Dave Smith Prophet REV 2 - SonicLAB Review

We're taking a look at the Prophet REV 2 form Dave Smith Instruments. The successor to the Prophet 08.
Available in 8 and 16 voice versions.
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[@Tranzphonic]

so.. you could in fact make two patches slightly detuned and LAYER them to get double the oscillators!!!

[@earlsfield]

Yes, it is completely bi-timbral. You can edit two patches in any way you want, also play them independently. Even sequence them in different tempo if you want.

[@louisrmusic]

19:29 With a... what ?

[@bartondisplay]

Brilliant.

[@nathankirklambo1986]

Sounded like he had a random LFO in his brain for a second.

[@wafflestoast5228]

Nathan Lambertson It’s just oscillator drift lol

[@QuietmindYoga]

😂😂😂

[@MRWIZE]

LOOOOOOOOOOLLL IM DEAD!!

[@dominicstocker5144]

You can actually sync the LFOs up so that they are in the same phase on all voices: You select key sync, go into unison with all voices, press any note, reverse step 1 and 2 and there you go.

[@bugeyedmudafuka2]

Ha this actually works! I have a mopho x4 and was trying to recreate a patch i made on a soft synth years ago. Had a square LFO on the oscillator mix. Could never get it to sync correctly. Tried multiple ways, using the sequencer etc. Eventually wrote in midi CC to achieve it. This bloody works perfect. Thanks you good sir! How the hell did you figure that out? The manual never mentioned this!

[@dominicstocker5144]

bugeyedmudafuka2 Glad to hear that this benefits you, you’re welcome! I think that I found it on the Sequential Forum. Lots of nice tips there, there even is a whole thread which only contains tricks for the REV2, might be the case for the Mopho too!

[@sawlfo]

@@dominicstocker5144 by any chance do you have any idea if this would work on a prophet 12?

[@vtxpony]

I love my Rev2, which I bought last year. The sound sits nicely in the mix with my band; great for comping and for leads. I ended up buying some 3rd-party programs that really brought out some of the classic Prophet sounds that I thought were missing in what was shipped. I appreciate this review, as it helped me decide on the purchase.

[@MrBluesDeville335]

Hi mate, would you mind sharing the name of the programs that made you happier with the Rev2 ? I am considering that synth and would be interested in these informations !

[@vtxpony]

@@MrBluesDeville335...Hi: I added these patches from AnalogAudio1 and am very happy with them! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYXEeYyMor91n5o

[@MrBluesDeville335]

@@vtxpony many thanks !

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Geo Synths.

[@noiselabproject9659]

Picked up an 8 voice one in October after having gone down the Mopho box, Tetra and then Mopho x4 polychained to Tetra Rabbit hole first. Very happy with it and made some very warm pad/string patches for it too ! Also 16 voices is by no means essential especially if you mostly want that old school trad analog sound

[@sandwich-breath]

"Sing song harmonics... so you can take a drink" Me - takes a drink

[@jayunito]

I love my Rev2. Endless possibilities and sits well within the mix.

[@stefpir]

having it in the mix is like adding honey on a peace of bread ♥️

[@timmbrockmann959]

I can confirm the solid build quality; my double keyboard stand crashed to the floor with the new Rev2 and a Matrix-6 falling on top of it. All working fine

[@Nachtdwaler]

straight up nightmare fuel

[@daemonelectricity]

My palms started sweating reading this comment.

[@timmbrockmann959]

@@Nachtdwaler true haha.."funny" also how it happened; I had my backpack leaning against, which got tangled up on the handle of the K&M key stand... so I grabbed my backpack and "booom"

[@stephenroldan5107]

Did your heart stop working for a second?

[@chrisstrobel3439]

Still a great synth all these years later.

[@l0riz624]

bought the Prophet REV2 with 8 Voices a couple Months ago.... When i first played it, it was like i was in Heaven, that machine sounds so damn good!

[@AnalogMonoxide]

Oh, and thanks as always for the lovely reviews. I love watching these even for gear I already have, just to listen to you poke it and talk about it. Always entertaining, and usually very informative/educational too.

[@ek999]

Thanks for the review Nick, I was unaware of the expander kit you could buy for the 8 voice version.Game changer for me as it means I can get my hands on an 8 voice early and save for the voice expansion in the mean time!!!

[@johnnydiamondsmusic1673]

I have the 8 voice. Amazing machine.

