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Description
The ultimate mono.
The sound of monophonic synthesizers continues to continues to charm after more than 40 years. Dave Smith's work is among the best at recreating those sounds and applying new technological developments to further develop the presence and punch of the these classic, unforgettable sounds.
One Voice to Rule Them All
Dave Smith calls the Pro 2 his "most powerful mono synth ever." It shares the same exceptional ergonomics and playability as its 12-voice sibling, the Prophet 12, but carves out distinctly different sonic territory with an all-new dual analog filter architecture, a monster step sequencer, superwaves, digital bucket-brigade delay, and a lot more. Nothing else sounds like it and nothing else performs like it. The Pro 2 raises the bar for mono synths and redefines the word "fat."
A New Classic for a New Generation
The Pro 2 is a fusion of classic analog synthesizer design and cutting-edge digital technology. It boasts four high-resolution digital oscillators, plus a sub oscillator. The oscillators produce both classic and complex wave shapes and can frequency and amplitude modulate each other in any operator and modulator configurations you choose for harmonically-rich FM and AM sounds. A set of Character controls adds high and low frequency boost, bit and sample rate reduction, and tape saturation emulation to the Pro 2's sonic palette.
Two New Filters Based On Vintage Designs
At the heart of the Pro 2's gutsy sound is its all-new dual filter design. Filter 1 is a 4-pole low-pass design inspired by the original Prophet-5 filter. Filter 2 is a state-variable design inspired by the Oberheim SEM and can be continuously varied between low-pass, notch, and high-pass operation, with an optional band-pass mode. The two filters function in either serial or parallel, or anywhere in between. Two of the four oscillators can be routed through Filter 1 with the other two routed through Filter 2 for a broad range of tonal possibilities.
Advanced Sequencing
One of the most exciting features of the Pro 2 is its sequencer-possibly the most powerful step sequencer ever designed for a synth. With up to 32 steps and 16 tracks, it provides real-time input, rests, and variable-length sequences. It also syncs to MIDI clock and external audio input. Sequence tracks can control any parameter in the Pro 2's extensive modulation matrix.
Plays Well With Modulars
The Pro 2's flexible architecture opens the door to not only processing external audio, but also to interfacing with modular synths through its 4 rear-panel control voltage inputs and outputs and a dedicated gate output. Control voltages can be assigned and routed from within the modulation matrix and can run at audio rates for extreme modulation effects. Some of the many parameters that can be sent to the CV outputs include oscillators, LFOs, envelopes, and sequencer tracks, making the Pro 2 a natural choice for the center of your studio or live setup.
Delays, Envelopes, LFOs, Arpeggiator, and a Multitude of Modulation
The Pro 2's delay section provides three digital delays with pan, and high-pass and low-pass filtering controls. A fourth delay is a digital bucket-brigade delay (BBD) for analog-style effects. There are four loopable five-stage envelope generators, four syncable LFOs with slew and phase offset, a full-featured arpeggiator, and a sixteen slot modulation matrix with dozens of modulation sources and destinations.
Monophonic by Design, Paraphonic by Choice
The Pro 2 was designed primarily as a super-powerful monosynth, but it's also a true, four-voice paraphonic synth that allows you to control each of its four oscillators individually with their own envelope. This makes playing four-note chords not only possible, but very expressive.
Package all of this power in a three-and-a-half octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch, add two backlit pitch and mod wheels and two location and pressure sensitive touch sliders, and you've got one of the most feature-rich, awe-inspiring synthesizers ever created.
Product specs
| Brand | Dave Smith Instruments |
| Model | Pro 2 44-Key Monophonic / Paraphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black with Wood Sides |
| Year | 2014 - 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 |
| Number of Keys | 44 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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Is the Dave Smith Pro 2 a polyphonic synthesizer?
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The Dave Smith Pro 2 is primarily a monophonic synthesizer, but it features paraphonic capabilities, allowing you to play up to four notes simultaneously with shared filter and amplitude controls.
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What type of keys does the Dave Smith Pro 2 have?
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The Dave Smith Pro 2 is equipped with 44 full-size, semi-weighted keys, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience suitable for both studio and live performances.
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Does the Dave Smith Pro 2 have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Dave Smith Pro 2 offers comprehensive MIDI connectivity, including MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it easy to integrate into your existing MIDI setup.
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What are the standout features of the Dave Smith Pro 2's sound engine?
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The Pro 2 features a powerful analog sound engine with digital oscillators, providing a versatile range of sounds from classic analog warmth to complex modern textures, enhanced by its extensive modulation routing options.
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Can the Dave Smith Pro 2 be used for live performances?
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Absolutely, the Dave Smith Pro 2 is designed with live performance in mind, offering robust build quality, intuitive controls, and a wide array of sounds suitable for various musical styles.
