DSI Tetra Polyphonic Synth Module - Combo Presets

[bealtown]

I could imagine routing each output channel through its own chain of effects and discrete channel in a quad amp setup. That would present an all-encompassing aural enclosure... 10,000 sheer watts'o'hell.

[oli4musicfreak]

wow nice machnine XD

[melotrom1]

00.39 == Love.

[vrp406]

I'll buy it from you reo

[Roelandvinken]

I have the tetra here for 3 months now and i havent used a single sound i liked from it yet. Huge dissapointment.

[CircleCityEric]

I've got a microKorg XL. The XL keyboard feels like it's meant for aftertouch, though the synth itself desn't seem to have any. Could I connect it to this Tetra for aftertouch?

[novanine9]

what is polyphony?

is it the number of notes played at one time or the actual different sound textures at on time?

CAN ANYONE ANSWER THIS...DAMN IT, I'M A NOOB!

[bigcitymusic]

@novanine9 4-voice polyphony means you can play up to 4 different notes simultaneously.

[novanine9]

@bigcitymusic -THANKS SO MUCH!

[novanine9]

@bigcitymusic - Thanks for that!

[Lgw1984]

@novanine9 It means 4 notes... But each note can have a different sound (Like in this demo)

[009relic1]

@novanine9

i think notes played.

[gjkangas]

@novanine9 related to the second part of your question, a synth is multitimbral when it can play two different sounds (i.e. patches) at the same time.

[jpmartineau]

@novanine9 Polyphony is number of voices you can play simultaneously. 4 notes polyphonic means that you can play up to 4 notes.

Multitimbrality means playing different patches simultaneously.

The tetra can play 4 different timbres at once, meaning that each voice can play a different sound.

[HyperSonic707]

@novanine9 polyphony is the number of sounds possible to place at once

multi-timbre is the amount of different voices

[Releaux]

@novanine9 To expand on the answer, polyphony is how many notes (or more accurately, voices, since a single "note" might be made up of multiple voices) that can sound simultaneously. The Tetra is also multi-timbral which means that it can play more than one sound or program at the same time.

[keithkemp]

@novanine9 why don't you use the Google like everyone else??



[IAmBound]

@novanine9 Alternatively 4-voice polyphony means you can assign all 4 voices to one note to make it sound "bigger". Polyphony is merely the number of "voices" a voice is simply one sound.

[cprostudio]

get a poly and be done with it

[777RavenousWolf777]

@mrhartuc

moog. studio electronics omega 8. Snoop has two of them in his studio.

[megagavelli]

the used a studio electronics se1x as the analog synth for pacs beats... but you can definatley get those sounds from a tetra (for much cheaper than an se1x) plus the tetra is polyphonic so you will have more ways to use it than the se1x... keep in mind that the se1x was the only practical option at the time pac was out (no patch memory on the minimoog)--moog voyager/ dsi tetra / dsi prophet 08 didnt exist yet...

but keep in mind that many pac relied heavily on samples

[dreadstock]

i also keep in mind Pac's first appearance on an album guestwise was Salsa Con SoulFodd - Funky Aztecs

wow

[01Mai1983]

i think it´s a minimoog...but just look at dr dre´s studio ;)

[Goth108]

oh boy, why don't you rerecord this in stereo, it's missing half the sounds

[neolojism]

This looks like my next purchase. I love my mks-80, but I'm going to the UK in 6 months and it's too damn heavy.

[djyourgofromlelystad]

This machine is really amazing!!!

[legrandmonarque]

The sound of this thing is just plain amazing.

[brayrouz]

this or the waldorf!! :(

[mindphlux]

analog vs digital? i wonder who will win

[tekkentool]

it's not a competition.

one does x

one does y

some people need x

some need y

and some need both.

[mindphlux]

thanks for telling me everything i already knew

[strangerhythm]

Like a 4 voice version of the Prophet 08 (which is what it is, with less knobs & an extra sub-oscillator per voice). In other words, amazing! Check out some of the demo videos for the prophet 08.

[PimpMyFahrrad]

This would be impossible...

You see - DSI uses small analog chips for sound generation. They can stick 4 of them in a small box like this, no problemo... also, they use digital LFOs and envelopes.

Moog has the tradition of using discrete circuits. Envelopes and LFO are also analog.

There is no way a Moog can fit in a small box like Tetra.

Little Phatty and Voyager RME is really as small as a Moog can be.

[Scrubsobsession]

i was literally about to type this until i read your reply. And do you own a RME, cuz i'm considering one after i buy the Prophet ( i currently own a little phatty)

[PimpMyFahrrad]

No, I don't own RME - though I would like to have one (who wouldn't?).

