Prophet '08 Review by Inside Synthesis - Part 1

This is part 1 of a 2 part series reviewing the Prophet 8 Analog Synthesizer created by Dave Smith Instruments.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• synthesizer
• analog
• review
• demonstration
• synth
• moog
• sequential
• oberheim
• obxa
• minimoog
• modular
• electronic

[spulkagent47]

"real analog filters have a certain juice to them." WTF??

[insidesynthesis]

You've never heard that expression? I don't think I'm the first to use it - it essentially is the same as referring to a filter as wet, like a Moog, or dry, like a very digital, linear filter.

[rezisehtnys]

Awesome video. And since you're a person who happens to own both an OB-Xa and Prophet '08 I was wondering if you could answer a question for me. Do you consider the Prophet '08 as a worthy alternative? I know you said not to expect the 08 to sound like an OB, but I can't risk my synth dieing on stage...or anywhere really. Thanks for your time.

[insidesynthesis]

If you want true analog and reliability, the Prophet '08 is the only multitimbral option at any reasonable cost. But that doesn't mean it's the best sounding option. I think modern VAs can out perform it.

I can get sounds closer to an Oberheim

off a Virus TI, which might sound like heresy to some people. The P'08 might be true analog, but it uses a budget chip.

[markix88]

3.57 awesome brassy sound...a bit dry wet but very good...is an impro? I can understand one thing...in the video when you talking about "separate portamento for each oscillator" after you use the synth with unison on (all eight led on) right? In this case i can't listen the separate portamento effect...maybe I'm wrong...aniway good video !

[insidesynthesis]

You can have different portamento for oscillator 1 and oscillator 2. I don't think I activated it during any of the demonstrations.

Pretty much everything was improved when I record, but I do have a habit of sneaking in melodies from '80s songs.

[egotistic1]

The Virus is a bad comparison. A fairer comparison would be to the Andromeda.

It's easier end to end for most people to use a Virus - easy to create a good sound, and far easier to record it well. To get the full benefit of true analog kit you need high end converters with decent pre's, which most people do not have.

[therealKINDLE]

@BigTuna1994 Thank you. I'll survive! :)

[BigTuna1994]

@therealKINDLE Feel better, my friend.

[Dectheboner]

Ok i'm a total newbie to synths. I hope I don't sound stupid but what is a voice or in this case 8 voices? :)

[francaisemusique]

im really in a pickle, are old synths like old moogs and oberheims really outdated ? because i really want to start making music but i want a nice analouge sound from these kinds of synths, but on newer models, i guess theres nothing like the old synths but are they outdated ?

[PulseWidthM0d3r]

Watch this vid with closed captions 'CC' and tell me if u lol'ed?

[harrychristner]

does the main output play both layer A and B ? or do you have to run two stereo outs to use both layers? also, same again with the phones out. has anyone found a video on how to actually use the synth? or like a post on a forum? or any info on using it to its ability and say routing ideas/patch ideas?

[therealKINDLE]

You have no Idea how many times I've watched these Videos. I wish... No I Dream for one of these Synthesizers to be mine one day. Problem is, I have an illness that has had me out of work for over 4 years now, & it doesn't look good.

Still, I can't complain really. I have an SH-201 which allows me to sculpt -full stop- although I always have to run it through a mixer first to bring up it's pale low end, & then I spend hours.. Days in Post trying to bring it to life.

Thank you for this Video

[Fnordblaster]

Heard you like analog polysynths so we put a Prophet 08 inside your Oberheim so you can play and tweak warm pads while you play and tweak warm pads.