Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $690

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash your sonic creativity with the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard, a powerhouse of analog synthesis wrapped in an elegantly compact design. Perfect for both studio and live performances, this versatile instrument offers 4-voice polyphony and a 100% analog signal path, delivering robust and dynamic sounds that are sure to inspire any musician. The Mopho x4 is equipped with 44 semi-weighted keys featuring velocity and aftertouch, providing expressive control over your compositions.

At the heart of this synthesizer are two analog oscillators and two sub-octave generators per voice, complemented by a genuine 2/4-pole-selectable Curtis lowpass filter. Dive into sound design with three 5-stage envelope generators, four LFOs, and a 16 x 4 step sequencer, all of which invite you to explore new sonic territories. The relatchable arpeggiator and extensive modulation options further expand your creative possibilities, allowing for intricate textures and sequences.

For those looking to grow their sound, the Mopho x4 offers easy expandability. Connect additional Dave Smith Instruments like the Mopho, Tetra, or Prophet '08 through the Poly Chain port to transform your setup into a 16-voice analog synth monster. Born from the vision of analog synth legend Dave Smith, this instrument not only carries a rich heritage but also pushes the boundaries of modern music-making. Whether you're crafting behemoth basses, celestial pads, or intricate leads, the Mopho x4 stands ready to bring your musical visions to life.

Key Features:

  • 4-voice polyphony with two analog oscillators and two sub-octave generators per voice
  • 44 semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch
  • Genuine 2/4-pole-selectable Curtis lowpass filters
  • Three 5-stage envelope generators and four LFOs per voice
  • Relatchable arpeggiator and a 16 x 4 step sequencer
  • USB 2.0 for bidirectional MIDI communication
  • Expandable via Poly Chain port
  • Designed and manufactured in San Francisco, USA

Product specs

Brand Dave Smith Instruments
Model Mopho x4 44-Key 4-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer
Finish Black with Wood Sides
Year 2013 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 44 Keys
Polyphony 4 Voices

FAQs

Is the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard polyphonic or monophonic?

The Mopho x4 is a polyphonic synthesizer with 4 voices, allowing you to play chords and complex harmonies.

What kind of synthesis does the Mopho x4 use?

The Mopho x4 utilizes analog synthesis, providing warm, rich tones characteristic of classic analog synthesizers.

How many keys does the Mopho x4 have and what is the action type?

The Mopho x4 features a 44-key keyboard with semi-weighted action, offering a responsive feel suitable for expressive playing.

Does the Mopho x4 Synthesizer have USB MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Mopho x4 includes USB MIDI connectivity, making it easy to integrate with your computer and digital audio workstation.

Can the Mopho x4 be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Mopho x4 can function as a MIDI controller, allowing you to control other MIDI-compatible devices and software.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Mopho x4 Synthesizer?

The Mopho x4 measures approximately 18.65″ L x 11.1″ W x 3.6″ H and weighs under 10 pounds, making it portable for live performances or studio use.

Sequential

Sequential

Mopho x4 Demo- Dave Smith Instruments

Video thumbnail for Mopho x4 Demo- Dave Smith Instruments by Sequential

Mopho x4 Demo- Dave Smith Instruments

Sequential

Sequential

Video thumbnail for DSI Mopho Keyboard - SonicLAB Review by sonicstate

DSI Mopho Keyboard - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard Introduction by Sequential

Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard Introduction

Sequential

Sequential

Video thumbnail for DSI Mopho x4 Demo with Peter Dyer by Sequential

DSI Mopho x4 Demo with Peter Dyer

Sequential

Sequential

Video thumbnail for DAVE SMITH INSTRUMENTS Mopho x4 by session

DAVE SMITH INSTRUMENTS Mopho x4

session

session

Video thumbnail for An Evening with Dave Smith Instruments' Mopho X4 by JediSid

An Evening with Dave Smith Instruments' Mopho X4

JediSid

JediSid

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Instruments Mopho X4 "More Analog Pads & FX" Synthesizer DSI by Rik Marston Official

