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Description

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.

william paiva

william paiva

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

Video thumbnail for 15 minutes of Prophet 08 (no talking, just tweaking) by william paiva

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

william paiva

william paiva

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'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

Video thumbnail for Synth Stuff Ep. 53 - Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 by tritonrecordings

Synth Stuff Ep. 53 - Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08

tritonrecordings

tritonrecordings

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 - Custom Patch Demonstration by Daniel’s Electronics

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 - Custom Patch Demonstration

Daniel’s Electronics

Daniel’s Electronics

Reviews

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

  • Owners highlight the ease of programming the Prophet '08, emphasizing its user-friendly interface despite its deep modulation capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners mention the keybed as serviceable but not as smooth as Yamaha FS, affecting playability for some users.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Prophet '08's velocity responses can be problematic, requiring user intervention to map velocity to various modulations effectively.

    Source
  • The Rev2's modulation assignments are simpler than the Prophet '08, with a more user-friendly interface and improved built-in display.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Prophet '08's layer/split functionality is praised for performance setups, enhancing versatility in live applications.

    Source
  • The Prophet '08 lacks built-in effects, but external FX units or pedals like the Zoom MS70 CDR are recommended for enhancing its sound.

    Source
  • The 19" rack compatibility of the Prophet '08 module is a notable difference from the Rev2, which lacks this feature.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its quirks, a Prophet '08 module was found for $800, indicating a potential bargain in the used market.

    Source
  • Second-hand Prophet '08 units have been acquired for around 700 euros, indicating strong resale value and affordability in the used market.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • The Rev2 can morph DCOs from saw to triangle using the PW parameter, unlike the Prophet '08.

    Source
  • Some users find the Prophet '08's filter tricky for "bread-and-butter" sounds, marking a niche appeal compared to more traditional polysynths.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some Prophet '08 users faced issues with velocity recognition, needing to assign velocity modulation to parameters like VCA or VCF for proper functionality.

    Source
  • The Prophet '08's original rotary encoders are prone to failure; the Potentiometer Edition (PE) or retrofit kits are recommended for better reliability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

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

    Source

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.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 21 Ratings

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shinhito

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.

eric_cole

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!

G

use this for everything

fat.. deep.. melodic.. analog..

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Calvin Harris uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Calvin Harris

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Referring to the Dave Smith Prophet 08, Calvin Harris says "I use this a lot... you can play any number of amazing sounds."

See how Boys Noize uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Boys Noize

Music Producer

Dog Blood

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from November 3, 2016

See how Pretty Lights uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Pretty Lights

Bassist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In a live performance, Pretty Lights utilizes the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer, as seen in a user-uploaded photo on Imgur.

See how C418 uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

C418

Music Producer

...
Verified via C418

Listed under hardware; "Dave Smith Prophet-08, Rack Version"

This just refers to a Prophet '08 Module version with rack ears installed.

See how Max Cooper uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Max Cooper

Music Producer

...
Verified via Musicradar

In second picture Prophet 08 Module can be seen.

See how Iain Cook uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Iain Cook

Bassist, Keyboardist

Chvrches

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:34 in this stage tour video, Iain walks through his stage setup and shows off his Prophet 08, calling it "old trusty."

See how Marcus Schossow uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Marcus Schossow

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

"Me and her will be dating all night long :)"

See how Daniel Avery uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Daniel Avery

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

per this April 5, 2018 feature for Future Music a photo from Avery's studio reveals a Dave Smith Prophet '08 Desktop Module.

See how Sebjak uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Sebjak

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

From Instagram: "Did buy a new baby at JAM in Stockholm yesterday!"

See how Thorsten Quaeschning uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Thorsten Quaeschning

Singer, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Thorstenquaeschning

Equipment & Software used on 'SYNTHWAVES':THORSTEN QUAESCHNING: Software: Steinberg Cubase 8 &8.5Hardware: Manikin Schrittmacher Step-Sequencer x 2Manikin MemotronRoland Jupiter 8 synthesizerRoland JD800 synthesizerDave Smith Prophet 8 synthesizerARP Solina MK2 string synthesizerKorg Wavestation Ex synthesizerWaldorf Microwave synthesizerMoog Voyager monophonic synthesizerModular synthesizerRoland V Synth synthesizerKorg Z1 synthesiserKorg Prophecy synthesiserKorg M1 synthesizerClavia Nordwave synthesizerYamaha TG77 synthesizer moduleRoland System 1 synthesizerRoland JU06 synthesizer moduleKorg MS20 monophonic synthesizerRoland JP08 synthesizer moduleRoland TR-8 Rhythm Performer drum machineOberheim DMX drum machineRoland Promars synthesizerFender Starcaster guitarFender Telecaster guitarFender Stratocaster guitarScrewdriver on wood and contact microphones,Several boxes with contact microphonesA field recording of bees in Thorsten's garden, edited on Cubase and then treated with Melodyne & Halion - and finally used for the lead melody line on 'A Calm But Steady Flow'.(Software synthesizers): Spectrasonics Omnisphere synthesizer, Spectrasonics Keyscape

See how Mujuice uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

Mujuice

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video, Mujuice can be seen using the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer.

See how The Album Leaf uses Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer

The Album Leaf

Keyboardist, Composer

The Black Heart Procession

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Artist Additions by Output - ANALOG STRINGS Expansion Modern String Beds with The Album Leaf," at the timestamp 0:09, you can clearly see the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer on the desk, confirming its use by The Album Leaf.

Album Usage

The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet '08 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:

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 Module 8-voice Analog Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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andreifossari

Gear IQ 171

martijn_naber

martijn_naber

Gear IQ 812

patrickwolf

patrickwolf

Gear IQ 604

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