Dave Smith does it again

Sequential ups the ante (again) with the Prophet Rev2, a 16-voice, 61-key analog synthesizer that picks up where the legendary Prophet '08 left off. The Rev2 is an absolute beast that features dual DCOs, a sub-oscillator and a 2/4-pole resonant Curtis filter per voice. Other features include bittimbral operation, waveform modulation, a robust onboard FX engine, an advanced polyphonic step sequencer, a crisp OLED display, and USB. The premium 5-octave semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch feels perfect. Synth geeks are raving about Sequential's Prophet Rev2. Dave has delivered another killer synth — and it's an incredible value.

A Prophet '08 — on steroids

The starting point was Dave Smith's modern classic, Prophet '08. Says Dave: “The Rev2 is the realization of our effort to enhance and improve everything we could about the original design — all at a more affordable price.” You can even download existing Prophet '08 libraries; not only will they sound perfect, but you can enhance them with new Rev2 features. The Prophet '08 was, of course, an 8-voice synthesizer. Not only does the Prophet Rev2 double the polyphony, it also lets you allocate voices as you wish: deploy monstrous two-handed chords; stack two 8-voice patches for massive, intricate textures; split the keyboard into two independent 8-voice instruments; and duet with yourself — the sky's the limit.

Curtis Filters: Classic Design, Amazing Sound

The synthesizer largely owes its bold, authoritative sounds to its per-voice resonant 2/4-pole low-pass filters, based on the chip design pioneered by the late Doug Curtis. These are the same filters used on many classic synths from the 1970s and 1980s — and Prophet '08 as well. The Filter section includes a separate Audio Mod control that lets you dial in movement and harmonic complexity.

Shape Mod offers tremendous sonic flexibility

The Prophet Rev2's two digital voice-controlled analog oscillators each feature four selectable waveforms: sawtooth, sawtooth+triangle, triangle, and square. The waveform modulation feature allows you to continuously vary the pulse width of any of the waveforms, infinitely multiplying your sonic possibilities. And the Shape Mod control lets you manually dial in a specific waveform width or use an LFO or other modulation source to continuously change the timbre. Even single-oscillator patches take on new depth and dimension.

Powerful FX Engine and Mod Matrix

The Rev2's robust onboard effects engine delivers flavorful reverbs, standard and vintage BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) style delays, phase shift, chorus, ring mod, and distortion. With the REV2 set to split or stacked voice mode, you can apply a unique effect to each layer. You can even modulate effects parameters using the Rev2's Mod Matrix — a popular Prophet '08 feature. In Prophet Rev2, the Mod Matrix is ​​twice the size, with eight individual slots and expanded sources and destinations. It's a sound designer's dream.

Polyphonic step sequencer

Sequential has equipped the Prophet Rev2 with a powerful polyphonic step sequencer that accommodates up to 64 steps with 6 notes per step. An attractive tool for performance or composition, the poly step sequencer lets you create a unique sequence for each layer in split voice or stacked mode. You can also use the sequencer as a modulation source in closed mode, where you can get complex modulation with up to four different 16-step sequences. Sequences allow for ties and pauses and can sync to external MIDI clock. The separate arpeggiator, which supports note repeats and locking, can also sync to the external MIDI clock.

Programmability, tweakability, playability, reliability

The REV2's button-per-function top panel offers push-button programming and instant access to all functions, including 512 killer factory patches and 512 rewritable user programs. Grab a knob and adjust, for real-time control over any parameter. The premium 5-octave, semi-velocity, and aftertouch-enabled keyboard on the Rev2 feels silky smooth and superb. Like all DSI synthesizers, the Prophet Rev2 is built to withstand road abuse. With its built-in power supply, USB support, and bright, crisp OLED display, the Rev2 is the perfect polysynthesizer for both stage and studio.

Characteristics

• 16-voice polyphony lets you allocate voices as you like;
• 5-octave semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch;
• Dual DCOs, sub-oscillator and 2/4-pole resonant low-pass Curtis filter per voice;
• Waveform modulation, modulation matrix, bittimbral operation;
• Integrated FX engine with reverb, delays, chorus, phase shift, ring mod and distortion;
• Polyphonic step sequencer, advanced arpeggiator;
• One-button programmability and real-time adjustment;
• Crisp OLED display is easy to see on dark stages;
• Built-in power supply, support USB.

Specifications

• Type: keyboard synthesizer with sequencer;
• Sound engine: analog oscillators (digital control);
• Number of keys: 61;
• Type of Wrenches: semi-heavy;
• Back Touch: Yes;
• Velocity sensitive: yes;
• Other controllers: pitch bend, mod wheel;
• Polyphony: 16 voices;
• Number of presets: 512 factory programs, 512 editable user programs;
• Oscillators: 2 per voice (sawtooth, triangle, pulse);
• Effect types: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phase shifter, Ring modulation, Distortion;
• Arpeggiator: yes;
• Sequencer: 64 steps, 6 notes per step;
• Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4 in. (main stereo output), 2 x 1/4 in. (stereo output B);
• Headphones: 1 x 1/4 in.;
• USB: 1 x Type B;
• MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru;
• Pedal Inputs: 2 x 1/4-in. (sustain, pedal/cv);
• Other I/O: 1 x 1/4 in. (sequencer);
• Features: waveform modulation on all waveforms, polyphonic step sequencer per layer, 8-slot modulation matrix;
• Power source: standard IEC AC cable;
• Dimensions: 32.3 x 89.2 x 9.7cm;
• Weight: 9.3kg.