Dave Smith Instruments Mopho X4 "More Analog Pads & FX" Synthesizer DSI

Rik Marston Official

Rik Marston Official

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Mopho x4 in 10 minutes (no talking) by Mr. Card

Dave Smith Mopho x4 in 10 minutes (no talking)

Mr. Card

Mr. Card

Video thumbnail for Why I love Dave Smith Mopho x4? ❤️ (sound demo) by Mr. Card

Why I love Dave Smith Mopho x4? ❤️ (sound demo)

Mr. Card

Mr. Card

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Mopho x4 ► Sound Demo [1 HOUR] by Mr. Card

Dave Smith Mopho x4 ► Sound Demo [1 HOUR]

Mr. Card

Mr. Card

Reviews

PROS

  • Sound significantly bigger than similar models

  • Durable, performs well through shows and recordings

  • Fully analog with a great range of controls and sounds

  • Built like a tank, ideal for road use

  • No menu diving, intuitive knob control

  • Compatible with polychaining, enhancing performance flexibility

  • Offers a gritty, cutting sound that stands out

  • Highly capable modulation matrix for diverse sound crafting

  • Can produce atmospheric sounds with the right effects

  • Considered great value for an analog polyphonic synth

CONS

  • Onboard sequencer powerful but not user-friendly

  • Modulation sources may require time to understand

  • Deep features can be difficult to access live

  • Some users find pads lacking without additional effects

  • Workflow not the most natural, requires practice

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard.

Features and functionality

  • The Mopho X4 is compact with a 3.5-octave range, thanks to the mod and pitch wheels not being placed next to the keybed.

    Source
  • Sequencer offers powerful note and modulation tracks but requires navigating a small LED readout, which can be unintuitive.

    Source
  • The Mopho x4's filter resonance can be used creatively as a high pass, offering unique sound design possibilities that stand out in a mix.

    Source
  • The feedback and sub oscillator are favored for their impactful sound, particularly in creating presets like toy piano with added sub oscillator and feedback.

    Source

Build quality

  • The keybed is noted for being solid and well-made, contributing to the overall robust feel of the instrument.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners miss dedicated controls for each envelope and oscillator frequency, leading to potential interest in upgrading to a Rev2 for better control.

    Source
  • The Mopho X4 isn't ideal for beginners due to its multi-function buttons and menu navigation.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the synth's size and limitations, which encourage creative restraint and help prevent overcrowded mixes.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Jumpy encoders and random filter value changes were noted issues, potentially fixable with firmware updates or deoxit cleaner.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for mobile setups; one user replaced their Rev2 with the Mopho X4 for easier transportation without significant sound compromise.

    Source
  • The Mopho x4 excels in creating strong, cutting sounds that are effective in a band setting, though it lacks versatility for softer tones.

    Source
  • The Mopho x4 is frequently used for brassy pads and leads, but it doesn't offer a large sweet spot for sound exploration.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Rev2 offers more modulation routing, onboard DSP effects, and an added sub oscillator, providing a richer sound than the Mopho X4.

    Source
  • Mopho X4's programming depth surpasses Behringer Pro-800, though the latter is praised for sound quality.

    Source
  • While the Mopho x4 can dial in classic Prophet-esque sounds, its "Curtis fizzy" filter may not appeal to everyone compared to other Sequential synths.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Mopho X4's $850 price with a case is close to Prophet 08 territory, which offers more voices and features.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

they shouldn't have discontinued this

bang for buck... and this has THE sound... its gritty and cutting... Its highly playable... deeper features (and even a few standard features) can be a bitch to access which makes live tweaking patches a pain. Still, it sounds great. My favorite CEM synth on a chip synth hands down, sorry prophet 08 and rev2.

