Dave Smith Prophet 8 - yes or no?

[the donal]

The older version with only encoders gets a bad rep- which is why DSI offered the pot upgrade (also with the Evolver synths) and they're now all pot editions (hence Prophetb'08 PE), which seem to fare better. Basically, the oscillator, filter and amp controls (and envelope 3) are now all pots, while LFO, modulation and data entry are encoders. I guess these bits get used most and are subject to more wear and tear.

I've had mine since New Year and it seems pretty solid to me. The build feels pretty good and I like the way the keyboard feels. I have a fairly dusty environment, so it can be a bit trying on controls etc, but so far the Prophet is fine.

For clarification, I absolutely love my P'08. It sounds great and is a joy to program. So I'm a touch biased.

Best thing I can suggest, though, is to get into a shop and play one. You'll get a feel for the keyboard and build of it from there, plus the presets will give you an idea of how it sounds.

[shponglefan]

I've owned the PE edition for a couple years now with no issues.

[ozy]

Originally Posted by ACHISWELL

Dave Smith Prophet 8 - yes or no?

Regards,

Alastair.

1) Yes. Yes yes yes. Buy one amd have fun.

2) the keyboard is not at par with the rest of the synth.

Sound engine + panel = 9/10,
keyboard = 7/10 or 6/10. If you need good aftertouch, 6/10. If you don't , 7/10.

Keyboard is just ho-hum, not FAULTY.

IMHO, get a rack version and use a better keyboard as a controller.

I play it on a 88 keys weighted keyboard and such control on such engine is definitely a pleasure.

3) The only real "build quality PROBLEM" was the encoders, in early releases. Get a Pot Edition (PE) and everything will be fine.

[shponglefan]

^ Weird, I find the PE is my favorite of my semi-weighted keybeds.

[Analog Prophet]

Yes, go for it!

[Palaver]

It's build-quality is excellent, and it's a great board.

If you want to save a few bucks, I am selling mine on the classifieds. It's in near perfect condition.

Check it out here: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gears...nthesizer.html

Let me know if you're interested. I have quite a bit of sellers history here on GearSlutz (if you care to check it out).

Cheers,

Phil

[the donal]

I'm quite chuffed as just I found that mine has more arpeggiator modes than the manual says- it repeats the list again for 2 and 3 octave modes. I rarely use the arp (I know...) and tended to leave it in the up mode.

I spent a good ten minutes grinning like a loon with a fast arp going in 3oct random. Brought back a few chemical memories...

I love the Prophet '08.

[newguy1]

Originally Posted by ozy

I play it on a 88 keys weighted keyboard and such control on such engine is definitely a pleasure.

Agreed. The prophet 08 with a weighted keyboard is a great experience, and the p08 is a future classic for sure. Def yes yes yes.

You can probably find a p08 module and 88 note weighted controller for around the same price as p08.

[ACHISWELL]

Thanks people.

I was also wondering if they are comparable to KorgMonoPoly?

You see, the real underlying question behind this thread was to determin whether to get a the P8 or the KMP.

I have never used either, I have just read up on them and watched countless vids.
But they kind of appear to be similar - only, I don't think the Korg has the step sequencer (a big yes factor for me)
Plus I think the P8 seems to be sharper sounding and less linear.

Would this be accurate also?

[the donal]

Originally Posted by ACHISWELL

Thanks people.

I was also wondering if they are comparable to KorgMonoPoly?

You see, the real underlying question behind this thread was to determin whether to get a the P8 or the KMP?

I have never used either, I have just read up on them and watched countless vids.
But they kind of appear to be similar - only, I don't think the Korg has the step sequencer (a big yes factor for me)
Plus I think the P8 seems to be sharper sounding and less linear.

Would this be accurate also?

Can't comment on the Mono/Poly, but the P'08 can be as sharp or soft as you want. It's more on how you set the filter/envelopes.

Can also do weird, nasty all all things inbetween, thank to audio mod on the filter. Loads of modulation possibilities too and the LFOs go well into audio. 4xstep sequencer on each layer is a plus too.

It's a bloody fantastic synth.

[shponglefan]

Originally Posted by ACHISWELL

I was also wondering if they are comparable to KorgMonoPoly?

Can't speak for the Mono/Poly as I've never used one. But assuming it's sound character is anything like the Polysix, it would be radically different sounding compared to a P8.

Plus, the Mono/Poly is sort-of polyphonic-but-not-quite (paraphonic actually). But with the P8 you have true 8 voice dual-oscillator polyphony, bi-timberality and 8-voice unison mode.

[neuromantik]

Mono/Poly basses are thicker, great for 80s wave type stuff, P08 sounds brassier, try both!!

[ACHISWELL]

So what should I look out for when buying a second hand P8?

serial number .etc?

Thanks.

[KT1]

Originally Posted by ACHISWELL

So what should I look out for when buying a second hand P8?

serial number .etc?

Thanks.

Love mine - Get a PT edition. Rest is preference. I like the board but you get same amount of knobs on the rackmount.

It has a sound. Not great for Mono and the unison is well..what it is. That aside for Poly rich sounds and lots of modulation (also 3 envelopes) a lot of fun.

Good luck

[Luke44]

I found the keyboard to be awesome, my favourite keyboard I have ever played.. . im more of a synth action guy though....

and the P08 is awesome, just get ready to program your own sounds, its not a preset board

[ACHISWELL]

i am not a preset kinda guy

[Analog Prophet]

Waiting for two invoices to be payd :( then I have my P08

[the donal]

Originally Posted by Analog Prophet

Waiting for two invoices to be payd :( then I have my P08

You will be sooooo happy!

[Grovestand]

Originally Posted by Analog Prophet

Waiting for two invoices to be payd :( then I have my P08

With that handle, you'd BETTER have a Prophet!

I believe funds will reveal themselves for mine with my tax return.

I frequently go to Sam Ash on my lunch break and play the one there. Though last time I played the tempest for about an hour... it was pretty damn good.

[ACHISWELL]

So, do you think the P8's will hold their value and be a classic over time?


Or are these things gonna cost £200 in 10 years you reckon?

[mike vee]

i got the rack maybe 1 month ago and am using the Sound Tower VST editor....I like it a lot and the VST runs flawlessly. I also have a poly evolver keyboard which I like much better, but I like the Prophet just fine. I would say get the used rack if possible...I am not sure I would pay full price for the keyboard because there are a lot of other keyboards I'd rather have for 2100 dollars like a Jupiter 6, Prophet VS, a Juno 60 AND an SH101 etc...

[mike vee]

Originally Posted by ACHISWELL

So, do you think the P8's will hold their value and be a classic over time?


Or are these things gonna cost £200 in 10 years you reckon?

no, no way. they will hold a good value.

[ACHISWELL]

do you think the same could be said for nord lead x2 in regards to holding their value?

sorry about all the q's..

it's alot of money to spend and i obviously want to know as much as possible.

and yeah, i was thinking about a PolyEvolver too..

[SynthesizerPatel]

I would think, long term, the Prophet will definitely hold its value better than the Nord.

Get one!!! They're fantastic. I love mine and can't imagine EVER selling it.

[SDC]

If you don't need balls on your basslines, get one

[mindseye]

i wish another company would come up with a direct rival to the P8. it would benefit us (buyers) in the long run.

[ACHISWELL]

Originally Posted by SDC

If you don't need balls on your basslines, get one

I'm not sure what you mean by that? lol

[SynthesizerPatel]

Originally Posted by ACHISWELL

I'm not sure what you mean by that? lol

Me neither.

[clusterchord]

Originally Posted by SDC

If you don't need balls on your basslines, get one