NAMM 2008: Meet the Developer… Dave Smith

NAMM 2008: Meet the Developer… Dave Smith

23 January, 2008 | 12.29PM

• Section: Music News Topics: Technology
• Written by: francispreve

When it comes to product legends, Dave Smith has contributed far more to the world of synthesizers than even Bob Moog himself.

Sure, Bob developed the first mass marketed analog synth, but that’s it.

Compare that to Dave’s list of accomplishments, which he carries on today with Dave Smith Instruments.

In 1978, Dave created the world’s first programmable polyphonic synthesizer, the Prophet 5.

In 1983, Dave invented something called MIDI.

In 1986, Dave developed vector synthesis and implemented it in the Prophet VS.

In 1995, Dave created the world’s first software-based synthesizer for the PC, Seer Systems’ Reality.

This year, Dave got back to his roots and unleashed the Prophet ‘08, which takes the classic Prophet sound and catapults it into the 21st century.

He’s also one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

Check it out.

What motivated you to revisit the original Prophet 5 after all this time?

Originally, the project wasn’t meant to be a Prophet.

I’d had a lot of requests to develop and all-analog instrument, but I wasn’t that excited about it because I already had the Evolver, which was far more powerful.

But once I finished the analog synth, I realized how good it sounded and the synth really was a Prophet.

So we tweaked the design aesthetics to match that Prophet sound and we had the Prophet ‘08.

What do you think of the software emulations of the original Prophet?

Hahahahahahahaha.

Just kidding.

They’re close and they’re a great introduction to the power of an analog synth for people who have never played the real thing, but when I see people play the Prophet ‘08 at the trade show, they all smile and say, “now I get it!”

You also have another monster synth called the Poly Evolver, which sports a fully analog signal path, in addition to incredible digital processing tools. Who are some of the users of that synth in the club and electronica community?

BT is probably the most famous user.

He calls the Tuned Feedback knob the “fucking porno knob”, which of course, is true.

As a synthesizer designer, what inspires you?

I’m a sound guy — I almost prefer sound itself over notes.

I love seeing what other people do with my instruments.

That’s what really inspires me.

What’s your favorite synth of all time?

Unfair question!

Right now, probably the Poly Evolver, because it’s exactly the right balance of real analog circuitry with digital madness.

The Linndrum II Analog looks like it will turn the drum machine industry on its ear. When will it be in stores?

Hopefully later in the year, but don’t quote me on that. Hahaha.

Okay, you can quote me.

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