From Gear Setup
jimmarchi1

I really love this synth

jimmarchi1

I cooled on this synth a little and then rediscovered its might doing my Westworld score. It may not be as warm and inviting as the prophet 600, but its got that sound and its punchy and complex, big soundstage, perfect for horns, squealing glassy textures, robot noises....

S

Swiss army poly synth.

Thsi must be the cheapest polyfonic analog synth on the market. But it also sounds amazing, there is a lot under the hood, but you can get a software companion for it, wich is great. It's great on pads, bass and leads.

manolarra

Analog

Great synth, it has nothing to envy in terms of features and sound to more expensive synths. Fat sounds and very well utilized leads. And the versatility of the 4 voices is a plus.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Flume uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Flume

Music Producer, DJ

What So Not

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from Flume's Instagram, the wood panels and beveled logo of the Mopho X4 are prominent in the center of his "Tour Bus Studio".

See how Audien uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Audien

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

Audien shared a photo on Twitter of the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synth.

See how Com Truise uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Com Truise

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, a Dave Smith Mopho x4 is seen on the desk.

See how Jimmy Smith uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Jimmy Smith

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Foals

...
Verified via Canal+

Dave Smith Mopho X4 at 2:13

See how Alicia Keys uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Alicia Keys

Singer, Keyboardist

All Star Tribute

...
Verified via Dave Smith Instruments

Alicia Keys uses the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard, as listed on the Dave Smith Instruments website.

See how Reggie Watts uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Reggie Watts

Singer, Keyboardist

Soulive

...
Verified via News

In an article on new Comedy Central shows, Reggie Watts is pictured using the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard.

See how Martin Doherty uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Martin Doherty

Singer, Music Producer

The Twilight Sad

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:09 Martin can clearly be seen using a Mopho x4. This was an NPR concert last year, but he has used this as early as 2013.

See how Todd Terje uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Todd Terje

Music Producer

Terje, Todd & Prins Thomas

...
Verified via FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music.

"So, I had to get into all that and setup everything. I bought myself a new computer, a keyboard and some more outboard synths like the Dave Smith Mopho x4, the Tetra and a MFB Dominion X, plus a few effect pedals such as the Eventide Space"

See how Perturbator uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Perturbator

Music Producer

...
Verified via Imgur

James has swapped out the Sub37 for a DSI Mopho x4 on this most recent tour

See how Harry Gregson-Williams uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Harry Gregson-Williams

Composer, Music Producer

Kind Heaven Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen briefly around 12:27 mounted on the wall.

See how RÜFÜS / Rufus Du Sol uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

RÜFÜS / Rufus Du Sol

Music Producer

RÜFÜS

...
Verified via MusicRadar

From the article from music radar, upon asked What hardware synths they were using. They answered: "We have a Dave Smith Mopho - the x4 with the four oscillators - and we bought some Nord Electro 5Ds recently, which have been awesome. We also have a Korg MS-20 Mini, which is sick, a Jupiter 8 and a TB-3 and VT-3 - the new Roland AIRA products."

See how Eelke Kleijn uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard

Eelke Kleijn

Music Producer

Nick Hogendoorn & Eelke Kleijn

...
Verified via YouTube

The Mopho X4 at 1:19 then 1:41 throughout

Album Usage

The Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
jimmarchi1

jimmarchi1

Gear IQ 41003

jimmarchi1

jimmarchi1

Gear IQ 41003

plazmabeat

plazmabeat

Gear IQ 100

More Dave Smith Instruments Synthesizers

Sequential Prophet-6

$3,329.47 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Trent Reznor
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Dominic Fike Deadmau5 Martin Garrix
51 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 10

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
132 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,492.89 - $1,899.00

# 14

Rank

Skrillex Neil Halstead Charlie Puth
68 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$303.44 - $652.00

# 15

Rank

John Dwyer Adrian Utley Noisia
64 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$389.00 - $538.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Frank Iero Joe Duplantier
324 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides