effort to build the most awesome-sounding, modern analog poly synth possible.” The Prophet-6 takes the best qualities of the original Prophet-5—true voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers—and adds enhancements such as studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more. The result is pure, unadulterated analog tone with the stability and reliability of a state-of-the-art modern synth.

Classic Tone, Classic Vibe
Central to the warm, punchy sound of the Prophet-6 are its two newly-designed, discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice. Continuously variable waveshapes provide the tonal palette with triangle, sawtooth, and variable-width pulse waves. There are two discrete filters per voice—a four-pole, resonant, low-pass inspired by the original Prophet-5 filter, and a two-pole, resonant, high-pass filter. Voltage-controlled amplifiers complete the all-analog signal path.

Dual Effects
The dual effects section provides studio-quality reverbs, delays (standard and BBD), chorus and phase shifter. While the effects themselves are digital, with 24-bit, 48 kHz resolution, a true bypass maintains a full analog signal path. There’s also an independent stereo distortion effect, which is 100% analog.

Poly Mod and Poly Step Sequencing
Also present from its classic predecessor is a Poly Mod section, with enhancements. True to the original, modulation sources are filter envelope and oscillator 2 (both with bi-polar control). Destinations include oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, low-pass filter cutoff, and high-pass filter cutoff. Another welcome reprise is Unison mode, which features configurable voice count (1-6 voices) and key modes. The polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step. You can create sequences polyphonically, with rests, and sync to an external MIDI clock. The full-featured arpeggiator can be synced to external MIDI clock as well.

Easy to Program
The knob-per-function front panel offers instant access to virtually all Prophet-6 functions. Included are 500 permanent factory programs in 10 banks of 100 programs. In addition to these, you can create and save up to 500 user programs of your own. Toggling off the Preset button enables live panel mode, in which the sound of the Prophet-6 switches to the current settings of its knobs and switches. In this state, what you see is what you hear.

Easy to Play
All of this awe-inspiring sound is packed into a desktop module that’s small enough to fit in a backpack. It’s an ideal combination of portability and power for the project studio or the gigging musician."




And the press release:

"Legendary Designer to Ship Desktop Version of Acclaimed Analog Poly Synth in November

San Francisco, CA—October 22, 2015—Dave Smith Instruments today announced that they will begin shipping a desktop module version of their acclaimed Sequential Prophet-6 six-voice analog synthesizer at the end of November. Like the keyboard version, it features an all-analog signal path and discrete VCOs, VCAs, and filters. The knob-per-function front panel is free of menu-diving and offers immediate access to virtually all parameters.

As Dave Smith explained: “The Prophet-6 has been our most successful product launch ever. In the four months since its release, a huge number of artists have already added it to their setups.” Added Smith: “Apart from its awesome sound, we feel that a big part of its appeal is the immediacy of its user interface, so we made sure that the desktop version retained all of the same controls as the keyboard version.”

Smith continued:
'As a bonus, we’ve added a poly chain feature so that any two Prophet-6s can be paired for 12-voice polyphony. The biggest sound in modern analog poly synths just got bigger.'

Key to the vintage sound of the Prophet-6 is its two newly-designed, discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) and two discrete filters: a four-pole, resonant, low-pass inspired by the original Prophet-5 filter, and a two-pole, resonant, high-pass filter. Voltage-controlled amplifiers complete the all-analog signal path. Said Smith: 'The desktop module sounds every bit as good as the keyboard because, on the inside, it’s exactly the same — the same VCOs, VCFs, and VCAs and the same classic, punchy, analog poly sound that’s been earning raves from customers and reviewers.'

The module weighs approximately 13 lbs (5.9 kg) and measures 21.25” L x 7.43” W x 4.4” H (54.0 cm x 18.9 cm x 11.2 cm). 'It’s an ideal mix of portability and power,' Smith said.

The Prophet-6 desktop module will be available at the end of November with a projected MAP of $2,199.

