The synth vanguards over at Dave Smith Instruments are always a favorite to watch when NAMM rolls around, and this year they’ve outdone themselves with the new REV2.
A polyphonic analog synthesizer, the REV2 is the successor to the flagship Prophet 08 action-packed with a new design and features. As Dave Smith himself tells Justin in the video, “We kind of went crazy.”
Available in both 8 and 16-voice models with the option to field-upgrade from 8 to 16 later on, the REV2 retains a lot of the muscle that made the Prophet so popular with some deeply expanded specs. Keeping the same Curtis filters and VCOs, the REV2 even offers the option to load your favorite sounds from the Prophet 08 directly into the synth.
Of course, there are also reams of new features to drool over. In addition to the gated sequencer, Dave Smith added a new polyphonic step sequencer capable of operating separately per layer. In essence, players can now keep two sequences running in tandem with separate parameters for each one.
To complement this new functionality, there’s an expanded digital effects section with staples like delay and reverb. The effects are also capable of functioning separately per layer, so individual effects per sequence are now on tap.
Finally, the DSI team doubled the amount of onboard modulation with a new class of mod sources and destinations. Pressing the envelope even further, wave shape modulation is now on deck for an armada of tools to forge into uncharted sonic territory.
In tandem with the REV2, DSI also unveiled the Toraiz AS-1. A monosynth developed in tandem with Pioneer and officially a Pioneer product, the Toraiz is particularly notable for sporting a single voice of the powerful Prophet 06. Coming with a built-in sequencer, compact design, and MAP of $499, the AS-1 is definitely something to keep your eye on.
Dave Smith InstrumentsSee more Keyboard & Synth News from Winter NAMM 2017