Fitting for this speculation thread, here's my summary of reasonably supported heresay. I think most of the stuff I included here are facts. Especially the parts preceded by "I think....". This is my completely unverified grasp of what the Prophet X is. It’s review for most of the regulars here. Please correct misconceptions or errors. (I have yet to see any videos other than Dave's official introduction. And I have never played it nor seen it demonstrated.)
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NOT YOUR POPPA's MULTISAMPLER
It is not like the user multisampling equipped keyboards from Korg, Kurzweil, Yamaha & Roland. It's got some similarities & differences to the different sampling in Nord.
NOT A SAMPLER
It's not a sampler in that it doesn't sample, and doesn't have direct file-level view or editing of a sample. Has USB port for sample import. On the keyboard, you can load a keymap, but I believe you can't see or edit a sample directly.
SAMPLE SYNTH?
Thinking of it as a "sample synth" makes sense to me. As we know, it has wonderful real-time Sample Controls in that section. Plus, these are in the 16x2 mod-matrix.
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SAMPLE STRUCTURE
Sample->Keymap->instrument->Layer->Program->Enlightenment
Structure as I understand it:
1 Program can have 2 layers. Split or Stack.
1 layer has 2 oscillators & 2 instruments.
1 instrument loads one "keymap".
Eventually a user will be able to create a keymap on a computer, and load it into the Prophet X.
1 keymap can contain from
- 1 sample, on one key, one velocity level .... to
- Tons of samples, mapped to lots of keys, and lots of velocity levels
A keymap is loaded into RAM. Max per instrument is 1.5GB RAM. Therefore, max keymaps loaded at one time is 6GB. 2 instruments X 2 layers.
Switching programs that have different keymaps loaded into the instrument slots is quick, though not instantaneous. What hasn't been demonstrated is how long it would take to load a Program that has instrument slots filled to their max RAM capacity. I.e., how long does it take to load 6GB of new keymaps into RAM. I have the suspicion it's at an acceptable modern rate. (But, no seamless transition. Not a traditional modern multisample player.)
SAMPLES, ENCASED AS INSTRUMENTS, FOR SYNTHESIS
Key point: The interaction between the samples and synthesis is via the "instrument". Think of instrument as a DSI oscillator. Instrument could be one sample, on one key, one velocity level short or the other multisample, multi-vel-level extreme. And, there are instrument-specific actions that are characteristically useful in manipulating samples. (see Sampler Player controls and related source-destinations.)
REAL-TIME SAMPLE CONTROL
The sample control knobs are the most interesting "drive" controls for the sample side. They include knobs for sample start & stop, loop size and center and buttons for loop on and reverse. Again, these are represented in the mod matrix. It's this classic DSI, heart-of-the matter & synthesis-integrated approach that's an enticing approach to sample playing. (And it's got the two strips on the left.)
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ROMPLER TODAY, USB-SLOT LOADED USER-MULTISAMPLER SYNTH DECEMBER
As of now, 150GB is reserved for 8DIO library- feeling similar to Read Only Memory sounds. 50GB are reserved for user sampling. There will be more 8DIO libraries available. DSI is aiming for user sampling to become available in December, accompanied by a program to make the keymaps. There are hi-fi, high quality, character multisamples that can sometimes be 10 velocity levels deep. (Intelligent move allowing to leap frog into this game- with its own terms.)
[A week ago- that paragraph in a DSI product wasn't a thing- for most, except a privileged few. We had one here give us enough info to maintain post-teaser, pre-cat-bag sanity.]
SYNTH SIDE
And those multisampling sounds are integrated with the 2 digital oscillator (times 2 layers) synth. Supersaw here. (As in Pro 2, & not 12).
DEEP SYNTH COMPARISONS
The synth side in isolation is a little simpler than the Prophet 12. 2 osc, not 4. Also missing from Prophet 12 are/ L-R wave morphing, character, delay lines, & linear FM. But, there is *plenty* new-to-DSI (& generally exciting) synthesis to be explored because of the integration and interaction between the oscillators and instruments. (That's an understatement; and that is the mystery & intrigue that I imagine has sound hunters revved.) Remember, an instrument is a keymap, and a keymap could be a single sample or it could be a 10-velocity level multisample. The only limit I've seen mentioned is the 1.5GB max loaded per instrument. (Surely, there's got to be a velocity level limit, right? Or, a total sample count limit per playable instrument.)
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POLYPHONY
Max polyphony is 8 stereo or 16 mono. A stacked Program can have 4 stereo voices, or 8 mono voices. (Not traditional multisample player.) In stereo, a new 24db filter is hardwired L, and another one right. Per stereo voice. A button allows to shift to 16 mono, off of 8 stereo. That's a good idea. Start in one mode, and shift as desired or needed based on the whim of your idea.
EFFECTS
There are 2 effects per layer. (4 total). And, different from Rev2, an additional parameter knob- totaling 3- per effect. (All of which are we represented in mod matrix.) I read that if FX are off, signal is all analog VCF forward. (As in Rev2.)
FILTER
Talk of filter sounding good. It's 24db only. But has a filter drive knob. (Circuit, not discrete, new for DSI.) PEK folk here know real well at what true stereo filter separation means. There's HPF as an effect. On the Rev2 I've found this to be good, with surprisingly no perceptible latency on a one-time check for it.
The instrument (sample) can be variably routed separately from the filter, and it has something like a "tone control".
OTHER DSI COMPARISONS
- 16x2 mod matrix, like the 12, whereas the Rev2 has 8x2.
- Has the polyphonic sequencer of the latest 3 analog synths. Rev2 also has gated "parameter" sequencer.
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WRAP UP
It's absolutely a gas to see on the DSI site, to have an offering that reads: "Great for traditional instruments such as ...." That's new.
Obviously I'm fascinated. I'm not in need. I'll be checking in.
X IS FOR PROPHET
- essential realtime crossfade parameter. This is so important, maybe this is the namesake
- Junction of two worlds: Sampling & Synthesis
- Attitude, supported by the black wood side panels. Nice touch.
- Godzilla vs Monster (?), courtesy of LoboLives