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SEQUENTIAL/DSI => Prophet => Prophet Rev2 => Topic started by: eXode on January 19, 2017, 01:41:44 AM

Title: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 19, 2017, 01:41:44 AM
Oooh, what's this?

(https://www.gearslutz.com/board/attachments/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/626128d1484818079-namm-2017-your-predictions-rumors-desires-screen-shot-2017-01-19-10.27.12.jpg)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 19, 2017, 01:46:40 AM
Different angle:

(https://static.gearslutz.com/board/imgext.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFZwuSSh.png&h=796458efccc311275b67cc61075c8cc2)

Both images were taken from gearslutz.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: BobTheDog on January 19, 2017, 02:06:04 AM
There are a lot of knobs on that right side, interesting.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 02:07:28 AM
I know a couple of people who will get really excited about what looks like a Prophet '08 REV2. That would also explain the not yet official announcement about the discontinuation of the Prophet '08.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on January 19, 2017, 04:19:59 AM
Different angle:

(https://static.gearslutz.com/board/imgext.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFZwuSSh.png&h=796458efccc311275b67cc61075c8cc2)

Both images were taken from gearslutz.

Oooh, that looks very good :-) Nice one.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: MisterHemi on January 19, 2017, 05:29:24 AM
Different angle:

(https://static.gearslutz.com/board/imgext.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFZwuSSh.png&h=796458efccc311275b67cc61075c8cc2)

Both images were taken from gearslutz.

Yeah 5 octaves!!!

I'm very curious now.

Oooh, that looks very good :-) Nice one.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 19, 2017, 05:59:54 AM
I'll wait until I see the specs and hear the demo of it. I'm on the fence about a Prophet 08 REV 2 to be honest. While I appreciate them updating stuff or improving on ideas...it just feels like a step back as opposed to moving forward, especially if there's very little difference (same gated sequencer DCOs etc). We shall see.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: chysn on January 19, 2017, 06:16:11 AM
I'll wait until I see the specs and hear the demo of it. I'm on the fence about a Prophet 08 REV 2 to be honest. While I appreciate them updating stuff or improving on ideas...it just feels like a step back as opposed to moving forward, especially if there's very little difference (same gated sequencer DCOs etc). We shall see.

Yeah, it's too early to be down on it. It'll probably be priced at around the Prophet 08 level, since it has the older-style metal chassis instead of the woodwork of the recent flagships. It looks like it's got a proper power supply now (judging by the empty table in the Sonic State video). I'm sure the engine has been updated, but I wouldn't be surprised if it still had DCOs, although I don't think there's much of a place for VCO/DCO debate in 2017.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 06:55:15 AM
Different angle:

(https://static.gearslutz.com/board/imgext.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFZwuSSh.png&h=796458efccc311275b67cc61075c8cc2)

Both images were taken from gearslutz.

Am I dreaming?   One, two, three, four, five octaves!  Wooohooo!  Undeniably Prophet '08-esque and it appears to have the same chasis.  Has Dave broken with his own tradition and done a Mk II, or is this a Rev 2?  It appears as if "REV2" is the actual name.  But I see a bit more on the control panel.  Whichever, she's lovely. 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 19, 2017, 07:49:04 AM
I'll wait until I see the specs and hear the demo of it. I'm on the fence about a Prophet 08 REV 2 to be honest. While I appreciate them updating stuff or improving on ideas...it just feels like a step back as opposed to moving forward, especially if there's very little difference (same gated sequencer DCOs etc). We shall see.

Yeah, it's too early to be down on it. It'll probably be priced at around the Prophet 08 level, since it has the older-style metal chassis instead of the woodwork of the recent flagships. It looks like it's got a proper power supply now (judging by the empty table in the Sonic State video). I'm sure the engine has been updated, but I wouldn't be surprised if it still had DCOs, although I don't think there's much of a place for VCO/DCO debate in 2017.

Welp, we shall see. I'm pretty disappointed so far.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dslsynth on January 19, 2017, 09:11:53 AM
DSI REV2 is a 16 voice Prophet '08 update:
https://youtu.be/FRMyTPaz55w

I think I know someone who will really love it! ;-)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 09:21:00 AM
Bull's-eye!

It seems DCO's are back.

Funny, my Poly Evolver Keyboard was up early this morning vacuuming the house.  An hour ago she brought me a cup of coffee, and now she's ironing my shirts.  I don't know what's gotten into her, but she sure seems uneasy.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 09:30:07 AM
Bull's-eye!

It seems DCO's are back.

Funny, my Poly Evolver Keyboard was up early this morning vacuuming the house.  An hour ago she brought me a cup of coffee, and now she's ironing my shirts.  I don't know what's gotten into her, but she sure seems uneasy.

You better send back the recently purchased Prophet '08 module for a refund…
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 09:42:12 AM
Full-sized image:

(https://www.davesmithinstruments.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/REV2_Top.png?a7b05e)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: chysn on January 19, 2017, 10:06:44 AM
Tip, for folks like me who'd have to remove their glasses to read that: Drag the image to a new browser tab and you can see it full-size.

Some nice updates here, with the wave shaper and sub-oscillator.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 10:25:48 AM
$1,999.00
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 10:38:42 AM
The whole interface really benefits from the Prophet-6/OB-6 design, i.e. everything is much easier to access via dedicated controls. I would even assume that the mod section works the way it does on the Prophet 12 and Pro 2, i.e. by holding down the source or destination button and just moving whatever parameter you'd like to choose. Additional buttons like HOLD and GLIDE are welcome too, as is the redesigned LFO section. The additional sub oscillator, I assume a more obvious slop like on the latest instruments, shape mod, USB, effects per layer or split, an a way easier to operate sequencer should make this quite competitive. Above all, I assume that it'll also allow for a much faster workflow.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 11:01:40 AM
Demos: https://soundcloud.com/davesmithinstruments/sets/rev2-sound-demos

And the press release as posted on Matrixsynth:

Prophet ’08 Successor Boasts Expanded Polyphony, Digital Effects, Waveshaping Capabilities

Anaheim, CA—January 19, 2017—Dave Smith today announced the REV2, a new 16-voice analog synthesizer designed to be a successor to their popular Prophet ’08 poly synth. Like its predecessor, the REV2 features two DCOs per voice, and Curtis filters at the heart of its sound engine, but boasts a number of significant enhancements designed to make it more powerful.
As Dave Smith puts it, “The Prophet ’08 has been a real road warrior for 10 years now and people still love it. But we felt it was time to update it with new technology and new features and, at the same time, lower its cost.” Smith continued: “The REV2 is essentially the result of our effort to enhance and improve everything we could about the original Prophet ’08 and, in many cases, double its power.”

The most obvious difference between the REV2 and its predecessor is polyphony. The REV2 has 16-voices as its standard configuration — twice the polyphony of the Prophet ’08 (though an 8-voice option is also available). Since the synth features bi-timbral operation, two completely independent sounds can be stacked or split — layered together or assigned to two different zones on the keyboard.

The essence of its sound comes from two DCOs (plus a sub-octave generator on oscillator 1) per voice, with 4 waveshapes (sawtooth, triangle, sawtooth + triangle, and pulse) and a 2/4 pole low-pass, resonant Curtis filter per voice. These are the same filters used not only in the Prophet ’08, but also in many classic instruments of the ’70s and ’80s. A new feature unique to the REV2 is waveshape modulation. You can vary the “pulse width” of any of the four waveforms by manually dialing in a desired waveshape width or by using an LFO or other modulation source for continuously shifting timbre.

An 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, which is twice as extensive as its predecessor, with 8 individual slots and many more sources/destinations.

A new polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step. A different sequence can be created for each layer when working in stacked or split voice mode. A separate gated sequencer functions as a modulation source, 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. Other improvements include a premium-quality, five-octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch, an integrated power supply, USB support, and a crisp OLED display.

'We’ve created a monster,' joked Smith, 'and I mean that in the best possible way.'

The REV2 has a projected ship date of April 2017 with a MAP of $1499 for the 8-voice version and $1999 for the 16-voice version.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 19, 2017, 11:42:13 AM
I don't know how I feel about it to be honest. It looks okay. In regards to the sequencer...can it be latched with the hold button? Can the sequences be transposed on the fly (ala Moog Sub 37)?

But only two split zones? Really? I guess it's good for a cheaper option for DSI to compete with the DeepMind12 I guess I was just expecting more.

I guess I was expecting something along the lines of the Andromeda but I guess that would be at least $5k to do these days.

I'll have to give it a listen a bit closer but for me as it stands, it's just okay. I do appreciate the fact the layout is easy to use though.

I think it would have been better, since they are going to allow an 8 voice OR 16 voice option to perhaps have DCOs for the lower price model and VCOs for the higher price model. I guess I'm nit picking.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 12:12:15 PM
This is just spectacular news.  I'm so pleased to see the return of the DCO.  As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.  I will definitely be heading in this direction.

No, I don't yet regret recently buying a second Prophet '08 Module.  My three-way system can still do more than a single REV2, such as offer eight-voice tri-timbrality, which was the whole point of creating the system.  The big question is, will DSI create a Rev2 Module?  I expect so, but the argument could be made that there's no need with sixteen voices.  Regardless, I can see, for starts, the Rev2 replacing either one Prophet '08 or one poly Evolver Keyboard in my set up.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 12:14:00 PM
This is just spectacular news.  I'm so pleased to see the return of the DCO.  As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.  I will definitely be heading in this direction.

No, I don't yet regret recently buying a second Prophet '08 Module.  My three-way system can still do more than a single REV2, such as offer eight-voice tri-timbrality, which was the whole point of creating the system.  The big question is, will DSI create a Rev2 Module?  I expect so, but the argument could be made that there's no need with sixteen voices.  Regardless, I can see, for starts, the Rev2 replacing either one Prophet '08 or one Poly Evolver Keyboard in my set up.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 19, 2017, 12:14:18 PM
It seems to me that the slop range has been extended on the REV2. Check the video from about 2 min:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0-KRniNh-A
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 12:22:48 PM
It seems to me that the slop range has been extended on the REV2. Check the video from about 2 min:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0-KRniNh-A

That was to be expected. I assume that the new slop parameter was updated to the standard of pretty much every instrument from the Prophet 12 on.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 12:27:51 PM
The big question is, will DSI create a Rev2 Module?  I expect so, but the argument could be made that there's no need with sixteen voices.  Regardless, I can see, for starts, the Rev2 replacing either one Prophet '08 or one poly Evolver Keyboard in my set up.

I assume there's going to be one. Maybe in fall. The Rev2 does include a poly-chain port, which could be regarded as an indicator. It would be interesting to know whether it could be poly-chained to all the Rev1 incarnations (Prophet '08, Tetra, Mopho, etc.). But if all the sounds from the Rev1 engines can be imported into the Rev2 that might be possible, since there must be backwards compatibility with regard to parameter recognition.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 19, 2017, 12:40:28 PM
It would be interesting to know whether it could be poly-chained to all the Rev1 incarnations (Prophet '08, Tetra, Mopho, etc.). But if all the sounds from the Rev1 engines can be imported into the Rev2 that might be possible, since there must be backwards compatibility with regard to parameter recognition.

I doubt it since they are different with regards to added shape mod on all waveforms, sub octave and possibly extended slop on the REV2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 12:43:04 PM
It would be interesting to know whether it could be poly-chained to all the Rev1 incarnations (Prophet '08, Tetra, Mopho, etc.). But if all the sounds from the Rev1 engines can be imported into the Rev2 that might be possible, since there must be backwards compatibility with regard to parameter recognition.

I doubt it since they are different with regards to added shape mod on all waveforms, sub octave and possibly extended slop on the REV2.

What do you doubt? The poly-chain compatibility or the patch compatibility? The latter has been confirmed already. You can play all the old Prophet '08 sounds on the REV2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 01:08:34 PM
Sonicstate visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0Z2PA3J0Kg
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 19, 2017, 01:18:27 PM
It would be interesting to know whether it could be poly-chained to all the Rev1 incarnations (Prophet '08, Tetra, Mopho, etc.). But if all the sounds from the Rev1 engines can be imported into the Rev2 that might be possible, since there must be backwards compatibility with regard to parameter recognition.

I doubt it since they are different with regards to added shape mod on all waveforms, sub octave and possibly extended slop on the REV2.

What do you doubt? The poly-chain compatibility or the patch compatibility? The latter has been confirmed already. You can play all the old Prophet '08 sounds on the REV2.

I know they are patch compatible. I doubt you could polychain a REV2 -> Prophet 08 in that order. As far as I know on the older gear you had to use the Prophet 08 as the "base" and you could use i.e. a Tetra to expand it and not the other way around (if you consider their architectural differences).
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 01:22:57 PM
It would be interesting to know whether it could be poly-chained to all the Rev1 incarnations (Prophet '08, Tetra, Mopho, etc.). But if all the sounds from the Rev1 engines can be imported into the Rev2 that might be possible, since there must be backwards compatibility with regard to parameter recognition.

I doubt it since they are different with regards to added shape mod on all waveforms, sub octave and possibly extended slop on the REV2.

What do you doubt? The poly-chain compatibility or the patch compatibility? The latter has been confirmed already. You can play all the old Prophet '08 sounds on the REV2.

I know they are patch compatible. I doubt you could polychain a REV2 -> Prophet 08 in that order. As far as I know on the older gear you had to use the Prophet 08 as the "base" and you could use i.e. a Tetra to expand it and not the other way around (if you consider their architectural differences).

Ah, I see. Yeah, that makes sense.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: BobTheDog on January 19, 2017, 01:58:30 PM
If they do a 16 voice module with MPE support I would buy it on the spot.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 02:12:18 PM
It seems to me that a combination of a REV2 Keyboard and one or more Prophet '08 Modules would work together just fine.  I'm not sure to what degree the former will be able to control all the parameters of the latter, but otherwise MIDI-ed together they should make a fabulous combination
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 02:16:08 PM
And interestingly, there will be eight and sixteen-voice versions of the REV2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jdt9517 on January 19, 2017, 02:20:19 PM
If I didn't already have a P-08, the Rev 2 would interest me a lot.  Unlike Sacred Synthesis, I don't think I will want both a P-08 and a Rev 2.   Of course, there's always the possibility of selling the P-08.  I do think DSI went the right direction.   The Rev 2 will be a lot more live performance user friendly with the on board effects.  Sixteen voices is really nice.  With the Rev 2, I'm not sure how someone would justify a P-6 except those die hard VCO fans.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 02:51:02 PM
I think I will gradually merge from the old to the new.  I won't go crazy and sell all my Prophet '08 equipment.  No, it takes years to build up such a set up.  But gradual replacement makes sense. 

Dave described the REV2 as an "update" of the Prophet '08.  I never thought I'd see the day.  This is an unusual step for him, since it isn't even a revision in the old Prophet 5 sense of the term.  It really is a Prophet '08 MK II.  I'm so glad he's chosen to keep this masterpiece around.  Wooohooo!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 02:54:06 PM
With the Rev 2, I'm not sure how someone would justify a P-6 except those die hard VCO fans.

That's easy: VCOs that allow for FM, different LP filter, added HP filter, even less menu diving, and more simplicity. And it's called "Prophet."  ;)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: chysn on January 19, 2017, 03:04:19 PM
Dave described the REV2 as an "update" of the Prophet '08.  I never thought I'd see the day.  This is an unusual step for him, since it isn't even a revision in the old Prophet 5 sense of the term.  It really is a Prophet '08 MK II.  I'm so glad he's chosen to keep this masterpiece around.  Wooohooo!

He made it for you. If you don't buy one, he's giving up.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 03:05:48 PM
Dave described the REV2 as an "update" of the Prophet '08.  I never thought I'd see the day.  This is an unusual step for him, since it isn't even a revision in the old Prophet 5 sense of the term.  It really is a Prophet '08 MK II.  I'm so glad he's chosen to keep this masterpiece around.  Wooohooo!

He made it for you. If you don't buy one, he's giving up.

He made it for him because he was expecting Sacred Synthesis to buy at least four of them.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: nathan.backous on January 19, 2017, 03:47:39 PM
If they do a 16 voice module with MPE support I would buy it on the spot.

Same here. I bought a Prophet 08 module at the same time I bought my Linnstrument, before really knowing much about MPE. I assumed since it had 8 voices and that the voices could be stacked/split, I thought I could assign one or two voices per channel and play them multitimbrally in ch-per-note mode with my Linnstrument. I was incredibly sad when I finally got a clue. I "downgraded" to a Tetra (1 voice per channel tetra-timbrality). I would love a module of a Rev2 if it has fully realized MPE functionality.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 19, 2017, 04:14:24 PM
This is just spectacular news.  I'm so pleased to see the return of the DCO.  As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.  I will definitely be heading in this direction.

No, I don't yet regret recently buying a second Prophet '08 Module.  My three-way system can still do more than a single REV2, such as offer eight-voice tri-timbrality, which was the whole point of creating the system.  The big question is, will DSI create a Rev2 Module?  I expect so, but the argument could be made that there's no need with sixteen voices.  Regardless, I can see, for starts, the Rev2 replacing either one Prophet '08 or one poly Evolver Keyboard in my set up.
SS, I knew you would be ecstatic over this.  I'd really like to see a Rev2 / Andromeda comparison.  That was my first thought as well.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 19, 2017, 04:25:49 PM
Dave described the REV2 as an "update" of the Prophet '08.  I never thought I'd see the day.  This is an unusual step for him, since it isn't even a revision in the old Prophet 5 sense of the term.  It really is a Prophet '08 MK II.  I'm so glad he's chosen to keep this masterpiece around.  Wooohooo!

He made it for you. If you don't buy one, he's giving up.
They could have called it "RevSS", or "Sacred Rev"
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 19, 2017, 04:28:37 PM
If I didn't already have a P-08, the Rev 2 would interest me a lot.  Unlike Sacred Synthesis, I don't think I will want both a P-08 and a Rev 2.   Of course, there's always the possibility of selling the P-08.  I do think DSI went the right direction.   The Rev 2 will be a lot more live performance user friendly with the on board effects.  Sixteen voices is really nice.  With the Rev 2, I'm not sure how someone would justify a P-6 except those die hard VCO fans.

As insane as it sounds I'd probably would get another Prophet 6 over the Rev2 as it stands now. I think if they were going to bring out two different models at two different price points they could have had one with DCOs and the other with VCOs. That said I do appreciate the ease of the layout. There's a few questions I have in regards to the sequencer but I'll wait until I see a full review first.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 19, 2017, 05:27:22 PM
With the Rev 2, I'm not sure how someone would justify a P-6 except those die hard VCO fans.

That's easy: VCOs that allow for FM, different LP filter, added HP filter, even less menu diving, and more simplicity. And it's called "Prophet."  ;)

I don't see any Pulse Width on the Rev2 unless my eyes are going. I thought it would have been cool to decrease the polyphony of the Prophet 6 to 5 but have two separate Prophet VCO based modules under one 5 octave keyboard and much like the OBXa it has a split and layer function where both modules can be played simultaneously layered, split across the keyboard or have one play a sequence while you play overtop with the other module. In essence a polyphonic version of the Oberheim Two Voice Pro concept.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 05:31:49 PM
I don't see any Pulse Width on the Rev2 unless my eyes are going.

It's called SHAPE MOD, because it applies to all waveforms.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: DavidDever on January 19, 2017, 05:35:29 PM
As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.

Yes - was thinking the same thing - but eminently serviceable, to boot.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: DavidDever on January 19, 2017, 05:38:34 PM
I don't see any Pulse Width on the Rev2 unless my eyes are going.

It's called SHAPE MOD, because it applies to all waveforms.

However–unlike the Korg Minilogue, it can be selectively applied (in either direction), independently on a per-oscillator basis.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 19, 2017, 06:03:27 PM
I don't see any Pulse Width on the Rev2 unless my eyes are going.

It's called SHAPE MOD, because it applies to all waveforms.

However–unlike the Korg Minilogue, it can be selectively applied (in either direction), independently on a per-oscillator basis.

Sorry for the wording, but by all waveforms I meant all kinds of waveforms as in saw, triangle, square.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 19, 2017, 06:47:32 PM
As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.

Yes - was thinking the same thing - but eminently serviceable, to boot.
I can't wait for the PDF manual to be released so I can compare it to the A6... I'm really excited about this release.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 06:58:11 PM
He made it for you. If you don't buy one, he's giving up.

Did you say just "one"?   ;D

I'm telling you, I would have thought Dave had gotten into my personal synthesizer notebook.  I'm going to ask my wife if he was poking around my study one day while I was out.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TwelfthRootof2 on January 19, 2017, 07:31:23 PM
New guy here. I've been lurking since Dec. 23, when I pulled the handle on a P'08 which arrived a week later. I love this synth! Thanks to all your excellent insights - and especially to our mod, Sacred Synthesis - I was (am) sure this is the "right synth" for me.

Yeah, I knew that it was soon to be discont'd - so I bought online from GC while I could (Sweetwater was already discont'd).
So, as of today...hmmmm...I'm really happy that the P08 lives on! But sad too, as I have a (used) Tetra from ebay due in soon (to make 12/6 polyphony), and now I'm in a quandary...

I doubt that GC would let me return it (the return policy states that discont'd items can't be returned), even though I'm within my 30 days(??). And if I did - it looks like April or so for new unit deliveries on the REV2.

Alternately, I can "stay the course" and realize:
- The "bugs and S/W revs" have already been wrung out on this platform - as SS stated in another thread, it's "proven" (10+ years)!!
- I have a solid keyboard. DSI makes quality stuff, but you never know what will happen during transit.
- There is freedom in limitations. It's supposed to be about "analog explorations." I have expensive VST's already.
- Do I REALLY need the wave-shaping, SubOSC, effects (I have some already), and 16-note polyphony? I ordered the Tetra because - really - 12 voices, and stacked 6 is fine. I usually only do root/5th, root/9th, root/7th or octave in the left hand anyway - and that still leaves room for a ton of voicing possibilities (4) in the right hand anyway...

