Dave Smith Instruments question

[LiveFromKyoto]

The Mopho X4\ Tetra combo would be closest to a Prophet, just about the same thing but with extra sub oscillators. Not the same as a PEK, which has digital oscillators and on board effects.

Personally I like the Tetra\Mopho architecture the best of the DSI stuff, thicker than the Prophet (which is still nice). The Evolver line's sound didn't sit right with me, the MEK was the only thing I've ever fully gotten rid of.

I've only fiddled with the Tempest for a few minutes in the store so I can't really comment, except to say that the interface is nice, the sequencer and clock\swing sound pretty darn good, and there have been user sounds I've heard with it that are amazing.

[davidfuego]

1. No Idea

2. Does it have to be Dave Smith synth? You mentioned Waldorf and I was thinking that you could wait for the sledge synth from Waldorf and Studiologic. It looks promissing.

But if it is a Dave smith I think that the Mopho x4 could be a great choice adn then save for a tetra.

[Buck09]

Originally Posted by davidfuego

1. No Idea

2. Does it have to be Dave Smith synth? You mentioned Waldorf and I was thinking that you could wait for the sledge synth from Waldorf and Studiologic. It looks promissing.

But if it is a Dave smith I think that the Mopho x4 could be a great choice adn then save for a tetra.

No worries about the 1st question, was just curious. It doesn't absolutely have to be a DSI, but am pretty set on it, mostly because I have a Tetra already, and am looking more to expand that type of sound, rather than add another brand sound. I do like Waldorf, and am curious to see how the Pulse 2 sounds, but trying to limit myself right now. Am already purchasing the new E-Drum from MarkDrum(maker of MarkBass gear), so not a whole lot of budget left:(

Originally Posted by LiveFromKyoto

The Mopho X4\ Tetra combo would be closest to a Prophet, just about the same thing but with extra sub oscillators. Not the same as a PEK, which has digital oscillators and on board effects.

Personally I like the Tetra\Mopho architecture the best of the DSI stuff, thicker than the Prophet (which is still nice). The Evolver line's sound didn't sit right with me, the MEK was the only thing I've ever fully gotten rid of.

I've only fiddled with the Tempest for a few minutes in the store so I can't really comment, except to say that the interface is nice, the sequencer and clock\swing sound pretty darn good, and there have been user sounds I've heard with it that are amazing.

Thanks for your response. I'm not very interested in the Tempest, as I am trying to stear away from more pads to press. I just sold a NI Maschine, and my launchpad and APC20 haven't seen much use lately either. I'm trying to simplify my setup, but maximize my sound options, basically. Your thoughts have definitely steered me towards the Mopho x4/tetra combo. Would you happen to know if a Monoevolver module (not the keyboard version) chain to either the Tetra or Mopho x4?

[anchovyd]

With the Mopho you'd just be getting more of the same sound. Really the Evolver line is the only way that you're gonna get something that sounds different. If you ain't got the coin for a PEK, maybe drop on the MEK. I've got a lot of DSI and love it. My favorites are the Prophet and Mono Evolver Keyboard.

The new MophoX4 is only monotimbral so if you hook up your Tetra with polychain, you can't do combination sounds.

If you have to get DSI go for an Evolver, they truly are awesome. If you need more polyphony and keys then get the MophoX4.

Honestly I am thinking of selling my regular Mopho Key for the X4. Contradictory to LiveKyoto, I love my MEK and think it blows away Mopho. The PEK is only 4 voices and is muy expensive, so I probably will never get one. The Prophet is awesome too, 8 voices or 4 with a combination is truly awesome. You don't really miss the sub oscs. On the Mopho it is nice since it works well for bass but even then, I only occasionally use it.

[Buck09]

Anchovyd, since you seem to have a lot of DSI experience, I have the opportunity to get either a PEK for 1500, and/or a Desktop Monoevolver for 400. I guess I'm really just trying to decide between getting the PEK, or getting the mono, the Mopho x4, and chaining it all with my Tetra. I've thought about NOT getting the MarkDrum drumset and having that 1800 to spend otherwise, but that's about the only gear this one-man band doesn't have, and it would pretty much complete my setup.

[verve92]

Originally Posted by Buck09

Anchovyd, since you seem to have a lot of DSI experience, I have the opportunity to get either a PEK for 1500, and/or a Desktop Monoevolver for 400. I guess I'm really just trying to decide between getting the PEK, or getting the mono, the Mopho x4, and chaining it all with my Tetra. I've thought about NOT getting the MarkDrum drumset and having that 1800 to spend otherwise, but that's about the only gear this one-man band doesn't have, and it would pretty much complete my setup.

A PEK for $1500?!!! Get it if its the PE version. Even if it's not its an easy conversion to take out the encoders and install pots with the kit available from DSI.
I would look into the MEK as its out of production and will be a classic and still can be had for decent price. Much more editable obviously.
DSI is the only place you can get reliable and affordable analog.
Best of Luck!

[Buck09]

Its probably also worth noting that Novamusik has the PEK PE on sale right now for 2200. Have to look under their summer sale section.

[networkacid]

Originally Posted by Buck09

I have the opportunity to get either a PEK for 1500

Take it! That's a good deal.

[anchovyd]

Yeah for $1500, go for the PEK. I saw that you mentioned polychaining what ever you get to your Tetra. Evolvers can only chain to each other, not to the synths based off of the Prophet. The nice thing on the Evolvers is that in addition to the Midi Polychain connection, they also have stereo audio polychain inputs, so after connecting everything together, you just have one stereo out to run to your amp. Unfortunately, there are level mismatches between the Desktop, Rack, Mono Evolv Key, and Poly Evolver Key, so chances are you'll have to run your outs to a mixer to get the levels straight.

On the Prophet derived synths, they only have Midi polychain connections, no audio, so you _have_ to use a mixer. With the Prophet derived stuff, you only get the features that are common between the master and slave. So if you use a Mopho Key or X4 to drive your Tetra, you won't be able to use the Combo or Multimode, it will be monotimbral. Or if you use a Prophet to drive the Tetra you won't be able to use the sub oscillators or feedback on the Tetra.

I really like the Combo/layer mode on the Tetra and Prophet, you can get really interesting and complex sounds with it. On the Prophet when you use that mode, you end up with 4 voice polyphony which is usable. On the Tetra you end up with 2 voices of polyphony which is really too small. It is a shame that they removed this feature from the MophoX4 because by polychaining the X4 and Tetra you lose it on the Tetra.

Having said all that, a PEK for $1500 is really good and will give you a totally different sound palette than adding a Prophet derived synth and polychaining it which will just increase your polyphony. Eight voice polyphony is great but I think having the PEK which is 4 voice and your 4 voice Tetra will be more interesting and satisfying.

[Buck09]

Thanks anchovyd, you definitely broke it down to what I was looking for and have given me plenty to think about! I think I will go with the PEK, even if the 1500 one sells before I get to it(about a 9-hour drive, posted on CL). Still a great deal at 2200 on novamusik! I think I'll sell my Juno-G setup, and use the PEK as my master keys, and tetra more for bass and auxiliary sounds. Appreciate all your help:D