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Description
Dive into the world of analog synthesis with the Dave Smith Instruments Tetra Desktop Synthesizer Module, a compact powerhouse that harmoniously blends versatility and portability for musicians and producers alike. Designed to unleash your creative potential, the Tetra packs four voices of polyphony into its sleek frame, delivering that rich, unmistakable analog warmth that only true analog circuitry can provide.
Equipped with two oscillators per voice, the Tetra offers a variety of waveforms including sawtooth, triangle, and square with variable pulse width, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities. The inclusion of the classic Curtis lowpass filter, switchable between 2-pole and 4-pole modes, ensures your sound can be sculpted to perfection. Whether you're crafting lush pads, cutting leads, or thumping basses, the Tetra's powerful architecture supports your musical vision.
For those looking to expand their sonic palette, the Tetra's "Combo Mode" enables the combination of four programs into unison or polyphonic "super patches," while its ability to poly chain with other Tetras or a Prophet '08 offers up to 16 voices of polyphony. This tabletop synth also boasts USB connectivity and MIDI in/out/thru, ensuring seamless integration into your existing setup. Compact yet formidable, the Tetra is a testament to Dave Smith's legacy of innovative and inspiring instruments.
Key Features:
- Multitimbral 4-voice analog synthesizer
- 100% analog signal path with two oscillators per voice
- Classic Curtis lowpass filter (2- or 4-pole) per voice
- Three envelope generators and two sub-octave generators per voice
- Feedback loop and white noise generator for added texture
- Four LFOs per voice with a gated 16 x 4 step sequencer
- Arpeggiator and glide with separate rates per oscillator
- USB and MIDI connectivity for integration
- Audio outputs and headphone jack for monitoring
- Includes power supply and operation manual
Product specs
| Brand | Dave Smith Instruments |
| Model | Tetra Desktop 4-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2009 - 2016 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Desktop Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 4 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Dave Smith Instruments Tetra suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Tetra is designed for live use with its compact size and robust build. Its 4-voice polyphony and analog signal path make it versatile for various soundscapes during performances.
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How does the Tetra integrate with other MIDI gear?
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The Tetra features MIDI Input, Output, and Thru, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI devices for expanded control and performance options.
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Can the Tetra Desktop Synthesizer be used with a DAW?
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Yes, the Tetra can be integrated with a DAW via MIDI, allowing for control and sequencing of its parameters from software environments.
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What kind of sounds can I create with the Tetra Synthesizer?
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The Tetra offers a wide range of analog sounds, from lush pads and thick basses to sharp leads, thanks to its 4-voice polyphonic architecture and comprehensive modulation options.
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Does the Tetra require any additional equipment to function?
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The Tetra requires a MIDI controller or sequencer for note input and a power supply, which is typically included. It's a tabletop module, so it doesn't have a built-in keyboard.
Videos
sonicstate
Dave Smith Tetra Desktop Analog Polysynth
Reviews
PROS
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Compact size with powerful analog sound
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Can function as 4 separate mono synths
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Versatile: effective as mono synth or poly synth
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Multitimbral capabilities for complex compositions
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High-quality sounds, from smooth pads to gritty leads
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Useful sequencer lanes for creative flexibility
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Can be polychained for expanded voice capability
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Beneficial for users with Prophet experience
CONS
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Interface can be challenging without software editor
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Learning curve for in-depth features
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Not ideal for very complex chords without polychaining
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Some may find menu navigation cumbersome
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dave Smith Instruments Tetra Desktop Synthesizer Module.
Comparisons
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The Access Virus TI offers more polyphony and multitimbrality than the Tetra, making it better suited for complex soundscapes and genres like EDM and industrial.
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Despite the Tetra's DCOs, it competes well with vintage VCO synths like the Pro One in tonal character, offering a robust analog sound.
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Features and functionality
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The Tetra allows for stacking layers, but this reduces polyphony, which may limit its versatility in dense mixes compared to the Virus TI.
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The Virus TI offers fine control over unison detune, a feature not available in the Tetra, enhancing its ability to produce rich, layered sounds.
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Tetra's editor now functions as a VST, significantly improving programming ease compared to earlier versions that lacked this integration.
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The Tetra offers four multitimbral voices, each responding on separate MIDI channels, suitable for complex layering and sequencing.
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Use cases and applications
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The Virus TI is favored for its hypersaw waveforms, ideal for creating the wall-of-sound detuned unison pads and stabs popular in EBM and trance music.
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Tetra's unique character appeals to those seeking vintage analog sounds but may not meet the needs for versatility in aggressive music styles without additional gear.
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Tetra excels in creating evolving pads with movement, reminiscent of the Pro One's character favored by Vince Clarke on the first Yazoo album.
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User experience
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Some users find the Tetra's menu-based interface less intuitive compared to the Virus TI, which offers a more straightforward programming experience despite its complexity.
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Initial learning curve is steep, but once understood, Tetra offers significant power; ideal for users willing to invest time for long-term benefits.
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Some owners use Novation Remote templates for easier programming, significantly reducing reliance on the Tetra's onboard controls.
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Software and compatibility
Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 34 Ratings
243
Solid little box
Deeper than it looks. I suggest using a Mopho Keyboard to program it instead of using the editor app.
269
4 Voices of Goodness
The Tetra is basically a 4-voice version of the Prophet 8, and as long as your chords aren't TOO complex you'll be very satisfied. Great sound and a small footprint.
a whole world in a box
Not easy to use (watch the schemes) but once you know the basics it opens a full polyfonic synth
Artist usage
Add artist
In this 2012 photo - http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbdyb7foDj1qa1wxx.jpg - there is Thom Yorke with his Tetra place on the piano and used simultaneously.
At the Pitchfork Music Festival 2013, Toro y Moi used the Dave Smith Instruments Tetra Desktop Synthesizer Module alongside an Alesis MIDI controller, as shown in the performance video.
"So, I had to get into all that and setup everything. I bought myself a new computer, a keyboard and some more outboard synths like the Dave Smith Mopho x4, the Tetra and a MFB Dominion X, plus a few effect pedals such as the Eventide Space".
Octave One is seen on Instagram discussing their use of the Dave Smith Instruments Tetra Desktop Synthesizer Module. They mention integrating it into their setup with the #Faderbox SC4 to enhance their live performances, replacing the Beatstep for greater versatility.
On August 19, 2015, DJ ANNA shared a photo showcasing her new Dave Smith Instruments Tetra Desktop Synthesizer Module, expressing excitement with the caption, "They have finally arrived!"
Album Usage
The Dave Smith Instruments Tetra Desktop Synthesizer Module 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 Tetra Desktop Synthesizer Module, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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