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Average Price: $700
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Description
The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Synthesizer is where the revered past meets the vibrant present. This eight-voice polyphonic synthesizer doesn’t just nod to its iconic ancestors from the 70s and 80s; it strides forward, embracing modern innovation. With a 100% analog signal path, the Prophet '08 delivers the lush, powerful tones that analog enthusiasts crave, all while introducing a host of new features that expand its sonic palette far beyond its predecessors.
The Prophet '08 is crafted for musicians who demand more than nostalgia. Its 52 tactile knobs invite hands-on interaction, giving you full control over its dual oscillators, Curtis lowpass filter, and VCA architecture. Dive into deep modulation with four LFOs, three envelopes, and a gated sequencer per voice, and explore limitless creativity with its robust performance features, including a four-mode latchable arpeggiator. Whether you want to stack sounds for rich textures or split them for complex arrangements, the Prophet '08 offers two layers per program, ensuring your sonic landscape is as versatile as your imagination.
Musicians will appreciate the expressive five-octave keyboard complete with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch, while the pitch and mod wheels facilitate dynamic performances. With its sleek design, featuring wood end caps and intuitive layout, the Prophet '08 is as much a joy to play as it is to listen to.
Key Features:
- Eight voices with full analog signal path
- 52 knobs for complete sound manipulation
- Four LFOs, three envelopes, and gated sequencer per voice
- Two layers per program for stacking or splitting sounds
- 4-mode latchable arpeggiator
- 5-octave keyboard with velocity and aftertouch
- Analog step sequencer for creative sequencing
- Classic design with wood end caps and intuitive controls
Product specs
| Brand | Dave Smith Instruments |
| Model | Prophet 08 PE 61-Key 8-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black with Wood Sides |
| Year | 2009 - 2015 |
| 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 | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Synthesizer polyphonic?
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Yes, the Prophet '08 is an eight-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing you to play up to eight notes simultaneously.
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What type of sound engine does the Prophet '08 use?
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The Prophet '08 features an all-analog audio path with digital control, offering rich, warm analog sounds with the convenience of digital parameter management.
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What are the key differences between the Prophet '08 and the Prophet '08 PE?
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The Prophet '08 PE (Potentiometer Edition) uses potentiometers for rotary controls, providing a more vintage-style tactile experience compared to the standard Prophet '08, which primarily uses rotary encoders.
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How does the Prophet '08 handle MIDI connectivity?
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The Prophet '08 offers comprehensive MIDI connectivity with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it easy to integrate into any MIDI-based setup.
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Does the Prophet '08 offer different playing modes?
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Yes, the Prophet '08 features three playing modes: uniform eight-voice, split mode for dividing the keyboard between two sounds, and stacked mode for layered four-voice textures.
Videos
Perfect Circuit
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 Presets
Reviews
PROS
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Extremely flexible and versatile sound
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Knob-per-function programmability enhances live performance
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High-quality, warm, and clear sound output
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Deep modulation matrix with four independent LFOs
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Durable, rugged build with metal case
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Eight-voice polyphony for complex sounds
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Bitimbral capability, allowing split and layered sounds
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Large program storage space
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Reliable electronics suitable for road and studio
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Unique sequencer and classic Curtis filter for creative sound design
CONS
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No on-board effects, necessitating external solutions for live use
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Lack of a sub-oscillator can limit deep bass production
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No sine wave waveform, despite workarounds
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Preset programs do not store octave settings, causing live performance issues
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Requires a wall wart due to DC onboard power supply, complicating setup
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Curtis filter may not inspire all users
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Limited space for saving presets
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Update and backup via MIDI SysEx is outdated
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Occasional noise artifacts
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Support needed for reliability issues
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 Synthesizer.
Comparisons
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The Prophet '08's multitimbrality is less flexible compared to the DSI Tetra, which offers more versatile combo implementations.
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The DSI Mopho X4 shares the Prophet '08's voice architecture but is limited to 4 voices and 44 keys, and includes a sub oscillator for enhanced bass.
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The Take5 offers a shorter keybed (44 keys) and fewer voices (5) compared to the Prophet '08's 61 keys and 8 voices, affecting playability and sound complexity.
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The Prophet '08 is 19" rack compatible, unlike the Rev2 module, offering more flexible studio integration options.
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The Prophet '08 lacks sub oscillators present in the Rev2, which enhances low-end sound production out of the box.
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Use cases and applications
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The Prophet '08's lowpass filter sound is polarizing; some users find it less appealing compared to other synth options like the Take5, impacting its suitability for certain styles.
