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Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12

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$2,070.44 to $2,999.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (30)

2 Critic Reviews

5 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12

1 community setup

78 wishlisted

109 saved

Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (9)

$2,070.44 5 available Used

View Deal

$2,999.00

View Deal

Average Price: $2,535

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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Description

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Derived from 35 years of master synth design knowledge.

Dave Smith Instruments unleashes the Prophet 12 Synthesizer. Using 35 years of experience building synths, Dave Smith has created what he calls his "best synth yet." By combining the finest qualities of the Prophet '08 and Poly Evolver keyboards, adding a ton of new features, and bumping up the voice-count to 12, the Prophet 12 is well worthy of the name. As with all Dave Smith keyboards, the Prophet 12 has a knob-per-function interface that lets you start designing sounds immediately without having to dive through pages of confusing menus.

At twelve voices, the Prophet 12 boasts the greatest polyphony of any instrument designed by Smith. Each voice features four oscillators capable of generating classic and complex waveforms, a sub-oscillator, resonant analog low- and high-pass filters, and analog VCAs. The new Character section adds a variety of wave shaping and sound sculpting options, like Drive, Hack, Decimation, Girth, and Air. Additional features include a tuned feedback path, a four-tap stereo delay per voice, expanded arpeggiator functionality, deep modulation capabilities, and bi-timbral operation. The LFOs, delay, and arpeggiator can all be synced, either to the internal clock or an external MIDI clock. Two programmable position- and pressure-sensitive touch sliders take the performance controls beyond the standard pitch and mod wheels (also included).

Product specs

Brand	Dave Smith Instruments
Model	Prophet 12 61-Key 12-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer
Finish	Black with Wood Sides
Year	2013 - 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, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Polyphony	12 Voices

FAQs

Is the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 a fully analog synthesizer?: The Prophet 12 features a hybrid architecture combining digital oscillators with analog filters, offering a unique blend of digital precision and analog warmth.
How many voices of polyphony does the Prophet 12 offer?: The Prophet 12 offers 12 voices of polyphony, making it suitable for complex chords and layered sounds.
What type of keys does the Prophet 12 have?: The Prophet 12 is equipped with 61 full-size, semi-weighted keys, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience.
Can the Prophet 12 integrate with my DAW?: Yes, the Prophet 12 can integrate with your DAW via MIDI and USB MIDI, allowing for seamless control and recording.
What are the standout features of the Prophet 12's sound engine?: The Prophet 12's sound engine features digital oscillators with analog filters, extensive modulation options, and a powerful effects section, offering a wide range of sound design possibilities.

Videos

Add video

Perfect Circuit

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Demo

Perfect Circuit

Introducing the Prophet 12 Synthesizer - Dave Smith Instruments

Sequential

Prophet 12 Features Overview- Dave Smith Instruments

Sequential

WNAMM13: Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 - Video

sonicstate

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Demo by INHALT and The Bunker Studio

INHALTVIDEO

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Synthesizer Sound Demo

MusicStoreTV

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Synthesizer Workshop [Part 1]

MusicStoreTV

Prophet 12 - Dave Smith Instruments

Tim Mantle / Psalm37patches

GEOSynths - Synth Show Reviews - Sequential Prophet 12

GEOSynths

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Polyphonic Synth | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Dave Smith Instruments "Prophet 12" demo

GJC Synths

Reviews

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PROS

Solid, functional design with excellent cosmetics
Not steep learning curve, accessible to users familiar with analog and modular systems
Offers a wide sound palette, surpassing other Prophet models
Highly versatile: capable of producing a range of sounds from creamy OB-esque to raw Prophet-5 tones
Features 61 keys with well-placed controls for intuitive playability
Supports deep sound design with extensive modulation routing possibilities
Includes real-time expression controls for dynamic performance
Can replicate sounds from any era or synth, from 70s monosynths to modern polyphonic beasts
Unique filter section capable of producing growling sounds
Limited edition Arctic White version available, adding exclusivity

CONS

UI could be more intuitive, with better real-time parameter change visuals
Requires love for programming and sound design to unlock its full potential
Factory patches may not demonstrate its full sound capabilities
Some users may find it too complex for casual use
Can produce harsh artifacts if not careful with distortion, drive, and hf filter settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12.

Build quality

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The Prophet 12's keybed is often criticized for its poor quality, which detracts from its use as a master keyboard, though some users report it adds a unique expressiveness.
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The Prophet 12's keybed is frequently criticized as subpar, with many users finding it the weakest aspect of its build, prompting some to use external MIDI controllers.
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The Prophet 12 suffers from knob rubber degradation over time with heavy use, but replacements are available from DSI.
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Use cases and applications

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The Prophet 12 is considered a sound design powerhouse, favored by users seeking unique, hi-fi production sounds over immediate, classic tones.
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Owners commonly pair the Prophet 12 with a Moog Sub37 for a complementary sound palette, utilizing its diverse modulation to balance the Moog's thickness.
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Comparisons