Download high resolution photos of the Prophet-6 desktop module at http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product-photos/

View a video of Dave Smith introducing the Prophet-6 desktop module at: https://youtu.be/2bBXcJOKxC8

Price and specifications subject to change."

Sequential Introduces New Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Desktop Modules

Title says it all. Press release follows:

Sequential Announces Prophet®-5 and Prophet®-10 Desktop Modules

San Francisco, CA—Jan 12, 2021—Fast on the heels of the reintroduction of its legendary Prophet-5 synthesizer, Sequential today announced that it has created a desktop version of the acclaimed instrument. As with the keyboard version, the desktop model will be available in both five- and ten-voice configurations, dubbed the Prophet-5 desktop module and Prophet-10 desktop module, respectively. They feature the same authentic vintage sound and front-panel controls as the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 keyboards, but in a smaller form factor designed for portability and space-conscious studios.

“Our introduction of the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Rev 4 keyboards has been hugely successful. At the same time, a lot of people have been asking us for an easy way to fit them into a smaller studio space or into a touring rig,” commented Sequential founder and original Prophet-5 designer Dave Smith. “It was an easy decision to create a desktop module to fill that need. The great thing is, we managed to fit the same big, ballsy sound of the full Prophet-5 into a desktop model. It sounds every bit as awesome.”

Like the original, the new Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 modules feature two multi-waveform analog oscillators, analog resonant low-pass filters and amplifiers, and a filter and amplifier envelope per voice. Modulation is provided by a multi-waveshape LFO and Poly Mod, a ground-breaking modulation scheme for its time that allowed the filter envelope and oscillator B to be routed to a variety of destinations including filter cutoff frequency, oscillator A frequency, and oscillator A pulse width.

And just like the new Prophet-5/10 Rev 4 keyboards, the modules feature genuine Curtis VCOs and filters as used in the Prophet-5 Rev 3, as well as the Dave Rossum-designed SSI 2140 filter — the modern counterpart of the original SSM 2040 Rossum designed in the Prophet-5 Rev 1 and Rev 2. A Rev switch on the front panel allows users to switch between the two as desired.

Also present is the new Vintage knob, which loosens up the oscillators, filters, and envelopes from voice to voice as they typically are in vintage Prophet-5s. Users can dial in progressively more vintage character from a very stable “4,” as in Prophet-5 Rev4, all the way to “1,” as in Prophet-5 Rev1, which was the most temperamental of all Prophet-5s. The original factory sound set is included as well.

Other modern enhancements include velocity sensitivity and aftertouch to increase expressiveness, as well as MIDI and USB connectivity. Control voltage and gate ins/outs are also present for connecting modular synths and other gear. The new modules are housed in a premium-quality, steel case with hand-oiled sustainable black walnut heartwood trim.

Both modules will be available in February. The Prophet-5 desktop module has a US MAP of $2,499.
The Prophet-10 desktop module has a US MAP of $3,299.

About Sequential
Originally launched in 2002 as Dave Smith Instruments, Sequential is helmed by legendary musical instrument designer and Grammy® award winner Dave Smith. Dave’s many accomplishments include the creation of the Prophet-5—the world’s first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer—and his legacy as the primary driving force behind MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).

The company’s products are used by an ever-growing roster of well-known musicians and are available from music retailers worldwide. Instruments include the new Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Rev 4, the Pro 3 and Pro 3 SE, and the Prophet X, Prophet-6, OB-6, and Prophet Rev2 synthesizers. Sequential is based in San Francisco, where its instruments are also assembled. Visit www.sequential.com.

Update: additional pics via https://www.sequential.com: (Note the CV IO on back)

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New DSM02 Character Eurorack Module from Dave Smith Instruments

Published on Jan 12, 2015 Dave Smith Instruments

"Additional audio samples on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/davesmithinstr...

