Dave Smith Instruments Tempest

[AikiGhost]

Originally Posted by taiko

Dear Pym-
I have been following this thread for a good while! I have a chance to purchase a used Tempest however apparently it will need some TLC. One of the pads apparently is causing issues (pushing in, not rebounding properly) and there is an audio artifact when using that pad. The screen is apparently slightly indented also, and the entire unit has a bit of a wobble (legs). I am wondering whether, if I purchased this Tempest, I could send it to you and DSI for some love! The ideal solution of course would be that you could in your generosity bring it to spec as a gesture of kindness to a dedicated user and fan who can't afford a new unit! Thanks for any help as I decide whether to invest in this used piece Pym, mad props to you for your amazing firmware work and highly respectful salutations for our gurus Roger and Dave-

taiko

Contact DSI support dude, if its less than a year old and wasnt broke n due to abuse then they will sport it out for you without charge.

[hogberto]

so if somebody like me is thinking about getting a Poly Evolver, it looks like a no-brainer to get a Tempest instead.

6 voices instead of 4. £500 cheaper (UK). and a drum machine thrown in too.

i don't particularly need the keyboard. not too fussed about the bells & whistles that the PEK offers.

so what are the major pitfalls? is the Tempest a nightmare to use as a polysynth expander?

[Goa-Dubs]

Originally Posted by hogberto

so if somebody like me is thinking about getting a Poly Evolver, it looks like a no-brainer to get a Tempest instead.

6 voices instead of 4. £500 cheaper (UK). and a drum machine thrown in too.

i don't particularly need the keyboard. not too fussed about the bells & whistles that the PEK offers.

so what are the major pitfalls? is the Tempest a nightmare to use as a polysynth expander?

I tried the pek and the tempest in the shop.They are different enuff to make you think.The pek is very smooth and pro sounding.

[taiko]

I called Dave Smith Instruments support today (thanks Aikighost!) and spoke with Carson in support. He was amazing (knew the Tempest front to back).
They are very happy to assist me with the repair on even a used Tempest. Many repairs can be made for free, and even if something is more major, it is only $25 per repair. So I picked up a used Tempest in amazing condition this afternoon (sight unseen, with one broken pad that I will have fixed by DSI) for $950 Looking forward to getting it up and running! Can't wait to join this community of users, get my new operating systems uploaded and start jamming. Thanks for any help as I get started- this thread is WAY too long now and if you can provide me with the links and instructions for updating the OS that would be amazing- Thanks again- taiko

[hogberto]

Originally Posted by Goa-Dubs

I tried the pek and the tempest in the shop.They are different enuff to make you think.The pek is very smooth and pro sounding.

hmm. thanks.

it is the PEK i'm really after. i'll need to try & hunt one down for a demo.

[taiko]

I found the Tempest OS page. Pretty simple to download all 4! OSes and get them loaded into SysEx Librarian (for OSX). Very straightforward. Here's hoping that the upload of the new Oses will go smoothly! Dave Smith Instruments. Tempest Technical Support. Operating Systems.

[xanax]

@hogberto: the biggest downside of tempest as a synth is that the LFOs aren't free running, other then that you'll be missing on the noise generator, one LP instead of 2 and obviously the one knob per function interface.. the general sound is i'm sure different alhtough i've never actually tried a PEK.. honestly if you are looking for a synth first and foremost, the PEK would be the better choice imo

[hogberto]

thanks xanax.

yeah i think you're right.

just looking to save a buck or two.

[RonF]

I own both PEK and Tempest. They are entirely different *synthesizers*. The PEK is perhaps the ultimate purpose designed editable hybrid poly synthesizer. The Tempest is a drum machine which can be coaxed into use as a synth module, with clear limitations in the architecture of the synth as compared to the PEK. And above all....they sound very different. If you want a classic hybrid programmable professional synthesizer...get the PEK. If you want the freshest percussion synthesizer on the market, which can be used with limitations as a synth module....get the Tempest. There is no way I would get the Tempest strictly as a synth. The PEK is a ubiquitous classic for sound design! Ultimately....get both! Its worth it!

[hogberto]

Originally Posted by RonF

… Ultimately....get both! …

you guys.

[emilision]

Originally Posted by RonF

The PEK is a ubiquitous classic for sound design! Ultimately....get both! Its worth it!

OT: Have you ever tried the Prophet 08? How would you compare it to the PEK (or the Tempest actually)...

[cuckoo.old]

Originally Posted by hogberto

so if somebody like me is thinking about getting a Poly Evolver, it looks like a no-brainer to get a Tempest instead.

6 voices instead of 4. £500 cheaper (UK). and a drum machine thrown in too.

i don't particularly need the keyboard. not too fussed about the bells & whistles that the PEK offers.

so what are the major pitfalls? is the Tempest a nightmare to use as a polysynth expander?

Are you more interested in getting a synth, or a drum machine? I'm no expert but I've heard that the Tempest is not that easy to use if you're into real-time synthesis. This is only hearsay so I don't know if it's true or not. If I was in the market I'd check out people who are using it for synthesis as well as drum-machine duties and see what their opinions are.

I own a Mono Evolver Keyboard and I would not trade it for a Tempest.

[Alekto]

I'm seriously considering one. I'm assuming (from what I've read) that it cannot sequence external hardware yet, but it can trigger stuff from the pads. Is that correct? It's not a deal-breaker for me, just curious.

[xanax]

^ yes the pads can trigger external midi

Originally Posted by cuckoo.old

I'm no expert but I've heard that the Tempest is not that easy to use if you're into real-time synthesis. This is only hearsay so I don't know if it's true or not.

false imo, i find synth programming very straight forward with Tempest, you've got direct knobs for most sections (OSC, LFO, EG & Filter) plus visual feedback from the excellent OLED display. it's light years ahead from programming those DSi desktop modules (mopho,tetra..etc) again the only real complaint/handicap i got with tempest as a synth is the non free-running lfo's..

[Alekto]

Thanks for clearing that up for me. So, I can print the notes I played to a MIDI track at least, right? Sorry, really want to be sure before I drop the $$$$

[xanax]

right...basically you can use the pads as a trigger finger/MPD to play an external synth and record the notes to an external sequencer

[Alekto]

Brilliant! Thanks so much, just what I needed to know...

[isham]

Originally Posted by xanax

right...basically you can use the pads as a trigger finger/MPD to play an external synth and record the notes to an external sequencer

I think there is still the exception of " 16 tuning mode" which is not working (outputting correct midi data )?

[cuckoo.old]

Originally Posted by xanax

^ yes the pads can trigger external midi



false imo, i find synth programming very straight forward with Tempest, you've got direct knobs for most sections (OSC, LFO, EG & Filter) plus visual feedback from the excellent OLED display. it's light years ahead from programming those DSi desktop modules (mopho,tetra..etc) again the only real complaint/handicap i got with tempest as a synth is the non free-running lfo's..

Fair enough.

I've actually heard little about this as a synth other than my comment from before. I do think the Tempest sounds very good. I heard someone do a Kraftwerk cover (on GS somewhere I believe) and it is excellent.

[ostraka]

Thanks to everyone for all the great info on this thread. I've been really excited about the Tempest since it was announced, and I am finally planning on getting one any day now. One of the things I still have been unable to find out in my research is if it is possible to config the Tempest to work in a particular multitimbral fashion.

For example, ideally I would like to have the Tempest synced to my DAW playing a percussion pattern in the internal sequencer and simultaneously use a keyboard controller to play a bass line or melody. Can I assign four voices to a synth patch on a separate channel, leaving the other two for the percussion, or would this need to handled via a split keyboard? Seems like it would work fine either way, but a separate channel would allow for more flexible control over the keyboard part (i.e. pitch bend, etc.).

[chembros]

Originally Posted by ostraka

Thanks to everyone for all the great info on this thread. I've been really excited about the Tempest since it was announced, and I am finally planning on getting one any day now. One of the things I still have been unable to find out in my research is if it is possible to config the Tempest to work in a particular multitimbral fashion.

For example, ideally I would like to have the Tempest synced to my DAW playing a percussion pattern in the internal sequencer and simultaneously use a keyboard controller to play a bass line or melody. Can I assign four voices to a synth patch on a separate channel, leaving the other two for the percussion, or would this need to handled via a split keyboard? Seems like it would work fine either way, but a separate channel would allow for more flexible control over the keyboard part (i.e. pitch bend, etc.).

Yes, you can sync the Tempest to your DAW. You may have to adjust the midi clock out delay in your DAW to line it up. If you assign the percussive parts to two of the six voices and use those voices' separate outputs that will pull them out of the main mix and leave the synth patch to the main L/R outputs. Also, you can play any sound on the Tempest and control its pitch bend with an external keyboard on its own channel.

If it's a mono synth part then you could assign it to one voice. Again if you plug in a cable to that voices' output you will take that voice out of the main L/R mix.

Hope this helps.

[ostraka]

Originally Posted by chembros

Yes, you can sync the Tempest to your DAW. You may have to adjust the midi clock out delay in your DAW to line it up. If you assign the percussive parts to two of the six voices and use those voices' separate outputs that will pull them out of the main mix and leave the synth patch to the main L/R outputs. Also, you can play any sound on the Tempest and control its pitch bend with an external keyboard on its own channel.

If it's a mono synth part then you could assign it to one voice. Again if you plug in a cable to that voices' output you will take that voice out of the main L/R mix.

Hope this helps.