[@daniel6959]

Hi, is there any difference between Dave Smith Rev2 and the one with “sequential” name on the right hand side ?

[@liamquinn]

@@daniel6959 no :)

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@daniel6959 SEQUENTIAL logo looks cooler 😎😉

[@NimrodScott]

"Sing song harmonics....you can take a drink here if you are playing the drinking game" . Right on Nick!

[@Opss56]

“Lots and lots of different sauces here” @ 25:51

[@TheParanoidAndroid79]

@@Annie-zd7mx I refuse to believe it was "sources". "Sauces" is objectively better. ;)

[@hristiangeorgiev5236]

Thank you for a really insightful review of this machine. That first pad in the beginning of the video that you play - its outstanding. Is it from the firm presets of the synth or you programmed it?

[@NullStaticVoid]

been wanting one for a while. But then I got an OB6 and these just sound cheap by comparison. But then DSI stuff does have that mod matrix!

[@TorBruheim]

Best review so far on this synth. It all comes down to how this synth is programmed. The factory presets could have been better, but some of the sounds created by people out there sounds great, and this synth has a huge potential.

[@lstlvls2521]

Quite. That last patch is gorrrrrgeous.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

I'm finding the factory presets to be much better than I originally thought!

[@factckzone7533]

I've been watching a lot of Rev2 videos trying to glean all that I can from them. I'm treating this Sonic Lab vid like a tutorial. Thanks! I really wanted an OB6 but there's no way I could afford it without selling a lot of my other gear. I got my Rev2-16 less than a month ago and I'm very happy with it. I have a long, long way to go to learn its many capabilities as I'm new to synthesis or making my own sounds. I have over 20 years of experience using factory presets with all my other gear and I've produced enough music to burn 4 CD's. But now I feel grateful to have the opportunity to play the Rev2 and discover what I can do with it. I also own the Deepmind 12 and so far it pairs nicely with the Rev2 in my little studio.

[@sw_909]

How do you feel 7 months on? Gassing again for an OB6 or happy with the Rev? I ask because Im in the same position - really want an OB6 but its an investment

[@HotStrange]

Why have you only been using presets for 20 years?

[@errorkit]

4 Audio CDs? in 20 Years?

[@SebastianBeyer]

One of the best synth ever made!

[@jakedooom]

it certainly looks good even 2 years later.

[@SomethingTVTV]

really?

[@rodrigolaporte274]

Ohhhh I was waiting for this review!!!!!!! Thanks!!!

[@PureAmbientDrone]

Great review as always. I had the p8, the rev2 seems to be a much higher step up from it.

[@quarkyzarky]

It is, the wave shaping, sub osc and new osc slop make a big difference to the core tone. I wasn't into the '08 but love the Rev2 and now own one.

[@idngafaa]

dude, i have ta turn you to 3/4rs of the speed to catch some of your sermons, but absolutely not in a bad way. nick you are the absolute king! apologies for not being able to keep up, but you give the clearest advice i could ask for. cheers! :D

[@CmathTV]

DSI Needs to port the reverb of the REV 2 into the OB-6 and P6

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Wow a very extensively featured ladened polyphonic badboy. Love the wavemixing. Great review Nick .

[@lunasnderup4175]

I love this synth. I bought it partly becaue of this review. I'm not that good with keys, I use it mainly with a sequencer or midi program. ex: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZSuloWjeauchqc . It's realy good in combination with my moog mini:-). great review as always, Tyvm Nick

[@frankscassi4960]

The unipolar LFO is such a great feature, kinda overlooked by a lot of players

[@HomeCinemaJunkie]

I for one love the DSI sound. It just fit so good in a mix. Probably who so many producers use them...

[@Allenbass7]

For sure. It seems like analog harmonic qualities in a refined polyphonic form. Love that.

[@MBEG89]

Spot on, always have my rev2 in anything I do.

[@arnefackel5532]

@@Allenbass7 That is why I thought of buying it. Could you give me advice? Actually im looking for that warm analog sound that many people miss in the rev 2 (as they describe it as "cold" sounding). But the point of fitting in the mix better AND having so much ways to manipulate the sound are really making me struggle to make a decision. Would recommend the rev 2 or do you have something different in mind? (I'm from Germany, excuse some mistakes!)

