I posted a little tribute video on the Evolver a few weeks ago. Here is a bit more of a structured look at it with a bit more insight into what it can do.
If you use it enough, the parameters are very fast to access, and navigation becomes almost second nature. There are also some waveform uploaders for free out there. Honestly, it is my little desert island synth. If you're not getting good sound, send it to DSI and have them repair it. Your review of it was decent, but really just scratched the surface of that little beast. Bank 3, Program 1 sold me on it right off the bat. You see, it's not just a synth, it's also a BEAST of an audio processor. The delay and feedback circuits are secret weapons. I've not found anything that does what this little monster does. Now to be fair, its bass response isn't nearly as fat and tight as that of the Mopho, but it's still quite potent, especially when one starts making use of the filter split, and such. The digital oscillators are just amazing. The first hundred or so are 12-bit ROM waves taken from the Prophet VS, and will get rather nasty and aliased when prodded the right way, and the last twenty or so are 16-bit, user editable waves. The digital oscillators are both FM-able and ring-mod'able, and can be modulated, not only by each other, but external audio signals as well. You're right about it being more of an exploratory tool than a meat and potatoes workhorse like the Mopho/Prophet series, OB-6, etc., and yes, its sound quality is rather dirty and noisy and always was from the day I got mine, which is part of its charm. It makes no apologies for it's dirt and quirks, nor does it need to. Trying to equate it to a groove-box it a sad disservice to it's true nature. Sure, you can get it to do groove-boxy things, but doing things like triggering the sequencers with incoming audio or midi notes, rather than just clock can make for much more complex and enjoyable sequences. The pre and post filter delay returns are also crazy powerful once you've experimented a bit with them. it can even do quite beautiful singing tones, but it really excels at creating useful dirt. Anyhow, good to see another disciple of the Blue Box. Carry on.
@@marsoblivi0n945 He sort of did with the Prophet 12, but I could also see him taking things a bit further. Thing is, Dave is a little bit of a control freak, and doesn't want to risk his other synths sounding less than amazing, which is why none of his other synths off user editable waveforms. I kind of wish he'd get back into the sampling realm, maybe make something like a modernized Studio 440, which the Tempest was most certainly NOT. The Tempest could have been THE ONE, but he omitted sampling, no user editable waveforms, and opted for utterly shite midi implementation. It does some sorta cool stuff on its own, but does not play well with others, and thus must be relegated to a rich boy's toy and curiosity, never to hold the place of a studio centerpiece. I guess the one thing I wish Dave had offered was the ability to move through the wavetable using modulation sources other than the step sequencer, and allow interpolation between the waves, a la Prophet VS.
@@oscarvanderburgh9915 I have yet to encounter a Prophet X, so I can't comment. As for my own review or series, I might just do that. Dave was a friend. Not super close one but we conversed many times, did more than a few shots of tequila together, even a few with his wife as well, and I am saddened by his passing. We'll see.
Tim, I'm so glad I stumbled into your Evolver vid, you've really inspired me to revisit this amazing machine. I bought one when they first came out and I loved the sound but being a foot pedal guitarist kind of guy, I wasn't willing to roll up my sleeves and dive in to really learn to use it. Love your sounds and sequences.. Can't thank you enough...I'll be watching and learning
Thanks for sharing, very informative and great sounding tribute! I bought the last Mono Evolver Keyboard that DSI had and Joanne from the company had to pull it from their office studio. A few years ago they hosted us at their office / studio and it was amazing to visit their techs, where they showed me a few early prototypes of the Evolver Desktop.
Great video. The Evolver was my first analog synth. You hit the nail on the head with your final statement. I could spend hours fiddling with it on its own, but it never made it into any of my songs.
Really appreciate your vast knowledge of the synth market. I was really active back at that time with KORG MS2000, Korg M1, M3, Dave Smith's PolyEvolver, etc.
I like the way Dave Smith approaches the design of his synths, it's something you never really appreciate on first glance but definitely discover in the noodling. I came very close to getting a prophet instead of the DM12, every time I see a video on DSI gear it makes me think about buying one again. There is definitely a sense of reverence surrounding DSI hardware and the more I get into synthesizers, the more I start to understand why.