Sorry, I meant MIDI channel, not output channel. So, in essence, I'd like to be able to play a synth part from a controller on a separate MIDI channel from a drum pattern that is sequenced on the Tempest. I understand that I can route them to different audio outputs, but would like to have independent MIDI control over four voices of X and two voice of Y, or some similar configuration, which I think you have answered by saying, "Also, you can play any sound on the Tempest and control its pitch bend with an external keyboard on its own channel." Did you mean MIDI channel and is this true while a drum pattern is playing, or being played/programmed?

Thanks!

[dubnspace]

Originally Posted by ostraka

Sorry, I meant MIDI channel, not output channel. So, in essence, I'd like to be able to play a synth part from a controller on a separate MIDI channel from a drum pattern that is sequenced on the Tempest. I understand that I can route them to different audio outputs, but would like to have independent MIDI control over four voices of X and two voice of Y, or some similar configuration, which I think you have answered by saying, "Also, you can play any sound on the Tempest and control its pitch bend with an external keyboard on its own channel." Did you mean MIDI channel and is this true while a drum pattern is playing, or being played/programmed?

Thanks!

Yes, there is a separate midi channel for "synth in".

[wakestyle]

So what I don't get yet is can you use the sequencer with external gear? Is it planned for future OS revision?

Thanks

Also, how is this at making step sequence 303/101 style basslines?

edit, just watched this is hilarious http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQzYn...feature=colike

[jarlywarly]

Originally Posted by wakestyle

So what I don't get yet is can you use the sequencer with external gear? Is it planned for future OS revision?

Not yet, but it is a much-requested feature. You should head-over to the DSI forum.

[BM0]

Originally Posted by ostraka

Sorry, I meant MIDI channel, not output channel. So, in essence, I'd like to be able to play a synth part from a controller on a separate MIDI channel from a drum pattern that is sequenced on the Tempest. I understand that I can route them to different audio outputs, but would like to have independent MIDI control over four voices of X and two voice of Y, or some similar configuration, which I think you have answered by saying, "Also, you can play any sound on the Tempest and control its pitch bend with an external keyboard on its own channel." Did you mean MIDI channel and is this true while a drum pattern is playing, or being played/programmed?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by dubnspace

Yes, there is a separate midi channel for "synth in".

To expound a bit more...

Yes, you can set the MIDI channel for the synth in the system Menu but there is only one synth cannel, so you cannot have two polysynth parts (4 and 2 separate voices). And yes the synth channel is separate from drum channel so you can have both, but keep in mind that there are only 6 voices. Basically there are two "parts" on the Tempest, each with there own assignable midi channel. Tempest is good either as a 6 voice "drum machine" or a 6 voice polysynth. Not so much at both at the same time. If you do both at the same time, you will most likely have sounds dropping out because of voice stealing.

[emilision]

Originally Posted by BM0

Tempest is good either as a 6 voice "drum machine" or a 6 voice polysynth. Not so much at both at the same time. If you do both at the same time, you will most likely have sounds dropping out because of voice stealing.

One of the biggest design flaws of the Tempest IMO. It can do SO much, but it's actually very limited by the voice count as to what it can do all at once...especially if you're using many sounds with a long decay. They should have even made it 8 voice, if not 12...

I'm starting to think you'd really need an Octotrack or something like a Gibson Echoplex even just to completely cover realtime percussion with just it...buying two just seems a bit ridiculous, even if you did have the spare cash...then, of course, there's always just being creative within a limited set of parameters, instead of trying to imprint what you want of it.

[gruvsyco]

Originally Posted by emilision

One of the biggest design flaws of the Tempest IMO. It can do SO much, but it's actually very limited by the voice count as to what it can do all at once...especially if you're using many sounds with a long decay. They should have even made it 8 voice, if not 12...

Well first and foremost, Tempest is an analog drum machine (says it right on the front panel). Not certain I'm real familiar with too many drum sounds in need of a long decay (other than booming 808s).
For a "synth" a might consider it a design flaw (although there have been many very successful analog synths in history with 6 or fewer voices) but, for a "drum machine" I think they nailed it. Besides that, I was able to afford a 6 voice Tempest, not sure I could have said the same for an 8 or 12 voice one.

[BM0]

Originally Posted by emilision

One of the biggest design flaws of the Tempest IMO. It can do SO much, but it's actually very limited by the voice count as to what it can do all at once...especially if you're using many sounds with a long decay. They should have even made it 8 voice, if not 12...

8 or 12 voices would be nice, but that would have increased the cost. I assume that DSI/Linn had a target price in mind when they started to design it. Also more voices would most likely require the Tempest to be a bit larger. I imagine they already packed in what they could. I was actually surprised how small it is.

I think the tempest is the coolest thing to have come out recently, especially for a drum machine. IMO, it is the most brilliant drum machine ever made. Still needs a little bit of work with the software however.

[gruvsyco]

Originally Posted by BM0

I think the tempest is the coolest thing to have come out recently, especially for a drum machine. IMO, it is the most brilliant drum machine ever made. Still needs a little bit of work with the software however.

Quoting for truth.