The DSM02 Character Module in Eurorack format is the newest addition to Dave Smith Modular. With 5 digital effects with true stereo operation, the DSM02 offers extremely flexible tone shaping and sonic possibilities. More info available at www.davesmithinstruments.com"



And the official press release:

"Dave Smith Instruments Introduces DSM02 Character Module Legendary Synth Designer Debuts Second Eurorack Module for Modular Systems

San Francisco, CA—January 12, 2015—Dave Smith Instruments today introduced the DSM02 Character module, their second offering for modular synthesizers. The Eurorack-format module provides an eclectic assortment of five digital effects, ranging from subtle to aggressive for shaping, twisting, and mangling sound. These effects, Girth, Air, Decimate, Hack, and Drive form a significant component in Smith’s acclaimed Pro 2 and Prophet 12 synthesizers.

'The Character section of the Pro 2 and Prophet 12 is a fundamental part of what gives those instruments their unique sound,' says Smith. 'As our users know, those effects can take you from nice to nasty with the turn of a knob. We wanted to make it easy and affordable for modular users to inject some of that character into their rigs.'

'Girth' and 'Air' provide sophisticated low- and high-frequency harmonic enhancement, respectively, for polishing and refining a sound. 'Decimate' performs sample rate reduction for adding lo-fi grunge. 'Hack' is a bit crusher capable of trashing an otherwise clean signal nearly beyond recognition. And lastly, 'Drive' adds overdrive and saturation, with warmth at one end of the knob and intense harmonic overload at the other.

The DSM02 module is a 14HP wide, standard Eurorack-format device with interconnections made using 3.5 mm phone jacks. A carefully designed set of inputs allow individual voltage control of effect levels. The module provides two independent audio inputs and two independent audio outputs with shared control, allowing for either mono or stereo operation. The digital signal path provides full 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution for superior audio fidelity.

As DSI’s Andrew McGowan puts it, 'The modular scene is exploding with possibilities. We’ve got a lot of really creative and expressive tools to offer musicians in that world. Our Curtis Filter module was our first contribution and users snapped it up immediately. This time we wanted to do something a little more esoteric—but still fundamental to the Dave Smith sound. We think the modular crowd is going to love it.'

The DSM02 module is available now with a MAP of $259."

DSI PROPHET-12 MODULE Part2

Published on Mar 11, 2016 Chris White

"Further exploration of the Prophet 12 Desktop from Dave Smith Instruments, a 12-voice hybrid digital/analog synthesiser module."

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product/prophet-12-module-2/

Part 1 here.

Sequential Prophet 12 Patches 3 by BoB SwanS

Published on Sep 10, 2019 BoBSwanS

"My 3rd and possibly final set of Patches for the DSI Prophet 12

99+ Patches for the DSI Prophet 12 Synthesizer.
This bank includes Pads, Bass, Keys, Brass, Plucks, Arp's, Stacks and Split Patches using Poly\Channel Aftertouch and Mod\Pitch functionality.

All patches have been programmed exclusively with a Prophet 12 module and a CME Xkey 37 and many include Polyphonic Aftertouch and Mod Wheel functionality. All Patches are compatible with both the Prophet 12 Keyboard and Module.

Product Page
https://sellfy.com/p/55Qp/


I have 3 packs available with 100 presets per pack at 16 Euro each or 39 Euro for the 300 patch bundle"

The Gentle Touch Vol 4 Demo - Sequential Prophet 12 Patches by BoB SwanS

BoBSwanS · The Gentle Touch Vol 4 Demo - Sequential Prophet 12 Patches by BoB SwanS

"Another pack of Prophet 12 patches programmed by BoB SwanS.

When Sequential announced at the start of the year that they had finally decided to retire the Prophet 12 Module I was inspired by all the online chatter and tributes and jumped into making another bank of patches.

As usual quite a few of them use per note modulation and Mod wheel for movement and most of them are not your usual bread and butter patches, But you probably know that already.