[@Supremeteamcaptain]

@@arnefackel5532 it’s not cold at all. It CAN be cold, but it can be warm. People saying that never sat down and turned the cutoff to 0, and the envelope at a high positive and dialed in key tracking. That’s how you get warm

[@Symmetry77]

I'm interested in getting one, my main concern is whether or not there is an option to have the synth replicating whatever the knob positions are at any given time, like on the prophet 6 you have a preset button which reverts the synth to whatever the knobs are doing. Does anyone knows this please

[@laokoon303]

Nick always whips up some beautiful tunes/tones - the ending here is just haunting,,,

[@Deeplycloseted435]

The display is a step in the right direction. I despised the older DSI screen. I must admit though, the screens on things like Waldorf Blofeld/Pulse2 greatly enhances the user experience IMO. Having that visual feedback.....I like it.

[@laxiton]

What about the screen/gfx on the DSI Pro2?

[@quarkyzarky]

Agreed. Not only does this black OLED with white writing suite the analog aesthetic better than an old style LED/LCD screen, blending in with the black paintwork and keeping you mostly focused on the physical controls, it also happens to be pin sharp, very clear/bright writing and you can see it from a long way away very clearly even if it's not a massive screen. I'm glad it's NOT a massive screen, it's great to have such a powerful analog synth (that needs a screen due to that power) that abstracts it away somewhat so it still feels pure. They don't feel so pure with an LED screen.

[@kyleserafin9616]

Does it weird anyone else out that it's literally the Mini/Monologue screen on a $2k synth, minus the oscilloscope? Readout > no readout, for sure, just strange when compared to the likes of the Blofeld or Elektron's Digitakt with their graphical envelopes.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

Kyle Serafin true...it looks very similar.

[@TheEdwin73]

yes if only the Blofeld had this 'knob-per-function' interface, it has far greater sonic diversity (wave tables&samples and also very extensive mod matrix), but getting there is frustrating compared to the Rev2...but then again it would also probably sell at 3 or 4 times as much, price wise if it actually did had a lot of knobs like this synth.

[@synriser6742]

Got it today. It's an amazing synth with lots of capabilities. Sounds great and love the keyboard. Got it hooked up on my digitech Polara for more greatness.

[@JaredNichols909]

I love this keyboard. So versatile and fun to program. Thanks for the nice review, Nick,

[@MarshalArnold]

Sounds pretty awesome!

[@trentmiller6123]

Brilliant as always!! Easily my favorite synth reviewer. Keep up the good work!

[@garyturner5204]

Mine also! Nick does such an awesome job, every time!

[@thelantern9075]

I’m hoping to add this enchanting sounding instrument to my studio this month.

[@seeyouintheeighties]

Wooden Penny how are you finding it

[@burmashavetom]

Nick is the best.

[@erikjacksonvibes]

If Nick ever made an Ambient album it would be amazing!

[@HotStrange]

Erik Jackson pretty sure he has

[@UTSONUT]

thanks for the review as always Nick, you're such an awesome musician that your reviews are always a pleasure to watch (hear i should say), have you had a chance to play a prophet 6? which one do you like more Prophet 6 vs Rev 2 .....i understand the technical differences, but just in terms of sound which do you like more? the p6 has VCOs and a different filter simulating the prophet 5, the p6 does not have curtis filters.....much less modulation possibilities but a very pristine sound....

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I've also been waiting for a "Nick Review" for the P6. Still holding a candle for that one...Until then I just replay the Marc Doty vids every month or so to get my in-depth review fix, lol.

[@bond4177]

Review the Prophet 12 next!

[@KordTaylor]

I do love watching Nick’s reviews I keep going back and watching whenever I’m considering a purchase.

[@vampolascott36]

I was playing my digital synths for a long time and started to ask myself why I still have my Rev2? It's so boring! Then I recently turned on my Rev2 again and started playing some of the patches I made with it. Ahhh! That's why I still have my Rev2! The sound is just so rich and powerful.

[@thomaskolb8785]

Never really been a huge fan of some of the previous DSI synths (like the Mopho X4), I was a bit reluctant trying out the Prophet REV2, but what a lovely synth this is! I get it into all my track now. The atmospheric pads are breathtaking. Thank you for the review Nick!

[@HotStrange]

I think the Mopho x4 sounded great but was a bit pricey when you consider this is only $500 more if you buy new. Even less used.

