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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
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Is the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Mopho x4 is a polyphonic synthesizer with 4 voices, allowing you to play chords and complex harmonies.
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What kind of synthesis does the Mopho x4 use?
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The Mopho x4 utilizes analog synthesis, providing warm, rich tones characteristic of classic analog synthesizers.
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How many keys does the Mopho x4 have and what is the action type?
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The Mopho x4 features a 44-key keyboard with semi-weighted action, offering a responsive feel suitable for expressive playing.
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Does the Mopho x4 Synthesizer have USB MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Mopho x4 includes USB MIDI connectivity, making it easy to integrate with your computer and digital audio workstation.
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Can the Mopho x4 be used as a MIDI controller?
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Yes, the Mopho x4 can function as a MIDI controller, allowing you to control other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
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What are the dimensions and weight of the Mopho x4 Synthesizer?
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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.
Videos
Sequential
Mopho x4 Demo- Dave Smith Instruments
Reviews
PROS
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Sound significantly bigger than similar models
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Durable, performs well through shows and recordings
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Fully analog with a great range of controls and sounds
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Built like a tank, ideal for road use
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No menu diving, intuitive knob control
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Compatible with polychaining, enhancing performance flexibility
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Offers a gritty, cutting sound that stands out
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Highly capable modulation matrix for diverse sound crafting
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Can produce atmospheric sounds with the right effects
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Considered great value for an analog polyphonic synth
CONS
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Onboard sequencer powerful but not user-friendly
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Modulation sources may require time to understand
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Deep features can be difficult to access live
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Some users find pads lacking without additional effects
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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
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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.
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Sequencer offers powerful note and modulation tracks but requires navigating a small LED readout, which can be unintuitive.
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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.
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The feedback and sub oscillator are favored for their impactful sound, particularly in creating presets like toy piano with added sub oscillator and feedback.
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Build quality
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The keybed is noted for being solid and well-made, contributing to the overall robust feel of the instrument.
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User experience
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Some owners miss dedicated controls for each envelope and oscillator frequency, leading to potential interest in upgrading to a Rev2 for better control.
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The Mopho X4 isn't ideal for beginners due to its multi-function buttons and menu navigation.
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Owners appreciate the synth's size and limitations, which encourage creative restraint and help prevent overcrowded mixes.
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Setup and maintenance
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Jumpy encoders and random filter value changes were noted issues, potentially fixable with firmware updates or deoxit cleaner.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for mobile setups; one user replaced their Rev2 with the Mopho X4 for easier transportation without significant sound compromise.
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The Mopho x4 excels in creating strong, cutting sounds that are effective in a band setting, though it lacks versatility for softer tones.
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The Mopho x4 is frequently used for brassy pads and leads, but it doesn't offer a large sweet spot for sound exploration.
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Comparisons
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The Rev2 offers more modulation routing, onboard DSP effects, and an added sub oscillator, providing a richer sound than the Mopho X4.
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Mopho X4's programming depth surpasses Behringer Pro-800, though the latter is praised for sound quality.
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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.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings
41003
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.
41003
I really love this synth
41003
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....
162
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 originalArtist usage
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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".
Alicia Keys uses the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard, as listed on the Dave Smith Instruments website.
In an article on new Comedy Central shows, Reggie Watts is pictured using the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho x4 Synthesizer Keyboard.
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.
"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"
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."
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.
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