99 patches, Including splits, stacks and single patches.
This time I decided I wanted to go a bit further with the Linear FM and Waveshape\Morph side of things and made lots of evolving pads and keys for you to drift off with, I included a couple of Arp's and lead synths just to even things out a bit.

Available now via Sellfy sellfy.com/bobswans/p/the-gent…r-prophet-12-vol-4/

Discount code "sequential" available for one week
This brings the price down to £10
Full price will go up to £14.50

My bundle has also been updated and includes all 4 packs for £48"

Explorations EP5 - Farewell DSI/Sequential Prophet 12 Module

video by tjontheroad

Note this video is from Mar 16, 2021. Missed it when it went up. Some cool sounds from the Prophet 12.

"Here's episode 5 on my "Explorations" series of videos.Farewell to the DSI/Sequential Prophet 12 Module. Now discontinued but not likely soon forgotten. Included is a quick look at getting around the Prophet 12 and sound samples."

Prophet '08 Bi-Timbral Soft Ethereal Pad

Published on Nov 4, 2017 Sacred Synthesis

"During this past summer in which I was blessed enough to borrow a DSI Prophet 12 synthesizer, I worked on creating a patch that was an imitation of a sound I had created on my Prophet '08 Keyboard-Module pair. It was a bi-timbral sound consisting of a soft flute coupled with a bright sparkly pair of tones in the upper register. The proper organ term would be "mixtures". While I was designing the patch on the Prophet 12, as is often the case, I took a bit of a turn and starting developing a variation on the original sound. Simply, I added random filter modulation to the mixtures and smoothed out the edges with a bit of Lag.

Now that I'm back working with my Prophet '08 pair, I decided to go full circle and see if I could re-create the Prophet 12 patch on the Prophet '08. This improvisation is the result. It's virtually the same sound, minus the smoothed edges on the Sample and Hold, since the Prophet '08 lacks the lag feature. As with the original Prophet 12 piece, the mixtures are slowly merged in during the middle of the improvisation.

I added a few melodies with a reed-like patch on the other Prophet '08, just to break up the monotony. This Improvisation is only an excuse to demonstrate the Prophet '08's version of the bi-timbral soft ethereal pad.

Instrumentation:
DSI Prophet '08 Keyboard (2)
DSI Prophet '08 Module

Bass:
DSI Evolver Desktop
Hammond XPK 200L Pedalboard

Effects:
Lexicon MX300
Alesis Nanoverb 2

Performed live and recorded directly to a Tascam CD-RW900 Mk II.

ALL MUSIC PROPERTY OF SACRED SYNTHESIS 2017"

Experiments with the Sequential​ Prophet12 and the Hologram Electronics​ Microcosm

videos by Christopher White

Playlist:
An experiment with the @Sequential​ Prophet12 and the @Hologram Electronics​ Microcosm. part 1

"Finally combined my trusty Sequential​ Prophet 12 module with the Hologram Electronics​ Microcosm and really happy with the results. This was the first take. I had quickly composed a chord sequence for the Prophet12's arpeggiator then what you hear is what happened next."

Prophet 12 and Microcosm outtake...

Just wanted to upload this too. Some interesting things happened in this take... Changing the 'spread' in the amp section of the @Sequential​ Prophet12 created a nice groove so I wanted to show you!

A Prophet 12, a Microcosm, and a Human Arpeggiator Non-stop Device (H.A.N.D.).

A live ambient track using the @Sequential​ Prophet 12 and the @Hologram Electronics​ Microcosm. Plus a bit of my felt piano.

Dave Smith Instruments... designed and built in San Francisco, USA!

A DSI press release just sent my way. Note it's pre-NAMM. Saving it for the archives.

"SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA: Premier polyphonic synthesizer manufacturer Dave Smith Instruments is proud to design and build its illustrious instruments in San Francisco, USA in an American success story fit for the 2014 NAMM Show and beyond.