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Some users note that the Prophet 12's filters and oscillators sound distinct from the Prophet 6, emphasizing that while the P12 can emulate some P6 sounds, it remains uniquely versatile.
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Despite its unique sound and modulation options, some owners find the Prophet 12's FM synthesis lacking in accuracy compared to other synths, possibly due to digital processing limitations.
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Prophet 12 lacks scannable wavetables, unlike the Peak and Summit, limiting its wavetable synthesis capabilities.
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The Summit provides more accessible modulation controls with less reliance on menu-diving than the Prophet 12.
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User experience

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Owners report that the Prophet 12 requires patience and intentional programming to unlock its potential, making it less suitable for quick sound creation compared to simpler synths.
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Some users find the Prophet 12's menu-diving cumbersome, especially with the module version compared to synths like the Peak.
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Features and functionality

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The Prophet 12 allows for individual glide per oscillator, offering advanced control over pitch transitions that many users appreciate for creative sound design.
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The Prophet 12's character effects, including distortion and decimation, can add unique textures akin to tape saturation, described as 'Hack' by users.
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The Prophet 12 includes pre-filter effects, tuned feedback, and 4 oscillators usable as mod sources, offering unique sound design capabilities.
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The Prophet 12 offers polyphonic aftertouch, providing nuanced control over modulation parameters, enhancing expressive playability.
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Prophet 12 offers a distinctive filter sound using the CEM3397, shared with Prophet 08, Mopho, Evolver, and Rev2.
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Value and pricing

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Recent market trends show the Prophet 12 keyboard version averaging around $2,000, with the module version at approximately $1,400.
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Despite being discontinued, the Prophet 12's price has increased from €1990 to €3290, indicating its enduring value.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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Users mention upgrading the Prophet 12's keybed for improved playability, although this requires some effort and expertise.
Source

Critic Reviews

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12

soundonsound.com

The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 is a powerful polyphonic synthesizer that skillfully merges digital and analog elements, providing immense versatility. Its user-friendly interface allows for immediate access to a wide array of sounds, thanks to its hybrid oscillators and innovative Character section. The Prophet 12 excels in sound design, offering unique modulation possibilities and a robust build quality. However, some might find its aftertouch overly sensitive and may miss an integrated chorus effect. Despite minor drawbacks, this modern classic lives up to the Prophet name, impressing with its depth and flexibility, making it a worthy flagship instrument for serious synth enthusiasts.

positive

Full Review

DSI Prophet 12 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 stands as a versatile and intuitive synth, earning high marks for its unique sound and robust feature set. With a stunning design and high-quality build, it's a standout both live and in the studio. The Prophet 12 excels with its intuitive interface and deep modulation capabilities, making it ideal for crafting evolving soundscapes and rich textures. However, it lacks flexibility in voice allocation within unison mode. Despite its premium price, the Prophet 12's sonic versatility and innovation make it a potential future classic.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 30 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

digitl

236

almost 7 years ago

Analog Powerhouse for deep sound design

What sound do you want to make? 70's single oscillator monosynth? FM bass? 3 oscillator polyphonic beast? Combine FM with analog for something no one has heard before? The Prophet 12 can do it all. You can take virtually any patchbook from any synth and make the same or better sounds on the Prophet 12. It is the ultimate replicator. Using the filter to effect is the most challenging but it can growl. Great real-time expression controls: pedals, wheels, sliders, aftertouch. So many modulation sources that you can easily avoid having sounds with obvious looping/pulsing variations unless that is what you want. As for me, I don't ever want to sound like a VST.

Here are some great examples of how good the Prophet 12 can sound once you get away from the factory patches and make your own!

https://youtu.be/Wu682KEc0Ww

https://youtu.be/_39zy0enPbA

It only gets a 4 stars because I feel the UI could be better. I would love to see real-time parameter changes from the wheels and sliders reflected in the UI while designing sounds. If not careful you can get extra and harsh artifacts from too much distortion, drive, hf filter. I think the char fx could be better since so far I have little use for hack and decimate, but they do open up new possibilities.

Roles:

Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

method_one

269

over 11 years ago

Worth every penny

After years of collecting old synths, I wanted to get something new that would become a cornerstone of my studio. The Prophet 12 isn't cheap by any means, but it's an amazing instrument that sounds terrific and is a total blast to play. The controls are very intuitive and you can spend days just making interesting sounds.

akuratyde

11 years ago over 11 years ago

I just bought a Prophet 12, then came here and saw your comments. Good to know you rate it so highly. I'm really looking forward to spending some serious time with it.

olleyollet

278

about 11 years ago

I use this thing to create incredibly abstract sounds as well as polyphonic leads and basses.

This is my favorite polyphonic synth in my studio. It is the only analog polyphonic synth in my studio so it doesn't have much competition (of course it crushes my digitals). I use this thing to create incredibly abstract sounds as well as polyphonic leads and basses.

jc3music

108

almost 9 years ago

If you want lots and lots of oscillators this is it.

Sometimes you need giant stacks of synth sound, or unison leads with 48 oscillators. Well, more than sometimes...

cfeijao

367

over 7 years ago

Um dos mais fantásticos synths que tenho. 4 Osciladores, modulações diversas, FM, AM, etc... Um Monstro!

Sintetizador híbrido, capaz de fazer uma enorme variedade de sons. Fantástico!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

O aplicativo do iPad chamado Oracle facilita muito a programação do teclado, principalmente com a possibilidade de criação de sons por padrões aleatórios.