I do own Prophet '08 - I think it is very sweet synth. Encoders do kinda suck - I recommend P08 PE.

How is your Little Phatty working out for you? I wanted to get one also (next month probably).

Also - if you like analog small boxes, check out SammichSID.

[squeakD]

Agreed! Moog seriously needs to put out a little box like this! DSI is going to sell A LOT of these units!

[mindphlux]

i got a used moog little phatty for less than this thing costs new ;)

[scaltek]

J'aime ce son ******

[StuMac303]

0:52 reminds me of commodore 64. AWESOME

[Jauly]

True! You're not the only one to realize the Dave Smith DCOs from Prophet 08 onwards sound a bit like SID... harshness :)

[TheRealCritique]

who was the other person that thinks this sounds a bit harsh - I do as well. Maybe its the mp3, but I'm not getting that vintage juicy feeling from this...

[PimpMyFahrrad]

There is juice alright... even more than in vintage machines (vintage synths tend to be dirtier, while new analog has more juice IMHO). My Prophet 08 definitely has more juice than my Moog Rogue.

Prophet DCOs do sound harsh, but I like it - nice and gritty! If there is an other thing that can be said about it - juicy filter.

Prophet is not phat as moog though, and certainly not acid like Tb-303 or bassstation...

Just saying that you can't expect everything from a synth.

[tc1992]

can you process external audio through the tetra, or prophet 08? i know you can with the evolver

[ledheavy26]

Looks like there is no audio in like in the mopho, which is a shame because I use the feature a lot, and the input gain for feedback routing.

[andivax]

of course. each DSI synth has input for processing audio thru it's amazing filter. dirttyyy! :)

[bigcitymusic]

There is not an audio input on the DSI Tetra. THe MoPho has one though.

[edjwise]

@andivax They made the compromise on the tetra and it gets 4 outs and not the filter in.

[Tri3Dr]

@edjwise

Ok. But there could have been solution -like that one which is used in some computer motherboards integrated audio: user have ability to choose what analog I/O 's do. It could be either 5.1 out OR normal in, out and microphone.

Same way DSI could have made it work in TETR4, hide somewhere in the menu section or backpanel switch that turns one of its outputs to input.

Sadly because it might require hardware modifications i guess it's not going to be added in future firmwares..

[lesscunning]

i am thankful for this demo.

[musicaedm]

Question. Does this have a separate LP filter setting possibility for each on of the outputs? So I can use it to program leads, basses and process separately or is it just one filter setting for all four voices?

[Scrubsobsession]

Yes! the site specs say "one curtis low pass filter per voice"

Thats what i call badass and totally worth it.

[CTRLSHFT]

You get one LP filter per voice, so you can it set different for each voice.

[basmatine]

Could this be the 4 voice analog engine meant for the linndrum2 that's in limbo? Regardless, with 4 part multi timbral and 4 separate outs, this is perfect for gigging, I would be able to leave some of my vintage synths at home and still have the beef. As for looks, it looks a hell of alot better than the MoPho. Tom Oberheim should be taking notes from Dave Smith and get busy.

[iloveanalogue]

I think this may be that very synth. I talked to Andrew

from DSI and he said they were working on some more drum programmes for it b/c that would be the jam.

My mopho is still great by itself, and when I get this puppy I can do a full blown midi-fied 303/606 combo jam.

[ncheriyan]

One drawback that I do notice is that there are no multi-mode filters (HP, BP, etc). 1 LPF is it, so this limits the sonic potential to an extent, when compared to the Alesis Andromeda, which has multi-mode filters.

Still, its a great analog polysynth with a lot of modulation options!

[mattsynth]

What are we suppose to do with this box. Anybody have a comment on how they plan to use this box? Will it be an addition to a larger synth rig or should we strap it to our heads and go on America Got Talent.

[hallutsinatsioon]

I've got daw based setup where each synthesizer has its own track and own input in the audio interface. I'd connect it and add it to my existing template. Would work nice!

[hallutsinatsioon]

Toy or what ever you might call it, I want one and I have exactly 4 free inputs on my audio interface.

[PilferMusic]

$800...

sounds pretty nice... but do I need another synth...

[LyndonTCorbett]

To quote Geddy Lee:

"One synth is too many and a thousand are not enough."

[PilferMusic]

LOL! I love it.

[digitalbeatsyndrome]

Those who been thinking DRM mkIII might wanna think twice...