Totally agree. The way Dave Smith and his team approaches the stereo signal path in his synths, 4 LFOs as kind of standard, extra envelopes, modulation sequencers, alternative tuning, combining digital and analog .....
Thank you for excellent run through of this older and slightly oddball synth , I’ve been considering getting some type of evolver recently ( unfortunately seem very rare or very overpriced where I am) but this is a really useful resource in my purchase decision. Thanks so much.
Absolute DSI Evolver FAN...I had two Evolver desktop units..I stil have the Evolver MEK and Poly Rack...Incl. single cycle wave import..COOL..Also have Mopho Desktop and Pro2...BUT Evolver series are my absolute favorites!!!! Got my own Cubase sequenses + midi CC's..with Evolver...Timeless.... Greetings by Jorgen Veltrop Netherlands.
really great vid! thanks - greetz from switzerland (my todays setup is the prophet 12, mopho keyboard, evolver keyboard, pulse2 and the blofeld desktop and a korg kronos 2 - 88 keys)
Grabbed the Evolver Desktop from the used gear table at a local shop 3-4 years ago. Great little unit. I don't use it as much as I should, along with the DSI MoPho Keyboard.
An interesting and honest overview of this synth. I've owned three incarnations of this, starting with the desktop unit in the video, followed by the polyevolver keyboard, which had an issue with one of the voices so I returned it back to the dealer, finishing with the MEK (mono evolver keyboard). It was the last one which I found the most usable in a mix , so I kept that for a year or so. They're so powerful that they DO override almost everything else in a mix, unless you keep them low-ish. However, they sound like nothing else, and the sequencer is where they really shine; one sequencer lane for EACH OSCILLATOR means all kinds of pseudo multi-timbral fun. The presets will demonstrate this capability with style. I sold mine cause the overloading in the signal path seemed omnipresent, and it's quite a task to keep it at a reasonable level, which I don't think is what this is about. I used it for a lot of darker stuff for libraries, with literally one or two other things as colouring or even accompaniment. There's quite a few around on the second hand market, so if you want something different, powerful and POTENT in the mix , give it a whirl.
Fascinating video, I am not a fan of the Dave Smith sound usually but I really like the sound of this one. Looks to be most useful for sequenced based noodling as you said. The UI looks very challenging to me, makes the MicroKorg look intuitive. I did pass this by when I had the chance to buy one, I was very new to synthesis then, probably as well as I don't think I would have had the patience for it.
thanx for the very informative journey through the architecture of the evolver.. i looked for a bit "something else" when purchased this synth from a friend back in the days, and this little fellow can be a good "add on" in the mix. the modulation /mixing abilities are quite impressive, though i find it a bit "harsh" in sounding, and the programming with the double features in the matrix can be a bit frustrating by the time. the step sequencer can be also a lot of fun, if you re tired of setting notes in the daw.
I have one of these but I was never able to get into it enough to make it useful. Later I bought the Mono Evolver keyboard which opened up my understanding of synthesis.
Another very interesting video, thanks once again. I've got a couple of DSI synths but didn't have a clue what the Evolver was like! As a matter of interest, are you still using your Peak? If so, has the update added things that you consider makes it a much better synth?
Could your second oscillator level problem be caused by a noise gate? See this excerpt from the manual .... Whenever the distortion is on (i.e. not 0), Evolver’s noise gate is activated. The noise gate is controlled by the left channel only, so if the left channel level is turned down close enough to zero, it will shut off the noise gate on both channels. This is not a problem for levels above around 10, but it can cause some strange behavior at low levels, where even though oscillator 2 is set to a high value and is playing, it won’t be heard because oscillator 1 is too low to trigger the noise gate. Just a thought thanks for a great tutorial
excellent such a fantastic introduction to the late nighties synth scene.. making me feel actually quite old now.. haha.. since I first started into synths in the early 2000s...dreaming I could afford a virus and settled for a XT... didn't pick up the evolver until '08....still revolutionary and Mr Smith has proved that analog Andrew digital go hand in hand..
Might be worth mentioning that the matrix-style editing on the front panel isn't a million miles away from a much earlier Dave Smith design, the Sequential Multi Trak.
