Prophet Rev2 First Look #1 | Oscillators - How do they sound?

Published on Mar 20, 2019 Synth & Sundry

"The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev 2, a 16-voice analog synthesizer, has two oscillators per voice with Sawtooth, Triangle, Pulse and additionally a Saw+Tri amalgam. Additionally each voice gets an oscillator and sub oscillator to round out the sound generation set available to the player.

In this video, we try out some of the sonic possibilities the oscillators on the DSI Prophet Rev2.

Since the oscillators in the Rev2 are digitally controlled analog oscillators, they have very stable tuning. However, part of the pleasing character of an analog synth comes from its imperfection and instability. This brings that back with a vengeance and gives it its own dedicated setting - Osc Slop.

Both oscillators in each voice have a frequency range that extends across 9 octaves and the Osc Frequency controls move through the full spectrum in semi-tone increments. Meanwhile the Fine Tune knob is center-detented and it allows for full a half-semitone of adjustment.

While waveform selection on offer may seem somewhat limited, this is greatly made up by the fact that the Shape Mod knob operates across all wave shapes. The naturally dull triangle shape has a great deal to gain from this feature as it really brightens the sound up a bit (somewhat reminiscent of the 'Metalizer' on Arturia analog synths).

Recorded through an RME Fireface UC audio interface without any effects or dynamics processing added."