*sigh*

I suppose if I was successful in returning the P08, there's still a ton of "unknowns" - and I don't like being an 'early adopter' even though DSI stuff is exquisitely made.

Hey, thanks guys, for all the info I've gleaned here for the past 3 weeks!! This is a helluva' post for my first one, but I just registered last night - and today's events kind of scrambled me a little...
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: MisterHemi on January 19, 2017, 07:42:30 PM
This is just spectacular news.  I'm so pleased to see the return of the DCO.  As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.  I will definitely be heading in this direction.

No, I don't yet regret recently buying a second Prophet '08 Module.  My three-way system can still do more than a single REV2, such as offer eight-voice tri-timbrality, which was the whole point of creating the system.  The big question is, will DSI create a Rev2 Module?  I expect so, but the argument could be made that there's no need with sixteen voices.  Regardless, I can see, for starts, the Rev2 replacing either one Prophet '08 or one poly Evolver Keyboard in my set up.

I believe they will make a module because the REV2 allows for poly chaining from what I recall reading.

I almost bought a P-08 years ago but this is a nice improvement, when things are settled for me financially I may consider this.... but i'm also very partial to the OB-6 too (i've always wanted an Oberheim and love it's sound).
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Benji on January 19, 2017, 07:52:15 PM
I bought a Prophet 08 recently, and it's within the 30 day return policy.  I am HEAVILY considering it -- same price, more synth.  Anybody know how soon I could get the REV2 after returning my Prophet 08?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 19, 2017, 07:58:04 PM
As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.

Yes - was thinking the same thing - but eminently serviceable, to boot.
I can't wait for the PDF manual to be released so I can compare it to the A6... I'm really excited about this release.

Correct me if I'm wrong I believe the Andromeda had more oscillators, plus a mix mode which allowed different zones with different patches and different sequences to be played across the keyboard. Where I think the Rev2 falls short is that you are regulated to two zones for split mode instead of being able to have like 4-5 different patches in different areas. I just feel they should have made the eight voice and sixteen voice have different features other than polyphony. Have the eight voice be where you can split the keyboard in half and the sixteen voice where you can have different zones.

Also, for me personally sixteen voices is way too much. It's almost too powerful and once you start to add slop and de tuning it can get a bit messy. CS-80, OBXa, Jupiter 8 all only had eight voices and listen to the power those things had. Sometimes less is more.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 08:20:38 PM
Fellas, let's take a deep breath and remember that a REV2 is a super Prophet '08.  If you like the P'08, then you'll love the REV2, but if you'd love the REV2, then you also like your P'08.  I don't mean to sound cryptic, but don't torture yourselves over this new instrument.  It should be available in about two months.  Several months will pass, and then there will be a first software update.  If you're good at installing updates yourselves, then go ahead and buy a low serial number REV2.  If you're not, then just wait a few months until you can buy one with the first update already installed.  Either way, don't suddenly regret having or just buying a Prophet '08 or Tetra if it's the right instrument for you.  The REV2 will have that same exact sound, but with many more features.  Maybe you don't need those features?  Regardless, the appearance of the new instrument doesn't make the old one any worse.  I'll possibly hold on to one of my P'08's for some time, and I'll  enjoy making music with it tomorrow every bit as much as I did the other day before I learned about the REV2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Benji on January 19, 2017, 08:40:49 PM
Fellas, let's take a deep breath and remember that a REV2 is a super Prophet '08.  If you like the P'08, then you'll love the REV2, but if you'd love the REV2, then you also like your P'08.  I don't mean to sound cryptic, but don't torture yourselves over this new instrument.  It should be available in about two months.  Several months will pass, and then there will be a first software update.  If you're good at installing updates yourselves, then go ahead and buy a low serial number REV2.  If you're not, then just wait a few months until you can buy one with the first update already installed.  Either way, don't suddenly regret having or just buying a Prophet '08 or Tetra if it's the right instrument for you.  The REV2 will have that same exact sound, but with many more features.  Maybe you don't need those features?  Regardless, the appearance of the new instrument doesn't make the old one any worse.  I'll possibly hold on to one of my P'08's for some time, and I'll  enjoy making music with it tomorrow every bit as much as I did the other day before I learned about the REV2.

true, though it's a real punch to the gut to learn i could've had more features for less price just because i chose a poor time to buy.  still love my new prophet 08 and i guess we'll see what happens in the next few days of NAMM.

i would like most of all to get a better look at the front panel, since it looks so foreign from the original design.  i might prefer the workflow of one over the other.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jeffscottbrown on January 19, 2017, 08:47:58 PM
...it just feels like a step back as opposed to moving forward

Is the REV2 missing anything that exists on the Prophet 08?  From the videos I have seen so far, it looks like it only adds to the Prophet 08.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 19, 2017, 08:49:54 PM
You have a head start on incorporating the prophet 08 into your workflow. And an opportunity to reassess it, a rev 2, or other contenders. Once you are antsy from that, you can make a move or not. And pat yourself on the back for plunging when it was good for you, rather than waiting indefinitely. ... I hear you. Just trying to spin the upsides. And the original is historical. Who knows what subtle differences will arise between it and rev 2. We all know about our musical revisions. We make new things. It doesn't mean each new thing is better in all ways from the older thing. Each is a new thing.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: chysn on January 19, 2017, 08:51:26 PM
true, though it's a real punch to the gut to learn i could've had more features for less price just because i chose a poor time to buy.

It's possible that you chose a poor dealer from whom to buy. Prophet 08 prices have been in a nosedive for months, and a Prophet 08 should have been a huge savings over a REV2. I mean, if it's a matter of returning the Prophet 08 and getting a REV2 for the same price, that's a no-brainer. But your choice should be whether to return the Prophet 08 to pay $500 more for a REV2--a somewhat tougher call.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 19, 2017, 08:52:32 PM
The 16 voices and the split are the key elements steering me towards a P'08 rev 2 over the better tone of the recent 6 series. I am a piano player first. And I like programming possibilities. Sure, I'd like the hypothetical "combo" all-in-one, but the $2k price point and the fact it (almost) exists today have me strongly leaning towards yielding on better tone.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jeffscottbrown on January 19, 2017, 09:03:35 PM
I'll possibly hold on to one of my P'08's for some time, and I'll  enjoy making music with it tomorrow every bit as much as I did the other day before I learned about the REV2.

Indeed.

I bought a P08 Keyboard just a few weeks ago after confirming that it had been discontinued.  I expected there was a very good chance that there would be a big brother announced at NAMM, which is great, but I wanted a P08, so I got one.

The REV2 looks awesome but I have zero regrets over acquiring the P08.  If I did, I could still return it.  I won't.

Besides... it doesn't have to be OR.  It can be AND.   ;)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 19, 2017, 09:14:39 PM
I'm a P6 and OB6 owner. I've never owned a DCO. I'm on my 3rd P6, which is being returned for a refund due to constant issues (first tuning problems, second a squelch at startup, the last a bad keybed). My sales rep explained that they've had some returns on the P6s lately (all serials are >4,000).

I was considering crossing fingers for a problem-free desktop P6 or hunt for a used (old serial) P6. But, with the Rev2...I don't know...

I've heard great pads and soundscapes (mostly from sacred synthesis), but what is the core sound like, from someone intimate with it and not rushing through a video demo?

My works have usually been an Ob6 (and Xa before) for my music group (Future Islands-ish), and a Prophet 5/6 for soundtrack work (a bit Carpenter-esque). Does the P08 cover at least most of that basic analog sound of the P6? I'm not asking about the Rev2 specifically, I get that's new. But I know it's basically an 08.

Not sure I want to trust another (new) P6, or leave ship to another guy's camp for my basic analog tone needs. I'm also a guitarist, with 80% of studio full of tube amps and various fenders/gibsons/basses/world instruments; so while I'd like a wall an entire DSI display, I can only feasibly host two to cover my synth needs. Note: not a fan of Moog or Junos.

Hoping for some Sacred Synthesis chime-in! =D
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jdt9517 on January 19, 2017, 09:29:52 PM
I'm so glad he's chosen to keep this masterpiece around.  Wooohooo!

I am too.  While I am becoming more and more enchanted with the P-12, that and the P-08/Rev2 are not interchangeable.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jdt9517 on January 19, 2017, 10:14:01 PM

. . . what is the core sound like, from someone intimate with it and not rushing through a video demo?


Not sure what you mean by "the core sound".  My experience is the P-08 is like a P-5 on steroids.  It is amazing instrument.  Back in the day I used to live in the studios recording with the P-5.  I prefer the P-08.

As far as basic osc sound, take a look at the "Prophet 12 among Prophets" chain where I have been doing comparisons between the P-08 and the P-12.  Only have gotten to the point of two osc detuning PWM, but you can get the drift.

Also, this is a recording of mine where the P-08 is doing the bass and the lead.  The distorted chord pad is a DX-7.  Those sounds are getting to the old fashioned "core" analog sounds of the '80's.

https://soundcloud.com/jdt9517/synth-play

Sorry to hear about your problems with the P-06.  I have owned five DSI instruments in my life - a P-5 way back when, a P-08, P-12 and Pro 2.  All of them have been high quality instruments and totally bullet proof.  Never a problem.  I owned a Pro 1 back in the day too.  That one was not quite the quality of his other works.  It served a purpose though.  However, in the modern era I don't think there is a bad one in the lot for overall quality.

If you are thinking a P08 or a Rev 2, I don't think you will look back pining away for the P-6
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: musicmaker on January 19, 2017, 10:20:28 PM
REV2 module make sense for those getting a REV2/8 voice, but now that Dave said the 8 voice can be upgraded to a 16 voice, maybe not ? Still hope for a module, specially if it can be used in combination with the 08.
Also hope the REV2 (8 voice) module will fit a 19" rack.

Comparing the REV2/P8, there are some differences in the layout :

+ Hold knob
-  AMP VCA level knob
+ TAP Tempo
+ LFO CLK/Sync button
-  OSC GLIDE KNOB (Move outside the OSC section to one GLIDE knob)
+ OSC SLOP knob
+ Digital Effects section per layer A/B
+ Extended Sequencer control section
+ ARP section
+ OLED display
+ USB (MIDI only)

Other differences: (from NAMM 2017 video's)

+ Expanded Modulation matrix. (Doubled), added mod/sources and destinations.
+ Wave Shape modulation per waveform
+ PWM on all wave-shapes (incl saw & triangle)
+ Polyphonic 64 STEP sequencer separate per program per layer , up to 12 voices
    (The GATED 08 style sequencer also included and can also change the effects)
    Both can run at the same time.
+ 16 voice model can stack 8 voices (instead of 4)
+ Oiled African mahogany wood end panels ("African" was added in the spec on the website)
+ Internal Power supply
+ 8 Voice can be upgraded to a 16 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIVO5-3e7GQ 6:25)

Same:
- Same DCO's
- Same Curtis filters
- Still build in SF

Was developed in 6-8 months. Based on technology used in P6/OB6

Wonder if patches from REV2 can be loaded in the 08. From P8 to REV2 should mean the SYSEX DEV IDs are the same,
but with the new features guess there will more values per CC/NRPN and some added CC/NRPNs for the REV2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 10:20:37 PM
DSI has done such a superb job on the REV2 that I have to believe it will somewhat cut into Prophet 12 sales.  I realize the two are very different instruments, but still, this P'08 upgrade is a substantial step into complexity.  I think it will be the supreme analog pad machine.

Now how would I describe the general character of the Prophet '08?  What is its core sound?  All I can do here is ramble.  It's been called brassy and bristly, and that it is when you open its filter with or without resonance; but it can also be dark, warm, and mysterious using the 2-pole filter.  It doesn't have the density of a Moog, or the creamy sweep of an Oberheim.   I would call it just slightly thin sounding, but not in a negative way; just enough to keep it from sounding overly murky when layering patches.  I know others disagree, but I find it sits somewhere between a Prophet 600 and an ARP Odyssey.  It seems to have a mild character that suits it for many things, without having any boisterous traits.  Its strengths are in the domain of strings, brass, PWM pads, and other similar traditional old school sounds.  It strikes me as an excellent all-round workhorse without having any pronounced sonic traits.  But its tone is still identifiable, still somehow unique. 



Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 10:23:53 PM
REV2 module make sense for those getting a REV2/8 voice, but now that Dave said the 8 voice can be upgraded to a 16 voice, maybe not ?

Yes, I heard him quickly say that too - that the REV2 8-voice can be field upgraded to a 16-voice.  Is this sort of upgrade a matter of an online update, or does it require that a board be installed?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 19, 2017, 10:26:21 PM

. . . what is the core sound like, from someone intimate with it and not rushing through a video demo?


Not sure what you mean by "the core sound".  My experience is the P-08 is like a P-5 on steroids.  It is amazing instrument.  Back in the day I used to live in the studios recording with the P-5.  I prefer the P-08.

As far as basic osc sound, take a look at the "Prophet 12 among Prophets" chain where I have been doing comparisons between the P-08 and the P-12.  Only have gotten to the point of two osc detuning PWM, but you can get the drift.

Also, this is a recording of mine where the P-08 is doing the bass and the lead.  The distorted chord pad is a DX-7.  Those sounds are getting to the old fashioned "core" analog sounds of the '80's.

https://soundcloud.com/jdt9517/synth-play

Sorry to hear about your problems with the P-06.  I have owned five DSI instruments in my life - a P-5 way back when, a P-08, P-12 and Pro 2.  All of them have been high quality instruments and totally bullet proof.  Never a problem.  I owned a Pro 1 back in the day too.  That one was not quite the quality of his other works.  It served a purpose though.  However, in the modern era I don't think there is a bad one in the lot for overall quality.

If you are thinking a P08 or a Rev 2, I don't think you will look back pining away for the P-6

I think you raise a good point regarding my term "core sound". I'm so used to sticking with synths that have a primary character. You can deviate a bit, but not by much.

I loved/hates the P5 and Obxa. The p5 sounded lush like the Ob, but the P5 was a bit limited. The Ob weighed as much as a guitar amp. DSI has done amazing work compacting _and_ adding-to these workhorses.

Can you point out the "Prophet 12 among Prophet" chain you mention? Is it a thread here, or something else?

Thanks for the vintage-y sample. I'm building an idea of what it can do.

As far as my bad luck with P6s, I'm going to guess it's just bad run or something. The Ob is chugging like the expensive gorilla it is still, no issue.

To have that prophet sound, with splits or multi-timbral, just is amazing. I'm trying to feel out if I'm going to miss anything from the P6. I get the concept of warmth (being a long-time analog guy), but once stuff starts getting mixed together...it's hard to really tell.

My thoughts are for those soundtracks (like a sci-fi video game) where it's just a drone or alternating bass notes. From demos it sounds like the P08 resets the envelopes or something where the P6 doesn't. Is that something configurable?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 19, 2017, 10:31:13 PM
The "Prophet 12 Among Prophets" thread:

http://forum.davesmithinstruments.com/index.php/topic,948.0.html
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: musicmaker on January 19, 2017, 11:00:34 PM
Upgrade to 16 would assume it would be adding hardware modules. What about a 16 voice module with MPE functionality ? The P12  (have a module) firmware will not be more developed so that one is probably out. 16 voices would be a perfect match for MPE, but personally would be happy with an 8 voice REV2 module and price wise it should be very attractive. (upgradeable to 16 :-)) P.S should this thread not be moved to a new Prophet REV2 folder ?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 19, 2017, 11:08:50 PM
The "Prophet 12 Among Prophets" thread:

http://forum.davesmithinstruments.com/index.php/topic,948.0.html

Thanks Sacred Synthesis. You guys are a lot more helpful than most of the folks at gearslutz. Man, that place...

If I attached a vid to a song (used in some soundtracks), would you be able to ear-approximate if the P '08 touches close to the droning bass and arp'd sequence?
https://youtu.be/dOsLzKVJO30 (https://youtu.be/dOsLzKVJO30)

They're a cool group that have quite a few vintage synths, but they usually stick with the Prophet 5 (and OBs) for their stuff. They also did the theme for "Stranger Things". It's the hazy bass sounds and basic analog arp sequences that are similar to my needs for a current project.

Thanks!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Razmo on January 20, 2017, 01:27:00 AM
There can be no doubt... this machine was concieved to take on the Behringer Deep Mind I guess... though it will not directly because of the pricepoint really... but people who wanted the DM12 and has the cash would now certainly think about which one to get I guess... I am :D ... this is basicaly what I want.... more than 8 voices for huge pad sounds for my Ambeint style of music, but with build in FX... and if the keybed is the same Fatar one as in the new OB-6/P6, it could very well go as my future motherkeyboard, replacing my Blofeld keys... 5 octaves over the DM12's 4 is also a plus.

I'm a bit disappointed though, that the filters are the same old P08 ones... but allright... it IS a 2nd revision, and is backward compatible which is also great...

A fine product DSI... though it does not make my heart race out of GAS control ... yet... :D
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Razmo on January 20, 2017, 01:46:43 AM
A QUESTION FOR DSI:

What keybed does the REV2 have? ... is it the same brand (FATAR) as on the Prophet 6 ?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 20, 2017, 01:48:21 AM
There can be no doubt... this machine was concieved to take on the Behringer Deep Mind I guess... though it will not directly because of the pricepoint really... but people who wanted the DM12 and has the cash would now certainly think about which one to get I guess... I am :D ... this is basicaly what I want.... more than 8 voices for huge pad sounds for my Ambeint style of music, but with build in FX... and if the keybed is the same Fatar one as in the new OB-6/P6, it could very well go as my future motherkeyboard, replacing my Blofeld keys... 5 octaves over the DM12's 4 is also a plus.

I'm a bit disappointed though, that the filters are the same old P08 ones... but allright... it IS a 2nd revision, and is backward compatible which is also great...

A fine product DSI... though it does not make my heart race out of GAS control ... yet... :D

I hear you on the GAS. I'm on a synth kick, lusting over NAMM demos. Man, synth fever is NOT something I wish on anyone's pocketbook. These aren't $100-200 boutique guitar pedals, lol.

I doubt anyone would confirm, but I'm in agreement on the DeepMind competition. Behringer teased it for so long as a $1-1.5k analog poly that I'm sure DSI had more than enough time to dig in. At the very least, i bet it brought them to offer the half-voiced version to meet that price range.

I've followed the DeepMind...just to see if a (subjectively) mediocre company could re-brand themselves. I'm confident it'll do well and Behringer will continue the synth path. It sounds very Roland to me though, not yet sold on that.

I am thinking of the Rev2 and dropping my NI Komplete Kontrol S61 for it, as master controller.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 20, 2017, 01:50:51 AM
A QUESTION FOR DSI:

What keybed does the REV2 have? ... is it the same brand (FATAR) as on the Prophet 6 ?

The keys look slightly thinner and sharper-edged than my P6 and OB6. I think FATAR is only in the VCOs.

DSI: I'm curious too
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vassalvio on January 20, 2017, 02:20:14 AM
To be honest I don't think that removing the "PROPHET" name has been a good idea in terms of marketing...I think it's much more sexiest then "REV 2"...! When we talk about Prophet 08 we're talking about one of the best synths over the last years, with a lot of very famous artists using and loving it... But of course it's only my "marketing" opinion... I think also that "Analog Limitations" are a kind of trademark of analogue world... They make musicians in the condition (and they love it..) to buy other analog stuffs like chorus delays other synths etc. Don't forget that there's a lot of monophonic synthesizers all around, and many people are very happy with them...They feel like sailing in analogue world with all that rough things. The prophet 08 was in the border line, a little bit too complex then te Prophet 6.... But still a beautiful Prophet! Of course again, its really just my opinion, and the REV2 will be a beautiful synth with great sound like all the other DSI stuffs!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 20, 2017, 02:29:26 AM
To be honest I don't think that removing the "PROPHET" name has been a good idea in terms of marketing...I think it's much more sexiest then "REV 2"...! When we talk about Prophet 08 we're talking about one of the best synths over the last years, with a lot of very famous artists using and loving it... But of course it's only my "marketing" opinion... I think that "Analog Limitations" are a kind of trademark of analogue world... It makes musicians in the condition (and they love it..) to buy other analog stuffs like chorus delays other synths etc. Don't forget that there's a lot of monophonic synthesizers all around, and many people are very happy with them...They feel like sailing in analogue world with all that rough things...

Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't even see that! Kind of depreciates the value (in my eyes and I'm sure with others). :-\

If anyone from DSI is reading this: you guys seriously need to include either a Prophet name near the Rev2 or a badge like the P6 has. Part (deserved) snob factor, but also brand appreciation!

I've had lots of "ooh a prophet, I used to have a 5" or "oberheim!" due to pinstripes. No one is going to say "ooh a Rev2". It looks (both player and audience view) like some name an Access Virus or other digisynth would show.

Plus... a "what" Rev2? There's no context.

 :( :( :( boo
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on January 20, 2017, 03:04:46 AM
Congratilations DSI. Really great update to the P08 and the fact it can load P8 sounds is just brilliant. !6 voices for 1999. Great stuff.
Plus....... 61 keys ........  :) Yes, I know the p08 has 61. Just great to see it move away from the 6 voice, 4 octave template.
Will be ordering one of these. I love my P08 but this has the things that sort out any little shortcomings. FX, proper mains socket etc plus, 16 voices.
Really cool synth. Cheers.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Razmo on January 20, 2017, 03:45:13 AM
I really don't see the need for the name "Prophet" to be on it.... actually I'm a little tired of that name poping up in anything Dave does.... and yes... it may make people remember "the old prophet's", but what about the future? ... is the future supposed to only remember Prophets!? ... what about in 30 years and people will remember the REV2 instead? ... to me, that familiarity-thing is not really relevant, and I'm perfectly sure everyone knows who made it, and that it sounds the same no matter what name is on it :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: musicmaker on January 20, 2017, 04:07:03 AM
Just lurked around the P08 patch data. There are 32 bytes free for additional patch parameters. The doubled mod matrix need 12 bytes, and then there is space needed for the effects and STEP sequencer data. Guess that won't fit. So probably the REV2 will read P08 patches (and default disables mod 5-8 and the effects) but REV2 patches will probably be larger and cannot be dumped into a P08 . If so will they be 14 bit instead of 7 . Gosh, this byte crunching is more challenging than fitting data in the CMOS of an x86 or the 64K of a C64. Although lots of fun.. :-)

Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 20, 2017, 04:11:11 AM
I really don't see the need for the name "Prophet" to be on it.... actually I'm a little tired of that name poping up in anything Dave does.... and yes... it may make people remember "the old prophet's", but what about the future? ... is the future supposed to only remember Prophets!? ... what about in 30 years and people will remember the REV2 instead? ... to me, that familiarity-thing is not really relevant, and I'm perfectly sure everyone knows who made it, and that it sounds the same no matter what name is on it :)

I get what you're saying, but the difference is that Prophet is branding that calls out to a family. Rev2 is a revision like MkII. It means nothing.