Videos
Sequential
Introducing the Pro 2
Reviews
PROS
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Unique 4 Osc/Voice paraphonic architecture
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Dual filter layout with series or parallel routing
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Complex yet user-friendly modulation matrix
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Excellent for layered sequencing and sound parameter control
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Portable compared to similar capability synths
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Robust build quality in keys and controls
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Features linear and exponential FM, distortion, tunable feedback
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High pass filter sweeps among the best
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Integrates well with both modern and vintage gear
CONS
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Oscillators considered dull compared to other models
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Poly mode always cycles through oscillators, less versatile
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Programming effects (chorus, flange, pseudo-reverb) can be cumbersome
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Sonically less flexible and "hi-fi" than the Pro-3
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2.
Use cases and applications
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The Pro 2 excels in paraphonic mode with four voices, allowing for complex, layered soundscapes with rich super waves.
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The Pro 2 is considered a strong central piece for a setup, particularly due to its connectivity options, including MIDI, USB, and CV.
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The Pro 2 can effectively process external instruments like guitars, although it may require tweaking to match the quality seen in online demos.
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The Pro 2 is ideal for creating broken, dreamy, or dusty patches, fitting niche sound design needs.
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The Pro 2 excels at creating complex, evolving pads and unique textures rather than straightforward analog bass or pad sounds.
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Comparisons
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The Pro 2's filters, derived from the Prophet 6, are favored over the older CURTIS filters for their naturally pleasing sound and suitability for fast sweeps.
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The Pro 2's filters provide a more flexible and visually intuitive interface than the Pro 3, contributing to its distinct character and sound design capabilities.
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The Pro 2's architecture offers more character and sound design options than the Pro 3, which is seen as more flexible but less unique.
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Features and functionality
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The Pro 2's 4 LFOs and 5 envelopes offer extensive modulation possibilities, with destination and source options in the triple digits.
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The Pro 2 includes four delay lines capable of delaying both audio and modulation signals, enhancing its creative potential.
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The Pro 2's touch strips are pressure-sensitive, allowing dual control modes that can manipulate multiple parameters simultaneously.
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The Pro 2's sequencer allows for sequences of any length from 1 to 32 steps, enabling polyrhythmic patterns.
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The Pro 2 allows oscillators to be split between two filters, enhancing its sound design capabilities.
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The Pro 2 has dedicated buttons for selecting oscillators and effects, streamlining workflow compared to the Pro 3's reliance on the Show button for parameter access.
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The Pro 2's "Character" effects, such as Girth and Air, add unique sonic textures missing from the Pro 3, enhancing the oscillator sounds significantly.
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The Pro 2 sequencer is limited to 32 steps, which may restrict creating longer musical phrases.
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The Pro 2's interface requires menu navigation for oscillator parameter changes, contrasting with more immediate access in other synths.
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The Pro 2's aliasing is more pronounced when using the drive feature, especially at high settings, compared to tape saturation effects like Strymon Deco.
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Build quality
Mods and upgrades
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Users recommend integrating analog oscillators via CV to enhance the Pro 2's digital sound palette, creating a richer, more robust output.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 24 Ratings
1493
This is an extremely expressive synthesizer and musical friend!
Since its release, I quickly fell in love with this instrument. This is still one of my favorite synths of all time.
It is right up there with my Oberheim Xpander, Arp 2600, Alesis Andromeda and some other gems like my Jupiter 6 & 8.
I was able to secure an artist deal with Dave however was not in the mode of adding new synths.
Sadly, my buddy, Dave, passed this year. I was looking at Craigslist and spotted one, by accident for $800. It was in MINT condition and so it was acquired and now it lives with me and will be the source of my happiness.
It moved in with me on Saturday the 17th of December 2022.
111
Great centerpiece!
Fantastic for grooves and communicating with other gear. Plays well. Very creative. Love the layered sequencing control of sound parameters.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the YouTube video "The Making Of Childish Gambino's 'Redbone' With Ludwig Göransson," Göransson is seen using the Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2 synthesizer during the production process.
In the link below, along with many other live pictures, you can part of the live rig used by Mr. Jerome. Pro2 at the left of the shot.
cEvin Key uses a Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2, as shown in a post on his Instagram account (@subcon).
In this video of CHVRCHES playing a prank on their manager, the camera is pointed at a rack mounted Pro 2, which is difficult to see but halfway through the video the name "Pro 2" comes into focus on the front of the synth.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Dave Smith Instruments Pro 2, curated by the Equipboard community.
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The Pro-3 is the successor to the Pro 2, building on many of the concepts and features in the Pro 2, but fundamentally a whole new synth, not a subtle update of its predecessor.
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