"New Analog Mono Synth is Full-Featured, Compact, Affordable
HALF MOON BAY, Calif.—May 5, 2010—Dave Smith Instruments has released a keyboard version of Mopho, DSI’s popular desktop synthesizer module. The Mopho Keyboard is a monophonic synthesizer with an all-analog signal path, an expanded user interface, and a full-sized, semi-weighted keyboard action.
From a functional perspective, the Mopho Keyboard does not do anything radically different. It is what most players desire and expect from an analog mono synth. DSI’s goal was ambitious in other ways, though. “It goes without saying that it had to sound good, but we’ve also managed to create a very portable, very playable instrument without sacrificing the performance features people want. And we did it without compromising and resorting to things like smaller, cheaper keys,” said founder Dave Smith. “At the same time, we recognize that the cost of analog synths has long been a barrier for many would-be players, so the challenge was to make the Mopho Keyboard available at a price more people can afford. As I’ve said before, designing synthesizers is great, but it’s hearing what people do with them that makes it really fun.”
DSI’s Andrew McGowan added, “When we released the Mopho module we heard from many people that it was not just their first analog synthesizer, but their first hardware synthesizer. And that after experiencing a real analog synth they finally ‘got it.’ We hope the Mopho Keyboard gives even more people an opportunity to ‘get it.’”
The Mopho Keyboard’s voice architecture is essentially the same as DSI’s Mopho and Tetra desktop synthesizer modules. It features two oscillators, two sub-octave generators, selectable 2- or 4-pole low-pass filter, feedback, and a ton of modulation options, including three envelope generators, four LFOs, and a 16 x 4 step sequencer. It has a full-sized, semi-weighted, 32-note keyboard with velocity and aftertouch and full-sized pitch and modulation wheels. The Poly Chain feature enables expanded polyphony using other DSI synths. For example, combining a Mopho Keyboard with a Tetra results in a very portable five-voice poly synth. Other features include USB and the ability to process external audio through Mopho’s filter and VCA.
The Mopho Keyboard measures approximately 18.65" L x 11.1" W x 3.6" H (47.4 cm x 28.2 cm x 9.1 cm) and weighs under 10 pounds (~4.5 kg).
The Mopho Keyboard offers excellent value for classic analog sound in a modern, space-saving package. It is available now with an MSRP of $879.00 and an MAP of $799.00.
Download high resolution photos from www.dsisynth.com/photos.htm.
About Dave Smith Instruments
Launched in 2002, Dave Smith Instruments is helmed by legendary musical instrument designer 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). 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 and the Prophet ’08. Dave Smith Instruments is based in Northern California, where the instruments are also manufactured. For more information, visit www.davesmithinstruments.com.
Specifications
• Monophonic analog synthesizer
• 100% analog signal path
• Two oscillators capable of producing sawtooth, triangle, saw/triangle, and variable pulse width
square waves, with hard sync
• One classic Curtis low-pass filter (switchable 2- or 4-pole) with audio rate modulation, self-
oscillating in 4-pole mode
• Analog VCAs
• Three envelope generators (ADSR plus delay) • Two sub-octave generators (one octave down and two octaves down)
• Feedback loop with programmable level and gain
• White noise generator
• 4 LFOs
• Gated 16 x 4 step sequencer (one sequence per program)
• Arpeggiator
• Glide (portamento): separate rates per oscillator
• 32-note (F to C) semi-weighted keyboard action with velocity and aftertouch
• Spring-loaded pitch wheel
• Fully programmable with three banks of 128 programs (384 total)
• Free downloadable software editor for Mac OS and Windows
• Dimensions: approximately 18.65" L x 11.1" W x 3.6" H (47.4 cm x 28.2 cm x 9.1 cm)
• Weight: 9.4 lb. (4.25 kg)
Ins and Outs
• USB type B receptacle
• MIDI In, Out/Thru, and Poly Chain
• Audio input: 1/4" unbalanced
• Left and Right audio outputs: 1/4" unbalanced
• Sustain pedal input
• Expression pedal/control voltage (3.3 VDC max.) input
• Headphone output: 1/4" stereo phone jack
Includes power supply for 100V – 240V AC operation and operation manual."
VERY exciting. I've been watching auctions for a Roland SH2, but this thing blows that one out of the water. (...for me, anyway.) I'm curious to see what will happen to prices for old analog monosynths when the Mopho becomes common.
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