[@BeachPresent]

@@HotStrange I have Mopho and Prophet 8 . Together they can work as one synthesizer and that's cool too. But Rev 2 is generally something with something. Now I'm thinking of selling my Prophet and buying a Rev 2. I also have Prophet 2000. Very cool sampler with a great analog path. Strange as it may seem, even these ultra-low frequencies do not sag there. I have Mopho and Prophet 8 . Together they can work as one synthesizer and that's cool too. But Rev 2 is generally something with something. Now I'm thinking of selling my Prophet and buying a Rev 2. I also have Prophet 2000. Very cool sampler with a great analog path. Strange as it may seem, even these ultra-low frequencies do not sag there. I wonder what they think about Trigon-6.

[@Racingheartrecords]

It sounds really great. The split mode is nice to have.

[@sunsetcadet60]

I couldn't wait for the Sonic LAB review... came in the mail yesterday. So good.

[@jjlacey1970]

it went a little quite with korg since the volcas. i think i like this... sorry i posted this on the wrong vid... left it up to remind me what a dick i am

[@KNHSynths]

Since I've got mine I can tell on the basis of my (very) long experience that this is really the best synth you can get on the market. I had a Prophet 5 there's a long time ago (when it was released...), far more expensive but perhaps it was sounding better, it was a beast but for one hand (5 notes was a lot at that time). But speaking about today's machines I've got a DeepMind 12D, now it sounds like a toy when I play just few notes on the Rev2, even the blank preset... Only some good VCO's from Erica Synths plus some good Filters in my Eurorack can compete, but in mono... The Rev2 is a double synth, two Prophet 08 in one box. Apart the Eurorack that opens other doors to make different things, you can sell all others poly synths you have and get one Rev2 (16 voices version). The novation peak is a very good machine but this is not a Sequential synth... Sequential is like Moog, you can find good synths on the market, but they are not a Moog. you can say the same for Sequential synths. And no other synth makers can give you this special feeling of driving a monster in the sky. The softness of gentle clouds and the power of lightnings at your fingertips. Is the Rev2 perfect ? That question has no meaning, what is perfection for each of us ? A lot of different criterion certainly. So no synth in the world will be "perfect" for everybody. But if you like real analog sound, take a Moog or a Sequential synth. You can't be wrong.

[@KNHSynths]

@S Keep your money for true poly synth like any Prophet (Rev 2 / 16 is not too expensive but any other are good choice) or a Moog One is also nice but too high priced. Then once you'll have this kind of equipment we will discuss again...Else you you don't know what you're talking about. And it is normal, not your fault, just you can't know.

[@KNHSynths]

@S Don't be so agressive... If you can't hear the difference between a Prophet and a DeepMind that's your problem not mine. And frankly I'll we not argue on this with you. Who are you to contest what I said ? Are you an expert ?

[@KNHSynths]

@S You are speaking about something you don't know. I said I don't want to go ahead in this debate with you.

[@KNHSynths]

@S I can't see anything to share with you on this subject. I love to debate, but that means there is something to share, at least the beginning of some mutual understanding. Here I read only agressive attacks with nothing to create the basis of a fair exchange of ideas.

[@eltouristoduo]

totally agree DM12 is not worth having at any price. I tried really hard to like it. No way. It's sound is just 'dead' compared to something like Sequential or Moog. Not all analog synths have enought 'analog' goodness. The Rev2 has enough of that! DM does NOT. . The Prophet 6 eveb a little more of that goodness than the REV2, but again the Rev2 good enough. If they were same price I would probably get a 6 even though it less voices and simpler. I just got a Rev2. It totally delights me but there is a lot of frustration too in certain controls and functions. So I love it, and hate it. If person can't 'hear' that difference, well whatever. It's shouldn't be 'subjective' in what you hear, but only in what you think about the sound. If you think DM is remotely comparable to Rev2 or remotely as desirable, many of us find that opinion off, way off.

[@johnnyraphaell]

The Filter isn't fat. But it has a musical sound, that no other synth has in thes style. its transparent, dynamic, beautiful highs. its the best in a mix with Guitars. this is why its one of the most sealed synths of all time.

[@2112jonr]

Sealed?

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Sealed??

[@kierenmoore3236]

🦭 🎹 🦭 🎹 🦭 ???

[@johnnyraphaell]

Haha sealed😂 i mean sold

[@ChristineLeeMusic]

Can't wait to get this soon so our band can do 80's cover and integrate the sound to our modern original tracks. Nothing sounds like a Prophet/Sequential synth.

