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Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop

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Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop

^# 16

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$369.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (34)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Dave Smith Instruments Mopho

2 community setups

12 wishlisted

68 saved

Page last updated Jun 24, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 24, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (15)

$369.00 11 available Used

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Average Price: $369

Standard/Professional

$249

$700+

Price Tier

In the Tabletop Synthesizers category, Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Unleash your creativity with the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop, a compact yet powerful monophonic analog synthesizer that offers a gateway into the world of classic sound design. Designed for musicians and DJs who crave the rich, warm tones of analog synthesis without breaking the bank, the Mopho delivers an impressive array of features packed into a portable desktop unit.

With its fully analog signal path, the Mopho boasts two oscillators and a renowned Curtis lowpass filter, available in both 2- and 4-pole configurations, providing a robust foundation for crafting anything from lush pads to punchy basslines. The inclusion of two sub-octave generators adds extra depth, making it a formidable tool for creating thick, resonant sounds that can fill any space.

For those looking to experiment, the Mopho includes an audio input that allows users to process external sounds, blending them with its own output for unique feedback effects. Its intuitive front panel, alongside a free editor for both Mac OS and Windows, ensures that programming and performance adjustments are seamless. Whether you're stepping through sequences with the Push It button or integrating it into your MIDI setup, the Mopho adapts to your workflow with ease.

Key Features:

100% analog signal path
Two oscillators with two sub-octave generators
Classic Curtis lowpass filter (switchable 2- or 4-pole)
External audio input with feedback capabilities
384 fully programmable presets
Gated 16 x 4 step sequencer and arpeggiator
MIDI In, MIDI Out/Thru, Audio In, Left and Right Audio Out, Headphone Out
Compact and portable design: 7.5" L x 5" W x 1.4" H, 1.5 lb.

Product specs

Brand	Dave Smith Instruments
Model	Mopho Desktop Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish	Yellow
Year	2008 - 2016
Made In	United States
Categories	Analog Synths, Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony	1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?: The Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time.
What kind of sound can I expect from the Mopho Desktop synthesizer?: The Mopho Desktop synthesizer offers rich, warm analog tones with a focus on bass and lead sounds, thanks to its analog signal path and Curtis filter design.
How does the Mopho Desktop integrate with other MIDI equipment?: The Mopho Desktop features MIDI input and output, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible gear for expanded control and performance options.
Can the Mopho Desktop be used for live performances?: Yes, the Mopho Desktop can be used for live performances, offering a compact and robust solution for musicians who want to incorporate analog synth sounds into their live setup.
What are the standout features of the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop?: The standout features of the Mopho Desktop include its monophonic analog synthesis, comprehensive modulation capabilities, and the signature Curtis filter, providing a versatile and powerful sound design tool.

Videos

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gearwire

Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Demo: It's Insane, This Guy's Bass

gearwire

DSI Mopho Keyboard - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

Bad Gear - Dave Smith Instruments Mopho - Giving the Pro-1 a Bad Name???

AudioPilz

Dave Smith Mopho analog synthesizer review - SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Demo: Find Out What The Push It Button Does

gearwire

Dave Smith Mopho Sound Demo (Insane little yellow beast!)

Alain Kalender

Analog Synth Overview: Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop

Urban Recording Company

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality for bass, leads, sweeps, and bleeps
Versatile with decent modulation capabilities
Patch memories and editor for endless presets
Includes a sequencer for added functionality
Reliable performance, even on tour
Smooth and silky vintage sound quality
Compact size with powerful output
Compatible with external software for expanded control
Solid analog construction
Best budget monosynth option

CONS

Some menu diving required for programming
Presets may not suit everyone's style
Unclean pulse width (PW) may not appeal to all

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Mopho includes two sub oscillators, distortion, an audio input, four LFOs, six modulation slots, and a 16-step sequencer offering unique sound sculpting options.
Source
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The Mopho can be polychained with a Tetra, Mopho X4, or Prophet 08 for expanded polyphony, offering flexibility for future sound design needs.
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Comparisons

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The Mopho's sound is precise and bouncy, contrasting with the aggressive character of the Arturia Brute; its voice chips relate to those in the Oberheim Matrix 1000.
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The Mopho is described as having a harsher, metallic sound compared to the Moog's warm, molasses-like tone, influencing ambient versus cutting sound preferences.
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Software and compatibility

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A Max for Live MIDI editor allows extensive control from Ableton, unlocking the Mopho’s potential and enabling complex patch designs and parameter locks.
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Use cases and applications

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It excels in funk bass, squelchy sound designs, and EBM/Electro-Industrial basses, offering a funky and unique character suitable for diverse musical styles.
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Owners recommend the Mopho for sound design and production due to its extensive modulation options, sequencer, and aftertouch, contrasting with the Sub Phatty's live performance suitability.
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The Mopho's sound is described as "huge," making it particularly suitable for ambient music production, inspiring some users to explore new musical styles.
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User experience

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The Mopho is described as having a characteristic sound that's wet, intricate, and "dancy," with extensive routing options for sound designers.
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Some users find the Mopho's interface challenging to program compared to the Sub Phatty, but others argue its display presents all necessary functions without hidden features.
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Owners appreciate the Mopho Keyboard for its ease of parameter editing directly on the front panel, enhancing the overall user experience compared to the desktop module.
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Mods and upgrades

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Vinyl skins are available to customize the Mopho’s aesthetics, providing an option to improve its appearance according to personal taste.
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Build quality

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The Mopho SE, a black version with more keys, is noted for its more user-friendly front panel compared to the original Mopho Desktop.
Source

Value and pricing

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The Mopho offers more value for sound design capabilities, while the Sub Phatty is praised for immediate playability and ease of use on stage.
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The Mopho Keyboard at $500 is considered a decent deal, especially if it's in good condition, as comparable models are often priced between $600-750 on Reverb.
Source

Critic Reviews

Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop Review SONIC BOOM BAP

sonicboombap.com

The Dave Smith Instruments Mopho Desktop is a small yet mighty analog synth that impresses with its rich, complex sound textures despite being monophonic. While its design may be unassuming, the durable build and simple layout make it user-friendly, though it lacks sufficient knobs for intricate sound design without a controller. The Mopho shines with deep bass capabilities and its inclusion of an arpeggiator and sequencer broadens its creative potential. Despite some criticisms of the Curtis Filter, the Mopho offers an authentic analog experience at an affordable price, standing out in a crowded market. Overall, it's a great value for those seeking that genuine analog sound.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 34 Ratings

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nes_culturemusic

almost 9 years ago

A beast!

Don't be tricked by the small size. Mopho desktop is a beast. Great sounding and best budget monosynth. With a mopho plugin (paid) you will have access to all parameters and can configure it to any midi controller. 4 lfo's that can be assigned for almost everything, build in sequencer and latch (with the last firmware update). If you don't like the unclean PW (for me it is the character of the little box) you can easily circuit bend it with. The board also have the possibility to add a usb port.

james_ellis_debower

145

about 5 years ago

If you want mono, this delivers

Saved this from a local pawn shop, guitarists kept buying and returning it thinking it was an effect pedal.... Turns out to be a great sounding accompanying instrument with lots of versatility.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Metal