NAMM 2017: Dave Smith REV-2 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

Dave Smith Instruments is well know for their big polyphonic analog synths. When the Prophet 08 landed it was an instant classic. This was due to its 8 big analog voices and hands on control. It took its queue from the highly sort after Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 but has a more modern sound.

Meet the DSI REV-2 PolySynth

The Dave Smith REV-2 is a revision of this amazingly successful Prophet 08 fully analog polysynth. The REV-2 has a massive 16-voices, and comes with some neat new features. These includes a digital FX section, shape-modulation per waveform, an expanded modulation matrix, powerful sequencing. and more polyphony of course.

The REV-2 includes two sequencers. One that’s similar to the Prophet 08 - four tracks that can be sent to any modulator, and another that’s a polyphonic 64-step step sequencer. Both can be stored individually: per-program, per-layer.

As a departure from the Prophet 08 the REV-2 has what DSI describe as "digitally controlled analog oscillators". What does this mean? Well it's not all that clear but my take is that much like the Roland Juno 106, and MKS series they are digital oscillators that are capable of producing analog style sawtooth and square/pulse waveforms. Some Analog purists may baulk at this but what DSI have done is given us a very stable 16 voice polysynth at a very reasonable price. I'm sure this will appeal to a lot of people. 

The REV-2 does retain the very popular Curtis filter chips, and analog VCA and also features new digital FX not found in the Prophet 08.

Stay tuned for more info, pricing and availability in Australia.