DSI Evolver

 Wickedly Powerful Synergy of Analog and Digital

The Evolver marked Dave’s Smith’s triumphant return to hardware synths and still sets the standard for sheer sonic ferocity in a monosynth. It features a plethora of Dave’s best ideas packed into a monstrously powerful instrument with a sound like no other.

The Evolver’s unique tonality comes from the synergy of its two analog oscillators and two digital oscillators (which feature the waves from the legendary Prophet VS). Classic Curtis analog low-pass filters and real analog VCAs add warmth and girth to the analog section while the digital high-pass filter, tuned feedback, and digital distortion provide sizzle and grit. But what really sets the Evolver apart is the way in which the analog and digital sides of its personality mesh—in a true stereo signal path. Massive doesn’t even begin to describe the sound of the Evolver.

Imagine being able to move effortlessly from thick analog smoothness to crisp digital edge—or anywhere in between—and you begin to get the picture. The LFOs, step sequencer, and three separate delays can all be synced for complex, evolving, rhythmic, time-based effects in true stereo.

It’s a sound designer’s dream that can go from ultra creamy to ultra aggressive with the turn of a knob. If you need convincing, just listen to the demos.

• Monstrous four-oscillator voice architecture
• True stereo signal path with separate Curtis analog low-pass filters in each channel
• Dedicated onboard effects (feedback, delay, distortion, high-pass filter, etc.)
• 16 x 4 step sequencer really brings the Evolver to life with evolving “pseudo-polyphonic” sounds – you won’t believe it’s mono!
• Stereo audio input for audio processing of external stereo or mono signals, enabling the synth to act as a unique stereo effects processor
• Everything (sequencer, LFOs, and delay) syncs perfectly to MIDI.
• Easy-to-navigate matrix-style interface for quick editing and real-time control of 8 parameters simultaneously
• Multiple Evolvers can be daisy-chained for more polyphony.

OSCILLATORS

• Two digitally controlled analog oscillators (DCOs) with selectable sawtooth, triangle, saw/triangle mix, and pulse waves (with pulse-width modulation), and hard sync
• Two digital wavetable oscillators with Prophet VS waves and wave sequencing capability, FM and ring modulation.
• White noise generator.

FILTERS

• One low-pass analog Curtis filter per channel, selectable 2- and 4-pole operation (self-resonating in 4-pole mode)
• Digital high-pass filter

ENVELOPES

• Three Delay + ADSR envelopes: filter, VCA, and Auxiliary envelope
• Envelopes freely assignable to multiple modulation destinations
• All envelopes can repeat/loop

LFOS

• Four syncable LFOs
• Glide (portamento): separate rates per oscillator.
• 512 fully editable programs (four banks of 128)

MODULATION

• 4 x 2 modulation matrix with 24 mod sources and over 75 mod destinations

FEEDBACK AND DELAY

• Tuned feedback
• Three-tap syncable delays with feedback and amount controls per delay
• VCA
• Analog VCAs

EFFECTS

• Stereo analog distortion
• Output Hack

SEQUENCER

• Step sequencer provides up to 16 steps per sequence and up to 4 tracks.
• Supports real-time input, rests, and variable-length sequences
• Syncs to MIDI clock and external audio
• Sequences can control not only oscillator pitch but any parameter in the modulation matrix.

CONTROLS

• Eight knobs and thirteen buttons enable deep editing.

MEMORY

• 512 fully editable programs (four banks of 128)

IN/OUT

• MIDI In, Out, Thru, and Poly Chain
• Stereo audio input: 1/4? unbalanced
• Stereo audio output: 1/4? unbalanced

PHYSICAL SPECS

• Dimensions: approximately 10.75? L x 6? W x 1.9? H (27.3 cm x 15.24 cm x 4.8 cm)
• Weight: 3.18 lb. (1.49 kg)

INCLUDED

• Power supply for 110V – 240V AC operation (13-15 VDC, 500 mA)
• Operation Manual