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Dave Smith Instruments Evolver

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$4.83 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (23)

5 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Dave Smith Instruments Evolver

3 community setups

6 wishlisted

48 saved

Page last updated Jun 16, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 16, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (7)

$4.83 1 available New

$849.00 4 available Used

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Average Price: $291

Standard/Professional

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Sound Modules category, Dave Smith Instruments Evolver is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your creativity with the Dave Smith Instruments Evolver, a dynamic sound module that blends the best of analog warmth and digital versatility. Designed by the legendary mind behind the Prophet 5 and groundbreaking MIDI technology, this monophonic synthesizer is a treasure trove for sound designers and musicians seeking to push boundaries.

At the heart of the Evolver are four oscillators: two analog and two digital. The analog oscillators offer classic waveshapes like Sawtooth and Pulse, while the digital oscillators draw from 96 wavetables from the iconic Prophet-VS, alongside 32 user-loadable wavetables. This combination provides an expansive palette for crafting unique soundscapes that evolve as you manipulate them.

Featuring real voltage-controlled analog lowpass filters and dual digital highpass filters, the Evolver ensures rich and resonant sound shaping. Stereo audio inputs, a noise generator, and an envelope follower expand your creative possibilities, while an intuitive matrix-style front panel with endless-turn rotary encoders makes programming a breeze.

With extensive modulation capabilities and a 16 x 4 analog-style sequencer that syncs with MIDI, the Evolver offers endless exploration. Its compact size belies its power, making it a perfect fit for both studio setups and live performances. Whether you're creating lush pads, gritty leads, or experimental textures, the Evolver is your sound sculpting companion.

Key Features:

Monophonic synthesizer with four oscillators (2 analog, 2 digital)
96 Prophet-VS wavetables and 32 user-loadable wavetables
Voltage-controlled analog lowpass filters and digital highpass filters
16 x 4 analog-style sequencer with MIDI sync
Intuitive matrix-style front panel with rotary encoders
Extensive modulation capabilities with bipolar modulation
Compact and portable design with universal power supply

Product specs

Brand	Dave Smith Instruments
Model	Evolver Desktop Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish	Blue
Year	2002 - 2016
Made In	United States
Categories	Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital	Hybrid
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony	1 Voice

FAQs

What synthesis method does the Dave Smith Instruments Evolver use?: The Evolver uses a hybrid synthesis approach, combining analog and digital oscillators to create its unique sound palette.
Is the Dave Smith Instruments Evolver polyphonic or monophonic?: The Evolver is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time.
What types of effects are available on the Dave Smith Instruments Evolver?: The Evolver includes effects such as digital distortion, delay, feedback, and grunge, providing a wide range of sound-shaping options.
Does the Dave Smith Instruments Evolver support MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Evolver supports MIDI connectivity with MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through ports.
Can the Dave Smith Instruments Evolver be integrated into a modern DAW setup?: Yes, the Evolver's MIDI capabilities allow it to be integrated into a modern DAW setup for sequencing and control.

Videos

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AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Evolver by Dave Smith - The False Prophet

AudioPilz

Dave Smith Evolver "Are You Sequenced?" Soundset -128 Presets

LFOstore

mmag.ru: Dave Smith Instruments Evolver video review

MusicMagTV

Demo - Dave Smith Instruments | DSI | Sequential | Evolver * No Talking * Stock 1-69 Sequences

Here On Earth Studio

Dave Smith Evolver // My Favorite Synthesizer

Photo Synthesis

Dave Smith Instruments Evolver

SamAshdotcom

Dave Smith Instruments EVOLVER DSI // COMPLETE BANK 3

LESINDES

DSI Evolver Demo

VintageSynthShop

Reviews

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PROS

Powerful with 4 oscillators and extensive modulation capabilities
Versatile, suitable for leads, ambient, and techno music
Built-in sequencer assignable to any parameter enhances creativity
Onboard effects and split filtering for advanced sound shaping
Instantly produces aggressive and morphable sequences
Sequencers allow for dynamic and evolving patterns

CONS

User interface can be fiddly and unintuitive
Sound may lack the warmth and punch of vintage synths
Requires time to achieve desired sounds, steep learning curve
Some users find the sound quality sterile despite versatility

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Evolver's unique sound design includes digital nastiness, wavetables, and grunge/hack distortions, which aren't present in models like the Mopho X4.
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The Evolver is praised for its modulation options, three delay lines, and feedback circuit, ideal for industrial and harsh arpeggiator sounds.
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Setup and maintenance

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A common issue with older units is noise linked to the numeric display, often resolved by swapping the power supply.
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Mods and upgrades

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Reseating the voice chip can fix dead voices in the Evolver, a quick solution for contact issues after years of use.
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Owners recommend replacing original knobs, which are often criticized, to improve handling.
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Software and compatibility

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The Sound Tower software is recommended for enhancing sequence programming and overall use, despite the desktop controls being more intuitive than they appear.
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A plastic overlay is available to simplify the Evolver's grid interface, enhancing programming ease.
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Use cases and applications

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The Evolver is favored for creating stereo sound design, with strong distortion and delay effects suitable for techno and experimental music.
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FM and ring modulation between digital/wavetable oscillators are highlighted for unique sound creation.
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The Evolver excels at creating incredible lead and pluck sounds due to its stereo signal path, though it's less suited for bass.
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User experience

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Owners report a narrow sweet spot in sound, but when layered with other synths, it adds distinct character.
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The three-character LED display is considered cryptic, complicating modulation and sequencer adjustments.
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Comparisons

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The Evolver's interface might be challenging initially, but with experience, it becomes a powerful tool, often compared to more straightforward synths like the Electribe ER-1.
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The Curtis filter is described as unremarkable, requiring substantial EQ to fit into mixes.
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Build quality

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Evolver Desktop uses only encoders, which some find problematic compared to potentiometers.
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Value and pricing

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Sequential offers a $25 flat fee repair service for Evolver units, though shipping to San Francisco is required.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star

4 star

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1 star

michael_barakat

125

almost 11 years ago

Powerful and complex

If anything can be said about the Evo is it's powerful. If you compare it to other synthesizers its features really outdo almost any other mono synth on paper: 4 oscillators. Nearly any configuration of modulation. 4 LFOs. Parameter Envelope. On board effects. Split filtering. Built in sequencer assignable to any parameter. However, it doesn't sound quite like anything else i've used - the quality of the sound. Not sure why. Maybe it's the analogue to digital conversions that are happening? Some people say it doesn't have low end, some say it doesn't sound warm. Not sure about this. I will say it does takes me longer than other synths to get the sound I want out of it. It does tend to have a... sterile sound somehow even though I can also describe it as aggressive and harsh too or even warm. I know I'm contradicting myself. But, this synth just isn't so black and white. Great for powerful leads. Great for ambient stuff too. Great for almost anything really. It's nice to screw around with it for hours and see where you can push synthesis to - that's for sure.

str8sounds

458

over 9 years ago

Evolver is ideal for soundscapes.

I just got this yesterday. I turned it on, not knowing how to really operate it, and got some incredible aggressive sequences going instantly, and easily morphed them. A powerful, delightful grid matrix synthesizer / audio processor.

michael_pohl

over 10 years ago

Colorful

The desktop Evolver is not as punchy, precise or characterful as the famous vintage synths. Its UI is fiddly. Nevertheless it's great fun due to the internal sequencer, the digital osc combined with DCOs, the internal fx and the modulations. Looking from this angle it's yet quite characterful. The sequencer can modulate its own tempo by the way.