'We take the craftsmanship of our instruments very seriously,' says company founder and renowned designer Dave Smith. 'So every one of our products is built in San Francisco, California. Unlike other companies, who may build some products in the USA, but bring in others from China, even our low-cost instruments are built here. Our synthesis technology, developed over the last 40 years, allows us to hit great price points, have the most advanced features, build only with metal and wood — no plastic cases! — and still build everything in the good old USA.'

San Francisco-born, UC Berkeley-educated Smith is an archetypical Californian through and through. Responsible for the pre-eminent Prophet-5, the world’s first programmable polyphonic synthesizer back in 1978, he grew his first commercial company, Sequential Circuits, from garage to sizeable San Jose-based success story, playing a pivotal part as the primary driving force behind MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) in the process.

Smith subsequently returned to hardware instrument design in 2002, founding Dave Smith Instruments while working solo from his home in the Napa Valley wine country. Early successes with the Evolver range of analog/digital synthesizers — indeed, DSI’s first product is still shipping to this day — led to him hiring his first two employees in 2007. Continuing to work from their respective Californian homes, this coincided with the introduction of the award-winning Prophet ’08, an eight-voice synthesizer keyboard with a 100% analog signal path; eight-voice polyphony with four-on-four splits and layers; 16 x 4 gated step sequencer; and a full-size, 61-note, semi-weighted keyboard. It, too, continues to make musical waves worldwide.

As a growing Californian concern, Dave Smith Instruments has not looked back since, continuing its forward- looking manufacturing mission with a successful succession of innovative instruments, including the Mopho range of compact and affordable analog synthesizers; the Tetra polyphonic desktop analog synthesizer module; the Tempest analog drum machine (designed by Smith in collaboration with fellow Californian innovative electronic musical instrument designer Roger Linn); and, most recently, the Prophet 12 module, a space-saving tabletop and rack-ready reworking of its 2013 NAMM Show-launched Prophet 12 keyboard, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/ analog synthesizer flagship that Smith duly declared his 'best synth yet.'

Today, San Francisco is its beneficiary, for the now-nine-staff-strong Dave Smith Instruments collectively work in the heart of the city’s historic North Beach district, just a short walk from its manufacturer.

Dave Smith Instruments’ evolving family of illustrious instruments designed and built in San Francisco will be being demoed and displayed in Hall B, Booth 5400 at the 2014 NAMM Show, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California.

About Dave Smith Instruments (www.davesmithinstruments.com)

Established in 2002, Dave Smith Instruments is the preeminent manufacturer of polyphonic synthesizers. It is helmed by legendary musical instrument designer Dave Smith, whose innovations include designing the Prophet-5, the world’s first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer, and acting as the primary driving force behind MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) — he coined the acronym, in fact — for which he received a Technical Grammy® award in 2013. Dave Smith Instruments’ products are used by an ever-increasing roster of well-known musicians and are available from music retailers worldwide. Instruments include the versatile analog/digital hybrid Evolver synthesizers, the Tempest analog drum machine, the all-analog Prophet ’08, and the affordable Mopho line of synthesizers. DSI’s highly-praised, award-winning Prophet 12 combines the best of digital and analog processing in an advanced, powerful instrument that is both respectful of its lineage and a significant technological leap forward. Dave Smith Instruments is based in San Francisco, California, where its instruments are also manufactured."

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Module: Powerful Desktop Synthesizer - Dubspot @ Namm 2014

Published on Jan 27, 2014 Dubspot ·541 videos

"At the NAMM 2014, Dubspot caught up with pioneer synthesizer design and engineer Dave Smith of Dave Smith Instruments. He was generous enough to give us a rundown of his latest electronic music equipment, the Prophet 12 Module, a powerful desktop version of the Prophet 12. It's one of the best sounding synths we have heard in recent years."

An Evening with Dave Smith at Pyramind | Video Recap

Published on Jan 11, 2016 Pyramind

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com

Part 2 below.

"On November 12th, Pyramind welcomed a true legend to our facility. The one and only Dave Smith, founder of Sequential Circuits and Dave Smith Instruments who is often referred to as the Father of MIDI.

During An Evening with Dave Smith, which you can watch in it’s entirety, you will get to hear what the new Sequential Prophet-6 synth is capable of in the hands of it's creator. The Prophet-6 is Dave Smith’s tribute to the analog polyphonic synth that started it all—the Sequential Prophet-5. But it’s not simply a reissue of a classic. Rather, as Dave puts it, “It’s the result of our effort to build the most awesome-sounding, modern analog poly synth possible.” The Prophet-6 takes the best qualities of the original Prophet-5—true voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers—and adds enhancements such as studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more. The result is pure, unadulterated analog tone with the stability and reliability of a state-of-the-art modern synth.

For more information about Pyramind events head to our blog: http://hubs.ly/H01Pj5Z0

Timestamps:

01:00 - Hardware vs. Soft Synths - real synths cost more than soft synths (hardware competes with FREE)
02:48 - What inspired you to start building equipment?
05:03 - Talks about the way he developed his synth to work, and what didn’t work for other companies
05:58 - Where do you start when designing your instruments?
09:30 - Talks about the Prophet 6 (voltage controlled oscillators)
12:18 - “Slop Control” feature
14:00 - Analog distortion
16:00 - Story about the new name - Sequential
18:20 - Starts demoing the synth (focused on sequencer)
19:24 - Talks about factory presets and why they’re made the way they are
21:10 - Arpeggiator
22:00 - Effects
24:30 - Analog synthesis has passed the test of time
26:18 - People used to just want to emulate real instruments
28:05 - Inspiration behind the Prophet 2000
30:30 - Why didn’t they quantize oscillator frequencies?
31:40 - Why he likes constrained designs
34:08 - You can know nothing about synthesis and still make cool sounds with these synths
34:58 - USB integration (it’s just midi over USB)
35:20 - Presets
35:48 - Analog gear market
37:30 - Appealing to different clients / genres
38:28 - Taylor Swift Custom Prophet 12
41:14 - What did the sound designers bring to the synth?
42:16 - Hearing presets being used / modified"

An Evening with Dave Smith | Video Recap | Part II | feat. Jason Linder

Published on Jan 11, 2016

"On November 12th, Pyramind welcomed a true legend to our facility. The one and only Dave Smith, founder of Sequential Circuits and Dave Smith Instruments who is often referred to as the Father of MIDI.

During An Evening with Dave Smith, which you can watch in it’s entirety, you will get to hear what the new Sequential Prophet-6 synth is capable of in the hands of it's creator. The Prophet-6 is Dave Smith’s tribute to the analog polyphonic synth that started it all—the Sequential Prophet-5. But it’s not simply a reissue of a classic. Rather, as Dave puts it, “It’s the result of our effort to build the most awesome-sounding, modern analog poly synth possible.” The Prophet-6 takes the best qualities of the original Prophet-5—true voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers—and adds enhancements such as studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more. The result is pure, unadulterated analog tone with the stability and reliability of a state-of-the-art modern synth.

For more information about Pyramind events head to our blog: http://hubs.ly/H01Pj5Z0

Timestamps:

00:46 - How do you know when the synth is “done”?
01:32 - Prophet 6 circuit board vs. Prophet 5
02:00 - Prophet 6 poly chaining, module version
03:08 - Tempest design vs Prophet 6
06:05 - Problems with having too much input during design stage
07:10 - Any high profile sound designers?
07:50 - Demoing
09:20 - Spring reverb model (hitting the side of synth)
12:26 - What was the hardest feature to cut during design?
13:30 - Favorite synth he has made
14:10 - Talks about polymod (one of the most unique things about the Prophet 5) individual modulation PER VOICE
16:00 - Jason Lindner (Keyboardist of Now vs. Now) demo
22:58 - Compares choosing synths to the way guitar platers choose guitars
24:17 - When do you think about what to build NEXT?
25:48 - Will you ever make guitar pedals or effects?
26:50 - Are you continuing to build your back catalog?
28:25 - Is there an audio input? (No)
29:41 - Filter poles (4 pole for lowpass, 2 pole for highpass)
30:24 - Unison mode demo (chord hold)
33:08 - Analog gear cost
35:10 - What do your employees do?
37:55 - Talked about doing a hybrid analog digital vocoder
39:50 - How are the synths assembled?
41:18 - What changed after having employees?
43:39 - Are you less connected with your products now that you have employees?"

You'll find some event pics on Pyraminds website here.

MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014 Pics

Mouse over the image above for the slideshow controls.

Update: added a few notes below.  I hate picking highlights because I honestly do love it all.  That and I don't like missing anyone or anything.  The focus is on what's new.  More will come with the videos.

This is the full set of 282 NAMM pics including the following sub-sets just posted:
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: WMD et al. Modular Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Moon Modular Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Miselu, Quicco Sound & Audiobus Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Studio Electronics & Pittsburgh Modular Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Schmidt Analog Synthesizer Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Radikal Technologies Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Big City Music Booth & Aerosmith Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Buchla Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Elektron Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Dave Smith Instruments Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Monome ALEPH Looper Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Moog Music Booth Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Dubreq Stylophone Pics
MATRIXSYNTH NAMM 2014: Bob Moog Foundation Booth Pics

And that's it for my NAMM pics. Videos will follow over the coming days. As you can see I missed a few of the major synth booths including Clavia/Nord Keyboards, Waldorf, Access, Teenage Engineering, Korg, Roland, Novation, Studiologic and Yamaha. This is no slight to them. I would have loved to check them out, specifically the new A1 from Clavia and the new Waldorf 2-Pole filter.  I did see the new full size KORG MS20 kit but the booth was packed and I didn't get any pics. I knew anything AIRA was not going to be shown so I skipped Roland. I typically go to NAMM on Saturday as I'm literally glued to the site posting away all the NAMM news along with everything else that comes in up to then. By Saturday I have a pretty good idea of what has and hasn't gotten plenty of coverage on the site.  Based on that, new product announcements, and prior commitments with those that reached out to me, I go through my list of booths in order.

As for standouts, although I didn't get to try the new A1 from Clavia, I was impressed by the new oscillator and effects section in the demos to date. I like what I hear. I do think they made a mistake with the messaging on it being an entry level synth. Not sure why they chose to go that route as it degrades the synth's capabilities in my opinion and the price does not reflect an entry level synth.

The new Elektron Rytm sounded fantastic. I should have a video of Highsage jamming on it coming up. Hopefully the audio is good.

The Sub 37 is a thing of beauty.

I'm a fan of the Prophet 12 and the new Prophet 12 module. I'm a fan of mixing digital with analog and I think it is capable of timbres you simply can't get out of pure analog.

The Tiptop Audio system at the Big City Music Booth was absolutely insane! Tomio is a Jedi master on that thing. I should have video of it coming up.

The new Make Noise modules were a mind trip. Video coming.

Noise Engineering is new to the scene and their modules sound fantastic. I particularly like the drum module. They also have a vocal formant module. I mentioned the Yamaha FS1R's formant synthesis and they said it was actually based on it to an extent. Video coming.

The STG EMS Oscillator sounded insane. Video coming.

The new Studio Electronics Boomstars sounded pretty incredible. Video coming.

It takes quite a bit to surprise me.  Two things did.  Full on patch memory on a modular synth with the Buchla Music Easel and what's coming for Audiobus. The Miselu iPad keyboard and Quicco Sound controller were pretty cool devices as well. The Future Retro Triadex Muse based sequencer caught my interest. I didn't show it, but it definitely was a geek out moment for me and caught me by surprise. Who would have thought technology based on the obscure Muse would re-appear today.

That's it for now. The videos and pics should speak for themselves. I love it all.