If I said "man, those rev3.3s were great" your immediate thought isn't Prophet 5, revision 3.3. So no, I don't agree.

And the Rev2 is a prophet. It's a prophet 08 with extras galore.

To each their own though.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TwelfthRootof2 on January 20, 2017, 06:06:53 AM
Fellas, let's take a deep breath and remember that a REV2 is a super Prophet '08.  If you like the P'08, then you'll love the REV2, but if you'd love the REV2, then you also like your P'08.  I don't mean to sound cryptic, but don't torture yourselves over this new instrument.  It should be available in about two months.  Several months will pass, and then there will be a first software update.  If you're good at installing updates yourselves, then go ahead and buy a low serial number REV2.  If you're not, then just wait a few months until you can buy one with the first update already installed.  Either way, don't suddenly regret having or just buying a Prophet '08 or Tetra if it's the right instrument for you.  The REV2 will have that same exact sound, but with many more features.  Maybe you don't need those features?  Regardless, the appearance of the new instrument doesn't make the old one any worse.  I'll possibly hold on to one of my P'08's for some time, and I'll  enjoy making music with it tomorrow every bit as much as I did the other day before I learned about the REV2.

Absolutely true, SS. And as a "newbie" to this synth, there is lots to learn! And I agree with LoboLives also - that it's almost TOO much. However, in the case of the CS80 - there are 2 "synth lines" - each with 2 OSC (pulse/square), a sine, and sub OSC - and HP/LP, ringmod, pitch bend attack, ribbon controller, chorus/tremolo, etc. It'd get "fat" in a hurry! 16 OSC's is too much - for most things. Without careful programming, the sound gets muddy and diffused quickly.
Thanks for the "reality check," Sacred! You're absolutely spot on! I really liking my new P08, so far! ;D
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: musicmaker on January 20, 2017, 06:58:45 AM
If you Google "Prophet REV2" See what you get.... So how about Prophet 8\2. (8^2) :-) What will the first patch name be ?"it's not a Prophet" or "It's a REV2" ?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: DavidDever on January 20, 2017, 07:02:26 AM
A QUESTION FOR DSI:

What keybed does the REV2 have? ... is it the same brand (FATAR) as on the Prophet 6 ?

The keys look slightly thinner and sharper-edged than my P6 and OB6. I think FATAR is only in the VCOs.

DSI: I'm curious too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRMyTPaz55w - at 1:40, you can see the side of the keybed / 1:48 top.

Looks like a FATAR keybed, though there doesn't seem to be a top-side slot for the key retention tab on the prototype (FATAR replacement keys shown below are used on the Prophet '08) :

(https://syntaur.com/images/K03W-Lg.jpg)

Prophet '08 keybed :

(http://themountainfold.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/26092008040.jpg)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 20, 2017, 08:33:05 AM
According to this post the REV2 uses the same FATAR keys as the P6/OB6: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/12390765-post229.html
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Jason on January 20, 2017, 09:51:29 AM
Regarding the name: I think that adding a date like '08 (or '17) dates an instrument. We don't think in terms of dates with other classic synthesizers, and the REV2 seems like as classic a synth as we're ever going to have. So I don't think that '08 should be added. I would personally prefer to see "Prophet Rev2" on my next instrument... But given that there are other synthesizers with the name Prophet, I would not expect to see that.

Of all the features, I am most interested in the possibilities of the new waveshape modulation. For those of us trying to capture that elusive, classic oscillator drift, being able to vary the "pulse width" of a saw wave sounds very interesting.

The 16 voices combined with the A and B jacks will allow many more people to discover the enchantment of creating a true stereo field. For those who don't use splits and layers, this benefit can soon be had in one instrument without a real sacrifice of polyphony. For myself, I use splits and layers too much, so I will continue to use a supplemental module... hopefully, eventually... a REV2 module.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 20, 2017, 10:03:10 AM
I just wish you could have more than one split. Especially with this much power why not have like 4 different zones with different patches? That would be something really unique in today's market.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on January 20, 2017, 10:40:36 AM
Anymore news or info on the Sub Octave pot?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 20, 2017, 10:47:36 AM
Anymore news or info on the Sub Octave pot?

I'd guess a square since you can create a sub square from a DCO very easy by using a flip flop.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Jason on January 20, 2017, 10:50:21 AM
I just wish you could have more than one split.

Well yes. I hate to be negative with such a wonderful instrument. But if we could use the 16 voices with four different programs instead of two, then I think I could be quite happy with a single Rev2, with no need for a secondary module.

But having said that, there are so many other things to be thankful for with the Rev2. I'm very happy to see more memory banks and what sounds like better presets. I love that there's a sub, which I enjoy on my Tetra. (That can really add a lot to the warmth and thickness to a sound.) I'm encouraged by the suggestion that there's a new keybed and hope that it is indeed superior to the old one. Additionally, one of my biggest concerns with a replacement for the '08 was the idea of having to start all over again with programming. The countless hours that we have into programming the '08 are now going to continue to pay off with the Rev2, and that makes me very happy indeed.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 20, 2017, 10:55:32 AM
I just wish you could have more than one split.

Well yes. I hate to be negative with such a wonderful instrument. But if we could use the 16 voices with four different programs instead of two, then I think I could be quite happy with a single Rev2, with no need for a secondary module.

But having said that, there are so many other things to be thankful for with the Rev2. I'm very happy to see more memory banks and what sounds like better presets. I love that there's a sub, which I enjoy on my Tetra. (That can really add a lot to the warmth and thickness of a sound.) I'm encouraged at the suggestion that there's a new keybed and hope that it is indeed superior to the old one. Additionally, one of my biggest concerns with a replacement for the '08 was the idea of having to start all over again with programming. The countless hours that we have into programming the '08 are now going to continue to pay off with the Rev2, and that makes me very happy indeed.

Yeah, there's a lot of great things about the synth. I'm not sold on it personally. It looks great on paper with an insanely economical price but I need to give it some time. I think my biggest issue is, if they were going to offer two versions...why not differentiate them more. I think 16 voices is overkill like I mentioned before...but I could justify it if you could do more with the higher priced synth instead of just having more voices. Make one for the bedroom musician and make one for the "professional".

Plus now that DSI has proven that can do a synth at this price point...there really shouldn't be an excuse to do a price increase with their next one which hopefully won't just be what is essentially Tweaking an established product as opposed to moving forward with a totally new one.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 20, 2017, 01:21:15 PM
I really don't like making suggestions for an unreleased instrument, but, I wonder if we could convince DSI to add a Juno 60 style HPF as a digital effect, that would be super useful imho. :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 20, 2017, 01:36:35 PM
I just wish you could have more than one split.

Well yes. I hate to be negative with such a wonderful instrument. But if we could use the 16 voices with four different programs instead of two, then I think I could be quite happy with a single Rev2, with no need for a secondary module.

But having said that, there are so many other things to be thankful for with the Rev2. I'm very happy to see more memory banks and what sounds like better presets. I love that there's a sub, which I enjoy on my Tetra. (That can really add a lot to the warmth and thickness of a sound.) I'm encouraged at the suggestion that there's a new keybed and hope that it is indeed superior to the old one. Additionally, one of my biggest concerns with a replacement for the '08 was the idea of having to start all over again with programming. The countless hours that we have into programming the '08 are now going to continue to pay off with the Rev2, and that makes me very happy indeed.

Yeah, there's a lot of great things about the synth. I'm not sold on it personally. It looks great on paper with an insanely economical price but I need to give it some time. I think my biggest issue is, if they were going to offer two versions...why not differentiate them more. I think 16 voices is overkill like I mentioned before...but I could justify it if you could do more with the higher priced synth instead of just having more voices. Make one for the bedroom musician and make one for the "professional".

Plus now that DSI has proven that can do a synth at this price point...there really shouldn't be an excuse to do a price increase with their next one which hopefully won't just be what is essentially Tweaking an established product as opposed to moving forward with a totally new one.

Out of curiosity, what reservations do you have? Just that's it's 16? There is a 8 voice version too. Trying to soak up as much as I can about DSI synths. My experience with DSI is limited to P6/OB6.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: blewis on January 20, 2017, 02:06:29 PM
Interesting suggestion. Especially since you can now modulate effects params. 

I really don't like making suggestions for an unreleased instrument, but, I wonder if we could convince DSI to add a Juno 60 style HPF as a digital effect, that would be super useful imho. :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: DavidDever on January 20, 2017, 02:45:42 PM
I really don't like making suggestions for an unreleased instrument, but, I wonder if we could convince DSI to add a Juno 60 style HPF as a digital effect, that would be super useful imho. :)

That'd be a bass boost / cut, as with the Juno-* units, right?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jdt9517 on January 20, 2017, 03:00:58 PM
Regarding the name: I think that adding a date like '08 (or '17) dates an instrument.

It's funny.  I had forgotten that the P-08 was Prophet '08 as in 2008.  I had transposed it in my mind as Prophet 08 as in eight voice. 

REV 2 makes sense. Most people who will be interested in the instrument will know the heritage from the P-08.  The full name would have to be "Prophet 08 REV 2".  Can't be Prophet REV 2 because of the other Prophet instruments out. 

Another interesting tidbit.  Notice that the name "Sequential" doesn't appear on the instrument. 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on January 20, 2017, 03:09:30 PM
Regarding the name: I think that adding a date like '08 (or '17) dates an instrument.

It's funny.  I had forgotten that the P-08 was Prophet '08 as in 2008.  I had transposed it in my mind as Prophet 08 as in eight voice. 

REV 2 makes sense. Most people who will be interested in the instrument will know the heritage from the P-08.  The full name would have to be "Prophet 08 REV 2".  Can't be Prophet REV 2 because of the other Prophet instruments out. 

Another interesting tidbit.  Notice that the name "Sequential" doesn't appear on the instrument.

As far as I remember, it was released in 2007 and the 08 has nothing to doing with the year of release.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 20, 2017, 03:20:48 PM
Regarding the name: I think that adding a date like '08 (or '17) dates an instrument.
It's funny.  I had forgotten that the P-08 was Prophet '08 as in 2008.  I had transposed it in my mind as Prophet 08 as in eight voice. 

I believe it's both.  The "08 referred to both the year of its release and to its number of voices.  And yet, wasn't the instrument actually released in very late '07?

The only thing I don't like about the REV2 name (besides the font) is that it suggests it will be the one and only revision of a DSI synthesizer.  I wish it had been qualified as the Prophet Rev2. 

Seeing a revision of the Prophet '08 somewhat gives one the hope that the Poly Evolver could see a revision, too.  Unlikely, I realize, but it gives a little life to the dream.

I really like the font used on the Prophet '08.  It's classic and dignified.  I wish the REV2 used the same. 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 20, 2017, 03:27:44 PM
Regarding the name: I think that adding a date like '08 (or '17) dates an instrument.
It's funny.  I had forgotten that the P-08 was Prophet '08 as in 2008.  I had transposed it in my mind as Prophet 08 as in eight voice. 

I believe it's both.  The "08 referred to both the year of its release and to its number of voices.  And yet, wasn't the instrument actually released in very late '07?

The only thing I don't like about the REV2 name (besides the font) is that it suggests it will be the one and only revision of a DSI synthesizer.  I wish it had been qualified as the Prophet Rev2. 

Seeing a revision of the Prophet '08 somewhat gives one the hope that the Poly Evolver could see a revision, too.  Unlikely, I realize, but it gives a little life to the dream.

I really like the font used on the Prophet '08.  It's classic and dignified.  I wish the REV2 used the same.

The Prophet '08 was officially announced on August 20, 2007: http://web.archive.org/web/20070905232403/http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/news/index.php

PS: True retro design: http://web.archive.org/web/20020222114949/http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/index.html
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 20, 2017, 03:39:35 PM
Good catch, Paul.  As the article says, the Prophet '08's were being shipped at the time of that announcement, as of August, 2007.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 20, 2017, 03:45:45 PM
Also, the letter "E" in REV2 resembles the design of Aldo Novarese's Stop font, which has been used for the original Sequential logo. The other letters differ quite a bit though, and all in all the Stop font is stretched a bit more in height. See example below.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 20, 2017, 04:07:28 PM
Notice that the name "Sequential" doesn't appear on the instrument.
Perhaps because "Sequential" didn't appear on the Prophet '08 either.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 20, 2017, 06:03:49 PM
Thank you, DSI, for 16 voices, bi-timbrality, programmability, & streamlined workflow. As a performing keyboardist, piano player, and sound designer, this fits my bill nicely.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 20, 2017, 06:10:20 PM
The "classic" branding of Rev 1's a collector's reason to keep it. Rev 2 has a biblical allusion, btw. Maybe, a tip of the hat to the ethereal dual P '08 proponent. ... And, while conjuring, maybe a limited release, dual tier awaits, one day. Along with the 4-part timbrality. But back to '17.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 20, 2017, 06:15:35 PM
I really don't like making suggestions for an unreleased instrument, but, I wonder if we could convince DSI to add a Juno 60 style HPF as a digital effect, that would be super useful imho. :)


I both agree with the sentiment, AND, I support the proposal. It sounds like it's in the realm of feasibity on this instrument.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 20, 2017, 06:18:17 PM
Has anyone heard if:

- Effects can be true-bypassed?
- if distortion is analog?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 20, 2017, 07:11:19 PM
Maybe, a tip of the hat to the ethereal dual P '08 proponent.

?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 20, 2017, 07:23:01 PM
I really don't like making suggestions for an unreleased instrument, but, I wonder if we could convince DSI to add a Juno 60 style HPF as a digital effect, that would be super useful imho. :)


I both agree with the sentiment, AND, I support the proposal. It sounds like it's in the realm of feasibity on this instrument.

The absence of a high pass filter is the most outstanding omission from the Prophet '08/REV2 voice architecture that keeps it from being an ideal analog design.  I would strongly support its addition.  The problem is, the philosophy of the instrument is that it require minimal menu diving and that each function have its own parameter.    Adding a HPF to the effects menu would contradict this and make it appear very much as an afterthought.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 20, 2017, 07:38:26 PM
Adding a HPF to the effects menu would contradict this and make it appear very much as an afterthought.
Since it's not currently on the synth, it IS an afterthought...  :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 20, 2017, 08:31:40 PM
Right, wise guy.  ;D  The key word is "appear."  My point is, there doesn't appear to be a way to smoothly work a high pass filter into the REV2 without contradicting the instrument's design philosophy.  What's needed is another knob, and the opportunity for adding one is past.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: chysn on January 20, 2017, 09:08:06 PM
The only thing I don't like about the REV2 name (besides the font) is that it suggests it will be the one and only revision of a DSI synthesizer.  I wish it had been qualified as the Prophet Rev2.

A name won't stop them from doing that in the future, if they really want to. There's always "Tempest Mark 2" or "Evolver II" or "Mopho: The Revenge" or any of a million ways to name sequels.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 20, 2017, 09:11:39 PM
True.  It just hints to me that this is the one exception.  But again, it isn't a revision in the Prophet 5 sense of the word.  The REV2 is a Prophet '08 Mk II.  That's much more exciting.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 21, 2017, 05:29:26 AM
I just wish you could have more than one split.

Well yes. I hate to be negative with such a wonderful instrument. But if we could use the 16 voices with four different programs instead of two, then I think I could be quite happy with a single Rev2, with no need for a secondary module.

But having said that, there are so many other things to be thankful for with the Rev2. I'm very happy to see more memory banks and what sounds like better presets. I love that there's a sub, which I enjoy on my Tetra. (That can really add a lot to the warmth and thickness of a sound.) I'm encouraged at the suggestion that there's a new keybed and hope that it is indeed superior to the old one. Additionally, one of my biggest concerns with a replacement for the '08 was the idea of having to start all over again with programming. The countless hours that we have into programming the '08 are now going to continue to pay off with the Rev2, and that makes me very happy indeed.

Yeah, there's a lot of great things about the synth. I'm not sold on it personally. It looks great on paper with an insanely economical price but I need to give it some time. I think my biggest issue is, if they were going to offer two versions...why not differentiate them more. I think 16 voices is overkill like I mentioned before...but I could justify it if you could do more with the higher priced synth instead of just having more voices. Make one for the bedroom musician and make one for the "professional".

Plus now that DSI has proven that can do a synth at this price point...there really shouldn't be an excuse to do a price increase with their next one which hopefully won't just be what is essentially Tweaking an established product as opposed to moving forward with a totally new one.

Out of curiosity, what reservations do you have? Just that's it's 16? There is a 8 voice version too. Trying to soak up as much as I can about DSI synths. My experience with DSI is limited to P6/OB6.

I can't exactly put my finger on it. I guess because essentially it's just taking an established synth and just correcting a few flaws of the P08 ( horrible sequencer, lack of oscillator slop, convoluted layout). It's not really a step forward, it's just a step back to clean a few things up.

I feel, especially since they are going to release two versions of the Rev2 why just make the only difference polyphony especially if you aren't going to utilize said polyphony in a different way? You get the exact same features. Why not include a duplicate engine inside (especially if they are going to be a different price points anyway) and have the ability to have 4 patches going simultaneously each with their own sequencer and effects (Similar but not exactly like the Sequential Circuits Multi-Trak). You can set them in different ways and also have the ability to mute specific patches or have the sequencers run in "stand alone mode" for each individual engine to give a more interactive feel.

In addition to the features that exist on the Rev2:

1.) Have 4 different zones across the keyboard (For example, a low bass sequence, a brass patch and string patch in the middle and lead patch on the higher register)

2.) Have 3 zones in which two patches are layered and two are separate.

3.) Have the ability to "detach" Engines from the keyboard so only the sequences are playing. For example have three engines in "Stand alone Mode" playing their respective sequences while you play a lead line on the keyboard over top with the remaining fourth engine (I think this is a good idea, especially if you are utilizing the pitch wheel so that way it's not altering the pitch of the other sequences)

So you have 16 voice polyphony but it's utilized better. You could call it...the Sequential (No reason not to continue to use the name) Prophetx4 much like the Mophox4 as you have 4 individual four voice engines under a single roof.

So you have two completely different synthesizers that could have been released: A "P8:Rev2" which is what we see now and a "Prophetx4". The P8:Rev2 is catered to the bedroom musician and the Prophetx4 is catered to the higher end crowd.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 21, 2017, 06:40:17 AM
Right, wise guy.  ;D  The key word is "appear."  My point is, there doesn't appear to be a way to smoothly work a high pass filter into the REV2 without contradicting the instrument's design philosophy.  What's needed is another knob, and the opportunity for adding one is past.
+1 for the HPF (especially since you can do layers)... I was just being a smart ass.  But seriously though, I would take a HPF in the effects section... afterthought or not.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Benji on January 21, 2017, 07:33:20 AM
I've decided to keep my Prophet 08 because, frankly, I'm happy enough as is.

I don't know if this is the appropriate place to post this, but what outboard FX units would be the rough equivalents of whatever is being added to the REV2?  Every distortion I've tried, for instance, has been far too harsh and unsubtle for my Prophet.  Also, what could approximate the bucket delay?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 21, 2017, 08:39:09 AM
...what outboard FX units would be the rough equivalents of whatever is being added to the REV2?  Every distortion I've tried, for instance, has been far too harsh and unsubtle for my Prophet.
The best Eventide box you can afford. An H9 pedal, Eventide Eclipse, or an Eventide Harmonizer.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 21, 2017, 09:08:37 AM
...what outboard FX units would be the rough equivalents of whatever is being added to the REV2?  Every distortion I've tried, for instance, has been far too harsh and unsubtle for my Prophet.
The best Eventide box you can afford. An H9 pedal, Eventide Eclipse, or an Eventide Harmonizer.

I was about to say. Synthesizers+Eventide effects=Perfection. Lexicon being a close second.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Benji on January 21, 2017, 09:37:43 AM
I own an Eventide Space for reverb, could not agree more.  I plan on buying a Line 6 M5 for various chorus/flanger options.

However, I don't think Eventide has a dedicated distortion beyond their H9 unit.  I own a Proco Rat 2 for my bass guitar, but even the slightest touch of distortion from that is overbearing on a synth.  What's a more nuanced and subtle option?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jdt9517 on January 21, 2017, 10:10:20 AM
I've decided to keep my Prophet 08 because, frankly, I'm happy enough as is.

I don't know if this is the appropriate place to post this, but what outboard FX units would be the rough equivalents of whatever is being added to the REV2?  Every distortion I've tried, for instance, has been far too harsh and unsubtle for my Prophet.  Also, what could approximate the bucket delay?

For recording, I use the on board effects in my DAW.  For live, I would suggest a Lexicon MX200 or MX 300.  Both have great reviews on this site.  I just got an MX200, and haven't had a chance to actually use it live, but it seems like it will do very well.

Distortion - I used to use an Ibanez Tube Screamer on my P-05.  It has a great range from subtle to harsh. Most of the time, the old recordings you hear with a P-05 being distorted, it was done with a Tube Screamer. It was standard of the industry back then.  However, it is only mono.  So, if you plan to use it on the P-08 stereo out, you will need to run the P-08 through a mixer which has at least one effects send - ideally one for the MX200 and one for the Tube Screamer.  That way you can get the distortion on both channels of the P-08.  I would avoid mixing the Tube Screamer and the MX 200 on the same effects channel if possible. 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jdt9517 on January 21, 2017, 10:17:14 AM

If I attached a vid to a song (used in some soundtracks), would you be able to ear-approximate if the P '08 touches close to the droning bass and arp'd sequence?
https://youtu.be/dOsLzKVJO30 (https://youtu.be/dOsLzKVJO30)

Thanks!

