Sequential Prophet REV 2 Analog Synth

Dave Smith Instruments have been very busy over the past few years with a swag of great analog Poly synth keyboards and desktops. The latest release for DSI recently announced at Namm 2017 is the Prophet REV 2. So how is this synth different from the other Analog Poly synths in the DSI range? For a start, the Prophet REV 2 is what Dave Smith calls a reinvention of their now-classic Prophet 08. The Prophet 08 was the first synth in the current DSI stable. This has now been discontinued this new REV 2 version hitting the market. It has digitally controlled Analog Oscillators, the option of 8 or 16 voices, cool wave shaping, fx, and a Polyphonic sequencer. The cost has also come down. This REV 2 Synth looks like a great follow-up to the Prophet 08 and at sub $3k the price looks extremely attractive too. 

Features

16-Voice Polyphony

• With 16 voices to play with, you have the freedom to allocate them as you wish. Play two-fisted chords, stack two 8-voice sounds for massive, complex textures, or split the keyboard into two completely separate 8-voice instruments. 
• Waveshape Modulation
• A powerful new feature unique to the Prophet Rev2 is waveshape modulation. You can now vary the “pulse width” of any of the four waveforms (sawtooth, saw+tri, triangle, square). Using the Shape Mod control, you can manually dial in a desired waveshape width or use an LFO or other mod source for continuously shifting timbre. Even single-oscillator sounds take on new depth and dimension. The tonal possibilities are vast.
• Effects Per Layer
• The 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.
• Extended Mod Matrix
• Also present from its predecessor is an easy-to-assign Mod Matrix, now twice as big, with 8 individual slots and many more sources/destinations. It’s a veritable sound designer’s playground.
• Poly Step Sequencing
• The polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step. You can create a different sequence for each layer when you are working in stacked or split voice mode, making it a powerful tool for composition or performance. The sequencer also functions as a modulation source in gated mode, 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.
• Per-Knob Programmability
• The knob-per-function front panel offers instant access to Prophet Rev2 functions. Included are 512 permanent factory programs and 512 rewritable user programs.
• Eminently Playable
• All of this polyphonic power is packed into a five-octave, premium-quality, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch. Other road-worthy features include an integrated power supply, USB support, and a crisp OLED display, making the Prophet Rev2 an ideal instrument for gigging or recording, and an analog powerhouse like no other.

Specifications

OSCILLATORS

• 2 digitally controlled analog oscillators (DCOs) per voice (plus sub octave on oscillator 1) with selectable sawtooth, triangle, saw/triangle mix, and pulse waves (with pulse-width modulation)

• Glide (portamento): separate rates per oscillator

• White noise generator

• Analog VCAs

• Hard sync

• 1 analog Curtis low-pass filter per voice, selectable 2- and 4-pole operation (self-resonating in 4-pole mode)

• 3 envelope generators: filter, VCA, and assignable (four-stage ADSR + delay); Envelope 3 can loop.

• Polyphonic step sequencer with up to 64 steps (6 notes per step), and ties and rests. Separate 16 x 4 gated step sequencer. Each layer can have a separate sequence.

• 4 LFO’s with key sync per LFO

• 8-slot modulation matrix

• Programmable arpeggiator with up, down, up+down, random, assign modes

• Selectable note value: 16th note, 8th note triplet, 8th note, dotted 8th note, quarter note

• One, two, or three octave range

• Re-latching arpeggiation

• Note repeat

• 5-octave keyboard with semi-weighted action, velocity, and aftertouch

• 52 knobs and 20 buttons enable deep and comprehensive editing with little to no menu diving.

• Spring-loaded pitch wheel and assignable mod wheel

• 512 Factory Programs (4 banks of 128) and 512 fully editable User Programs with 2 layers (2 separate sounds) in each Program

• MIDI In, Out, Thru

• Main stereo audio output: 1/4″ unbalanced

• Output B stereo audio output: 1/4″ unbalanced

• Sustain pedal input: accepts normally on or normally off momentary footswitch.

• Pedal/CV input: responds to expression pedals or control voltages ranging from 0 to 5 VDC (protected against higher or negative voltages).

• Headphone output: 1/4″ stereo phone jack.

• IEC AC power inlet for internal power supply

• Operates worldwide on voltages between 100 and 240 volts at 50 to 60 Hz; 30 watts maximum power consumption

• Power consumption: 22 watts maximum (17 watts for 8-voice configuration; 22 watts for 16-voice configuration)

PHYSICAL SPECS

• Oiled African mahogany wood end panels

• Dimensions: 12.70″ (32.26 cm) W x 35.12″ (89.20 cm) L x 3.80″ (9.65 cm) H (2.30″ at front edge; the feet account for 0.25″ of the total height)

• Weight: 20.5 lbs. (9.3 kg)