The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 features a versatile bi-timbral architecture, allowing for complex textures with distinct sounds in Layers A and B. It boasts a powerful voice structure with two detunable DCOs per voice, Curtis low-pass filter options, and a modulation matrix with eight slots, 22 sources, and 53 destinations for intricate sound design. Integrated sequencing and arpeggiation enhance performance capabilities, while robust construction and extensive connectivity options guarantee durability and flexibility. The Prophet Rev2 offers substantial value in the polysynth market, especially with options for 8-voice and 16-voice polyphony. Continue to uncover detailed insights into its sequencer and effects capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Bi-timbral architecture allows distinct sounds in Layers A and B for intricate textures.
- Up to 16-voice polyphony with monophonic unison mode for thick, dynamic sound layering.
- Eight-slot modulation matrix offers 22 sources and 53 destinations for deep modulation.
- Dual-mode sequencer with a 64-step, six-voice polyphonic track for complex compositions.
- Curtis low-pass filter selectable between 12dB/oct and 24dB/oct for flexible tonal shaping.
Voicing and Modulation
The Prophet Rev2‘s voicing and modulation capabilities are a demonstration of Dave Smith Instruments’ expertise in synthesizer design, offering a robust framework for both live performance and studio production.
Central to its prowess is the bi-timbral architecture, which facilitates sound layering by allowing distinct sounds in Layers A and B. This setup enables musicians to craft intricate, evolving textures and harmonically rich compositions. Each voice in the Prophet Rev2 is powered by two detunable digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs), a sub-oscillator, and a white noise generator. These elements contribute to the instrument’s versatile sound palette, ranging from lush pads to edgy leads.
The inclusion of the Curtis low-pass filter, selectable between 12dB/oct and 24dB/oct modes, further enhances the sonic flexibility. The filter’s self-oscillation capability adds another dimension to sound shaping. For those interested in enhancing their setup with additional sounds, Ableton packs offer a seamless integration with the Prophet Rev2.
The eight-slot modulation matrix is particularly significant, providing 22 sources and 53 destinations. This extensive array of modulation options allows for significant modulation depth, enabling intricate and dynamic sound manipulation.
With LFO frequencies spanning from approximately 500Hz to several minutes per cycle, the Prophet Rev2 offers an expansive range of modulation possibilities, making it an invaluable tool for sound designers and performers alike.
Sequencer and Arpeggiator
Among the standout features of the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 is its sophisticated sequencer and arpeggiator, which considerably enhance its performance and composition capabilities.
The Prophet Rev2’s dual-mode sequencer allows for a 64-step, six-voice polyphonic track, facilitating intricate and complex compositions. This capability is paramount for users seeking to create detailed and layered musical pieces, effectively broadening sequencer workflows. Music producers can find more insights into sequencer workflows and other advanced techniques on various production blogs, which provide valuable resources for skill enhancement.
Each layer of the Prophet Rev2 is equipped with a versatile arpeggiator, offering multiple modes such as up, down, and random. These arpeggiator patterns provide an array of rhythmic textures, essential for generating dynamic and engaging sequences. The arpeggio timing can be synchronized to the internal clock, MIDI Clock, or external sources, ensuring seamless integration into diverse performance and recording setups.
Additionally, the sequencer includes a re-latching feature, allowing users to innovate new arpeggios without disrupting existing patterns. This enhances creative potential by enabling fluid shifts and novel rhythmic explorations.
The Rev2 also boasts a four-track, 16-step gated sequencer, which requires note hold for operation. This component supports the creation of up to four modulation tracks, offering powerful tools for dynamic sound manipulation and further expanding the instrument’s sonic versatility.
Filter and Effects
A hallmark of the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 is its advanced filter and effects architecture, which greatly enriches its sonic palette. Central to this is the Curtis low-pass filter, available in both 12dB/oct and 24dB/oct modes, offering a broad range of tonal shaping capabilities. The filter can self-oscillate, providing a rich harmonic foundation that is essential for creating complex textures.
Additionally, a velocity-sensitive DADSR contour generator modulates the filter cutoff frequency, enhancing the instrument’s dynamic response and expressiveness. The Prophet Rev2’s effects architecture is equally robust, featuring dedicated effects processors for each of its two layers. These processors offer 13 distinct algorithms, including reverb, delays, chorus, and phasers, allowing for thorough effects customization.