The P-08 should be able to do those sounds no problem.  Some of the sounds are more digitally oriented.  So, the P-12 might be a better choice for those sounds.  However, pretty much anything that can be done with an analog osc can be done on the P-08.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 21, 2017, 10:51:08 AM
However, I don't think Eventide has a dedicated distortion beyond their H9 unit.
Actually, the H9, the Eclipse and the Harmonizers all have great distirtions.  Eventide just isn't "known" for it because the boxes do so much more.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: robinkle on January 21, 2017, 11:14:59 AM
Flaws the Prophet '08 had, that might have been fixed on the REV 2.

1. Flimsy Buttons. REV 2 got the best looking ones on a DSI product so far.
2. Flimsy Encoders. By watching the Official release video of the REV 2, it looks better.
3. Lacking Gain compensation on the filter. REV 2 does sound better at the low end in the new demos, in my opinion.
4. Limited Oscillator options. More options, Sub oscillator and wave shaping added.
5. Low Audio Output. I would expect the REV 2 to be similar to the newer models.
6. Front panel print was on a sticker. Solved years ago.
7. Keybed had short travel depth and too sensitive aftertouch. This time it's Fatar which is great, Looks like TP/9s.
8. Small display. Still small, but higher resolution, easier to read, better viewing angle.
9. Sharing polyphony between splits was limited to maximum 4 on each layer. Same now but double polyphony.
10. Slope parameter was too subtle. Is now improved to do the extreme.

Still the Prophet '08 was much loved. It cut through the mix like a hot knife with it's punchy and "in your face" attitude.
And it's success gave a nice boost for future products, which now are made with greatest quality.

REV 2 kind of shows us how far DSI have come since the Prophet '08 was released.  They can make the REV 2 at a lower cost compared to the original despite all the the updates and improvements. I love what DSI have become. REV 2 is on my shopping list, you bet!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 21, 2017, 12:29:35 PM
Carson Day just confirmed on gearslutz that the slop on the REV2 is the same as on the Prophet 6! :D
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Mefistophelees on January 21, 2017, 02:49:48 PM
It looks like a good update.  The sound seems a little bit fuller which is good and there's some useful additions for creating new sounds.

This is just spectacular news.  I'm so pleased to see the return of the DCO.  As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.  I will definitely be heading in this direction.

I still think the Andromeda still has the edge in functionality but the rev2 is close.

One of the big things the Andromeda can do is an amazing ensemble sound that I've never heard from anything else.  Interestingly, it's because of the 16 voices. 

You put the Andy into Unison and set it to 3 notes, use unison detune to spread them out, and you get this incredibly rich ensemble sound. I've never heard anything like it from anything else.  The Rev2 might be able to do something similar so I'm very curious to see how it sounds.

Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 21, 2017, 03:29:48 PM
Replying again, as I've seen similar comments regarding the name.

Using "Rev2" as the only text pigeonholes the P08 as the only revisable synth, and the P08 as the flagship of DSI. Basically, that DSI is a synth name unto itself.

Is DSI looking to leave from the Prophet umbrella going forward?

The Ob is on the side with the Tempest and will stick around forever probably (Ob at least), so that's excluded.

While I'll get the Rev2 regardless, I think the ambiguous naming is tacky and looks like a cheap digi synth.

I'm hoping they aren't locked-in on production screening already and can add Prophet in there somehow or at least bump up the DSI to be prominent.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: robinkle on January 21, 2017, 03:33:41 PM
Replying again, as I've seen similar comments regarding the name.

Using "Rev2" as the only text pigeonholes the P08 as the only revisable synth, and the P08 as the flagship of DSI. Basically, that DSI is a synth name unto itself.

Is DSI looking to leave from the Prophet umbrella going forward?

The Ob is on the side with the Tempest and will stick around forever probably (Ob at least), so that's excluded.

While I'll get the Rev2 regardless, I think the ambiguous naming is tacky and looks like a cheap digi synth.

I'm hoping they aren't locked-in on production screening already and can add Prophet in there somehow or at least bump up the DSI to be prominent.

Maybe the Name REV 2 is a genius marketing stunt? I mean:

"Did you get the new REV 2?"
"REV of what?"
"You know, the Prophet '08!"
"Oh! So that's the new REV 2 everyone is talking about!"

 :P
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 21, 2017, 04:14:03 PM
Replying again, as I've seen similar comments regarding the name.

Using "Rev2" as the only text pigeonholes the P08 as the only revisable synth, and the P08 as the flagship of DSI. Basically, that DSI is a synth name unto itself.

Is DSI looking to leave from the Prophet umbrella going forward?

The Ob is on the side with the Tempest and will stick around forever probably (Ob at least), so that's excluded.

While I'll get the Rev2 regardless, I think the ambiguous naming is tacky and looks like a cheap digi synth.

I'm hoping they aren't locked-in on production screening already and can add Prophet in there somehow or at least bump up the DSI to be prominent.

Maybe the Name REV 2 is a genius marketing stunt? I mean:

"Did you get the new REV 2?"
"REV of what?"
"You know, the Prophet '08!"
"Oh! So that's the new REV 2 everyone is talking about!"

 :P

Yeah, that's a though too. I'm hoping DSI didn't get a little overzealous for ambiguity's sake with the name for marketing reasons. It might be clever marketing for a year, but it'll be very pathetic after years go by and it's a mainstay of studios and musicians.

DSI: at least put an optional badge for the unit. Rev2 is cool for Roland and Korg that churn out too many models each year, but not for "premium" equipment that stick around.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 21, 2017, 05:40:34 PM
I hope they don't forget about the Sequential name. What a waste that would be. Even DSI P08:Rev 2 is a better name.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 21, 2017, 05:43:36 PM
It looks like a good update.  The sound seems a little bit fuller which is good and there's some useful additions for creating new sounds.

This is just spectacular news.  I'm so pleased to see the return of the DCO.  As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.  I will definitely be heading in this direction.

I still think the Andromeda still has the edge in functionality but the rev2 is close.

One of the big things the Andromeda can do is an amazing ensemble sound that I've never heard from anything else.  Interestingly, it's because of the 16 voices. 

You put the Andy into Unison and set it to 3 notes, use unison detune to spread them out, and you get this incredibly rich ensemble sound. I've never heard anything like it from anything else.  The Rev2 might be able to do something similar so I'm very curious to see how it sounds.

The Rev2 is Duotimbral and Andromeda is Multitimbral. Like I said, the Andromeda utilizes the 16 voices in a more constructive way. What's the point in having 16 voices if you can the same functionality and features as eight?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 21, 2017, 06:24:49 PM
It looks like a good update.  The sound seems a little bit fuller which is good and there's some useful additions for creating new sounds.

This is just spectacular news.  I'm so pleased to see the return of the DCO.  As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.  I will definitely be heading in this direction.

I still think the Andromeda still has the edge in functionality but the rev2 is close.

One of the big things the Andromeda can do is an amazing ensemble sound that I've never heard from anything else.  Interestingly, it's because of the 16 voices. 

You put the Andy into Unison and set it to 3 notes, use unison detune to spread them out, and you get this incredibly rich ensemble sound. I've never heard anything like it from anything else.  The Rev2 might be able to do something similar so I'm very curious to see how it sounds.

The Rev2 is Duotimbral and Andromeda is Multitimbral. Like I said, the Andromeda utilizes the 16 voices in a more constructive way. What's the point in having 16 voices if you can the same functionality and features as eight?

Because it's not DSI, duh!

I'm actually considering Andromeda too. Wish the Rev2 was out for a side-by-side video review.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 21, 2017, 06:34:07 PM
It looks like a good update.  The sound seems a little bit fuller which is good and there's some useful additions for creating new sounds.

This is just spectacular news.  I'm so pleased to see the return of the DCO.  As far as I'm concerned, the Rev2 is the new Andromeda A6.  I will definitely be heading in this direction.

I still think the Andromeda still has the edge in functionality but the rev2 is close.

One of the big things the Andromeda can do is an amazing ensemble sound that I've never heard from anything else.  Interestingly, it's because of the 16 voices. 

You put the Andy into Unison and set it to 3 notes, use unison detune to spread them out, and you get this incredibly rich ensemble sound. I've never heard anything like it from anything else.  The Rev2 might be able to do something similar so I'm very curious to see how it sounds.

The Rev2 is Duotimbral and Andromeda is Multitimbral. Like I said, the Andromeda utilizes the 16 voices in a more constructive way. What's the point in having 16 voices if you can the same functionality and features as eight?

Because it's not DSI, duh!

I'm actually considering Andromeda too. Wish the Rev2 was out for a side-by-side video review.

With the Andromeda I'm in the market as well but they are a bit clunky and extremely difficult to repair so if you find one in good condition make sure it's well taken care of. There's a lot going on under that hood and I can tell from the current Rev2 demos, the Andromeda has it's own sound that's really hard to pin point. I honestly would put it towards a cross between a Jupiter 8 and CS-80 but a bit more harsh (which can be cleaned up thanks to some oscillator drift)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 21, 2017, 07:18:51 PM
The point of 16 voices- mono or bi-timbral- is for using it as a performance keyboard instrument. And, that's not limited to performance in front of an audience.

I understand multitimbral is useful for sequencing. And I understand more then bitimbral can be employed in a performance, non-sequencing application.

As a single-person, two-handed, performance instrument, bitimbrality hits the core of the need. An extra timbre or two can be useful but requires more setup thought. And perhaps a more complex user-interface.

I think "ease" of user interface may be an influencing factor.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 21, 2017, 08:03:51 PM
The point of 16 voices- mono or bi-timbral- is for using it as a performance keyboard instrument. And, that's not limited to performance in front of an audience.

I understand multitimbral is useful for sequencing. And I understand more then bitimbral can be employed in a performance, non-sequencing application.

As a single-person, two-handed, performance instrument, bitimbrality hits the core of the need. An extra timbre or two can be useful but requires more setup thought. And perhaps a more complex user-interface.

I think "ease" of user interface may be an influencing factor.

I think as multi timbral needs rise, which probably isn't often anymore with live setups, a couple Rev2s could be polychained (even if old school midi). Going deep with timbre count, it is probably best to look into a workstation, IMO.

I don't have problems sequencing out midi runs with various patches (as layers) via DAWs...plus you can more control over parameters.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 21, 2017, 08:47:35 PM
The point of 16 voices- mono or bi-timbral- is for using it as a performance keyboard instrument. And, that's not limited to performance in front of an audience.

I understand multitimbral is useful for sequencing. And I understand more then bitimbral can be employed in a performance, non-sequencing application.

As a single-person, two-handed, performance instrument, bitimbrality hits the core of the need. An extra timbre or two can be useful but requires more setup thought. And perhaps a more complex user-interface.

I think "ease" of user interface may be an influencing factor.

Well as a two handed person also, I'm never going to be able to play all 16 voices at once anyway. All I'm saying is bitimbrality should be used for the lower cost eight voice and multitibrality should be used for the sixteen voice otherwise that much polyphony isn't required. Say you split the keyboard in two patches, the most you'll be able to play is five notes on each hand. In layered mode, the most you'll be able to play is ten. Even when a patch is being sequenced, how many notes are really going to be played at a single time? What's the point of that many voices when you have no way of utilizing them all.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on January 21, 2017, 09:16:00 PM
The point of 16 voices- mono or bi-timbral- is for using it as a performance keyboard instrument. And, that's not limited to performance in front of an audience.

I understand multitimbral is useful for sequencing. And I understand more then bitimbral can be employed in a performance, non-sequencing application.

As a single-person, two-handed, performance instrument, bitimbrality hits the core of the need. An extra timbre or two can be useful but requires more setup thought. And perhaps a more complex user-interface.

I think "ease" of user interface may be an influencing factor.

Well as a two handed person also, I'm never going to be able to play all 16 voices at once anyway. All I'm saying is bitimbrality should be used for the lower cost eight voice and multitibrality should be used for the sixteen voice otherwise that much polyphony isn't required. Say you split the keyboard in two patches, the most you'll be able to play is five notes on each hand. In layered mode, the most you'll be able to play is ten. Even when a patch is being sequenced, how many notes are really going to be played at a single time? What's the point of that many voices when you have no way of utilizing them all.

That is a good point. Even with 6 notes held, bi-timbraly, it's only 12. Maybe some people just have near infinite note voice decay  :o
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TwelfthRootof2 on January 21, 2017, 11:19:48 PM
Well as a two handed person also, I'm never going to be able to play all 16 voices at once anyway. All I'm saying is bitimbrality should be used for the lower cost eight voice and multitibrality should be used for the sixteen voice otherwise that much polyphony isn't required. Say you split the keyboard in two patches, the most you'll be able to play is five notes on each hand. In layered mode, the most you'll be able to play is ten. Even when a patch is being sequenced, how many notes are really going to be played at a single time? What's the point of that many voices when you have no way of utilizing them all.

I had thought that as well, Lobo. In fact, I had the opportunity today to "stay the course" on my new P08 that I bought from GC less than 30 days ago - or return it, and get the REV2 when it comes out. For a variety of reasons, I chose to keep my new P08 instead - but in perusing excellent patches made by others in this group, I realized that there are 'problems' with voice-rob when patch release times even get near 70-90, in my discoveries. So, I don't think that even a Tetra (if I can get one) will work. But with the discount I got after discussion with GC, I think that a P08 module will be in my future. I won't air all my concerns on a new product. But I have a few. For me, I just don't want to be an early-adopter just yet. However, I think the extra note capability matters for any kind of extended-release pad at all (although my own preference is for shorter more percussive types of things).
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Fuseball on January 21, 2017, 11:23:35 PM
I'd say that 80% of the sounds I use have long decay/release times so polyphony is important beyond how many notes I can hold down at once. 8 voices is probably my optimum number from experience. With the addition of the sub-oscillator it's less likely that I would need to use the B layer so often, so as much as the 16 voice option appeals as a step up I'm more likely to stick with 8.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 22, 2017, 12:27:31 AM
I'm not opposed to multi-timbrality. My intention is merely to offer a different perspective. I know the several ways I will use the 16 voices within the Rev 2 platform.

If release times were 0, I agree that 10 voices are the max I'd use. Also, I'm not suggesting 8 voices are inadequate.

I'm simply trying to express gratitude for the specific things I like in the instrument Dave Smith Instruments has announced this week. I was deeply intrigued by the compelling tone, design approach, improved keybed, & disparate timbres of the Prophet 6/OB-6 instruments. However, with those came a new paradigm of keyspan for me, and the loss of bitimbrality & reduction of programmability. 

Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vassalvio on January 22, 2017, 06:17:05 AM
Removing the name Prophet is a marketing suicide... Of course it has nothing to do with people who knows Dave Smith's Instruments and with the quality of the instruments...But here we're talking about an instrument that became one of a kind. Many artists such as Thom Yorke with Radiohead , James Blake, Sufjan Stevens etc. use it as a main synthesizer even in live performance, almost like others use Fender Rhodes. There's a lot of people out there that use to buy only "cool" stuffs (moog, oberheim ecc), and Prophet 08 is one of them. Now I really don't see the reason not to name it Prophet Rev 2, exactly like Rhodes Mark I, Mark II ecc...
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Yavn on January 22, 2017, 09:46:30 AM
I got a chance to play with the REV 2 yesterday at the DSI booth and it looks and sounds great.  I'm hoping for a desktop version at some point.

The feature I’m most excited about is setting a modulation destination by selecting it directly.  Turn the resonance while holding one of the LFO buttons and then that LFO will be assigned to resonance.   Super easy to set up modulations.  The traditional method of selecting a source and destination still works, but grabbing the destination is really nice.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 22, 2017, 11:54:19 AM
I didn't even imagine multi-timbrality as it didn't exist. Having thought of it, yeah, it could be incredibly useful. ... I don't know what the give/take equations of having multi-timbrality are. Of utmost importance to me is that it have absolute minimal latency. It seems that often, features and latency are directly proportional.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 22, 2017, 11:55:35 AM
Yavn, I'm all ears to hear every detail, :). Including more on establishing modulations. (Is it like OB-6/P6; if so, I could read up on those.)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: robinkle on January 22, 2017, 12:06:25 PM
I got a chance to play with the REV 2 yesterday at the DSI booth and it looks and sounds great.  I'm hoping for a desktop version at some point.

The feature I’m most excited about is setting a modulation destination by selecting it directly.  Turn the resonance while holding one of the LFO buttons and then that LFO will be assigned to resonance.   Super easy to set up modulations.  The traditional method of selecting a source and destination still works, but grabbing the destination is really nice.

Are you familiar with the Prophet '08? If so how would you compare them when it comes to sound?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Yavn on January 22, 2017, 08:18:56 PM
I got a chance to play with the REV 2 yesterday at the DSI booth and it looks and sounds great.  I'm hoping for a desktop version at some point.

The feature I’m most excited about is setting a modulation destination by selecting it directly.  Turn the resonance while holding one of the LFO buttons and then that LFO will be assigned to resonance.   Super easy to set up modulations.  The traditional method of selecting a source and destination still works, but grabbing the destination is really nice.


Are you familiar with the Prophet '08? If so how would you compare them when it comes to sound?


 
The DSI staff said all the REV2s at the show were prototypes, so take my comments with a grain of salt. It was also pretty noisy on the show floor, even with the headphones on.

Overall with the effects turned off it sounds similar to the Prophet 8.  Things got more interesting when playing with the shape mod, especially when using a LFO to modulate it.  Being able to mod each of the waveforms is definitely a high light. I got some crazy sounds using different LFOs on each oscillator’s shape mod.

The effects sound nice and the presets did a nice job of showing them off.  I did not check all of them out, but did like the BBD and Chorus.  I did not play with the sequencer or try splitting the keyboard. The OLED display looks really nice and is a huge improvement from the Tetra / 08' screens. 
 
I think the expanded mod matrix, shape mod and effects give it a different, but familiar feel to the Prophet 08.  I have a Tetra & 08', but I'd sure like a REV2 as well!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Razmo on January 23, 2017, 01:26:12 AM
Someone told me today, that the REV2 will also come in an 8voice version for about 1.500,- ... anyone who can confirm this?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 23, 2017, 02:21:12 AM
Someone told me today, that the REV2 will also come in an 8voice version for about 1.500,- ... anyone who can confirm this?

That's correct as far as US prices go. Music Store (Cologne) currently lists both versions for € 2,369 and € 1,779.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: DiScO on January 23, 2017, 03:58:39 AM
Not sure if it has been mentioned here, but Dave said in one of his Namm videos that the 8 voice version is upgradeable to 16 which is pretty cool if you come in at the cheaper end. Sounds ideal to me!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 23, 2017, 12:06:53 PM
Not sure if it has been mentioned here, but Dave said in one of his Namm videos that the 8 voice version is upgradeable to 16 which is pretty cool if you come in at the cheaper end. Sounds ideal to me!

Yes, a "field upgrade."
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: proteus-ix on January 23, 2017, 04:40:10 PM
Every distortion I've tried, for instance, has been far too harsh and unsubtle for my Prophet.

You will typically have better results with overdrives and fuzzes than most modern distortions.  Try a good old Blues Driver.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: proteus-ix on January 23, 2017, 04:42:50 PM
However, I don't think Eventide has a dedicated distortion beyond their H9 unit.
Actually, the H9... all have great distirtions.

I didn't know the H9 had distortion... which algorithms/presets?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: nathan.backous on January 23, 2017, 04:59:23 PM
The new(ish) H9 algorithms:

CrushStation - https://www.eventideaudio.com/products/algorithms/crushstation
and
Sculpt - https://www.eventideaudio.com/products/algorithms/sculpt

allow a pretty wide range of distortion types.

However, I don't think Eventide has a dedicated distortion beyond their H9 unit.
Actually, the H9... all have great distirtions.

I didn't know the H9 had distortion... which algorithms/presets?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 23, 2017, 05:09:18 PM
The new(ish) H9 algorithms:

CrushStation - https://www.eventideaudio.com/products/algorithms/crushstation (https://www.eventideaudio.com/products/algorithms/crushstation)
and
Sculpt - https://www.eventideaudio.com/products/algorithms/sculpt (https://www.eventideaudio.com/products/algorithms/sculpt)

allow a pretty wide range of distortion types.

However, I don't think Eventide has a dedicated distortion beyond their H9 unit.
Actually, the H9... all have great distirtions.

I didn't know the H9 had distortion... which algorithms/presets?
And they just announced another that will be available in March .... PitchFuzz

Sculpt should be awesome with a synth.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Strange Quark Star on January 24, 2017, 04:51:57 PM
Had they announced this marvelous new instrument just a couple of weeks earlier they could have named it the obvious Prophet '16. What a lost opportunity…
Anyway, I hope to some day replace my aging '08 with this, of course. The only things I'll miss will be the name and typeface.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 24, 2017, 06:05:24 PM
Yeah, "Prophet 16" would have been the consistent, logical, and preferred name.  Its present name is a rather bland association with the Prophet '08, which we can appreciate.  But the total lack of the dignified word "Prophet" is a sore omission. 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Wmacky on January 24, 2017, 07:01:02 PM
I see a huge upcoming market for white "Prophet" stickers.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 25, 2017, 06:17:11 AM
Of course, "Prophet 16" wouldn't have covered the eight-voice version.  How about "Prophet 8?"

It is true that probably everyone here would like to have the name "prophet" somewhere on their REV2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 25, 2017, 06:26:52 AM
The next big news from DSI will be whether or not they'll produce a REV2 module.  If they do, then this will allow for the creation of an immense synthesizer by combining keyboard with module(s).  But if they don't, then combining the REV2 with Prophet '08 modules is the obvious solution.  It's one more reason that it does make sense to hold onto P'08 units, rather than look upon them as obsolete and irrelevant, due to the new instrument.  And besides, who knows at this point if there might be some presently unknown reason for liking the P'08 over the REV2?  It's unlikely, but perhaps the purest will have such a preference.

