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Description

Unleash your sonic creativity with the Sequential Poly Evolver Synthesizer, a masterful blend of analog warmth and digital precision. Crafted by Dave Smith, the visionary behind the iconic Prophet 5, this synthesizer is a sound designer's playground and a musician's muse. It is designed to cater to both the classic analog purist and the adventurous modern musician, offering a vast array of sonic possibilities.

Equipped with a 61-key semi-weighted keyboard, the Poly Evolver features 78 knobs and 58 switches, granting you meticulous control over your sound. At the heart of its dynamic sound engine are four oscillators per voice—two analog and two digital—allowing for an impressive range of sound design. The analog oscillators provide timeless waveshapes like sawtooth and triangle, while the digital oscillators offer 96 Prophet-VS wavetables and 32 user-loadable wavetables, perfect for those high-frequency, gritty textures.

This powerhouse synth also includes stereo audio inputs for processing external signals, giving you the capability to integrate and manipulate other audio sources seamlessly. Its four independent analog sequencers provide intricate wave sequencing and modulation, while the digital signal processor handles advanced functions like delay, distortion, and tuned feedback.

Whether you’re crafting lush pads or edgy leads, the Poly Evolver’s unique fusion of analog and digital elements will inspire and elevate your music production.

Key Features:

  • 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and mono aftertouch
  • Four oscillators per voice: two analog, two digital
  • 96 Prophet-VS wavetables and 32 user-loadable wavetables
  • Four independent analog sequencers for intricate wave sequencing
  • Stereo audio inputs for external signal processing
  • 78 knobs and 58 switches for extensive sound control
  • Three snappy ADSR envelopes and four LFOs that sync with MIDI
  • Digital signal processor for advanced audio functions like delay and distortion
  • Dual tunable feedback loops and extensive modulation capabilities

FAQs

Is the Sequential Poly Evolver Synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Sequential Poly Evolver Synthesizer is a polyphonic synthesizer, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously, which is ideal for creating complex chords and layered sounds.

What types of oscillators does the Poly Evolver Synthesizer feature?

The Poly Evolver Synthesizer includes four oscillators per voice: two analog and two digital. The analog oscillators offer classic wave shapes like sawtooth and triangle, while the digital oscillators provide 96 Prophet-VS wavetables and 32 user-loadable wavetables.

Does the Sequential Poly Evolver have built-in effects?

Yes, the Poly Evolver includes built-in effects such as delay and digital distortion, which can be placed before or after the analog electronics, providing versatile sound shaping options.

Can the Poly Evolver Synthesizer be integrated with other MIDI equipment?

Absolutely, the Poly Evolver is designed to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI equipment, featuring MIDI sync for its sequencer and LFOs, and allowing program dumps to/from MIDI.

What is the purpose of the feedback loops in the Poly Evolver Synthesizer?

The Poly Evolver features dual tunable feedback loops that can be modulated for frequency and amount, offering unique sound design possibilities by enhancing harmonic content and creating complex textures.

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Dave Smith Poly Evolver | The Most Interesting Synth in the Last 30 Years?

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Poly Evolver | The Most Interesting Synth in the Last 30 Years? by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Dave Smith Poly Evolver | The Most Interesting Synth in the Last 30 Years?

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for The Poly Evolver is wonderfully weird... and may be my new favorite synth by Jameson Nathan Jones

The Poly Evolver is wonderfully weird... and may be my new favorite synth

Jameson Nathan Jones

Jameson Nathan Jones

Video thumbnail for Dave Smith Poly Evolver Synthesizer -  Synth-Pop Demo, by al l bo by Alexander Biber

Dave Smith Poly Evolver Synthesizer - Synth-Pop Demo, by al l bo

Alexander Biber

Alexander Biber

Video thumbnail for synthpro's DSI Poly Evolver (Sold) by synthpro

synthpro's DSI Poly Evolver (Sold)

synthpro

synthpro

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sequential Poly Evolver Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • The Polyevolver's stereo oscillators and filters create a unique stereo field, providing a distinct sound experience compared to many other synths.

    Source
  • The synth includes two analog oscillators and two digital oscillators inspired by the Prophet VS, allowing for versatile and innovative sound creation.

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  • The Poly Evolver's UI can be cumbersome, requiring encoders to scroll through options, unlike the Pro 2 and P12, which have more intuitive interfaces.

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  • The Poly Evolver's larger keybed and sequencer buttons are highlighted as beneficial improvements over the Mono Evolver, offering broader creative opportunities.

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User experience

  • Owners note the usability is challenging, but the unique sound quality and modulation capabilities make it a favorite for those who enjoy complex sound design.

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  • The Polyevolver can dominate the mix, but using the high pass filter effectively can help manage its presence.

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  • Owners note frustration with the Poly Evolver's voice count limitations, often necessitating additional gear to expand its capabilities.

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  • Owners suggest that the full keybed and dedicated sequencer buttons enhance usability compared to the desktop version, which some found less intuitive.

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Comparisons

  • Users find the Poly Evolver's modulation range more extreme than the P12, with the former reaching more intense sonic extremes.

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  • Compared to the Mopho, the Poly Evolver is often seen as a more powerful synthesis option, with users expressing regret in selling it due to its distinctive capabilities.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The Poly Evolver's desktop version has a bug where oscillator 4 still keytracks, despite settings, with no current firmware fix available.

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Use cases and applications

  • Poly Evolver's stereo routing (oscillators 1 and 3 to left, 2 and 4 to right) creates a unique and impressive stereo experience without heavy manipulation.

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  • The Poly Evolver is praised for its capability to produce weird and amazing sounds, making it suitable for those exploring unique soundscapes.

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Build quality

  • It's noted that the build quality isn't the best, with potential issues in the overall construction despite its unique and amazing sounds.

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Critic Reviews

Dave Smith Poly Evolver Keyboard

soundonsound.com

The Sequential Poly Evolver Synthesizer dazzles with its unique sound palette and user-friendly interface, making complex synthesis accessible. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, featuring a classy build and glowing blue LEDs that enhance its stage presence. However, the external power supply and limited four-voice polyphony might hinder some creative possibilities, especially in modern compositions. While the synth's capabilities are vast and inspiring, those seeking more polyphonic options may feel constrained. Overall, it's a powerful tool for serious musicians willing to embrace its quirks.

positive

Dave Smith Poly Evolver

soundonsound.com

The Sequential Poly Evolver Synthesizer brings a vibrant sound and impressive versatility, combining four Evolvers into a compact rack unit. Its editing software enhances usability, making patch and sequence programming enjoyable. However, the user interface is less than ideal, especially when navigating the sequencer, and the inability to edit patches in Combo mode can be frustrating. With only four voices, it may not serve as the centerpiece of a modern studio, but its unique sound palette and integration with existing Evolver setups offer plenty of creative possibilities for those willing to explore its depths.

positive

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Artist usage

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See how Trevor Morris uses Sequential Poly Evolver Synthesizer

Trevor Morris

Composer

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Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video of Trevor's studio, the Poly Evolver can be seen at 2:31

Genre Usage

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