If this has Noise osc and KB filter tracking you got your BD Snare/Clap and HH on one voice. Beep bip and blip on the rest.

[mattsynth]

Of course, if you like to sit on the couch and fool around with these toys these might be for you. It's your money and time.

[lavakava]

dude, this is NOT a toy...ok you see "PUSH IT! PUSH IT" and then you see some toyish LEDs in a circular formation and you are like 'naah tha's a toy'...its not a toy, at least as far as the sounds.

Mopho/Tetra has the body of a Lada and the interior of a Lexus...

[lavakava]

dude, this is NOT a toy...ok you see "PUSH IT! PUSH IT" and then you see some toyish LEDs in a circular formation and you are like 'naah tha's a toy'...its not a toy, at least as far as the sounds.

Mopho/Tetra has the body of a Lada and the interior of a Lexus...

[mattsynth]

Bob Moog (God rest his soul) died a legend because he designed instruments that musicians could use. Even his less expensive Little Fatty is a classic. Do you think Dave will be known for his low budget sound boxes. It is his Prophets that will stand the test of time. I am just trying to say do not to waste your money on budget boxes if you are a serious musician. These are your tools, save up for the best and then Dave will build them.

[digitalbeatsyndrome]

Only time will tell...and no.. not to the analog taliban.

[ledheavy26]

Moog is famous for the sound, which is what REALLY MATTERS. And on a personal note, I played a little phatty yesterday and felt disapointed. My axiom keyboard and my mopho offer me more I felt than the Little Phatty. And guess what?!?! The prophet, tetra and mopho share internals!!!! Still can't agree on your points.

[discotechwreck]

I own a Little Phatty and my best friend a Mopho - and I think you need both!

the Mopho is a far more powerful synth in terms of modulation and sequencing abilities but it's a headache to program without a dedicated controller or your computer nearby.

I also feel the filter on the Mopho isn't anything worth writing home about.

It's not very...let's say, 'musical'

together they are amazing however

definitely want to add the Tetra to my rig at some stage in the not too distant future

[t0msw1ft]

I can't support this until the VST support comes out for the MoPho!

[kidgloves2]

Dave smith is really bringing it! He makes amazing analog synths that are VERy affordable.

Too bad this one "looks" cheap. It shouldn't matter, but for some reason it does. Ugly as sin.

[raizumichin]

This sounds interesting. But I wish that dsi would release another box like this with digital oscillators for wavetable synthezis. I like the sound of the evolver, but i prefer the mophos controls (and the software editor). Please, make one!

[armalyte]

for hq just add "fmt=18" at the end of the video url, man.

This sounds tasty, but its 500 quid in the uk. Now surely the MEK keyboard enclosure can be used ? Then, this thing will be a super smash!

[lavakava]

dude , how can you call this 'another analog crap box'...it sounds fatter than the overrated piece of german crap...access virus, with its thin metallic sounds and aliasing filters like someone below mentioned.

i do think dave smith needs to start focusing on more professional looking boxes...instead of cheesy kiddie designs like 'push it! push it!' LOL...or 'Boom Chik'...lol thank God he removed it...or the 'poly evolver' which looks like a high school stencil project.

[lavakava]

also, from my experience, i know that having gazillion knobs on the surface doesnt make it very easy for programming...i prefer having less knobs on the surface and more detailed editing in the computer.

4 part multi-timbral is the best thing about this! prophet 08 is 8 voices but its only 2 part (bitimbral)...4 parts will really go a long way...much faster and quicker than multitracking the mopho.

so the moral of the story is: dave smith, i love the way you sound but i hate your looks...

[ledheavy26]

You're judgeing this by what? A video on youtube? Have you owned a mopho or tetra?  I own a mopho and I think it's fantastic, and I make sounds from a basic patch ( os 1.3) from the front panel all the time and I dont think it's that bad. I think the tetra is an amazing deal and I shall be getting one soon. Now I'll be able to have either 5 mono synths or one 5 voice poly for 1k bucks, can't beat that.

[ledheavy26]

Sorry , forgot to add, a 5 voice poly ( when linked to a mopho) that has 5, 16x4 sequencers for each voice. So I think it should be intreseting.

[drxcm]

You're missing the point - no company can build your dream synth without revenue. The fact is very few will purchase a highend analog machine, and the company wont make money. By releasing a pared back analog like the Tetra, DSI stands to increase analog popularity, and perhaps fund R&D for a new machine. You should thank him. Besides, this 'kiddy' stuff is crap. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there with cheap gear making better music than most. Its not what u have, its how u use it

[mattsynth]

drxcm you are the one person here that is correct. I hope DSI sell thousands of these boxes so he can raise the finances to build real usable synth's in the future. Maybe a Prophet 10. It will be interesting to see what the kids do with this box.