By the way, why is this instrument called the REV2, rather than the REV1?  Did I miss an instrument?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Jason on January 25, 2017, 06:34:39 AM
And besides, who knows at this point if there might be some presently unknown reason for liking the P'08 over the REV2?  It's unlikely, but perhaps the purest will have such a preference.

Yes, it's possible... but let's hope not! On paper, the Rev certainly seems to be better on all fronts.
Like you, I intend to hang on to my '08 module for the foreseeable future to use with the Rev2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Fuseball on January 25, 2017, 08:09:09 AM
And besides, who knows at this point if there might be some presently unknown reason for liking the P'08 over the REV2?  It's unlikely, but perhaps the purest will have such a preference.

Yes, it's possible... but let's hope not! On paper, the Rev certainly seems to be better on all fronts.
Like you, I intend to hang on to my '08 module for the foreseeable future to use with the Rev2.
Even if the Rev2 is a little better in all departments, it doesn't make my existing P'08 any less useful to me. I almost always have a couple of parts using the 08 in anything I record, so a second one sure won't hurt. I wonder if it will be possible to dump programs made on the Rev2 in P'08 format, much as you could dump Tetra programs in P'08 format?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 25, 2017, 08:50:32 AM
If there's anything I've learned in my recent attention to the synthesizer market is, as in my music, as in any action, no repeated attempt for improvement is like the other. Hopefully my next attempt is enjoyable, hopefully it is found enjoyable by others. It seems that is the case with all synthesizers. A developer makes a deliberate attempt at the same, but more, but the new brings in good, but also leaves behind good. And sometimes, those nuances are hard to observe until later, or a lot later. Now that we live in an era of many eras overlapped simultaneously, and with the internet, we may be able to catch these things faster. That's a lot of words to say - surely, Rev 2's got some fundamental improvements in the realm of "more". I would say, surely, the Prophet '08 will possess certain characteristics unique, and special to it. This doesn't make it easier. Because we all have a limit to our time, capacity, money, space, & focus. And for us who have greater limits to these things, well, there, there's a loss of devotion, specialness. Lots of words. Sorry.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Morgenspaziergang on January 25, 2017, 09:01:54 AM
Hopeful rev 2 will get its own sub forum. Its. A shame this excellent thread is burned down in the off topic section...

My question: would getting a rev2 seeing that i have an ob6 already, be superfluous?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Shaw on January 25, 2017, 09:11:26 AM
My question: would getting a rev2 seeing that i have an ob6 already, be superfluous?
Get on YouTube and compare OB-6 demos to P'08 demos... that should answer your question.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 25, 2017, 09:23:39 AM
Here’s a scenario …
“Prophet 16. But, we're selling an 8 voice. Compared to the previous '08 double entendre, Prophet 16 feels dated, as it's '17. And even though this is a culminating gesture, I don't want to highlight that it's not an innovative one. We no longer need the Prophet name to sell. Here’s a chance for change on this front. Let’s add some zip. And, we leave space for the expansion of our VCO/discrete filter line, in case.”
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 25, 2017, 11:29:30 AM
Quote from: Yavn
Things got more interesting when playing with the shape mod, especially when using a LFO to modulate it.  Being able to mod each of the waveforms is definitely a high light. I got some crazy sounds using different LFOs on each oscillator’s shape mod.

Yavn, what kind of shape mod do the other waveforms offer? :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 25, 2017, 12:19:19 PM
Or if some friendly DSI staff member could provide us with more info... :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Fuseball on January 25, 2017, 12:57:58 PM
There is one less-heralded usability feature that I'm concerned may be lost with the upgrade to Rev2...

The P'08 helpfully displays both the stored and current value for the knob or parameter being changed at any time. This is enormously useful, particularly for potentiometer controls, when tweaking, adapting or reverse-engineering a previously stored sound.

From what few pictures I've seen of the OLED display, the stored value doesn't appear to be shown. If at all possible, I would love it to be there as it is so incredibly useful to sound design. Alternatively, perhaps it would be possible to hold down the Compare button and turn a knob to see it's stored value?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 25, 2017, 01:05:09 PM
I wondered about that also, as well as whether or not the same number of letters/digits are available in the OLED display for naming patches.  The REV2's display seems narrower than the Prophet '08's.  Reverting to pressing a Compare button would mean going back to the Poly Evolver Keyboard's design, which would be unfortunate.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Fuseball on January 25, 2017, 01:14:29 PM
I agree. The P'08s displaying of stored parameters is far better than the PEK Compare button method. It actually makes the P'08, for me, by far the most enjoyable synth to program. I really hope that it is something that is transferred over to the Rev2.

The text for program names looks a bit smaller than the fixed character display of the P'08. Looks to be a similar number of characters though. :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: proteus-ix on January 25, 2017, 01:53:23 PM
Hopeful rev 2 will get its own sub forum. Its. A shame this excellent thread is burned down in the off topic section...

My question: would getting a rev2 seeing that i have an ob6 already, be superfluous?

Different oscillators, different filters, different number of LFOs, different number of envelopes, and more than twice the polyphony, far more modulation possibilities, poly sequencer, effects per layer on the REV2...

I mean... they are almost nothing alike, except being DSI analog polys.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: proteus-ix on January 25, 2017, 02:03:32 PM
And besides, who knows at this point if there might be some presently unknown reason for liking the P'08 over the REV2?  It's unlikely, but perhaps the purest will have such a preference.

Yes, it's possible... but let's hope not! On paper, the Rev certainly seems to be better on all fronts.
Like you, I intend to hang on to my '08 module for the foreseeable future to use with the Rev2.
Even if the Rev2 is a little better in all departments, it doesn't make my existing P'08 any less useful to me. I almost always have a couple of parts using the 08 in anything I record, so a second one sure won't hurt. I wonder if it will be possible to dump programs made on the Rev2 in P'08 format, much as you could dump Tetra programs in P'08 format?

Related to that, has anyone confirmed if you can polychain a P8, Tetra or Mopho?  I've been thinking of getting a Tetra, and if I later get a Rev2, that would give me either 12 or 20 voices!  Consider you can load P8 sounds to the Rev2, and the P8 is polychainable with the Tetra and Mopho, that seems like a good possibility, and I can't really think of a technical reason it wouldn't work.  I do wonder what you'd be giving up with that scenario though - the Tetra has 2 suboscs per voice where the Rev2 now has one, so does that mean chained patches would only be able to use 1 of the Tetra suboscs per voice?  What happens to the other?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: chysn on January 25, 2017, 02:44:41 PM
Related to that, has anyone confirmed if you can polychain a P8, Tetra or Mopho?

Polychain is pretty much just like MIDI, but the polychain settings tell each synth to be silent for some of the notes. It's likely that the REV2 polychain has a setting to be 16 voices of 24 (to go with a Prophet 08), but it might not be able to be 16 voices of 20 (to go with a Tetra). But previous DSI synths had a large number of Polychain "Out" numbers, so it's a reasonable hope.

Quote
I do wonder what you'd be giving up with that scenario though - the Tetra has 2 suboscs per voice where the Rev2 now has one, so does that mean chained patches would only be able to use 1 of the Tetra suboscs per voice?  What happens to the other?

The Tetra would play whatever patch it's set to play. If its patch uses both suboscillators, they'll play. The consequence is that it won't match the sounds played by the REV2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 26, 2017, 12:43:52 AM
From about 10 min in there is some shape mod tweaking and demonstration of the slop.

https://youtu.be/OVFGutH2peI
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Jason on January 26, 2017, 05:44:40 AM
https://youtu.be/OVFGutH2peI

Great video. I really like the Shape Mod feature.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on January 26, 2017, 07:54:38 AM
Sounds pretty decent. If I do end up picking one up, it'll most likely be an eight voice. It's a tad annoying switching the patches is by a dial instead of buttons (like the P-6), makes it a bit more difficult to switch between sequences on the fly.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Morgenspaziergang on January 26, 2017, 08:58:31 AM
Exactly you the confirmation i needed to hear. Your post is exactly what i was looking for.

Cheers.  8)

Hopeful rev 2 will get its own sub forum. Its. A shame this excellent thread is burned down in the off topic section...

My question: would getting a rev2 seeing that i have an ob6 already, be superfluous?

Different oscillators, different filters, different number of LFOs, different number of envelopes, and more than twice the polyphony, far more modulation possibilities, poly sequencer, effects per layer on the REV2...

I mean... they are almost nothing alike, except being DSI analog polys.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Robot Heart on January 26, 2017, 02:10:58 PM
There is one less-heralded usability feature that I'm concerned may be lost with the upgrade to Rev2...

...Alternatively, perhaps it would be possible to hold down the Compare button and turn a knob to see it's stored value?

There will be an indicator on the display when you've arrived at the originally programmed parameter value.

There is also a "show" function, by holding the Misc Params button and turning a knob or pressing a button the current value of the parameter is displayed without changing the value itself. Note the current value will be the same as the programmed parameter value when you first recall a preset, but if you've edited the preset it will display whatever value you've changed it to.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Robot Heart on January 26, 2017, 02:16:30 PM
No plans on poly chaining, 16 voices should cover you. No poly chain with the older instruments, the feature sets are too different. You can still use the older instruments as an external "stack" simply by using the MIDI Out of the REV2 though.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Fuseball on January 27, 2017, 12:26:07 AM
There will be an indicator on the display when you've arrived at the originally programmed parameter value.

There is also a "show" function, by holding the Misc Params button and turning a knob or pressing a button the current value of the parameter is displayed without changing the value itself. Note the current value will be the same as the programmed parameter value when you first recall a preset, but if you've edited the preset it will display whatever value you've changed it to.
That's great. Thanks. I did wonder if you might have implemented something similar to the P6 dot. :)

Equally, if you press Compare and then use the "show" function does that then show the parameter value for the compared preset?

Ok, another question - Does the Rev2 have the same unison options as the P'08 or do you now have more control over number of voices (like the P6) or detune handled by Slop (like the OB6)?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 27, 2017, 01:12:20 AM
I'd love polyphonic dual and quad modes (i.e. 8*2, and 4*4) where the pan spread would pan the voices L and R. The awesome thing with the REV2 and 16 voices is that you could do a layered dual mode and still have 4 voices of polyphony with true stereo goodness! I'm guessing at least one other user on this forum wouldn't mind something like that... ;)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on January 27, 2017, 05:37:15 AM

There will be an indicator on the display when you've arrived at the originally programmed parameter value.

There is also a "show" function, by holding the Misc Params button and turning a knob or pressing a button the current value of the parameter is displayed without changing the value itself. Note the current value will be the same as the programmed parameter value when you first recall a preset, but if you've edited the preset it will display whatever value you've changed it to.

Well, the old saying "if it isn't broke.... etc. Please don't redesign things from the original that already make the synth brilliant in the first place. This new synth is going to be fantastic but just read what you have posted above and look how much more convoluted your 'new' method is compared to just simply displaying current value and the edited value.
Don't make it into a 'designed by committee' nightmare.
The way this is already implemented is perfect. Why would you change that?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 27, 2017, 05:59:06 AM
Does it appear as if there won't be a REV2 Module?   Hmmm, this would be a problem.  In order for a synthesizer to qualify as my main poly synth, it has to have the ability to be expanded with identical modules.  Combining a REV2 Keyboard with Prophet '08 Modules wouldn't work well enough.  I've been intending to switch over my whole P'08 system of one keyboard and two modules to REV2's.  I'll have to wait and see.

Again, it is possible that the old Prophet '08 could have some advantages over the new REV2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 27, 2017, 06:15:43 AM

There will be an indicator on the display when you've arrived at the originally programmed parameter value.

There is also a "show" function, by holding the Misc Params button and turning a knob or pressing a button the current value of the parameter is displayed without changing the value itself. Note the current value will be the same as the programmed parameter value when you first recall a preset, but if you've edited the preset it will display whatever value you've changed it to.

Well, the old saying "if it isn't broke.... etc. Please don't redesign things from the original that already make the synth brilliant in the first place. This new synth is going to be fantastic but just read what you have posted above and look how much more convoluted your 'new' method is compared to just simply displaying current value and the edited value.
Don't make it into a 'designed by committee' nightmare.
The way this is already implemented is perfect. Why would you change that?

It's true.  The old design of the Prophet '08 made altering old programs a breeze.  You could see the old setting together with the change you were making all at once. 

Again, wait and see.  I look forward to seeing some working demonstrations.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 27, 2017, 06:24:53 AM
Does it appear as if there won't be a REV2 Module?

No option for polychaining doesn't necessarily rule out a module. There's also a Prophet 12 module.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: MartinM on January 27, 2017, 06:31:51 AM
Moinmoin,

SS wrote:
Quote
...it's not impossible that the old Prophet '08 could have some advantages over the new REV2
.

Definitely.
At least for those of us who have accomodated themselves to (fallen in love with) it or its user interface. New musical instruments are not an end unto themselves.
Moreover some of us may be concerned by other than technical parameters, maybe like monetary things...

And this post is meant a lot more earnest than it may look at a first glance.

Martin (nevertheless very curious...)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 27, 2017, 06:36:38 AM
If I remember correctly, when the OB-6 Keyboard was announced, Dave immediately said there was a module version coming in several months.  That was quite helpful.  So, any question as to whether or not there will be a REV2 Module means all plans are on hold.  That's a problem because it will take some time to sell a Prophet '08 in order to finance the new instrument.  I would simply like a "yes" or "no" answer to the present mystery.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 27, 2017, 06:40:05 AM
If I remember correctly, when the OB-6 Keyboard was announced, Dave immediately said there was a module version coming in several months.

He didn't mention the module immediately at NAMM 2016, only a couple of months later at Superbooth2016, after the OB-6 was already shipping.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 27, 2017, 06:41:53 AM
If I remember correctly, when the OB-6 Keyboard was announced, Dave immediately said there was a module version coming in several months.

He didn't mention the module immediately at NAMM 2016, only a couple of months later at Superbooth2016, after the OB-6 was already shipping.

Are you sure about that?  I seem to remember it sooner.  Perhaps it was about the Prophet-6.

Anyway, if the REV2 is truly and fully to replace the Prophet '08, then it must have a module version.  The P'08 was the fist DSI synthesizer to have a parallel fully-knobby companion.  It's a primary feature that made it exceptional, and it's even implied with the venerable Prophet name.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 27, 2017, 06:56:34 AM
If I remember correctly, when the OB-6 Keyboard was announced, Dave immediately said there was a module version coming in several months.

He didn't mention the module immediately at NAMM 2016, only a couple of months later at Superbooth2016, after the OB-6 was already shipping.

Are you sure about that?  I seem to remember it sooner.  Perhaps it was about the Prophet-6.

100% positive. Here's the Sonicstate video from Superbooth 2016, where the module was mentioned for the very first time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjy_6lH3IxQ (jump to 5:11)

The Prophet-6 module was officially announced on October 22, 2015, shortly after the first hints about it leaked from an electronic music festival in the Netherlands.

In general, DSI never announced any module version before the keyboard version was ready for shipping. So I'd recommend patience until late summer or early fall in this case. Or wait at least until Superbooth 2017, which takes place in April.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on January 27, 2017, 12:33:22 PM
Welcome to the new REV2 subforum!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dslsynth on January 27, 2017, 05:17:33 PM
Anyway, if the REV2 is truly and fully to replace the Prophet '08, then it must have a module version.

Well if the 16-voice version supports DC modulation source and output pan modulation destination just like Prophet 12 and Pro 2 then its possible to stereo pan voices with a few minor tweaks using stack mode.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Robot Heart on January 27, 2017, 06:17:06 PM
Does it appear as if there won't be a REV2 Module? 

It's too early to tell. You should know us well enough by now to know we never announce the keyboard and the module at the same time  :)

It's not because we're withholding though, there literally hasn't been a discussion about it yet as we're busy trying to get the keyboard out the door!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Robot Heart on January 27, 2017, 06:18:22 PM
Well if the 16-voice version supports DC modulation source and output pan modulation destination just like Prophet 12 and Pro 2 then its possible to stereo pan voices with a few minor tweaks using stack mode.

This is a feature of the REV2. We're making it easy to pan full left/right for stacks.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on January 27, 2017, 07:13:01 PM
Does it appear as if there won't be a REV2 Module? 

It's too early to tell. You should know us well enough by now to know we never announce the keyboard and the module at the same time  :)

It's not because we're withholding though, there literally hasn't been a discussion about it yet as we're busy trying to get the keyboard out the door!

Patience, patience, I know, but I can't help trying to read the signs.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: proteus-ix on January 27, 2017, 09:12:22 PM
Related to that, has anyone confirmed if you can polychain a P8, Tetra or Mopho?

Polychain is pretty much just like MIDI, but the polychain settings tell each synth to be silent for some of the notes. It's likely that the REV2 polychain has a setting to be 16 voices of 24 (to go with a Prophet 08), but it might not be able to be 16 voices of 20 (to go with a Tetra). But previous DSI synths had a large number of Polychain "Out" numbers, so it's a reasonable hope.

Ah, that makes sense, thanks.

Quote
Quote
I do wonder what you'd be giving up with that scenario though - the Tetra has 2 suboscs per voice where the Rev2 now has one, so does that mean chained patches would only be able to use 1 of the Tetra suboscs per voice?  What happens to the other?

The Tetra would play whatever patch it's set to play. If its patch uses both suboscillators, they'll play. The consequence is that it won't match the sounds played by the REV2.

Ok, so it wouldn't match, but could it sound good?  :D
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on January 28, 2017, 12:52:55 AM
Well if the 16-voice version supports DC modulation source and output pan modulation destination just like Prophet 12 and Pro 2 then its possible to stereo pan voices with a few minor tweaks using stack mode.

This is a feature of the REV2. We're making it easy to pan full left/right for stacks.

This is super. Right? Similar to Prophet 12, no?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: finndesolace on January 28, 2017, 03:38:31 AM
Pro 2 has this "cue" function.  So When you play a sequence, you can queue another program's sequence to start at the after the current playing sequence. But it's not predefined.  You'll have to do it "on the move".
The Tempest on the other hand, has a playlist where you can make a predefined queue of multiple sequences.
I don't own any of the above, but that's what I understand from reading the manuals.
What is implemented for the REV 2 regarding queuing of sequences?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: rel-fi on January 29, 2017, 04:46:40 PM
I was hoping to learn more about how bi-timbrality will work on the REV2. After reading the P08 manual, it appears one could only use the A-sound for two different programs? Is this going to be the same approach taken with the  REV2?

My ideal situation would be that all programs (A and B sound) could be accessed by two midi channels in split mode, and each side would transmit on user-definable midi channels. Two separate midi zones would be great, even more midi zones would be a dream come true, esp how nice this keybed is supposed to be. I would love to pair this as a master controller with one of those new AKAI MPCs as the foundation of a live rig.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on January 30, 2017, 11:49:38 AM
I noticed on some of the NAMM videos that it seems like there's an off mode for the waveforms on the oscillators, this wasn't possible before if I recall correctly?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: rel-fi on January 31, 2017, 12:26:33 PM
A P12 friend of mine suggested I check out how Multimode in the Prophet 12 is addressed compared to the P08. Multimode in the P12 (manual addendum 1.1) appears to be a more intuitive way of implementing bi-timbrality, with the program's A/B sounds each receiving/transmitting on separate midi channels if desired. Will this advancement make it into the REV2? If DSI wants to do that and also allow for additional midi channel transmit zones on the keyboard, I'm all for that as well :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Fuseball on January 31, 2017, 02:10:51 PM
A P12 friend of mine suggested I check out how Multimode in the Prophet 12 is addressed compared to the P08. Multimode in the P12 (manual addendum 1.1) appears to be a more intuitive way of implementing bi-timbrality, with the program's A/B sounds each receiving/transmitting on separate midi channels if desired. Will this advancement make it into the REV2? If DSI wants to do that and also allow for additional midi channel transmit zones on the keyboard, I'm all for that as well :)
Although I've never had reason to use it, I believe the P'08 could be set to receive on separate MIDI channels for the 2 layers. I think the Global setting Multimode does this.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 01, 2017, 06:44:42 AM
Internally, is the REV2 a simple upgrade with a small number of new parts, or is it a substantially new instrument that emulates well the Prophet '08?  I presume it's the former.  If so, perhaps the Rev2 may not have the usual number of bugs or need the typical prolonged period of OS updates.  I don't know, but it certainly would be a happy matter if, because so much of the instrument has already been vetted in its previous form as the Prophet '08, it was largely bug-free.  Just hoping....
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: rel-fi on February 01, 2017, 02:24:29 PM
Per page 12 of the P08 Manual:

When MultiMode is On, the Prophet ’08 responds to MIDI data on two consecutive MIDI channels, the base channel (selected in the Gobal menu) and the next highest channel. The base channel controls voices 1 through 4 and the other channel controls voices 5 through 8. Notes, program changes, and other MIDI data received on the specified channels provide independent control of the two parts.

Note that a program change needs to be sent to each of the two channels when setting up MultiMode. Only Layer A of the selected program is loaded. There are no stacks or splits in MultiMode. Use CCs or Layer A NRPNs for automation of parameters. Program Layer B data is completely ignored in MultiMode.


The second paragraph seems to lay out the mechanics of how to work in MultiMode, which - when compared to the MultiMode function of the P12, is somewhat convoluted/clumsy. Hopefully the REV2 will take advantage of the P12's streamlined approach when addressing bi-timbrality.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on February 01, 2017, 08:19:46 PM

There will be an indicator on the display when you've arrived at the originally programmed parameter value.

There is also a "show" function, by holding the Misc Params button and turning a knob or pressing a button the current value of the parameter is displayed without changing the value itself. Note the current value will be the same as the programmed parameter value when you first recall a preset, but if you've edited the preset it will display whatever value you've changed it to.