Each algorithm includes two adjustable parameters, granting users extensive control over their sound design. This flexibility guarantees that each effect can be tailored to fit specific sonic requirements. The design also mirrors some of the versatile tools found in top mastering plugins, enhancing the overall sound quality.
For purists, the option to bypass effects is available, maintaining a pure analog signal path that preserves the natural character of the synthesizer. This design choice underscores the Prophet Rev2’s commitment to delivering both versatility and high fidelity in its sound production.
Performance Features
The Prophet Rev2 offers a thorough suite of performance features that greatly enhance its versatility and expressive potential.
With advanced voice and polyphony options, including up to 16-voice polyphony and monophonic unison mode, the instrument provides dynamic sound layering capabilities.
Additionally, its integrated sequencing and arpeggiation functionalities, combined with extensive modulation and effects integration, afford musicians precise control and creativity during live performances and studio sessions.
Voice and Polyphony Options
In relation to voice and polyphony options, the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 presents a versatile and powerful synthesis platform. Offering both 8-voice and 16-voice models, this synthesizer allows for substantial polyphony expansion through the Rev 2 Expander Kit, which upgrades the 8-voice model to a fully equipped 16-voice unit.
This flexibility in voice architecture enables musicians to tailor the instrument to their specific needs, whether they require fewer voices for solo performances or the full 16-voice polyphony for complex compositions.
Each voice within the Prophet Rev2 is meticulously designed, featuring two detunable digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs), a sub-oscillator, and a white-noise generator. This combination provides a rich and expansive sound palette.
The bi-timbral architecture allows for the simultaneous use of two separate sounds in Layers A and B, enhancing the complexity and depth of sound through intricate layering and splitting capabilities.
Furthermore, the Prophet Rev2 supports a monophonic unison mode. This mode stacks up to 16 voices on a single note, delivering an incredibly thick and powerful sonic experience.
Such robust voice and polyphony options make the Prophet Rev2 a highly adaptable tool in any synthesist’s arsenal.
Sequencing and Arpeggiation Capabilities
Releasing the full potential of creative expression, the Prophet Rev2’s sequencing and arpeggiation capabilities stand out as essential tools for performance and composition. The dual-mode sequencer, with its 64-step polyphonic track, supports up to six voices, offering remarkable sequencer flexibility that enhances compositional possibilities.
This flexibility is further augmented by parametric programming, which allows for precise value entry at each step, enabling intricate and complex musical sequences.
The integrated arpeggiator offers a variety of arpeggiator modes, including up, down, and random, providing extensive rhythmic versatility. It can seamlessly sync to internal, MIDI, or external clock sources, ensuring consistent tempo alignment during performances.
The re-latching feature is particularly significant, permitting the creation of new arpeggios without altering existing patterns, thereby offering dynamic performance options and real-time adaptability.
Moreover, the Prophet Rev2 includes a four-track, 16-step gated sequencer that supports hold notes. This functionality allows for the creation of up to four modulation tracks, adding layers of complexity and depth to live performances.
Modulation and Effects Integration
Building on the Prophet Rev2‘s powerful sequencing and arpeggiation capabilities, its modulation and effects integration further enhances its performance features. The Prophet Rev2 boasts an eight-slot modulation matrix, offering 22 modulation sources and 53 destinations. This extensive matrix allows for profound modulation capabilities across a range of parameters, providing depth and complexity in sound design.
Users can leverage dedicated buttons for quick assignment of modulation sources, streamlining the process of creating intricate sonic textures.
Each layer of the Prophet Rev2 is equipped with its own effects processor, featuring 13 distinct effects algorithms such as delays, chorus, phasers, and reverb. These effects algorithms come with two adjustable parameters per algorithm, allowing for detailed customization and fine-tuning.
Significantly, effects can be seamlessly integrated into the modulation matrix, enabling dynamic sound shaping and expanding creative possibilities during live performances.
The Prophet Rev2 further distinguishes itself with a maximum LFO frequency of approximately 500Hz and a minimum frequency that can extend to minutes per cycle. This extensive frequency range enhances the modulation capabilities, offering unique sound design opportunities that cater to both rapid and gradually evolving modulations.
This robust combination of modulation sources and effects algorithms positions the Prophet Rev2 as a versatile instrument for both studio and stage.
Build Quality
Guaranteeing robust construction, the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 exemplifies high build quality akin to its predecessors, the Prophet 6 and OB-6, thereby assuring durability in both studio and live performance environments.
The instrument’s design durability is evident through its compact yet sturdy chassis, which accommodates both mobile setups and permanent installations without compromising on functionality. This makes the Rev2 a versatile option for musicians who require a reliable synthesizer that can withstand the rigors of frequent transport and continuous use.
The Prophet Rev2 also benefits from advanced MIDI sequencing capabilities, enhancing its versatility in modern music production environments.
Key responsiveness is another area where the Prophet Rev2 excels. The synthesizer is equipped with high-quality, velocity- and pressure-sensitive keys, which greatly enhance playability and expressiveness. These features guarantee that performers can achieve a nuanced and dynamic sound, essential for both intricate studio recordings and energetic live shows.
Additionally, the user-friendly front panel layout allows for immediate access to essential controls, facilitating quick adjustments during live performances without delving into complex menu systems.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is paramount for the modern musician, and the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 excels in this regard with a thorough array of ports and interfaces. The synthesizer’s independent stereo outputs for Layer A and Layer B offer substantial flexibility, allowing musicians to utilize the Prophet Rev2 as two separate mono or polyphonic synthesizers. This feature underscores the instrument’s analog connectivity prowess, facilitating seamless integration into various setups.
Additionally, its extensive MIDI integration capabilities are similar to those found in DJ software tools, which enhances the workflow by guaranteeing compatibility with a wide range of controllers and software.
A quarter-inch TRS stereo headphone socket, mirroring the outputs of Layer A, guarantees convenient monitoring during performances and studio sessions. Its extensive MIDI integration capabilities are highlighted by the inclusion of MIDI In, Out, and Thru sockets, along with a USB B socket for bi-directional MIDI communication. This robust array guarantees compatibility with a vast range of MIDI controllers and software, enhancing the workflow of any modern studio.
Further expanding its versatility, the Prophet Rev2 offers three analog control inputs: Sustain, Pedal/CV, and Sequencer. These inputs enable nuanced control over performance parameters, making the instrument adaptable to a wide array of performance and recording scenarios.
Additionally, its universal power supply, supporting 100V-240V at 50Hz/60Hz, guarantees the Prophet Rev2 can be used reliably across different regions.
Pricing and Comparison
The Prophet Rev2, with its 8-voice model priced at $1499 and the 16-voice model at $1999, positions itself as a competitively priced option within the polysynth market. This pricing strategy underscores its market positioning as a bridge between vintage analog warmth and modern digital flexibility. For a 16-voice analog synthesizer, the Prophet Rev2 offers substantial value, making it an attractive option for both professional musicians and advanced hobbyists.
Compared to its predecessor, the Prophet 6, the Rev2 boasts doubled polyphony and an expanded modulation matrix, enhancing its appeal among user demographics that demand versatile performance capabilities. The availability of B-Stock models, starting at approximately £1,850, presents additional cost-effective opportunities for budget-conscious users without compromising on quality.
| Model Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 8-Voice Prophet Rev2 | $1499 |
| 16-Voice Prophet Rev2 | $1999 |
| B-Stock 16-Voice | ~£1,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Dave Smith Instruments?
Dave Smith Instruments, founded by synth innovation pioneer Dave Smith in 1978, has established a significant music legacy through its groundbreaking MIDI technology and high-quality analog synthesizers, contributing extensively to the evolution of electronic musical instruments.
Is Prophet Rev2 Multitimbral?
Yes, the Prophet Rev2 is multitimbral. Its advanced sound layering and dual-mode sequencer enable it to handle two independent sounds simultaneously, maximizing its multitimbral capabilities for intricate sound design and dynamic performance applications.
Does Rev2 Have Aftertouch?
Yes, the Rev2 includes aftertouch functionality, enhancing keyboard sensitivity. This feature allows performers to modulate various parameters by applying pressure to the keys after striking them, greatly enriching dynamic expression and creative sound design capabilities.
When Was Prophet Rev2 Released?
The Prophet Rev2 release occurred in 2017, marking a significant milestone in the Prophet Rev2 history. This modern revision of the classic Prophet 08 introduced enhanced polyphony and modulation, catering to both novice and experienced synthesizer enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 synthesizer distinguishes itself through its thorough voicing and modulation capabilities, advanced sequencer and arpeggiator, versatile filter and effects options, robust performance features, superior build quality, and extensive connectivity options. This combination of features guarantees it meets the demands of both studio and live performance environments. When considering price and comparison, the Prophet Rev2 offers a compelling blend of functionality and value, positioning it as a formidable instrument within its class.
