Dave Smith Instruments announces the release of Tetra, its next-generation analog polyphonic synthesizer. Tetra's four voices feature a 100% analog signal path and four-part multitimbral operation with individual outputs per voice.
Tetra is fully programmable via the front panel or with a free downloadable editor for Mac OS and Windows. Tetra is basically four Mophos in a very compact (7.9"L x 5"W) enclosure, a sort of mini Prophet with a couple of extra tricks up its sleeve: specifically, a sub-octave generator for each oscillator and feedback. With a street price of approximately $799, that's like four Mophos for the price of two. And it's expandable. Tetra can be poly-chained with additional Tetras or a Prophet '08 for up to sixteen-voice polyphony.
Other features include Combo Mode, used to combine four programs into unison or poly "super patches." Combos can also play four 16 x 4 step sequences — one per voice/program-simultaneously. In Multi Mode, each of Tetra's voices responds to a different MIDI channel, making it ideal for complex arrangements and sequencing analog drum sounds. Tetra is the first DSI product to feature USB. "USB is one of the most requested features across our entire product line," said DSI's Tracy Wadley, "so it's great to be able to offer it."
Tetra is available now with an MSRP of $879.00.