Well, the old saying "if it isn't broke.... etc. Please don't redesign things from the original that already make the synth brilliant in the first place. This new synth is going to be fantastic but just read what you have posted above and look how much more convoluted your 'new' method is compared to just simply displaying current value and the edited value.
Don't make it into a 'designed by committee' nightmare.
The way this is already implemented is perfect. Why would you change that?

Bump for Robot Heart.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on February 03, 2017, 10:56:55 AM

There will be an indicator on the display when you've arrived at the originally programmed parameter value.

There is also a "show" function, by holding the Misc Params button and turning a knob or pressing a button the current value of the parameter is displayed without changing the value itself. Note the current value will be the same as the programmed parameter value when you first recall a preset, but if you've edited the preset it will display whatever value you've changed it to.

Well, the old saying "if it isn't broke.... etc. Please don't redesign things from the original that already make the synth brilliant in the first place. This new synth is going to be fantastic but just read what you have posted above and look how much more convoluted your 'new' method is compared to just simply displaying current value and the edited value.
Don't make it into a 'designed by committee' nightmare.
The way this is already implemented is perfect. Why would you change that?

Bump for Robot Heart.

Bump again. Would like Robot Heart from DSI to comment on if they can avoid going through this convoluted way of doing things and go back to the way it is already implemented.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 04, 2017, 03:42:45 AM
Is there a way to shut off the OLED display? Ever since I've started working with the Prophet 6 I've grown further and further away from menus and find them a bit distracting now or would that be detrimental to the programming of the Rev2?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: DavidDever on February 04, 2017, 04:36:52 AM

There will be an indicator on the display when you've arrived at the originally programmed parameter value.

There is also a "show" function, by holding the Misc Params button and turning a knob or pressing a button the current value of the parameter is displayed without changing the value itself. Note the current value will be the same as the programmed parameter value when you first recall a preset, but if you've edited the preset it will display whatever value you've changed it to.

Well, the old saying "if it isn't broke.... etc. Please don't redesign things from the original that already make the synth brilliant in the first place. This new synth is going to be fantastic but just read what you have posted above and look how much more convoluted your 'new' method is compared to just simply displaying current value and the edited value.
Don't make it into a 'designed by committee' nightmare.
The way this is already implemented is perfect. Why would you change that?

Bump for Robot Heart.

Bump again. Would like Robot Heart from DSI to comment on if they can avoid going through this convoluted way of doing things and go back to the way it is already implemented.

Perhaps it's worth e-mailing DSI directly, if you feel so strongly that this behavior should be carried over as an option to the new display format....

Post bumps are noisy for those of us who run forum crawlers or simply view the forum channels by new posts.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on February 04, 2017, 12:34:48 PM
Perhaps it's worth e-mailing DSI directly, if you feel so strongly that this behavior should be carried over as an option to the new display format....

Post bumps are noisy for those of us who run forum crawlers or simply view the forum channels by new posts.

Perhaps you could learn to be more tolerant and try and live in the not so perfect world the rest of us have to inhabit......
Believe me, you will be reading MUCH more on here about this change of operation from new owners once the synth is released.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on February 04, 2017, 01:32:23 PM
Perhaps you could learn to be more tolerant and try and live in the not so perfect world the rest of us have to inhabit......
Believe me, you will be reading MUCH more on here about this change of operation from new owners once the synth is released.

What DavidDever suggested was only that it would be far more economic communication-wise for you to just send a feature request to the support. That's what the support is there for.

Making use of the 'bump strategy' the way you did comes across quite aggressive. You quoted the original messages and added a bump, then quote that message again and added another bump, and so on. If anything that signifies a sort of pressure building with which you'd like to urge someone to give you an answer.

However, the answer to the question of how to compare settings between a saved and an edited program has already been given. You even quoted it yourself:

There will be an indicator on the display when you've arrived at the originally programmed parameter value.

There is also a "show" function, by holding the Misc Params button and turning a knob or pressing a button the current value of the parameter is displayed without changing the value itself. Note the current value will be the same as the programmed parameter value when you first recall a preset, but if you've edited the preset it will display whatever value you've changed it to.

Implementing the compare function this way only streamlines the way the REV2 operates in comparison to all the other current DSI synths. Your response to that only indicated that you think this would be the wrong way to do it and that this would be a "'designed by committee' nightmare" (I don't really get why). Add the way your bump messages come across to that, and you really wonder why you didn't get a 'better' answer anymore?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on February 04, 2017, 01:48:40 PM
Perhaps you could learn to be more tolerant and try and live in the not so perfect world the rest of us have to inhabit......
Believe me, you will be reading MUCH more on here about this change of operation from new owners once the synth is released.

What DavidDever suggested was only that it would be far more economic communication-wise for you to just send a feature request to the support. That's what the support is there for.

Making use of the 'bump strategy' the way you did comes across quite aggressive. You quoted the original messages and added a bump, then quote that message again and added another bump, and so on. If anything that signifies a sort of pressure building with which you'd like to urge someone to give you an answer.

However, the answer to the question of how to compare settings between a saved and an edited program has already been given. You even quoted it yourself:

There will be an indicator on the display when you've arrived at the originally programmed parameter value.

There is also a "show" function, by holding the Misc Params button and turning a knob or pressing a button the current value of the parameter is displayed without changing the value itself. Note the current value will be the same as the programmed parameter value when you first recall a preset, but if you've edited the preset it will display whatever value you've changed it to.

Implementing the compare function this way only streamlines the way the REV2 operates in comparison to all the other current DSI synths. Your response to that only indicated that you think this would be the wrong way to do it and that this would be a "'designed by committee' nightmare" (I don't really get why). Add the way your bump messages come across to that, and you really wonder why you didn't get a 'better' answer anymore?

So, am I not allowed to suggest the original way it was implemented was better?
I already own the Prophet 08. I will buy this synth and have had NOTHING but positive things to say about it since it's announcement. Are you really telling me I can't make a suggestion to someone from DSI who pops in just to say I think it's a backwards step?
Take a look at your post count Paul. Are you really trying to make out that I am posting too much?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on February 04, 2017, 03:40:05 PM
So, am I not allowed to suggest the original way it was implemented was better?
I already own the Prophet 08. I will buy this synth and have had NOTHING but positive things to say about it since it's announcement. Are you really telling me I can't make a suggestion to someone from DSI who pops in just to say I think it's a backwards step?
Take a look at your post count Paul. Are you really trying to make out that I am posting too much?

You are of course allowed to suggest whatever you like. My point was not to highlight what you said, but how you said it. I can't see how that is related to any number of posts.

The thing is though, DSI already decided upon a way to implement the compare function on the REV2. If you don't like it, you basically have two options:
1. Either you send an e-mail to the support in the hope that they will consider your suggestion in case it turns out that this is relevant to enough people (this is what happened with the 'trigger in' request for the Prophet-6), or
2. You just wait until the REV2 has been released and find out for yourself whether the way the compare function has been implemented actually turns out to be an obstacle for you.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on February 04, 2017, 03:50:38 PM
So, am I not allowed to suggest the original way it was implemented was better?
I already own the Prophet 08. I will buy this synth and have had NOTHING but positive things to say about it since it's announcement. Are you really telling me I can't make a suggestion to someone from DSI who pops in just to say I think it's a backwards step?
Take a look at your post count Paul. Are you really trying to make out that I am posting too much?

You are of course allowed to suggest whatever you like. My point was not to highlight what you said, but how you said it. I can't see how that is related to any number of posts.

The thing is though, DSI already decided upon a way to implement the compare function on the REV2. If you don't like it, you basically have two options:
1. Either you send an e-mail to the support in the hope that they will consider your suggestion in case it turns out that this is relevant to enough people (this is what happened with the 'trigger in' request for the Prophet-6), or
2. You just wait until the REV2 has been released and find out for yourself whether the way the compare function has been implemented actually turns out to be an obstacle for you.

Or, three, ask the guy from DSI directly on here after he came in to say how it was currently being implemented.
You see how that works?
If someone who actually works for the company comes on here, why would I not ask him? As far as I know, you have nothing to do with DSI whatsoever.
I now understand why your post count is so high.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 04, 2017, 03:56:42 PM
Children please, let's not make this forum turn into that. We are all musicians and we all have the discipline and patience to program synthesis, we are more than capable of having discipline and patience with each other.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on February 04, 2017, 04:37:49 PM
Or, three, ask the guy from DSI directly on here after he came in to say how it was currently being implemented.
You see how that works?
If someone who actually works for the company comes on here, why would I not ask him? As far as I know, you have nothing to do with DSI whatsoever.
I now understand why your post count is so high.

Again: I was talking about how you addressed the subject matter. You immediately voiced your opinion in a rather dismissive way based on no practical experience with the REV2 ("Well, the old saying 'if it isn't broke.... etc." / "Don't make it into a 'designed by committee' nightmare." / "this convoluted way of doing things") and then urged Robot Heart to reply to your statement repeatedly.

As for your other remarks:
I'm no employee at DSI, but as a moderator I do keep an eye on how the conversations are going. I have no issues with dissent or vivid debates as long as every contributor pays attention to his or her tone.

And to get this back on topic:
With regard to the REV2's compare functionality it might be good to know whether there's going to be a 'revert parameter' option like on the Prophet 12 and Pro 2, or whether such an option could be added. That way, the manner in which values are being displayed wouldn't have to be altered and reverting single parameter values could be performed much quicker than it can be done on the basis of a displayed comparison of values.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: vinnyburns1@mac.com on February 04, 2017, 05:33:27 PM
Or, three, ask the guy from DSI directly on here after he came in to say how it was currently being implemented.
You see how that works?
If someone who actually works for the company comes on here, why would I not ask him? As far as I know, you have nothing to do with DSI whatsoever.
I now understand why your post count is so high.

Again: I was talking about how you addressed the subject matter. You immediately voiced your opinion in a rather dismissive way based on no practical experience with the REV2 ("Well, the old saying 'if it isn't broke.... etc." / "Don't make it into a 'designed by committee' nightmare." / "this convoluted way of doing things") and then urged Robot Heart to reply to your statement repeatedly.

As for your other remarks:
I'm no employee at DSI, but as a moderator I do keep an eye on how the conversations are going. I have no issues with dissent or vivid debates as long as every contributor pays attention to his or her tone.

And to get this back on topic:
With regard to the REV2's compare functionality it might be good to know whether there's going to be a 'revert parameter' option like on the Prophet 12 and Pro 2, or whether such an option could be added. That way, the manner in which values are being displayed wouldn't have to be altered and reverting single parameter values could be performed much quicker than it can be done on the basis of a displayed comparison of values.

So as moderator, can you please advise how I can address someone from DSI? Is there a special template? :-)
You are going to have the last word anyway. You have dragged this out far longer than I ever intended to do. I won't be replying to you anymore.
Quite a strange way to treat someone who is actually buying this product. Think you probably better just ban me from the forum if buying an update to the synth I already have and having the cheek to ask about it offends you so much.
Title: Re: REV2 (16
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 04, 2017, 08:36:59 PM
I understand the concern about the editing of programs on the REV2.  I'm wondering why there was a change as well.  The Prophet '08's design of displaying both the original parameter digit and the new parameter digit at the same time seemed to be ideal because it was simple.  I've never found it in use to be a problem.  Then again, I've not played the newer instruments, so I can't say if DSI has improved on it.  Perhaps they have, and perhaps the REV2 will be more intuitive than it presently appears.  I wish one superior design for changing programs was maintained for all the DSI synthesizers.  But we're all stuck with patiently waiting to try the new design.

Regardless, perhaps Robot Heart could add another explanatory comment here to cool things down.  It would also be handy at some point to have a video demonstration that includes a short demonstration of the OLED screen in use.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 07, 2017, 04:50:45 PM
I'm intrigued that the DSI forum and web site refer to this instrument as the Prophet REV2.  Yet, the name "Prophet" is found nowhere on the instrument.  Will that venerable name ultimately make it to the panel?  If not, then why is it called the Prophet REV2?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on February 07, 2017, 04:53:34 PM
I'm intrigued that the DSI forum and web site refer to this instrument as the Prophet REV2.  Yet, the name "Prophet" is found nowhere on the instrument.  Will that venerable name ultimately make it to the panel?  If not, then why is it called the Prophet REV2?

This! +1

It feels like they are trying to re-invent a product, and that's simply not the case. It's a Prophet.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 07, 2017, 04:55:13 PM
Tell me, did I just never notice the word, or is this a change?  Was the word "Prophet" recently added to the forum and web site?  I thought they had both said only "REV2."  I would love to see the word added to the instrument.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on February 07, 2017, 05:00:50 PM
Tell me, did I just never notice the word, or is this a change?  Was the word "Prophet" recently added to the forum and web site?  I thought they had both said only "REV2."

It looks like DSI actually read this forum! I know I complained constantly and others did as well. Maybe the point came across? I just noticed this on the front page!!! Sorry, I zoomed in to see. You'll notice it's sporadic across site, some say Rev2, some newer pics shows PROPHET: Rev2. I really hope it's this new style at launch!

Yes, it was just Rev2 prior, you're not going crazy. Just randomly I saw this.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 07, 2017, 05:05:17 PM
Incredible!  Yes, we had a discussion about this, and most everybody agreed, the name should be "Prophet REV2".  Well, that's commendable of DSI - that they would listen to us at this late date in the instrument's development.  The Prophet is back! 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on February 07, 2017, 05:17:36 PM
Incredible!  Yes, we had a discussion about this, and most everybody agreed, the name should be "Prophet REV2".  Well, that's commendable of DSI - that they would listen to us at this late date in the instrument's development.  The Prophet is back!

I totally agree. I had some kind of iffy service from DSI a while back, and then got some rather great service as well recently. I have to remember that this company is small and crap happens as well as magic. Listening to your users/fans is definitely special when you look at Moog and other companies. Thanks DSI!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 07, 2017, 05:28:11 PM
Now all they have to do is put Sequential somewhere on there ;).

In all seriousness it's great they are listening to their fans but I do have to wonder will the Sequential name ever be on another product or was that simply a one off for the Prophet 6 and more on that point would we ever see another VCO based synth from DSI or was the P6 and OB6 a final bow?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 07, 2017, 05:44:36 PM
That's the mystery.  I had thought this new instrument announced at NAMM 2017 might be a Sequential synthesizer, but I do think the present decision was a smart one.  The Prophet '08 needed and deserved to be resuscitated. 

I would expect the next opportunity for a Sequential instrument would be a monophonic VCO synthesizer, sort of a Pro One REV2.  But the Toraiz AS-1 makes that unlikely.  For what it's worth, I'd love to see DSI produce such a keyboard instrument - an old school analog mono synth with a three-octave keyboard and onboard effects.  Call it the Toraiz AS-1 Keyboard.  Oh, aren't we just full of ideas!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on February 07, 2017, 06:09:14 PM
I think DSI reserved Sequential for the P5 successor. I also feel that's the end of poly VCOs from them. That may be best, as it keeps those two as flagship legends. An 8 or 12-voice would be amazing, but then you can just grab a module. Same for the short keybed...it is what it is.

It is a shame to see the Sequential name come back for a very late encore appearance, and not be used further. Sequential Circuits sounds and looks a lot cooler than DSI. Sorry, but it's true lol. However, the Prophet line is an even cooler name and series, so I'm excited to see that continue on the Rev2!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Wmacky on February 07, 2017, 06:43:29 PM
Prophet Rev2

Good decision. Thanks DSI!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jdt9517 on February 07, 2017, 09:32:14 PM
I'm sure Dave Smith is (rightfully) very protective of what he puts the "Prophet" name on.  The P-08 was very worthy of the Prophet name.  He was probably testing the waters before he crowned the Rev2 with the Prophet name.

I think that "Sequential" may be problematic for future instruments.  While Dave Smith became famous under the Sequential Circuits name - the company ultimately failed.  I'm sure it was a terrible time for him and he has some bittersweet memories of Sequential.  I'd probably be a little superstitious about including a failed company name on my products.  He's become very successful again under DSI.  Why tempt fate.     
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on February 08, 2017, 12:18:06 AM
Good news.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on February 08, 2017, 01:48:22 AM
Hires product photos have been updated too: https://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product-photos/
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 03:41:09 AM
Question is regards to the sequencer. Is it possible to have only one layer or split play it's sequence while you play the other layer or split manually?

Also is it possible to transpose these sequences on the fly (ala Moog Sub 37?)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 03:49:48 AM
I think DSI reserved Sequential for the P5 successor. I also feel that's the end of poly VCOs from them. That may be best, as it keeps those two as flagship legends. An 8 or 12-voice would be amazing, but then you can just grab a module. Same for the short keybed...it is what it is.

It is a shame to see the Sequential name come back for a very late encore appearance, and not be used further. Sequential Circuits sounds and looks a lot cooler than DSI. Sorry, but it's true lol. However, the Prophet line is an even cooler name and series, so I'm excited to see that continue on the Rev2!

I really hope that's not the case. What a waste that would be to make such a big deal about "Sequential is back" for just a one off.

Perhaps, just speculating here. There would be a branch off or subsidiary company under the DSI banner with the Sequential name which focuses on higher end instruments (higher price range, VCOs, VS synthesis etc) with limited production while the DSI name focuses on lower cost more accessible instruments. Perhaps if DSI grows larger (Which I'm confident it will) this may be a possibility.

Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on February 08, 2017, 03:54:09 AM
Question is regards to the sequencer. Is it possible to have only one layer or split play it's sequence while you play the other layer or split manually?

Each layer has it's own sequence, so yes, you can do what you were asking for.

Also is it possible to transpose these sequences on the fly (ala Moog Sub 37?)

The Prophet '08's gated sequencer transposes on the fly. If the REV2's polyphonic sequencer - i.e. the second sequencer mode - operates like the one in the Prophet-6 and OB-6 it won't unless you press the REC button while playing.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 04:09:49 AM
Question is regards to the sequencer. Is it possible to have only one layer or split play it's sequence while you play the other layer or split manually?

Each layer has it's own sequence, so yes, you can do what you were asking for.

Also is it possible to transpose these sequences on the fly (ala Moog Sub 37?)

The Prophet '08's gated sequencer transposes on the fly. If the REV2's polyphonic sequencer - i.e. the second sequencer mode - operates like the one in the Prophet-6 and OB-6 it won't unless you press the REC button while playing.

Interesting cause I noticed on the demos when Sequence is engaged and either split or stack button is pressed BOTH sequences play as opposed to one or the other.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on February 08, 2017, 04:15:58 AM
Question is regards to the sequencer. Is it possible to have only one layer or split play it's sequence while you play the other layer or split manually?

Each layer has it's own sequence, so yes, you can do what you were asking for.

Also is it possible to transpose these sequences on the fly (ala Moog Sub 37?)

The Prophet '08's gated sequencer transposes on the fly. If the REV2's polyphonic sequencer - i.e. the second sequencer mode - operates like the one in the Prophet-6 and OB-6 it won't unless you press the REC button while playing.

Interesting cause I noticed on the demos when Sequence is engaged and either split or stack button is pressed BOTH sequences play as opposed to one or the other.

That may be because the single layers have been edited this way, i.e. with the sequencer activated for each layer. On the Prophet '08 at least, you can activate the sequencer individually per layer.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 06:29:32 AM
I'm sure Dave Smith is (rightfully) very protective of what he puts the "Prophet" name on.  The P-08 was very worthy of the Prophet name.  He was probably testing the waters before he crowned the Rev2 with the Prophet name.

That's the truth.  But it was strange that the name "Prophet" was at first withheld from a synthesizer that was clearly and strictly an upgrade of a previous Prophet synthesizer.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 06:32:54 AM
Question is regards to the sequencer. Is it possible to have only one layer or split play it's sequence while you play the other layer or split manually?

Each layer has it's own sequence, so yes, you can do what you were asking for.

Also is it possible to transpose these sequences on the fly (ala Moog Sub 37?)

The Prophet '08's gated sequencer transposes on the fly. If the REV2's polyphonic sequencer - i.e. the second sequencer mode - operates like the one in the Prophet-6 and OB-6 it won't unless you press the REC button while playing.

Interesting cause I noticed on the demos when Sequence is engaged and either split or stack button is pressed BOTH sequences play as opposed to one or the other.

That may be because the single layers have been edited this way, i.e. with the sequencer activated for each layer. On the Prophet '08 at least, you can activate the sequencer individually per layer.

Hmm is there a way you can lower/raise the volume or manipulate a layer in real time without affecting the other layer? Just thinking of having one sequence play while slowly bringing in another with another patch. Not sure if this is possible or not.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: thedommer on February 08, 2017, 06:50:57 AM
Placed an order a few days ago for the REV2. I have been wanting a poly for a long time and this looks like it might be the one. I went with the 8 voice because I don't really see a reason for 16 and I had a Facebook discussion with DSI. They mentioned that the price for the extra voices should be around $500. So even if they charge a premium to add-on the extra voices, it wont be much. For those of us looking for a cheaper start into the DSI world, its nice to know we can add the extra voices with out getting gouged later on.

I am going to dive into some videos on how the 08 sequencer works. I have a Moog sub37 and the sequencer is amazing. you can edit each note after the fact and really tweak your sequence. the use of lights for this are also brilliant. Also the Moog software is literally perfect for the sub 37. A huge asset for deep diving easily. I hope DSI has something in store for the REV2. Either way, I am excited to try it....we shall see if I end up keeping it!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 07:10:24 AM
Ah, a pre-orderer.  You're the kind of guy that keeps DSI in business!  As opposed to those of us who wait up to a year until an instrument has received its upgrades.

I hope you're thrilled with the Prophet REV2.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 07:17:48 AM
Placed an order a few days ago for the REV2. I have been wanting a poly for a long time and this looks like it might be the one. I went with the 8 voice because I don't really see a reason for 16 and I had a Facebook discussion with DSI. They mentioned that the price for the extra voices should be around $500. So even if they charge a premium to add-on the extra voices, it wont be much. For those of us looking for a cheaper start into the DSI world, its nice to know we can add the extra voices with out getting gouged later on.