[@Charlyaraya]

Any thoughts now? should I get it ?

[@piotr803]

This review has the hallmarks of a classic Nick review. Plenty of pulsewidth modulation talk and smudgy filter qualities. Ace

[@SuchaDoofus]

Dont forget beefinesss.

[@MrLawrence0071]

So, would you get a Rev2 or a Summit if you had to pick 1? :-)

[@countingsheeple2428]

I'm in the same boat, dude.

[@davidesaggiotto4468]

Did you choose your weapon?

[@ChazSeamus28]

Which did you end up getting?.. the summit is a beautiful synthesizer

[@nielsdt]

I chose the Summit after lots of consideration. But they are nowhere in stock!

[@MrLawrence0071]

@@nielsdt mine is delivered. Happy. Also summit. Sounds fantastic. The integration with their sound librarian (components) is awesome.

[@edwindegoeij3997]

I love watching bob the builder review synths!!

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I spit out my proverbial coffee when I read this!

[@RundFyrkant]

is it possible to load Tetr4 sounds in to the Rev 2?

[@PeteHorsham]

I do enjoy my prophet 08 and sounds like this is a much needed upgrade but why doesn't it have a high pass filter!

[@kierenmoore3236]

There is one in the FX.

[@ArkturusMusic]

That opening patch is absolutely beautiful, thanks for making me want to sell off my kidneys!

[@tomysmolic]

If you have to chose between this one and Moog sub 37, what would you chose.I know they are different type of synth but just want to hear other opinion

[@XDanimalzX]

Rev2 no question about it. I have a sub37 and would trade it for REV.2 8 voice

[@alexpick2028]

one of the best demos ive ever seen! thanks man : )

[@jacksprat3009]

I'm completely new to Synths and "thinking" of buying one. Like another poster here, I couldn't keep up with all the info, but did managed to get a bit of it. Enough actually, to understand 50% more than I did. Most complete demo I've seen. Thanks a bushel.

[@DrBuffaloBalls]

I've been waiting months for this review, now I can finally enjoy it!

[@LORDS.And.Hammers]

Nick Batt. My hero.

[@jakedooom]

That was brilliant. Thanks Nick and Sonic State. And thanks to comments below for useful extra info…

[@CoventGardenbeats]

I believe it's an archaic sounding board but your lead on minute 22:50 & 23:00 is quite marvelous "extraordinary"

[@pocketknifearmy]

I'm so amazed that those LFO's don't sync. The Poly Evolver couldn't do it, and now 15 years later it still isn't there. That's weird isn't it? For such an instrument. Sounds are ace, by the way. The effects really add to the joy as well. Thanks for the informative review :)

[@MilesBader]

Yeah, much as I love and respect DSI, their synths always seem to have a few odd quirks which seem almost like oversights (i.e., they would be handy and wouldn't cost much to add)...

[@kierenmoore3236]

You can sync the LFOs … see the very first comment, above …

[@BTsMusicChannel]

I am looking for a synth that has multiple LFOs that can be routed individually to oscillators so I can modulate them in different ways. It is starting to narrow down to Rev 2 or Peak.

[@kierenmoore3236]

❤️ Rev2 or Summit ❤️ (or both, lol). 16-voice beasts …

[@patientzero4889]

11:58 we need to write the rules for the 'Drink along with Nick' game.

[@chriswingzify]

Patient Zero PWM - take a drink

[@marcusholder495]

May Yahweh bless you and this channel we love you brother

[@nessrecords]

I love that he knows his drinking game catch phrases.

[@movax20h]

If LFOs are per voice, and you can route LFOs to affect parameters of the FXs, then which LFO is selected to affect it? There are only two FXs input channels (for two layers / split keyboard, and possibly overlayer layer).

[@CommunityGuidelines]

Loved that multi-tracked bit at the end. Nick, if you want to upload a bonus video featuring more sounds, patches, and improvisations, I think we'd all enjoy it.

[@KiR_3d]

8 voice version VS HydraSynth... I see the competition here! IMHO, Prophet has much "lushy" sound and gives you a big palette of waves without that wide digital library (that is the main advantage of HS). But for _this sound,_ I think DSI wins the "battle of quality". Although not having quick access buttons is a shame. Really. P.S. Funny that I've just realized that it was about 2 years ago :D )) Why those guys did choose so hard route?

[@countingsheeple2428]

What I like about the Rev2 vs the Hydra is that it's multi-timbral and has a poly sequencer.

[@GrahamPhisher]

Does the REV2 going dry and minus the sub osc sound better than the P08??? I wanted the REV2, and own the P08, but I think the only real difference here is the on board FX which is giving people that "hey this sounds pretty good" (which yes, you need to use FX for the P08 for the more melodic output, I recently ordered a Avalanche Run (stereo verb / delay pedal) from EQD for it, but currently using Valhalla DSP Shimmer n Vintage Verb along with Waves H Delay first in the FX chain), the sub osc is nice but who doesn't own a P08 and not have a analog bass machine, I have 4 around me that I just use for bass. The additional mod matrix to me doesn't really matter since I make my own in FL Studio with IL's Peak Controller and XFER LFO tool. But than again I'm not so sure, I would love to hear a side by side comparison.

[@quarkyzarky]

Yes it does sound better, the wave shaping adds way more life + the new osc slop is more analog feeling. Also the bandwidth sounds somehow fuller (more low and high end). Then introduce the sub osc and fx etc on top...

[@vuuvovuuv]

looooove the disasterpeace vibes at 3:21 and the outro

[@petercampion9028]

so good!

[@supremeciroc]

I’m looking to buy my first synth. Essentially if I chose to upgrade with the card from the 8 to 16 voices it would be the same synth as 16 voices? Also, what’s the difference in voices? A thicker texture?

[@danielcraighead6901]

You would get 8 voices in a layered patch for example.

[@JimPIckins]

It's funny because I sold my original 08 because the sound was lacking. This one to me sounds much improved and I'm excited to get one again

[@adrianschinoff2896]

Same here!

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

Nice review Nick. I always have to tell myself "you don't need this." My favorite part of all your reviews is when you play. Always so musical.

[@j0kerface]

aw yiss! looks like the next big purchase for me

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

That multitracked piece at the end was seriously cool.

[@Momiyama808]

Awesome outro Nick.

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Are the LFOs digital ?, 64 ?? mother of christ thats immense .

[@Deeplycloseted435]

Adamski A. Of course....the only analog LFOs are really just other oscillators used as mod sources. Digital LFOs means we get a lot of them, with a lot of waveshapes.

[@Drew_Vernon]

This video would be brilliant if the overhead camera was in focus :(

[@shookstylez]

Hi Nick, awesome review. thank you so much..!! I am really curious about your Korg Prologue review. Will you review this synthesizer? Hope so!

[@frankbossert1002]

I ordered a new 16 Voice REV 2 just recently to exchange my beloved Prophet 08. One of my best sounding Synths so far (and I had some real Beasts in my Studio like the OBX-A) - I was really looking forward to have a 16 Voice Version with Fatar Keyboard and build in effects! My first Impression: The build Quality had improved, great keyboard, good effects but looking a bit less classy for my taste. Than I loaded all my great sounds (many of them self-made) into the Rev 2 and had a listen - to my great surprise the sounds lacked almost everything that made them great in the P08!!! Dave Smith promised that P08 users will have their programs sounding identical - thats a joke! Besides all the stuff they put into this update - the sound of the Prophet 08 was a different league! I tried get to the sonic quality of my old sounds by tweaking the parameters - no chance - it's not there! It's even more obvious when you play both synth from a good master keyboard! The Prophet 08 could compete to the expensive big players of the analog heyday - no mater what the haters fantasized - the Rev2 will not satisfy lovers of the origin! If it's just value for money - go for it! If you are looking for the great sound of the Original, the Rev2 is no cover!

[@kierenmoore3236]

lol. Did yiu flip your old P08, alright?! 😉

[@MikkeMan]

Can someone tell me what is the point of gettin 1000€ hardware synth, if you can create all the sounds with 200€ software synth like Sylenth1 for example?

