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Description

Unlock a world of sonic possibilities with the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Desktop 8-Voice Synthesizer. This compact powerhouse distills the essence of vintage synths into a modern desktop module that brims with classic charm and cutting-edge versatility. Whether you're channeling the spirit of the '80s or venturing into uncharted auditory territories, the Prophet 08 is your ticket to authentic analog bliss.

Harness the power of real analog oscillators, renowned Curtis low-pass filters, and analog VCAs to generate warm, immersive tones that can only come from true analog circuitry. This synth doesn't just echo the past—it evolves it, offering a comprehensive modulation matrix with three envelopes and four LFOs per voice. The intuitive interface boasts 52 tactile knobs, placing total control at your fingertips for unrivaled sound shaping.

Dive deeper with the gated 16 x 4 step sequencer and creative arpeggiator, which fuel your compositions with dynamic rhythms and textures. Whether you're stacking layers or splitting them across its versatile stereo outputs, the Prophet 08 ensures your music is as expansive as your imagination.

Perfect for studio setups or live performances, this module easily integrates into any rig, and can even expand the polyphonic capacity of another Prophet 08, doubling the voices to 16. It's not just a synthesizer; it's a portal to a world where vintage meets innovation.

Key Features:

  • Eight voices with real analog oscillators
  • Renowned Curtis low-pass filters
  • 52 knobs for extensive sound control
  • Four LFOs and three envelopes per voice
  • Gated 16 x 4 step sequencer and arpeggiator
  • Flexible modulation matrix
  • Split or stacked key modes with stereo outputs
  • Compact desktop design with optional rack-mounting options

Product specs

Brand Dave Smith Instruments
Model Prophet 08 Desktop 8-Voice Desktop Synthesizer
Year 2008 - 2011
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths, Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

Is the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Desktop Synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Prophet 08 Desktop Synthesizer is polyphonic, offering 8 voices of polyphony for rich and complex sound layering.

What type of filters does the Prophet 08 Desktop Synthesizer use?

The Prophet 08 features legendary Curtis analog low-pass filters, known for their classic, warm analog sound.

Does the Prophet 08 Desktop Synthesizer have a fully analog signal path?

Yes, the Prophet 08 boasts a 100% analog signal path, providing authentic analog sound quality.

How does the Prophet 08 Desktop Synthesizer integrate with other MIDI equipment?

The Prophet 08 offers MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI gear for expanded setups.

Can the Prophet 08 Desktop Synthesizer be used to expand another Prophet 08?

Yes, it can be used as an expander to increase the polyphony of another Prophet 08 to 16 voices.

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Walkthrough

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Walkthrough by Starsky Carr

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Walkthrough

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Demo by Panu M Savolainen

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Demo

Panu M Savolainen

Panu M Savolainen

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Prophet '08 (2007) HD DEMO by Eivind Engedal

Dave Smith Prophet '08 (2007) HD DEMO

Eivind Engedal

Eivind Engedal

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith's Iconic Synth: What's So Special About the Prophet 08? by Johnny Posh

Dave Smith's Iconic Synth: What's So Special About the Prophet 08?

Johnny Posh

Johnny Posh

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Desktop 8-Voice Desktop Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • The Prophet 08's layer/split functionality enhances performance setups, while its easy-to-use Arp/Seq and extensive modulation options provide creative flexibility.

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  • The Prophet 08 is rack-mountable, unlike newer DSI instruments such as the REV2, making it a practical option for space-conscious setups.

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  • The Prophet 08 lacks built-in FX, but users often pair it with external FX like the Zoom MS70 CDR for enhanced sound customization.

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  • The Prophet 08's original version uses endless encoders, which have been reported to fail, leading owners to upgrade to the Potentiometer Edition for reliability.

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  • The Prophet 08's module version is favored for its rack-mountable design, offering a practical solution for space-constrained setups.

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User experience

  • Early versions had pot issues, but hardware swaps resolved this, significantly improving user satisfaction and usability.

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  • Some users report their Prophet 08 models, even after many years, have dead keys but continue to appreciate its filters and ease of use.

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  • Some users report issues with the Prophet 08 recognizing note velocities, suggesting a need to manually assign velocity to modulate parameters.

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Comparisons

  • Owners note the filter can be tricky for standard sounds, suggesting it may not suit all musical genres compared to more modern polysynths.

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  • The Prophet 08 is likened to the DSI Tetra for its versatile sound capabilities, though the Tetra's multitimbrality has some implementation challenges.

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  • The Prophet 08's keybed is functional but less smooth compared to the Yamaha FS, which is favored for its action.

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  • The Prophet 08 is noted for a brighter sound compared to the Rev2, which some users find less desirable.

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Value and pricing

  • Second-hand prices range from €700 to $1100, offering a cost-effective option for those seeking this model's unique sound features.

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Use cases and applications

  • It's favored for brass, stabs, sequences, and acoustic-like sounds, with a unique flavor that distinguishes it from models like the Juno 106.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Original Prophet 08 models with rotary encoders may require a PE upgrade for improved reliability.

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Critic Reviews

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08

soundonsound.com

The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 is a love letter to classic analog synthesis, offering a rich, warm sound that harks back to the original Prophets while introducing modern enhancements. Its all-analog signal path and intuitive control layout make it a joy to play, with the flexibility to layer sounds and create complex textures. However, the encoders are a bit wobbly, and the lack of a keypad could slow down some functions. Despite a limited arpeggiator and absence of onboard effects like chorus, the Prophet 08 stands out as a powerful and affordable polysynth with no direct competition.

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