Modding My Dave Smith Evolver Keyboard

Background

Besides Bob Moog, it’s hard to think of a more legendary figure in the synthesizer world than Dave Smith. His very first design, the Prophet 5, was an instant hit and quickly earned its place in the pantheon of classic synthesizers. It has been used by an amazing roster of top artists and producers on many great songs.

After the Propehet 5, Smith went on to make many other great synths including the Prophet 10 and Pro-One. More importantly, he worked with Ikutaro Kakehashi (founder of Roland) and Tom Oberheim (found of Oberheim Electronics) to create the MIDI protocol in 1983. Yes, that MIDI protocol. The one we still use today to make musical instruments, DJ gear, lighting systems, music software, apps, and all kinds of other things talk to each other. It’s mind-blowing that you can take a MIDI-equipped synth from 1983, connect it to a modern day MIDI device and the two will be able to talk to each other. I don’t know of any other electronic protocol that has such longevity.

I respect that Smith has never rested on his laurels. He and his team continue to make outstanding synthesizers with his latest company Dave Smith Instruments (DSI) based in San Francisco. My interactions with this company, including ordering various parts and asking questions regarding this project, have been nothing but positive.

[On a personal note, I’d like to mention that I’ve spoken with Dave several times over the years at trade shows and find him to be a real gentleman. Approachable, generous with his time, and very humble despite his incredible career and many accomplishments.]

About my Evolver Keyboard

A standard DSI Evolver Keyboard

I have owned an Evolver Keyboard since 2006. With all the positive things I just said about DSI, you’d think this keyboard is perfect, right? Not quite…

Let’s start with things they got right… Really right.

Great sound. You can get a lot of excellent sounds thanks to the analog and digital oscillators and multitude of effects and routing options.

You can get a lot of excellent sounds thanks to the analog and digital oscillators and multitude of effects and routing options. Fantastic sequencer. Fast, inspiring, and easy to use. Four tracks let you control a lot of stuff, but the interface is simple enough that it doesn’t exceed your cognitive limits. In other words, it doesn’t overwhelm you with too many options (also known as “death by options.”)

Fast, inspiring, and easy to use. Four tracks let you control a lot of stuff, but the interface is simple enough that it doesn’t exceed your cognitive limits. In other words, it doesn’t overwhelm you with too many options (also known as “death by options.”) Just the right amount of controls. Not too much, not too little. Just enough to get your creative juices flowing without leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Just like with the sequencer, there is enough to keep you engaged but not so many that you feel option anxiety.

Not too much, not too little. Just enough to get your creative juices flowing without leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Just like with the sequencer, there is enough to keep you engaged but not so many that you feel option anxiety. Great feeling keyboard.

Solid construction. Steel chassis and nice wood end caps. Built to last.

Things I wanted to improve…