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Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Keyboard

$495.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (25)

1 Critic Review

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Dave Smith Instruments Mopho

2 community setups

21 wishlisted

62 saved

Page last updated Jun 29, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 29, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (11)

$495.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $495

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Keyboard is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Dive into a world of sonic exploration with the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Keyboard, a compact yet powerful analog synth that's perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned professionals. This 32-key marvel combines old-school analog warmth with modern functionality, making it an ideal addition to any setup. The Mopho Keyboard is designed to deliver rich, dynamic tones thanks to its dual oscillators and classic Curtis filter, which can be switched between 2- and 4-pole configurations for versatile sound shaping.

With its user-friendly interface, the Mopho Keyboard offers 25 knobs and 20 switches, providing direct access to a wide range of parameters. This ensures that you can tweak your sound in real-time, crafting everything from soaring leads to deep, resonant basses. The "Push It" button is a unique feature that allows for manual triggering of notes and sequences, adding an interactive element to your performances.

For those looking to expand their sound palette, the Mopho Keyboard includes MIDI over USB for seamless DAW integration and a Poly Chain function that lets you connect with other Mopho, Tetra, or Prophet '08 modules, transforming your setup into a polyphonic powerhouse. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Mopho Keyboard offers endless possibilities for musical creativity.

Key Features:

32 full-sized, semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch
Dual oscillators with two sub-octave generators
Classic Curtis lowpass filter (2- or 4-pole switchable)
Fully analog VCAs and signal path
3 envelope generators and a 16 x 4 step sequencer
MIDI I/O via USB and traditional MIDI ports
External audio input for processing other sound sources
"Push It" button for note/sequence triggering
Poly Chain output for expanding polyphony with other modules
Compact dimensions: 18.7" L x 11.1" W x 3.5" H and weighs 9.6 lbs.

Product specs

Brand	Dave Smith Instruments
Model	Mopho 32-Key Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish	Yellow with Wood Sides
Year	2011 - 2016
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	32 Keys
Polyphony	1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Keyboard suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Mopho Keyboard is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build, semi-weighted keys, and hands-on control features, allowing for expressive play and real-time sound manipulation.
What kind of synthesis does the Mopho Keyboard use?: The Mopho Keyboard uses analog synthesis, providing rich, warm tones characteristic of classic synthesizers, ideal for a variety of musical styles.
Can the Mopho Keyboard be integrated into a MIDI setup?: Yes, the Mopho Keyboard offers MIDI Input, Output, and Through, as well as USB MIDI, making it easy to integrate into any MIDI setup for both studio and live use.
How many voices of polyphony does the Mopho Keyboard have?: The Mopho Keyboard is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead melodies.
What are the standout features of the Mopho Keyboard's sound engine?: The Mopho Keyboard's sound engine features two oscillators, a sub-octave generator, and a Curtis low-pass filter, allowing for a wide range of sound design possibilities from deep basses to cutting leads.

Videos

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Sequential

Demo- MoPho Keyboard DSI Dave Smith Instruments

Sequential

DSI Mopho Keyboard - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

Dave Smith Mopho analog synthesizer review - SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

Introduction- MoPho Keyboard DSI Dave Smith Instruments

Sequential

Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Keyboard at audioMIDI.com

audiomidicom

Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard Demo

Hunart©

DSI Mopho Keyboard // Powerful, Yellow, & Frustrating

Jorb

Dave Smith's Mopho Keyboard // First Impressions

Jorb

Winter NAMM 2010 Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Keyboard

SoundsAndGear

Reviews

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PROS

Raw, uncompromised analog sound with unique character
Solid metal and wood build, durable and portable
Full size keys, comfortable for experienced players
Extensive modulation options with 2 osc, 2 sub osc, 4 LFOs
Versatile for bass, leads, and thickening tracks
Compatible as a controller for expanded setups
Features both 2 pole and 4 pole filters for sound shaping
Includes a sequencer for enhanced performance capabilities

CONS

Steep learning curve to master all functionalities
Discontinued, which could affect long-term support and repairs

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Mopho features a modulation sequencer and two sub oscillators, allowing for complex sound design possibilities.
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The Mopho can be polychained with a Tetra, Mopho X4, or Prophet 08 for expanded polyphony, enhancing its versatility for users planning future expansions.
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Software and compatibility

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Owners recommend using a MIDI editor within Ableton and Max for Live to unlock its full potential.
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Use cases and applications

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It's notably effective for EBM/Electro-Industrial basses and can approximate Pro-One sounds well.
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The Mopho is noted for its strength in sound design, with features like an internal sequencer and aux envelope allowing for complex patches not achievable on some other synths.
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Some users have shifted to creating ambient music after experimenting with the Mopho's sequencing and arpeggiator capabilities, highlighting its versatility.
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Comparisons

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It's described as not aggressive like the Brute and uses voice chips related to the Oberheim Matrix 1000.
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While the Mopho is described as having a harsher, metallic sound, it's contrasted with the Moog's warm, molasses-like quality, appealing to different musical styles.
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The Mopho keyboard offers a huge, stereo sound quality that some users associate with the high standards typical of DSI products.
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User experience

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Some owners report it as intricate and "dancy", with a lot of sound design potential in a compact package.
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Some owners find programming on the Mopho straightforward with all controls visible, countering claims of it being difficult compared to synths with hidden functions.
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Owners appreciate the ease of parameter editing directly on the Mopho keyboard's front panel, enhancing user interaction compared to the module version.
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Value and pricing

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Owners have found the Mopho to be a cost-effective way to access a single voice of the Prophet 08.
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Users highlight the Mopho as offering more bang for the buck, especially considering its feature set compared to similarly priced synths.
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The Mopho keyboard is considered a good deal at $500, as similar models often list for $600-750 in great condition.
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Critic Reviews

Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard is a stellar upgrade from its predecessor, offering the same powerful synthesis engine with a vastly improved interface. The addition of a robust two-and-a-half octave keyboard and intuitive controls make it a pleasure to use. However, the positioning of the pitch and modulation wheels could be awkward for some users, and the Push It! button feels redundant. Overall, the Mopho Keyboard is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a compact yet versatile mono synth, earning a thumbs-up for its enhancements and sound quality.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 25 Ratings

5 star

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3 star

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1 star

kitsune2097

243

over 1 year ago

Great mono synth

One of the first synths of the analog renaissance era and I still really like it.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Hip Hop

scroaker2705

4482

over 10 years ago

One of the best monophonic synths.

In my opinion, the Dave Smith Mopho is one of the most versatile and under-rated synthesizers. For me, I mostly use it as a "thickener" if i want some of my bass lines to be a bit fatter. It's also very good for leads if you just need a little touch of it here and there. Lots of versatility in the LFOs and envelope filter. It does take a while to get your head around what you have to do to achieve the sound you want, but once you know your way around the synth, you're off.

Roles:

Guitarist Drummer Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Pop Indie rock

jimmarchi1

41029

10 years ago over 10 years ago

awesome review

scroaker2705

4482

10 years ago over 10 years ago

cheers man

method_one

269

over 11 years ago

Decent Monosynth

I use my Mopho as a controller/extra voice for my DSI Tetra — You can link the two together and, in effect, create a 5 voice version of the Prophet 08. Since the arrival of my Prophet 12, I don't use them as much as I used to.