I am going to dive into some videos on how the 08 sequencer works. I have a Moog sub37 and the sequencer is amazing. you can edit each note after the fact and really tweak your sequence. the use of lights for this are also brilliant. Also the Moog software is literally perfect for the sub 37. A huge asset for deep diving easily. I hope DSI has something in store for the REV2. Either way, I am excited to try it....we shall see if I end up keeping it!

Agreed I would never get a 16 voice for the Rev 2. Unless it's multitimbral like the Andromeda there's no sense in getting a 16 voice when it's only Bitimbral. Plus like I said before after so many voices it just sounds like a mess and the nuances are indistinguishable...especially in stack mode.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: thedommer on February 08, 2017, 07:32:18 AM

Agreed I would never get a 16 voice for the Rev 2. Unless it's multitimbral like the Andromeda there's no sense in getting a 16 voice when it's only Bitimbral. Plus like I said before after so many voices it just sounds like a mess and the nuances are indistinguishable...especially in stack mode.

I am curious if there are any pad patches that will truly benefit from the layering.  Realistically I doubt that will fit in a mix at all. Where I could see this being useful is during a jam session where the keyboardist does a loop and then plays over top of it with the second layer. This might be useful. Not for me, but for my far better keyboardists friends. The only other would be if you have a huge slow pad that needs more than 8 voices or you can hear it stealing voices. This will be an issue for me .005% of the time, so I will save the money for now.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on February 08, 2017, 07:32:34 AM
Hmm is there a way you can lower/raise the volume or manipulate a layer in real time without affecting the other layer? Just thinking of having one sequence play while slowly bringing in another with another patch. Not sure if this is possible or not.

Sure. Each layer is basically an independent patch. You can program one layer's VCA or oscillator level to be controlled by the mod wheel or an expression pedal while the other layer is already present from the get-go.
Title: Re: REV2 (16
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 07:56:41 AM
I would be interested in the Prophet REV2 sixteen-voice even if it was mono-tymbral.  One of the most annoying shortcomings of polyphonic synthesizers, due to the paucity of voices, is the resultant "pop" of voice re-assignments.  Sixteen voices would put you above and beyond that shortcoming.  Consider left-handed arpeggios, which can at times cover the entire five-octave range. If you're playing a melody with your right hand and an accompaniment with your left, it's easily possible to strike and have ringing from eight to ten notes.  With only eight voices, the ninth note will rob you of the first note, which is likely to be the lowest and the root of the chord - the worst note of all to lose. 

This is only one example of the benefits of having sixteen voices.  In bi-tymbral mode, it's even more true that the more voices you have, the greater the musical potential.  On my eight-voice Prophet '08's, I'm constantly running out of voices, especially in bi-tymbral mode.  It's a real problem that I'm expecting the Prophet REV2 will at last solve. 

If all goes well and I'm satisfied with the instrument, I intend to eventually get two sixteen-voice REV2's.  If I get an eight-voice, it will be as a part-time monophonic instrument.

Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 08:06:59 AM

Agreed I would never get a 16 voice for the Rev 2. Unless it's multitimbral like the Andromeda there's no sense in getting a 16 voice when it's only Bitimbral. Plus like I said before after so many voices it just sounds like a mess and the nuances are indistinguishable...especially in stack mode.

I am curious if there are any pad patches that will truly benefit from the layering.  Realistically I doubt that will fit in a mix at all. Where I could see this being useful is during a jam session where the keyboardist does a loop and then plays over top of it with the second layer. This might be useful. Not for me, but for my far better keyboardists friends. The only other would be if you have a huge slow pad that needs more than 8 voices or you can hear it stealing voices. This will be an issue for me .005% of the time, so I will save the money for now.

One of the HEAVIEST pads I've ever heard were on the Scarface soundtrack for Tony's Theme by Giorgio Moroder. That was a CS-80 which only had 8 voices. The second being the Jan Hammer strings on Crocket's Theme from Miami Vice are from the Jupiter 8 (again only eight voices). So really at what point does it just become unnecessary and too cacophonous to really work alongside anything.
Title: Re: REV2 (16
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 08:49:08 AM
I think DSI reserved Sequential for the P5 successor. I also feel that's the end of poly VCOs from them. That may be best, as it keeps those two as flagship legends. An 8 or 12-voice would be amazing, but then you can just grab a module. Same for the short keybed...it is what it is.

It is a shame to see the Sequential name come back for a very late encore appearance, and not be used further. Sequential Circuits sounds and looks a lot cooler than DSI. Sorry, but it's true lol. However, the Prophet line is an even cooler name and series, so I'm excited to see that continue on the Rev2!

If such is the case, if this is Dave's actual reasoning, then it would be consistent to bring back as well a successor to the Pro One.  I know - there's the Pro 2 - but that's an entirely different instrument.  A Pro One REV2 would be one voice of the Prophet-6.  It could be called a "Prophet One".
Title: Re: REV2 (16
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 08:59:52 AM
I think DSI reserved Sequential for the P5 successor. I also feel that's the end of poly VCOs from them. That may be best, as it keeps those two as flagship legends. An 8 or 12-voice would be amazing, but then you can just grab a module. Same for the short keybed...it is what it is.

It is a shame to see the Sequential name come back for a very late encore appearance, and not be used further. Sequential Circuits sounds and looks a lot cooler than DSI. Sorry, but it's true lol. However, the Prophet line is an even cooler name and series, so I'm excited to see that continue on the Rev2!

If such is the case, if this is Dave's actual reasoning, then it would be consistent to bring back as well a successor to the Pro One.  I know - there's the Pro 2 - but that's an entirely different instrument.  A Pro One REV2 would be one voice of the Prophet-6.  It could be called a "Prophet One".

Or a Prophet X which is Two Prophet 6 modules in a single keyboard that are totally independent of each other and optional second tier! Basically a VCO based Prophet REV2 with the option of a lower tier that the first can be placed on.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 09:07:38 AM
Do you mean a successor to the Prophet 10 - "X" meaning the Roman numeral ten?  Now you're talking!  But of course, this is pure fantasy.  In the age of portability, it's hard to imagine DSI producing anything larger than the standard Prophet '08/Prophet 12 sized instrument.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 09:26:16 AM
Do you mean a successor to the Prophet 10 - "X" meaning the Roman numeral?  Now you're talking!  But of course, this is pure fantasy.  In the age of portability, it's hard to imagine DSI producing anything larger than the standard Prophet '08/Prophet 12 sized instrument.

You know...I never even thought about the Roman Numeral but that works too! I was more or less thinking X as it Cross meaning you could split the keyboard, stack and have each module running individually of themselves. So you can cross both modules any way you'd like...sort of inspired by the X Mod section of the OB6. Can't really call it a Prophet 12 now can we ;)

While DSI is focusing on portability, this is still feasible as an option. Meaning you can buy the synth as is (5 octaves) and there is also the option of a separate base/controller that you can buy individually (Much like the Hammond XK-3 Lower Manual) with no modifications to the Prophet X itself. The synth basically attaches/detaches from it and with a midi connection it hooks up to it. In fact let's take it even further....TWO Midi Ins and TWO Midi Outs, ONE Midi through.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 09:50:03 AM
There are two-manual five octave MIDI keyboard controllers that could control DSI modules.  Even Synthesizers.com has smaller two-manual controllers.

http://www.synthesizers.com/qkb.html
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 10:01:47 AM
There are two-manual five octave MIDI keyboard controllers that could control DSI modules.  Even Synthesizers.com has smaller two-manual controllers.

http://www.synthesizers.com/qkb.html

Where's the fun in that? ;)
Title: Re: REV2 (16
Post by: dsetto on February 08, 2017, 11:56:24 AM
I would be interested in the Prophet REV2 sixteen-voice even if it was mono-tymbral.
I agree fully.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on February 08, 2017, 12:00:40 PM
I think DSI reserved Sequential for the P5 successor. I also feel that's the end of poly VCOs from them. That may be best, as it keeps those two as flagship legends. An 8 or 12-voice would be amazing, but then you can just grab a module. Same for the short keybed...it is what it is.

It is a shame to see the Sequential name come back for a very late encore appearance, and not be used further. Sequential Circuits sounds and looks a lot cooler than DSI. Sorry, but it's true lol. However, the Prophet line is an even cooler name and series, so I'm excited to see that continue on the Rev2!

I really hope that's not the case. What a waste that would be to make such a big deal about "Sequential is back" for just a one off.

Perhaps, just speculating here. There would be a branch off or subsidiary company under the DSI banner with the Sequential name which focuses on higher end instruments (higher price range, VCOs, VS synthesis etc) with limited production while the DSI name focuses on lower cost more accessible instruments. Perhaps if DSI grows larger (Which I'm confident it will) this may be a possibility.

Indeed on all points.

It seems logical that DSI would utilize the Sequential name specifically for flagship VCO synths, minus collaborations.

I've heard that the P08 and others have sold more units than the P6/OB6 (cost being one, and versatility winning over whatever buzzword we want to give VCOs). If the Rev2 sells exceptionally well, and I know it will at the USD $1500 & 2000 price points, I think we'll see an additional successor of the P10 with Sequential branding.

Out of all the older poly synths I played or owned, the Prophet 5 was my favorite. It didn't have overt character or a hip moog interface, but it was awesome. I forgot about it as Roland, Korg, Moog, and others did their thing and DCOs became the workhorse staple designs. When the P6 rolled around, I was hooked. Maybe similar to running into a high school sweetheart, and both being single. Haha.

Back to Rev2 though:
I did pre-order the Rev2, and hoping it fills some gaps in the studio. I'm never an early adopter, but I can't find information on whether or not DSI synths go through product changes after initial launch. Is it just software that patches initial problems, or iare there hardware revisions too?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 12:11:48 PM
I'm never an early adopter, but I can't find information on whether or not DSI synths go through product changes after initial launch. Is it just software that patches initial problems, or iare there hardware revisions too?

Oh my Oh my, yes, they do!  OS updates, bug fixes, occasionally added features.  The various phases of finding problems and fixing them last a total of about one year.  There are discussions about it on this forum and some clear descriptions of the time frames by Robot Heart.  But some times these problems are minimal, as with the OB-6.  I'm hoping that the Prophet REV2, since it's something of an upgrade rather than a new instrument, will spare us this difficult time.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on February 08, 2017, 12:55:03 PM
I'm never an early adopter, but I can't find information on whether or not DSI synths go through product changes after initial launch. Is it just software that patches initial problems, or iare there hardware revisions too?

Oh my Oh my, yes, they do!  OS updates, bug fixes, occasionally added features.  The various phases of finding problems and fixing them last a total of about one year.  There are discussions about it on this forum and some clear descriptions of the time frames by Robot Heart.  But some times these problems are minimal, as with the OB-6.  I'm hoping that the Prophet REV2, since it's something of an upgrade rather than a new instrument, will spare us this difficult time.

Does it historically involve changes to hardware (i.e. revisions to mainboard), or is it usually software that can be patched by us?

I can put up with software fixes but being put out due to hardware flaws I simply cannot deal with.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 01:04:19 PM
It's just software updates from the DSI web site.  They do a great job of it, but some times people get a bit heated over the waiting period.  If you're good at doing this sort of update, then you'll be fine.  Nothing to worry about.  The board swapping is involved only when you need an instrument repair.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jdt9517 on February 08, 2017, 02:55:23 PM
So really at what point does it just become unnecessary and too cacophonous to really work alongside anything.

It really depends upon how the instrument is being used.  In live work, one can really eat up a lot of voices quickly like Sacred Synthesis points out. 

OTOH, in the studio situation, a production can be done with few voices.  In my recording days of old, 5 voices on a synth were plenty.  There would be multiple tracks, but for the most part, 2 or 3 voices were the max I would use per track.  Each track would be layered one at a time against a "click track" until the finished product was produced.  So, the P-5 easily handled most studio situations.  Bette Davis Eyes (Kim Carnes) or Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics) are good examples of this kind of application. 

However, in live use, I had to make sure any use of the P-5 was limited to 5 voice situations.  This usually meant 2-4 voice string accompaniment, clavinet sounds, etc.  Nothing large and lush.   When the DX-7 came out with 16 voices, suddenly a synth could do piano parts.  That's why the Rhodes sounds from the DX became such an important mainstay.  No synth before that time could effectively perform electric/acoustic piano sounds. 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 04:15:12 PM
My perspective comes from a solo synthesist arrangement in which there are no other musicians and no other sounds, but only those produced by the solo synthesist.  When you remove all other instruments and instrumentalists, it's amazing how much musical room you have for yourself.  Elements such as a singer's voice, a drummer's cymbals, or a guitarist's power chords occupy an immense amount of sonic room.  In such an environment, it is indeed prudent for a synthesist to limit his or her number of voices.  But in the soloist environment, where you've got to occupy all the sonic space yourself, and where little imperfections such as note re-assignment "pops" are painfully noticeable, the wisest policy is, the-more-the-better.  The greater the number of voices available, the better.  The bigger the sound potential, the better.  The longer the keyboards and pedalboards, the better.  That's one of the reasons I'm all in for the Prophet REV2 sixteen-voice, even though I'll approach it with a certain amount of caution, just to make certain it really does sound as good as, or even better than, the Prophet '08.

In addition, my style of music does not use sounds and effects such as distortion and feedback that often leave little room for other sounds and effects.  With the exception of massive organ, brass, string, and other large scale pads, the sounds used are very clean and light.  For example, one of my favorite accompaniment sounds is called "PWM Piano," which I use quite often.  With this patch, I could easily play arpeggios that cover the entire range of a five-octave keyboard without creating any muddiness or lack of clarity.  For such a part, six or eight voices simply do not suffice.  There are other sounds, such as dreamy pads with slow attacks, long delays, and slow filter sweeps, that demand ten or more voices if they are to achieve the beautiful mysteriousness that I'm after. 

I could go on and on here, giving many other examples, such as bell and carillon patches.  My simple point is, for solo synthesizer music of the more classical type, the more voices and sonic power the better.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jdt9517 on February 08, 2017, 05:07:45 PM
+1  Well said.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 05:11:19 PM
Thanks, Jdt.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 08, 2017, 06:17:19 PM
Horses for courses I guess. I've never experienced voices being robbed but again my stuff is more simplistic John Carpenter style stuff but I just feel the 16 Voice Polyphony should be utilized better like it did with the Andromeda. 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 08, 2017, 06:33:49 PM
Lobo, I'm just saying I'm happy to see something of a large-scale synthesizer.  It's rare these days, with so many small, little, tiny micro, mini, instruments that are perfectly useless to me.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jtweito on February 09, 2017, 12:43:32 PM
Nice in depth video. Even shows the 8 voice extension card that can be added in the field.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1QPp5yVQGA
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 09, 2017, 01:27:08 PM
Excellent video interview and demonstration.  That particular REV2 must have been either an eight-voice, or else, a sixteen voice in Stack Mode for a few patches, because several times you can hear the notes being stolen.  How quickly a synthesizer runs out of voices.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jtweito on February 10, 2017, 05:13:48 AM
Excellent video interview and demonstration.  That particular REV2 must have been either an eight-voice, or else, a sixteen voice in Stack Mode for a few patches, because several times you can hear the notes being stolen.  How quickly a synthesizer runs out of voices.

I agree. I'm opting for the 16 just for long tails not having any note robbery going. And I think that you are dead on about that being the 8 voice keyboard. I listened again and I can distinctly hear the note loss. That video showed off the mod new mod assign style and now I'm super excited. It's the little things that changed that I'm looking forward to the most (like not using a pot to select osc wave).
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 10, 2017, 06:11:36 AM
It's definitely the "new and improved" Prophet '08.  But I'll be very interested to compare its sound with the original.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: thedommer on February 10, 2017, 06:23:10 AM

I agree. I'm opting for the 16 just for long tails not having any note robbery going. And I think that you are dead on about that being the 8 voice keyboard. I listened again and I can distinctly hear the note loss. That video showed off the mod new mod assign style and now I'm super excited. It's the little things that changed that I'm looking forward to the most (like not using a pot to select osc wave).

I opted for 8 voice because with tax it was exactly the cash I got for selling a barely used phatty stage 2 and an unused LA2A clone I had lying around.... the other 8 voices are in my future if it makes sense. Either way, very very stoked to finally have a poly around and my first Dave Smith. I have no idea where its going to go in my tiny room though....
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 10, 2017, 06:29:44 AM
It makes sense to buy the eight-voice and spread out the expenses by upgrading later.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on February 10, 2017, 10:18:29 AM
I'd probably go for the 16 voice myself if I end up getting one. It is looking VERY tempting.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on February 10, 2017, 10:31:09 AM
I think it's been said, but, yes, the ability to upgrade the voices is a great feature. If there's doubt, start at $1500. If & when it makes sense, upgrade. Less $ commitment, fun install. win-win. And we write about it. Triple-win.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Soundquest on February 10, 2017, 12:35:55 PM
From the video looks like the sequencer is set up similarly in concept to OB6. (meaning having ability to play/solo on top of the sequence).  If that is the case then a nice feature would be for this instrument to allow the "solo" volume to be controlled independent of the sequence.  Also, for chord progression on sequencer to be trigger by playing keys, rather than holding down a button.    Again, just basing this observation from a limited scope from a video here, so maybe it does do this.   But I'm curious what other on-board sequencer users out there think.   I preferred the PEK sequencer options opposed to the OB6's options.

Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 12, 2017, 03:50:56 AM
From the video looks like the sequencer is set up similarly in concept to OB6. (meaning having ability to play/solo on top of the sequence).  If that is the case then a nice feature would be for this instrument to allow the "solo" volume to be controlled independent of the sequence.  Also, for chord progression on sequencer to be trigger by playing keys, rather than holding down a button.    Again, just basing this observation from a limited scope from a video here, so maybe it does do this.   But I'm curious what other on-board sequencer users out there think.   I preferred the PEK sequencer options opposed to the OB6's options.

I do prefer the P6/OB6 sequencer except I wish you could transpose it on the fly without having to hold the record button (Again this SHOULD be rectified in a new OS) but it's nice to have both a Poly and Gated sequencer as an option. I think the best sequencers I've seen on board have been the Oberheim Two Voice Pro (It's a bit awkward at first because it's so hands on but it's incredible once you get it going) and the Alesis Andromeda (Which was Multitimbral meaning you could have multiple patch zones/splits and layers going in mix mode and each patch zone or layer could have it's own sequence running all in sync to the same internal clock. This is probably why I would get an Andromeda (warts and all) over a Rev2 because I think there's far more capabilities.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on February 12, 2017, 07:19:32 PM
From what you've expressed, it sounds like the Andromeda is the current synthesizer you are wanting.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 12, 2017, 07:32:40 PM
Indeed, who wouldn't prefer an Andromeda A6 to nearly every other synthesizer?  I certainly would.  But is it worth the gamble?  No service, hard to find parts, bugs.  Otherwise, it would be a no-brainer.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 13, 2017, 03:04:48 AM
Indeed, who wouldn't prefer an Andromeda A6 to nearly every other synthesizer?  I certainly would.  But is it worth the gamble?  No service, hard to find parts, bugs.  Otherwise, it would be a no-brainer.

I mean that's like any other classic or vintage synth. If I could find one in good condition for a good price I'd pick it up in a heartbeat. I really wish another of it's kind would come out. It really was where analog synthesis should have been heading to. Despite it bankrupting Alesis I think if they brought it out now it would sell very well and blow the Rev 2 away.  think it simply came down to poor timing. There was no analog boom or resurgence at the time of it's release so nobody really knew what to make of the thing.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: DavidDever on February 13, 2017, 05:08:04 AM
Indeed, who wouldn't prefer an Andromeda A6 to nearly every other synthesizer?  I certainly would.  But is it worth the gamble?  No service, hard to find parts, bugs.  Otherwise, it would be a no-brainer.

I mean that's like any other classic or vintage synth. If I could find one in good condition for a good price I'd pick it up in a heartbeat. I really wish another of it's kind would come out. It really was where analog synthesis should have been heading to. Despite it bankrupting Alesis I think if they brought it out now it would sell very well and blow the Rev 2 away.  think it simply came down to poor timing. There was no analog boom or resurgence at the time of it's release so nobody really knew what to make of the thing.

It brings up an interesting point, which is to say that DSI really needs a multi-timbral flagship with more than two layers, built-in effects, dual filters (a la the Pro-2), etc. The REV2 seems to have wasted a tremendous amount of capability at 16 voices with only two layers....
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: thedommer on February 13, 2017, 06:23:57 AM
It brings up an interesting point, which is to say that DSI really needs a multi-timbral flagship with more than two layers, built-in effects, dual filters (a la the Pro-2), etc. The REV2 seems to have wasted a tremendous amount of capability at 16 voices with only two layers....

The reason the Rev2 is so cheap is because its a Prophet08x2. They aren't rethinking synthesis here. They added another 8 voices and looked at how to integrate it without breaking the instrument and restarting design. So it might not be what you are looking for, but it give you a prophet 08 on steroids. the extra 8 voices gives you options you never had. Its a beast update that will sell like crazy. Everything about it is logical form a production standpoint. All their years of development patched together in a simple way.

Dave smith doesn't "need" a multi-timbral flagship with all those things you mentioned. Who knows if they will do it eventually, but they are killing it right now and they know how to run a business. They also are very in tune with price points.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 13, 2017, 07:38:15 AM
Indeed, who wouldn't prefer an Andromeda A6 to nearly every other synthesizer?  I certainly would.  But is it worth the gamble?  No service, hard to find parts, bugs.  Otherwise, it would be a no-brainer.

I mean that's like any other classic or vintage synth.

Right, but the condition of the Andromeda put it in that vintage category of concern rather quickly.  I wouldn't have nearly the same concern about the Poly Evolver Keyboard, even though it was discontinued only a short time after the Andromeda.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 13, 2017, 07:41:53 AM
The reason the Rev2 is so cheap is because its a Prophet08x2. They aren't rethinking synthesis here. They added another 8 voices and looked at how to integrate it without breaking the instrument and restarting design.

