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Average Price: $450

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$500

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash a world of sonic possibilities with the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE, a versatile synthesizer that combines classic analog warmth with modern enhancements. This special edition synthesizer boasts a 44-note, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch, offering a tactile experience that’s perfect for both studio sessions and live performances. Known for its compact size and robust build, the Mopho SE is your ideal companion whether you’re in a packed gig or your home studio.

At the heart of the Mopho SE is its powerful monophonic analog engine, featuring a duo of oscillators and a legendary Curtis low-pass filter. These components deliver the rich, warm tones that analog enthusiasts crave. Whether you're crafting blistering leads or earth-shattering bass lines, the Mopho SE handles it all with ease, thanks to its four LFOs, three envelope generators, and two sub-octave generators. Plus, with the inclusion of USB MIDI, it's never been easier to integrate this synth into your digital audio workstation setup.

The Mopho SE also features a sleek design with screen-printed graphics on its durable metal casing, complemented by a full set of Prophet 12-inspired soft-touch knobs for precise control. And for those who want to expand their sonic palette, the Mopho SE's Poly Chain capability allows you to join forces with other Dave Smith Instruments modules, transforming it into a powerful polyphonic beast.

Key Features:

  • Monophonic analog synth with 100% analog signal path
  • 44 full-sized keys with velocity and aftertouch
  • Two oscillators, legendary Curtis low-pass filter
  • Four LFOs, three envelope generators, two sub-octave generators
  • USB MIDI and traditional MIDI I/O
  • Poly Chain capability for polyphony expansion
  • Compact and road-ready design with intuitive controls

Product specs

Brand Dave Smith Instruments
Model Mopho SE 42-Key Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish Black with Wood Sides
Year 2014 - 2016
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 42 Keys

FAQs

Is the Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE a polyphonic or monophonic synthesizer?

The Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead sounds.

What type of keyboard action does the Mopho SE have?

The Mopho SE features a semi-weighted keyboard action, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience suitable for both synth enthusiasts and keyboardists.

Can the Mopho SE be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Mopho SE can be used as a MIDI controller, thanks to its full-sized, 44-note semi-weighted keyboard and comprehensive MIDI I/O, including MIDI Input, Output, Through, and USB MIDI.

How does the Mopho SE expand its polyphony?

The Mopho SE can expand its polyphony by connecting it with a DSI Tetra or another Mopho synth, allowing for more complex sound layering and versatility.

What are the standout features of the Mopho SE's design?

The Mopho SE features a sturdy metal enclosure with screen-printed artwork, providing durability and a visually appealing design ideal for live performances and studio use.

Sequential

Sequential

Mopho SE- Dave Smith Instruments

Video thumbnail for Mopho SE- Dave Smith Instruments by Sequential

Mopho SE- Dave Smith Instruments

Sequential

Sequential

Video thumbnail for mmag.ru: Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE - монофонический аналоговый синтезатор by MusicMagTV

mmag.ru: Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE - монофонический аналоговый синтезатор

MusicMagTV

MusicMagTV

Video thumbnail for DSI Mopho SE Space Sounds Fat Analog Demo by Syntza

DSI Mopho SE Space Sounds Fat Analog Demo

Syntza

Syntza

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Mopho SE Solo by ChaxkalArtur

Dave Smith Mopho SE Solo

ChaxkalArtur

ChaxkalArtur

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality and depth for an analog mono synth

  • High-quality keyboard and overall build

  • Sleek, professional appearance that fits well in setups

  • Offers great modulation possibilities

  • Compact and intuitive layout with a great digital display

  • Supported by a well-written manual for ease of use

  • Includes a useful editor from Sound Tower for enhanced functionality

CONS

  • Some double-duty controls and menu diving required

  • Full features of the Sound Tower editor require a pro purchase

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Mopho SE has an internal sequencer, aux envelope, arpeggiator, and aftertouch, offering sound creation capabilities not available on the Sub Phatty.

    Source
  • The Mopho keyboard version is preferred for ease of parameter editing directly from the front panel, unlike the module version.

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  • Mopho SE offers two oscillators and two sub-oscillators with independent sequencing and glide, enabling complex modulation options.

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Comparisons

  • Mopho SE can be polychained with a Tetra, turning it into a potentially 8-voice poly synth, which expands its versatility compared to the monophonic Sub Phatty.

    Source
  • Some users suggest saving for the Mopho X4 for polyphonic capabilities, as it offers more versatility for a slightly higher price.

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  • The Mopho SE is considered a deeper synth than the Korg Monologue, with more extensive modulation and sequencing capabilities.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the Mopho SE's interface more intuitive as all functions are displayed, contrasting with the Sub Phatty's hidden features.

    Source
  • The Mopho SE is described as capable of producing a wide range of sounds, from warm to harsh, whereas the Sub Phatty maintains a consistent warm character.

    Source
  • Owners of the Mopho keyboard describe the sound as "huge" and "phenomenal," emphasizing its capability in sound quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • For live performance, the Sub Phatty's layout makes it favorable, while the Mopho SE is better suited for studio production due to its extensive sound design options.

    Source
  • The Mopho inspires ambient music creation due to its engaging sequencer and arpeggiator, allowing for immersive sound exploration sessions.

    Source
  • The Mopho SE is highlighted as an excellent lead synth for live funk bands due to its performance capabilities.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • $500 is considered an average price for the monophonic Mopho keyboard, with pristine units typically listed between $600-750.

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Build quality

  • The Mopho SE is praised for its fantastic front panel and wonderful keybed, making it ideal for live performance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A known issue with the Mopho SE is a high noise floor during recording, which can be fixed with a simple mod if you have technical skills.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Biosphere uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE

Biosphere

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Flickr

Spotted the Mopho SE this photo from Flickr. The photo is not mine, but was already listing the Streichfett @ Equipboard :-)

See how Eric Wilson uses Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE

Eric Wilson

Bassist

Sublime

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:23 in the video "Sublime 'What I Got' Live in the Stern Show Studio" on The Howard Stern Show's YouTube channel, Eric Wilson can be seen using a Dave Smith Instruments Mopho SE.

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 Mopho SE, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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