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Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

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Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

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$1,115.40 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (21)

1 Critic Review

3 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice

3 community setups

24 wishlisted

56 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (5)

$1,115.40 2 available Used

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Average Price: $1,115

High-end/Boutique

$249

$700+

Price Tier

In the Tabletop Synthesizers category, Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Unlock your musical creativity with the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-Voice Analog Synthesizer. This compact tabletop module packs a punch with its real analog oscillators and Curtis low-pass filters, offering the pure and powerful sound of its iconic predecessors. Designed for musicians who crave both vintage warmth and modern flexibility, the Prophet '08 ensures you have the tools to craft sounds that are uniquely yours.

The module is loaded with a plethora of features that cater to the modern musician. Dive into a world of sonic possibilities with its expanded modulation matrix, which includes three envelopes and four LFOs per voice, allowing for intricate sound shaping that goes beyond the traditional. Whether you're layering sounds or creating complex sequences, the Prophet '08 delivers with its gated 16 x 4 step sequencer and arpeggiator.

For those who desire even more versatility, the module supports split or stacked key modes, complete with separate stereo outputs per layer. And if you're looking to expand your setup, it effortlessly integrates as an expander to boost the polyphony of another Prophet '08 keyboard or module, making it a perfect fit for both studio and live performances.

Key Features:

8-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer module
Real analog oscillators and Curtis low-pass filters
Expanded modulation matrix with three envelopes and four LFOs per voice
Gated 16 x 4 step sequencer and arpeggiator
Split or stacked key modes with separate stereo outputs per layer
Compatible as an expander for increased polyphony

Product specs

Brand	Dave Smith Instruments
Model	Prophet 08 PE Desktop 8-Voice Desktop Synthesizer
Year	2012 - 2016
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 Module polyphonic or monophonic?: The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module is polyphonic, offering 8 voices of analog synthesis.
What type of synthesis does the Prophet '08 Module use?: The Prophet '08 Module utilizes analog synthesis, providing rich, warm sounds characteristic of analog circuits.
Can the Prophet '08 Module integrate with other MIDI devices?: Yes, the Prophet '08 Module features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing for seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible devices.
What are the standout features of the Prophet '08 Module's sound engine?: The Prophet '08 Module's sound engine is known for its versatile modulation options, robust filter section, and the ability to create complex, evolving soundscapes.
Is the Prophet '08 Module suitable for live performances?: Yes, the compact desktop design and robust MIDI capabilities make the Prophet '08 Module suitable for live performances, offering reliable and dynamic sound control.

Videos

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william paiva

15 minutes of Prophet 08 (no talking, just tweaking)

william paiva

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Walkthrough

Starsky Carr

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 Demo

Panu M Savolainen

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

Johnny Posh

Synth Stuff Ep. 53 - Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08

tritonrecordings

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 - Custom Patch Demonstration

Daniel’s Electronics

Reviews

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PROS

Unique sound with a lot of character
Near-endless modulation matrix offers extensive creative freedom
Expressive aftertouch enhances performance capabilities
Versatile, capable of producing a wide range of sounds from aggressive basses to nostalgic pads
Quality filter with pleasing results when sweeping the cutoff
Ability to layer synth timbres for increased versatility
Can emulate Oberheim sounds to a degree
Straightforward sound design with knob-turning interface
Sounds great without requiring extensive tweaking

CONS

Uses DCOs which some may not prefer over VCOs
Some menu diving required for modulation and sound design

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 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer.

User experience

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Owners highlight the ease of programming the Prophet '08, emphasizing its user-friendly interface despite its deep modulation capabilities.
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Owners mention the keybed as serviceable but not as smooth as Yamaha FS, affecting playability for some users.
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Features and functionality

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The Prophet '08's velocity responses can be problematic, requiring user intervention to map velocity to various modulations effectively.
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The Rev2's modulation assignments are simpler than the Prophet '08, with a more user-friendly interface and improved built-in display.
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The Prophet '08 offers extensive modulation options with 4 LFOs and a 3rd envelope, but lacks sub oscillators, affecting its bass output compared to the Rev2.
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The Prophet '08's layer/split functionality is praised for performance setups, enhancing versatility in live applications.
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The Prophet '08 lacks built-in effects, but external FX units or pedals like the Zoom MS70 CDR are recommended for enhancing its sound.
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The 19" rack compatibility of the Prophet '08 module is a notable difference from the Rev2, which lacks this feature.
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Value and pricing

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Despite its quirks, a Prophet '08 module was found for $800, indicating a potential bargain in the used market.
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Second-hand Prophet '08 units have been acquired for around 700 euros, indicating strong resale value and affordability in the used market.
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Comparisons

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The Prophet '08 is described as having a brighter sound compared to the Rev2, which may not suit those seeking a less bright tonal character.
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The Rev2 can morph DCOs from saw to triangle using the PW parameter, unlike the Prophet '08.
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Some users find the Prophet '08's filter tricky for "bread-and-butter" sounds, marking a niche appeal compared to more traditional polysynths.
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The DSI Tetra, a 4-voice version of the Prophet '08, is noted for its multitimbrality, though the Prophet '08 offers more voices but lacks full multitimbrality.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some Prophet '08 users faced issues with velocity recognition, needing to assign velocity modulation to parameters like VCA or VCF for proper functionality.
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The Prophet '08's original rotary encoders are prone to failure; the Potentiometer Edition (PE) or retrofit kits are recommended for better reliability.
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Use cases and applications

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Users often utilize the Prophet '08 for stabs, brass, sequences, pads, keys, and leads, highlighting its versatility in sound creation.
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Critic Reviews

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08

soundonsound.com

Dave Smith's Prophet '08 is a nostalgic triumph, capturing the essence of its vintage predecessors with a modern twist. Its sound is as warm and engaging as ever, offering lush analog tones and flexible modulation options. While the encoders feel slightly wobbly and the arpeggiator is limited, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise compelling package. The lack of a high-pass filter and keypad might deter some, but the overall experience of playing and programming this synth is delightful. It's a worthy addition to the Prophet lineage and excellent value for its price.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 21 Ratings

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1 star

shinhito

283

over 7 years ago

Polyphonic Heaven

In my burgeoning studio I had an Elektron Monomachine, Elektron Machinedrum, and a MicroKorg. So I decided I needed a good analog poly synth. I did my research and saved up my pennies for the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 and I am glad I did. This is another synth I consider to be a bread 'n butter synth. It's not too revolutionary, but what it does is fantastic. It sounds great without too much work, and has great modulation capabilities.

Roles:

Keyboardist Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Electronic Pop Dance music

eric_cole

117

about 10 years ago

8 voices!

Until the OB-6 came out, this synth could come close to sounding like an Oberheim (kinda). A bit of menu diving but still can sound design by turning knobs. Modulation you need to do some menu diving. This thang is awesome too!