Exactly.  The Prophet REV2 is simply a large-scale Prophet '08 with a few extra features.  It's not a new instrument; it's an old instrument that's been upgraded.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 13, 2017, 11:44:22 AM
Indeed, who wouldn't prefer an Andromeda A6 to nearly every other synthesizer?  I certainly would.  But is it worth the gamble?  No service, hard to find parts, bugs.  Otherwise, it would be a no-brainer.

I mean that's like any other classic or vintage synth. If I could find one in good condition for a good price I'd pick it up in a heartbeat. I really wish another of it's kind would come out. It really was where analog synthesis should have been heading to. Despite it bankrupting Alesis I think if they brought it out now it would sell very well and blow the Rev 2 away.  think it simply came down to poor timing. There was no analog boom or resurgence at the time of it's release so nobody really knew what to make of the thing.

It brings up an interesting point, which is to say that DSI really needs a multi-timbral flagship with more than two layers, built-in effects, dual filters (a la the Pro-2), etc. The REV2 seems to have wasted a tremendous amount of capability at 16 voices with only two layers....

I know I've said it a dozen times but it have been nice to have done the Rev 2 with 8 voices with the new features bi timbral and the 16 voice multitimbral. If they had the intention to put out two synths and two different price points why not have two different sets of features? By default most people will get the 16 voice because it's not that drastic of a price difference and people generally want more. The eight voice is redundant as most people are going to upgrade later anyway but again the price difference isn't that drastic so they'll most likely just save a bit more and get the 16. I don't mean to harp on it but I just feel they sort of missed an opportunity.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: thedommer on February 13, 2017, 02:14:56 PM
By default most people will get the 16 voice because it's not that drastic of a price difference and people generally want more. The eight voice is redundant as most people are going to upgrade later anyway but again the price difference isn't that drastic so they'll most likely just save a bit more and get the 16. I don't mean to harp on it but I just feel they sort of missed an opportunity.

See your bolded line. Dave smith offers 2 versions of a synth making it affordable and most people upgrade later if they don't get the 16 in the beginning. They basically in the long run are only selling REV2 16 voice. THATS a sweet deal for them. Adding more features to the 16 would have required architecture changes that I bet they explored and decided against because the R&D wasn't worth it. They are cashing in on an easy (and awesome) upgrade.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on February 13, 2017, 03:09:34 PM
I hold nothing against DSI for this "cashing in."  I would have been happy if they had only maintained the Prophet '08.  I'm even happier that they have improved it.  A new synthesizer next time around; for now, an improvement of an old standard.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on February 13, 2017, 04:16:36 PM
I'll have to give it a whirl when it comes in the stores here. I may change my feelings towards it.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: DavidDever on February 13, 2017, 05:57:07 PM
Dave smith doesn't "need" a multi-timbral flagship with all those things you mentioned. Who knows if they will do it eventually, but they are killing it right now and they know how to run a business. They also are very in tune with price points.

I suppose that one could consider the Tempest to be a six-of-sixteen (with voice stealing) part multi-timbral unit, though it lacks built-in effects. It may be as close to the notion of an analogue (or hybrid) workstation as currently exists....
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on February 15, 2017, 02:10:43 AM
I just watched a vid demoing the step sequencer on the PROPHET rev2:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E1QPp5yVQGA

I played it back a few times and it appears that it's a 16-step sequencer (dual, of course). I was under the impression it would be 64 like the P6/OB6. Does anyone know what the case is here? 16 would suck :/

Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: synthlabs on February 15, 2017, 05:45:40 AM
I just watched a vid demoing the step sequencer on the PROPHET rev2:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E1QPp5yVQGA

I played it back a few times and it appears that it's a 16-step sequencer (dual, of course). I was under the impression it would be 64 like the P6/OB6. Does anyone know what the case is here? 16 would suck :/

Polyphonic step sequencer with up to 64 steps (6 notes per step), and ties and rests. (Like Ob/P6)
Separate 16 x 4 gated step sequencer. (Like P08/Mopho)
Each layer can have a separate sequence.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on February 15, 2017, 12:13:35 PM
I just watched a vid demoing the step sequencer on the PROPHET rev2:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E1QPp5yVQGA

I played it back a few times and it appears that it's a 16-step sequencer (dual, of course). I was under the impression it would be 64 like the P6/OB6. Does anyone know what the case is here? 16 would suck :/

Polyphonic step sequencer with up to 64 steps (6 notes per step), and ties and rests. (Like Ob/P6)
Separate 16 x 4 gated step sequencer. (Like P08/Mopho)
Each layer can have a separate sequence.

Thanks for that info. My only experience with DSI is the P6 and OB6. Would it allow 2 layers, both with 64 steps, or does it divide? I guess I don't understand the difference between the poly seq and the gated one.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: extempo on February 15, 2017, 12:56:59 PM

Thanks for that info. My only experience with DSI is the P6 and OB6. Would it allow 2 layers, both with 64 steps, or does it divide? I guess I don't understand the difference between the poly seq and the gated one.

You can have a gated sequence or a poly sequence on each layer. If you had a poly sequence on both layers, you still get 64 steps with up to 6 notes per step for each sequence.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Paul Dither on February 15, 2017, 01:02:56 PM
Thanks for that info. My only experience with DSI is the P6 and OB6. Would it allow 2 layers, both with 64 steps, or does it divide? I guess I don't understand the difference between the poly seq and the gated one.

I would strongly assume that you will get 64 steps for each layer, since that feature is not related to the number of voices. The difference between the sequencer modes is the following:
In poly mode, the sequencer is basically for recording notes or chords, like a MIDI sequencer. In gate mode, the sequencer operates like a modulation source. You will also be able to control notes, but for that you have to assign one sequencer track to control the frequency of one or both oscillators. It will also allow you to modulate any other parameter available like the filter frequency for example. So in practice that means that the gate mode is more related to automated control and sound design, while the poly mode is a straightforward option to enter musical snapshots like chord sequences or melodies.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: TacticalHamster on February 16, 2017, 09:38:58 AM
Thanks for that info. My only experience with DSI is the P6 and OB6. Would it allow 2 layers, both with 64 steps, or does it divide? I guess I don't understand the difference between the poly seq and the gated one.

I would strongly assume that you will get 64 steps for each layer, since that feature is not related to the number of voices. The difference between the sequencer modes is the following:
In poly mode, the sequencer is basically for recording notes or chords, like a MIDI sequencer. In gate mode, the sequencer operates like a modulation source. You will also be able to control notes, but for that you have to assign one sequencer track to control the frequency of one or both oscillators. It will also allow you to modulate any other parameter available like the filter frequency for example. So in practice that means that the gate mode is more related to automated control and sound design, while the poly mode is a straightforward option to enter musical snapshots like chord sequences or melodies.

Oh that's awesome re: the automation. Definitely can't wait for the Rev2. I've been force-feeding automation to my VCO DSIs via the DAW, but in the box is always preferable!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: bobule on February 23, 2017, 08:34:18 AM
Also you can run the sequencers at different tempos and time divisions giving many possibilities for detailed sequences!
Title: Re: REV2 (16
Post by: proteus-ix on February 23, 2017, 11:02:58 AM

If such is the case, if this is Dave's actual reasoning, then it would be consistent to bring back as well a successor to the Pro One.  I know - there's the Pro 2 - but that's an entirely different instrument.  A Pro One REV2 would be one voice of the Prophet-6.  It could be called a "Prophet One".

I sure hope so.  I really want the sound of the Pro One, and as much as I like all the things that get close (Evolver, Mopho, Pro 2, AS-1), none of them really nail *that sound*.  They're all amazing for what they are, but they aren't a Pro One.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: rel-fi on February 24, 2017, 01:01:59 PM
Indeed, who wouldn't prefer an Andromeda A6 to nearly every other synthesizer?  I certainly would.  But is it worth the gamble?  No service, hard to find parts, bugs.  Otherwise, it would be a no-brainer.

I mean that's like any other classic or vintage synth. If I could find one in good condition for a good price I'd pick it up in a heartbeat. I really wish another of it's kind would come out. It really was where analog synthesis should have been heading to. Despite it bankrupting Alesis I think if they brought it out now it would sell very well and blow the Rev 2 away.  think it simply came down to poor timing. There was no analog boom or resurgence at the time of it's release so nobody really knew what to make of the thing.

It brings up an interesting point, which is to say that DSI really needs a multi-timbral flagship with more than two layers, built-in effects, dual filters (a la the Pro-2), etc. The REV2 seems to have wasted a tremendous amount of capability at 16 voices with only two layers....

I know I've said it a dozen times but it have been nice to have done the Rev 2 with 8 voices with the new features bi timbral and the 16 voice multitimbral. If they had the intention to put out two synths and two different price points why not have two different sets of features? By default most people will get the 16 voice because it's not that drastic of a price difference and people generally want more. The eight voice is redundant as most people are going to upgrade later anyway but again the price difference isn't that drastic so they'll most likely just save a bit more and get the 16. I don't mean to harp on it but I just feel they sort of missed an opportunity.

If nothing else, transmitting >2 midi zones would make it the ideal 5 octave master controller. 2 onboard sounds, then use the other zones to play other modules / sound sources. That seems like it would be doable in a future software rev.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: goodweather on March 01, 2017, 04:49:06 AM
I just wish you could have more than one split. Especially with this much power why not have like 4 different zones with different patches? That would be something really unique in today's market.

Well, not really unique... If you look at the Radikal Technologies Accelerator that is a great sounding DSP based synth, you get 5 octaves but also up to 8 parts multi-timbral with separate sequencer and FX by part (20 voices with one expansion card extending the multi-timbrality from 2 to 8. You can get a second extension bringing it to 32 voices...)

For the DSI synth providing a sequencer and arp I think they should at least be tri-timbral so you could play one part with chords, one part with arp and also get one part run by the sequencer.
This would be unique and as far as I'm aware, no manufacturer is providing this...
And it is a pity that when you get 16 voices, arp and seq you are limited to 2 parts instead of 3.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on March 21, 2017, 07:03:57 AM
I just wish you could have more than one split. Especially with this much power why not have like 4 different zones with different patches? That would be something really unique in today's market.

Well, not really unique... If you look at the Radikal Technologies Accelerator that is a great sounding DSP based synth, you get 5 octaves but also up to 8 parts multi-timbral with separate sequencer and FX by part (20 voices with one expansion card extending the multi-timbrality from 2 to 8. You can get a second extension bringing it to 32 voices...)

For the DSI synth providing a sequencer and arp I think they should at least be tri-timbral so you could play one part with chords, one part with arp and also get one part run by the sequencer.
This would be unique and as far as I'm aware, no manufacturer is providing this...
And it is a pity that when you get 16 voices, arp and seq you are limited to 2 parts instead of 3.

I meant unique for an analog instrument that's on the market.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on March 21, 2017, 07:06:51 AM
With the Polyphonic sequencer can you transpose it on the fly without having to hold down the record button? I know someone said you can do it with the gated sequencer but it would be incredible to have that option for the polyphonic sequencer as well. Just don't want to have to keep breaking out tape to hold down the record button on my Prophet 6. ;)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on March 28, 2017, 11:41:15 PM
I hope we get a sneak peek of the REV2 manual soon! :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 06, 2017, 07:56:17 AM
On the purely practical level, there are several aspects of the Rev2 that I'm hoping will solve a few music room dilemmas.  First is the obvious benefit of having onboard effects.  I actually need only reverb and delay, and since I use a Lexicon MX300 for reverb, I'm lacking only delay.  The Rev2's onboard delay will allow for the elimination of an effects unit.  That's one power cable and two audio chords less.  Alas!  But even better is the panning issue.  Since the larger version of the Rev2 has sixteen voices, as well as a pair of B Output jacks, it has the much-coveted ability to be an eight-voice bi-timbral stereo instrument.  One Rev2 will be the equivalent of a Prophet '08 Keyboard and Module pair.  This is incredibly exciting, and will greatly simplify my set up.  If DSI also issues a Rev2 Module version, then I'll be in music room heaven.

My present Prophet '08 set up has tuned into a bit of a nightmare and produced a total music room mess.  The module-heavy set up has gobbled up all my power outlets, mixer channels, and physical space.  I've actually packed away all the P'08 pieces, and now am using an all-Evolver set up.  It's simple and tidy, but it amounts to one keyboard too few.  Three keyboards is the perfect number for my needs.

Ah, I'm looking forward to the REV2!  I do hope it sounds at least as good as the Prophet '08.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on April 06, 2017, 10:32:39 AM
I personally hope it has the ability to sound a bit more like the P6 than P08. But it seems to have a bit more of a hands on approach and a bit more of a knob to the vintage ability of the P6 than P08. With slop, "pulse width" etc If it has the ability to transpose polyphonic sequences on the fly and without having to hold anything down...then I'd easily get this as a compliment to the P6 set up I have. I'm still a bit on the fence on it. If Marc Doty does a extensive and in depth review like he usually does, then I'll make my decision based on that. There's a couple things that are make or break for me that I'm not sure about yet.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 06, 2017, 10:47:14 AM
I personally hope it has the ability to sound a bit more like the P6 than P08.

Yes, that would be a happy improvement.  I'm sure there will soon be Prophet '08/Rev2 comparison videos galore.  Perhaps we'll have a few from Starsky Carr.  It's the most obvious synthesizer comparison to presently make.  But I also intend to make the comparison myself, since these situations often turn out to be other than as we had hoped. 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 13, 2017, 07:50:55 AM
Still hoping for a knobby Rev2 Module, Prophet '08 style....
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on April 13, 2017, 08:53:58 AM
Something I noticed: Dave has always been about "If you want more...use the modules polychain them." Yet this essentially is a polychained Prophet 08 (although with a better interface).
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 13, 2017, 08:59:41 AM
True, but why not offer a module version to those who don't want a keyboard version, and let those who would use both in combination do so?  There's something for everyone in the two version option.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Eastern Noise on April 17, 2017, 11:02:28 AM
On the purely practical level, there are several aspects of the Rev2 that I'm hoping will solve a few music room dilemmas.  First is the obvious benefit of having onboard effects.  I actually need only reverb and delay, and since I use a Lexicon MX300 for reverb, I'm lacking only delay.  The Rev2's onboard delay will allow for the elimination of an effects unit.  That's one power cable and two audio chords less.  Alas!  But even better is the panning issue.  Since the larger version of the Rev2 has sixteen voices, as well as a pair of B Output jacks, it has the much-coveted ability to be an eight-voice bi-timbral stereo instrument.  One Rev2 will be the equivalent of a Prophet '08 Keyboard and Module pair.  This is incredibly exciting, and will greatly simplify my set up.  If DSI also issues a Rev2 Module version, then I'll be in music room heaven.

My present Prophet '08 set up has tuned into a bit of a nightmare and produced a total music room mess.  The module-heavy set up has gobbled up all my power outlets, mixer channels, and physical space.  I've actually packed away all the P'08 pieces, and now am using an all-Evolver set up.  It's simple and tidy, but it amounts to one keyboard too few.  Three keyboards is the perfect number for my needs.

Ah, I'm looking forward to the REV2!  I do hope it sounds at least as good as the Prophet '08.
Every synth I own goes through Eventide boxes so for me the rev2 would be just fine without any FX  :) They never sound on par with eventide/strymon. Now, if you could modulate FX parameters then yes even lower quality would make sense.
I do get the "space" benefit but in my opinion resources spent on those subpar  sounding FX would be better spent somewhere else.
Unless DSI put some serious FX there and I'm wrong of course :)

True, but why not offer a module version to those who don't want a keyboard version, and let those who would use both in combination do so?  There's something for everyone in the two version option.
I'm almost certain they will do a module but question remains if it will look like the 08 one or the prophet 12 with close to none knobs.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Robot Heart on April 17, 2017, 02:34:17 PM
You can indeed modulate the FX parameters as well as the FX mix. While they're certainly not as expansive as a dedicated outboard effects processor, it's still tons of fun and the modulation opens a lot of new possibilities.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Eastern Noise on April 17, 2017, 07:05:32 PM
You can indeed modulate the FX parameters as well as the FX mix. While they're certainly not as expansive as a dedicated outboard effects processor, it's still tons of fun and the modulation opens a lot of new possibilities.
Thank you for the info.
That sounds awesome :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: wavelogue on April 19, 2017, 08:57:07 PM
Got my pre-order in today for a 16-voice  : )
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: eXode on April 23, 2017, 02:43:43 AM
I'd love to see a polyphonic Dual and Quad mode where Pan Spread pan the voices L and R.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: DavidDever on April 23, 2017, 07:31:26 AM
I'd love to see a polyphonic Dual and Quad mode where Pan Spread pan the voices L and R.

That would be quite the feature, and it shouldn't require anything unusual from a hardware or software perspective!
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: LoboLives on April 24, 2017, 02:53:53 AM
It looks like switching between patches on the fly might be a bit tricky.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on May 03, 2017, 09:55:16 AM
I wonder how long it will be until the Mopho x4 is discontinued, and also, if DSI will introduce a parallel smaller version of the Prophet Rev2? 
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Robot Heart on May 03, 2017, 10:17:59 AM
No plans to discontinue the x4 at this time, I think it'll be around for a while.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on May 03, 2017, 11:03:16 AM
Okay.  Thanks.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Fuseball on May 08, 2017, 06:15:06 AM
Having read the manual, the Rev 2 still looks like the synth I'm most likely to invest in next.  I toyed with the idea of a DM12 or a Peak or even a JD-XA... but the Rev 2 still appeals more despite already owning a P'08.

My only request is that it have more flexible Local Off options.  I would love to use a Rev 2 as my controller keyboard, as it will probably have better keys than anything else I own, but I've found the P'08 impractical to use in this way as Local Off also turns off all the panel controls as well as the keys and wheels.

The flexibility of being able to select whether Local Off effects just 'keys and wheels', or 'keys, wheels and panel' would be enormously useful in a studio environment.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: jazzygb1 on May 08, 2017, 07:25:16 PM
The flexibility of being able to select whether Local Off effects just 'keys and wheels', or 'keys, wheels and panel' would be enormously useful in a studio environment.

Yes I agree totally with this, it'd be brilliant if it could be implemented. :)
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dsetto on May 09, 2017, 10:43:57 PM
... I would love to use a Rev 2 as my controller keyboard ...  but I've found the P'08 impractical to use in this way as Local Off also turns off all the panel controls as well as the keys and wheels.

The flexibility of being able to select whether Local Off effects just 'keys and wheels', or 'keys, wheels and panel' would be enormously useful in a studio environment.
At 1st I was going to chime in, "+2, brilliant." ...

Couldn't you simply do one of the following:
- turn the main volume to zero
- disconnect the outputs

Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Fuseball on May 10, 2017, 08:46:32 AM
... I would love to use a Rev 2 as my controller keyboard ...  but I've found the P'08 impractical to use in this way as Local Off also turns off all the panel controls as well as the keys and wheels.

The flexibility of being able to select whether Local Off effects just 'keys and wheels', or 'keys, wheels and panel' would be enormously useful in a studio environment.
At 1st I was going to chime in, "+2, brilliant." ...

Couldn't you simply do one of the following:
- turn the main volume to zero
- disconnect the outputs
I could but unfortunately that doesn't help once the Prophet is being sequenced externally, which is usually from an early stage in writing anything.  In practice it's set to Local On 90% of the time, while I'm trying out sounds and ideas, but then gets switched to Local Off once I'm recording MIDI into a DAW, otherwise I'm getting note doubling.  That's expected, and I would get that with any keyboard.  However, I often like to change program or adjust parameters to an existing sound when I'm working on a track, and I need to switch Local On to do this, which makes it awkward to continue using the Prophet as a controller keyboard at the same time.  The end result is that I spend a lot of time going into Globals and toggling between Local On and Off, which can be a bit of a workflow killer.

By contrast my Mono Evolver Keyboard keeps the panel controls 'live' when Local is Off and I find it much easier to work with... but of course, it's only 3 octaves.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Fuseball on May 15, 2017, 08:35:00 AM
This might seem like a daft question... but is there visually any way to tell apart an 8-voice from a 16-voice Rev2?
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: extempo on May 15, 2017, 08:44:54 AM
This might seem like a daft question... but is there visually any way to tell apart an 8-voice from a 16-voice Rev2?

The only visual indication of whether it's 8 or 16 voices is on the display at start-up; otherwise, 8 and 16 voice Prophet Rev2s are identical externally. Internally, the only difference is the absence or presence of the voice expansion PCB.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dslsynth on May 17, 2017, 03:35:01 PM
The only visual indication of whether it's 8 or 16 voices is on the display at start-up

Any way determine the number of voices via MIDI?

Would be lovely if inquiry response message informed about voice count or at least if it was the 8 or 16 voice model.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: extempo on May 17, 2017, 04:36:06 PM
The only visual indication of whether it's 8 or 16 voices is on the display at start-up

Any way determine the number of voices via MIDI?

Would be lovely if inquiry response message informed about voice count or at least if it was the 8 or 16 voice model.

When the universal device inquiry is received, the Prophet Rev2 sends an NRPN to indicate if there are 8 or 16 voices.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dslsynth on May 18, 2017, 10:23:40 AM
When the universal device inquiry is received, the Prophet Rev2 sends an NRPN to indicate if there are 8 or 16 voices.

Perfect! What is the number of that NRPN message and what values indicate 8 and 16 voices?

. o O ( TIA )
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: extempo on May 18, 2017, 04:27:06 PM
NRPN 4191. 0 = 8 voices, 1 = 16 voices.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: dslsynth on May 22, 2017, 08:56:02 AM
Thanks for the answer!

If I should file a change request it would be that the model number in the inquiry response message were different for the 8 and 16 voice models. Its easier to handle this way for my setup. Hence: I suggest doing both that and the NRPN.
Title: Re: REV2 (16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer)
Post by: Ibsen on August 29, 2017, 05:47:31 AM
If they do a 16 voice module with MPE support I would buy it on the spot.

Me too!