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The Prophet '08 is praised for inspiring creative music production, with many owners using it extensively in their tracks.
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The Prophet '08 is noted for its unique sound profile, making it relevant for artists inspired by James Blake and Thom Yorke.
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Features and functionality
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The Take5 includes front-panel FM and built-in effects, contrasting with the Prophet '08's reliance on external effects for sound customization.
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The Deepmind-12, while cheaper, lacks the Prophet '08's bitimbral mode and has fewer LFOs, but offers a superior IR3109-inspired filter for distinct tonal qualities.
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The Prophet '08 offers 4 LFOs and a 3rd envelope for extensive modulation options, useful for creating dynamic sounds.
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The layer/split functionality of the Prophet '08 enhances live performance setups, allowing for versatile sound arrangements.
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The Prophet '08 lacks built-in effects, making external effects units necessary for users who desire enhanced sound customization.
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The original Prophet '08 PE version has replaced rotary encoders with more reliable potentiometers on the filter and envelope sections.
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Value and pricing
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Second-hand Prophet '08 units can be found for as low as 700 euros, offering a budget-friendly entry into polyphonic synthesis.
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User experience
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 60 Ratings
Lush analog goodness
I love my Prophet 08. It sounds lush and deep and has many deep modulation possibilities, including a 4-track sequencer that can be used for notes or to modulate parameters. I also love that it’s bitimbral, you can split the keyboard and play one patch on the left side and another patch on the right, or layer the sounds. So many possibilities with this!
It loses one star for the less-than-inspiring Curtis filter, and a few random nitpicks about how things work. The after touch and expression pedal are inspiring to program and play.
Overall, I love it and I’ve used it on many albums.
86
Biggest bang for buck synth on the market today
With 4 LFO's 3 Envelopes, 4 modulation sources, and a 2 and 4 db filter, you really cant find a more quality synth for less than $1000.
105
Classic
A classic machine with a recognizable sound. It' s hard to add anything new.
Great sounding synth for the most part and a do-it-all beast, has a few small flaws sonically and functionally
For the most part it sounds great and ALIVE and the sound design possibilities are pretty amazing for an essentially analogue synth, only significant flaws are the need to install the potentiometer boards (it came with awful rotary encoders), an occasional bit of extra noise artifacts, and most annoyingly the rather small amount of space for saving presets and the need to update and backup via MIDI SysEx, which would've been acceptable in the 80's but makes no sense now.
82
Lush sounds with reliable support despite some issues
What a beast. Lush and rich harmonic sounds. Not so reliable, but i have to admit that insofar DSI have been behind their product and support works better than most.
Artist usage
Add artist
"And this is the Prophet 08, which I just got last week... one of Dave Smith's... culminations. Sounds pretty nice, pretty nice. Even got his autograph!"
In this video Kevin Parker is playing the Prophet 08 REV2 in this collaboration with Theophilus London
During the performance of Lotus Flower, Jonny Greenwood at times plays the Prophet '08. The camera is on Thom Yorke for the most part, but you can see Jonny Greenwood playing it at 2:25.
In this photo of a Radiohead performance on SNL, Thom Yorke can be seen playing the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Synthesizer.
A Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 PE keyboard synthesizer sits on the middle support of a synthesizer rack in this photo of "New toysssssss!!!!!" uploaded by Nick Romero to his Facebook page on 11 March 2014.
In this recording of "Don't You Know" with Snarky Puppy, Jacob can be seen using the Prophet '08 with a harmonizer.
On the Loopmasters page for "Carl Cox Collective - My Life In Music," it is noted that Carl Cox uses the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Synthesizer.
Album Usage
The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:
Live from Studio S2
Hania Rani (2021)
Spiritual Sleaze
Rejoicer (2020)
Home
Hania Rani (2020)
Joshua
French 79 (2019)
Esja
Hania Rani (2019)
Synthwaves
Ulrich Schnauss & Thorsten Quaeschning (2017)
Warm on a Cold Night (Deluxe)
Honne & Honne (2016)
新宝島
Sakanaction (2015)
The Age of Adz
Sufjan Stevens (2010)
Forget
Twin Shadow (2009)
Running In The Family
Level 42 (1987)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Synthesizer, curated by the Equipboard community.
$2,432.00 - $2,873.45
The Prophet Rev2 is the successor to the original Prophet '08, offering increased polyphony, and improvements to the user interface, onboard effects, onboard sequencer, and presets.
$1,115.65
If you don't need 61 more keys in your studio, save space and some $$$ with the desktop module version.
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