[@sonicstate]

I'll try, some people done want to use software synths for live work, or use a computer for synthesis. The rev2 is a good live instrument and also you get a large format instrument to put your hands on. Some people are not into being at their computers for all aspects of music making.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

Have you ever owned and made music with a $1000 hardware synth? I’m guessing not. The Rev2 can most certainly make sounds that Sylenth can’t, as Sylenth doesn’t even do PWM. Certainly Sylenth can make sounds that the Rev2 can’t, but its more than that. There is a physical interaction with an instrument. Clicking and dragging is just not the same experience. Playing live with soft synths is risky, and there is latency. There is playing keys with one hand, and tweaking knobs with another. There is the opportunity to chain hardware FX pedals pre-convertors, again tweaking away as it sequences or you play it. I have dozens of software synths, and have owned dozens of hardware synths. Without question, having done comparison after comparison, there is still some magic to hardware analog that is difficult to replicate in a computer. On top of all of this, having made tons of music with both HW and SW, it is so much easier to mix down a track made with HW synthesizers. I don’t know why this is, perhaps better defined transients, perhaps the tendency to use less oscillators per patch.....but it just is. There is only one way to find out for yourself, to see if I’m a liar or not, go buy one and make music.

[@MikkeMan]

Thanks for these insights. I've been pondering and sometimes also dreaming of real synth for years now just to see what kind of new world it opens up for me. Unfortunately I'm short on money and can't afford one at the moment. But some day it definitely will be worth to try at least some cheaper one to get a small taste what those devices are capable of.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

Low Mike no problem. I love both SW and HW. Just depends on what I’m going for. Its not better, just different. Lucky for you, the cost of quality HW synths has cone WAY down. The Behringer D is nearly indistinguishable from the Moog D, and costs 1/10th the price. Even the Korg Minilogue is darn good synth. The Pioneer AS-1 sounds just like the old Pro-One. I just bought one $300 used. Start with a monosynth. Everyone needs a good analog mono anyhow. With a DAW, you can multitrack cord stabs and sample notes to make pads if you like.

[@MattGreerMusic]

I think this is probably going to be my next board.

[@RenoFriends]

How can I see, for example on my iPad, the wave of the sound that is played as it can be seen on this review? Would be nice to have more on screen feedback 👀

[@Matthewsavant]

Sometimes I think about selling my Pro 2 to buy this but then I make a paraphonic patch with the Oberhiem filter and that quickly changes my mind

[@borristhebulletdodger7562]

I have a pro 2 and have just brought a rev 2.. the Pro 2 is possibly the most underrated synth of all time, it's an absolute beast man

[@emilianolasalle]

I dont have one, but have you seen the use of it with ludwig goransson? In cinema music and childish gambino productions

[@adammilburn8855]

Great review as ever Nick but something wrong with your video export methinks - blurry/frame blending, and low res even at 1080p...

[@sonicstate]

+Adam Milburn I had some corrupted footage that I had to transcode. Not all the shots though. Sorry about that. But ran out of time for a reshoot

[@Charlyaraya]

The sequencer is indeed really poor, even worst with the 8 voices version, I think it is the weaker point of this synth

[@countingsheeple2428]

Really?? How so? It's a poly sequencer and I thought it was easy to use.

[@ghavinga]

Nice review Nick, thank you.

[@Sam9wilson9]

intro sold me

[@midisynthminds]

May I ask which software or plugin you are using to display the waveforms? How exactly are you doing it? This would really be beneficial.

[@johnconway698]

by far the best most informative look at the Rev 2. Great job

[@tomphillpotts]

Build quality seems good at first, then after a while the pots start wobbling about. Really alarming. But this video gave me some new ideas about how to use the modulation so thanks for another great video.

[@swanofnutella4734]

16:10 "The best part of wakin' up ...is Foldger's™IN youR CUP!"

[@harrymerchant8944]

Sond much better than the Prophet 8. I haven't been able to gel with DS synths but I could go for this.

[@HappyProducer]

Same here. Rev2 is great!

[@oldschoolebm666]

New doesn't mean better... Prophet 08 has a better tone... Lots of people agree... Trust me. I tried both.. Bought the 08

[@ncheriyan]

Analog has a fat sound

[@lunamisynth6051]

Great review guys, spot on as always!

[@koreanfriedchildren]

6:02 well I was waiting for when Nick would drop the good ol PWM praise 😂🤪

[@bobbyrob2083]

this guy really does mention pulse width modulation in every vid.

[@matthewc.reynolds]

Can anyone with experience give me some advice on whether this is worth purchasing? I am fairly new at synthesis and have been playing mostly piano/epiano/organ in my band. I'm looking to potentially swap out my Nord Electro 4 for the Rev2. Is this a manageable synth for a beginner or should I look elsewhere?