[11111112828weh]

DUDE, i love these little boxes, u can take them anywhere, so there great for shows, u can chill on the couch and just f around with it on ur lap until inspiration strikes, and they just look cool.

[ledheavy26]

where did 1800 dollars come from? I got a brand new mopho for 330. I have a controller and ableton to cover everything. In any I could just use the built in sequencers like people do on modular synths. Please think before you speak, and the prophet 08 costs twice as much and this will do what I want, and that's what I think Dave Smith intended.

[lavakava]

matt synth, do you work for some other analog synth company? like studio electronics...

check out a 4 voice Studio Electronics CODE analog synth its freaking close to 4000 bucks (3600 USD!!!)

this synth sells for more than 4 times less...

also alesis andromeda has a harsh sound in its filters...its all analog but isn't the best analog i heard.

as i said, only thing dave smith should do should change his toyish exterior...but the internal sounds are amazing!

DSI forever!

[11111112828weh]

so im assuming u hate the desktop evolver too?

[sonikboom007]

yea no idea why that dude is claiming 1800 bux lol its suggested retail is 800ish which means itll retail for about 799 or less.

cheap in my opinion.

DSI for life!

[mattsynth]

Sonik you did not read the full discussion. This guy spent $600.00 for a MoPho and $400.00 for a half decent M Audio controller and is looking to pay $800.00 more for a Tetra. He could of purchased a Prophet 08 at $1800.00. The Prophet has a better keyboard, lots of dedicated knobs and 8 voice.

[ledheavy26]

Who the hell spent 600 on a mopho and 400 for an m-audio keyboard? If you're referring to me, I spent 330 exactly on a Brand New mopho and I spent 240 a couple years ago on an AXIOM 49 that still works. And what are these boxes used for?!?! To play music...............WOW WHO WOULD'VE THOUGHT?!

[hallutsinatsioon]

mattsynth, it doesn't matter what you have, matters what you can do with it. Tetra shouldn't be much different from your p08, except from few things.

If interface matters for you then why don't you have some weird VA's instead of your analog gear?

[lavakava]

dude, if you want to play chords, get a prophet 08, but the beauty of analog lies in the complexity of just 1 note...i am considering getting a polyevolver, because it is 4 voices and each voice has 4 oscillators: 2 analog/2 digital. it is true the digital adds a lot of harsh tones, but nonetheless, having analog can never be substituted...

you have 4 va synths...good keeping making those cheesy trance chords and arpeggiations...

i will play with my 4 part, rich fat analog synth.

[lavakava]

tetra is nothing new or exciting? well for a start, its the 1st 4 voice real analog synth that sells for 800 bucks...i could probably get cheaper since i buy gear from the same place all the time. secondly, it has usb for voice editor...that's new

i once got me a access virus - worst piece of crap ever - gritty, harsh, dark, thin sounding digital sound...great for making trance cheese.

then come analog...beefy/rich/fat warm...1 voice analog will kill 20 voices on the virus, no sweat!

[pierlooqup]

how true that is !!!

[keyboardkomuso]

Why do companies insist on putting beats and patterns into there presets! Annoying! I was hoping to hear some fat pads and creamy lead sounds. Nice sounding bit of kit though.

[11111112828weh]

this ones next on my list, ive been wanting an evolver for awhile, but this takes the cake, I love when you see something that you just know you must have, itll be a good pair with my EMX and Blofeld. i love the way it sounds and all the patterns u can get from the tiny box, ill be chillin with this one on the couch

[duncanperson]

OMG!!! Dave smith is far to good at designing synths! I already bought the evolver and now I think I need this too! And it is good to see a real pot for the filter controls instead of rotary controlers.

[ncheriyan]

the filter sweep @ 0:34 sounds amazing...no aliasing at all - something I dread in VA synths like the Virus.

[djfakt]

@ncheriyan Ha! You don't hear that slop with an Alesis Ion!

[ncheriyan]

a 4 part multi-timbral analog synth...awesome! And I like its name, its not offensive as 'MO PHO' especially if i need to take this to Church, lol!

I wonder what the price is...same awesome Prophet analog sound! I am going to buy this!

[TheAmazingManimal]

time to say goodbye to my mopho...we had some good times my old friend...

[Koolkev2978]

Some great preset here!!!! Still thinking about it but its the top of the list... Cheers

[RevoSE9]

HQ????