Dave Smith Instruments is back with another excellent and affordable analog monophonic synthesizer. The Mopho is a single voice from the mighty Prophet '08 with the addition of one sub-oscillator per DCO. It offers a stereo output and an audio input for processing external sound through its fantastic Curtis lowpass filter. The Mopho's 2+2 oscillators, fully analog signal path, extensive modulation capabilities, and characteristic DSI lowpass filter makes big analog sound available at an astonishingly low price!

The desktop module version includes dedicated knobs (detented encoders) for pitch, volume, program selection, filter, and basic envelope controls as well as four knobs that can be assigned to any other parameters the user chooses. The interface is somewhat limited, but easy to learn and navigate. To overcome this limitation, there is a free Mac/Win software editor included, and there are a few third-party software editors available as well. Additional features include four LFOs, a gated 16-step sequencer, three ADSR envelope generators and an arpeggiator. There is also a "Push-It" button which auditions patches, can step through a sequence or function as a tap-tempo button.

The keyboard version adds a USB interface, as well as a 32 key (2.5 octave) semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. With much more front panel real estate available, far more parameters are immediately accessible via 25 knobs as opposed to the desktop version's 10. Pitch Bend & Mod Wheels and classic wooden end panels are nice additions too.

Both versions include a prorietary Poly Chain socket which allows you to connect and control other Dave Smith Instruments synthesizers for expanded polyphony and a much bigger sound. This works particularly well with the Prophet '08, and the Tetra.

The Mopho is an excellent choice for anyone looking for large, aggressive analog sound combined with extreme flexibility at a very low price. It's tempting to make the Pro-One comparison, but it's much more accurate to think of the Mopho as a descendant rather than a reproduction. It shares the same spirit and function, but has a soul and personality that is all its own.

33 VISITOR COMMENTS

Michael

April 13, 2012 @ 11:13 am

I cant say enough good about this synth. I own the keyboard version and this thing is a wonder. It has so many signal crossing capabilities it reaches the level of a small modular.

For example you could program it to where the key aftertouch controls a pulse wave LFO1 which controls the attack of an envelope that controls the frequency of a reverse sawtooth LFO3 which determines the frequency of a S&H LFO 2 which controls the resonance of the LP filter.

The possibilities are nearly endless.

Cort

March 23, 2012 @ 3:47 pm

Com Truise uses this bad boy. Therefore it passes all tests.

carl

March 19, 2012 @ 8:07 am

I gave a bad review here, almost a year ago. But then I was comparing the mopho
with my korg polysix. Since I'm low on budget I've been "forced" to use
it a lot in my humble homestudio. It always did and still does a good job cutting trough
a mix. It actually sounds.....great, I must admit now. It has been a perfect workhorse
and I'm happy I bought it, and even if i could afford to buy a full analog modular system
I'd still use it .The only thing that still bothers me now is the bloody INTERFACE(desktop version).one detail : I run it trough a neve preamp for earthshaking bass !

jamie woody

February 28, 2012 @ 10:30 pm

i love my mofo! most have been complaining about the menu scrolls, i like this feature, because it is helping me learn this instrument. (there is even a preset called "tom sawyer"! lol). if i find something close to what i like, and there are hundreds, i can "tweek" and tailor them to my taste! i can even rename my own presets!

one thing i do wish (and it may be possible for all i know) is that i could program the arpeggio for one finger play, or i could play a arpeggiated chord and have that pattern "hold", so my hands can be free to play guitar, etc.

bertbaxtersbeetroot

February 17, 2012 @ 6:11 am

You have to give Dave Smith credit for bringing out a proper analog synth of this quality for the price.. if you can afford it then go for the keyboard version.
Support people making amazing, affordable analog synths not people who just want to make a killing on Ebay selling older synths at inflated prices. It maybe doesn't have quite the rawness of older analog's but has its own strengths and sounds to find.

The square wave for instance can get very close to that classic Roland sound.
I prefer this to the Evolver but both are first rate.

<7654321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (required)

Email Address: (required)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.