Nothing else sounds like the Evolver... nothing. Fun fact: the first prototype was called "Noise" initially. You can see it here at 9:09 briefly: th-cam.com/video/s_XR7ruZEq8/w-d-xo.html
hello. i have a question. since i would want this synth mainly for bass lines, can the delay be filtered? i mean, i dont want want the delay to have bass, it will cause phase problems with the bassline
Funny you'd have a Grandmother in the background - I had a Mono Evolver keyboard for about five years and just sold it this past summer. I picked up a Grandmother two weeks ago, and in those two weeks I've had more fun with it than I did the entire time I had the Evolver. I just never got excited about it.
well, one can pick up an evolver for approx $375-425 USD, but a used grandmother will still set you back twice that easily. yes, having a moog in the studio does command certain bragging rights, but for my money, this and a supernova ll for the price of a grandmother wins all day every day.
Great “mono” synth, with powerful 4 track sequencer... too bad they did not keep developing this and maybe do a basic version for lower cost... could have been a great groove box for the lower end of the market, which they are totally missing from.
Greetings Sir Tim! I really enjoy your reviews and insights. Most of the time, I watch my subscribed content creators videos till the end... before I hit the like button. With you I don't bother, I know it's going to be great! Whats your thoughts on eurorack modular synths? I starting to build a system but for the modules I am looking at, it's expensive. Especially since this is a pleasure hobby.
Thanks Tim, I’ve wanted this synth for years. There is nothing else like it. Have you ever tried the keyboard models? There’s a poly and mono keyboard and a polyphonic rack unit.
Dustin Cassidy You are very welcome. Yes since making that video I have managed to play on a mono Evolver keyboard, such a great instrument. Thankfully I don’t have any spare room for a poly Evolver or else I’d be in trouble with the bank manager. Again!
They are quite different synths to be honest, you have much more modulation / sequencing / sculpting capabilities with an Evolver, but the interface is an acquired taste. The OB6 on the other hand is very immediate and it can sound totally amazing. And of course it's 6 voice poly....
LOVE that plucky PVC tube-esque feedback tone! Sounds like bowed cello a la Arthur Russell's World of Echo at certain decay settings! I can't imagine dialing that in without the software though.
Hello! Please tell me where can I see how to install such a program in my DAW Logic for? that I could work in a DAW with a synthesizer? Thank you in advance for your response!
When I first got my Evolver I found the programming matrix rather a brain buster, frequently forgetting to press or double click the shift button or forgetting to click the Main button after working with the sequencer, resulting in lots of frustration; however, after a couple months it became second nature and I still find it quick and easy to use.
the polyevovler is 4x evolvers, you can play them as a 4 voice synth or 4 parts. the control of the desktop evolver is based on matrix but it offer the exact same paramters of the polyevolver.
Thanks for making this video. Is crazy to think that as old as this is this is the best quality video that exists on youtube. Do you feel like the editor is worth the money? I've had mine for years and downloaded the demo of the software but can't justify their asking price. Especially since everything is done via sysex.
I guess if you are used to working in front of a computer a lot of the time then the editor might make sense. I work with my DAW all the time so for me the editor was worth it, but it's certainly not for everyone.
@@DeathTrapProductions work fine for me on Windows 10 machine with an intel core I7 9th gen. Plugin work great with ableton 10 just have to follow the instructions. Soundtower has great customer support.
@@videotowatch2000 Yikes. I was going to message the support team to ask about compatibility but the site is full of dead links and 404's now. Not really helping my skepticism. I definitely don't want to spend money if they're going out of business and can't offer support.
The only annoying things about the evolver oh the distortion which go from 0 to 100 and is massively over driven anything above 3 which is silly although it does sound great it sounds hardly any different between 5 and 100. Also it seems to sink up very badly with the daw sequences drift out of time often which is incredibly annoying as it defeats almost the whole purpose of the synth. But the fact that you can step through the sequence ease by pressing keys or sending midi notes means it's still workable but if you hold a key down the pattern will drift sometimes quite quickly which is exactly what the Blofeld did too
The secret is you need to turn the volume down as you increase the distortion. You can use the modwheel for example to increase the distortion and decrease the volume at the same time.
"Back in the day we had to reach across and push a couple of buttons and turn the encoder..." is the equivalent of "I had to walk five miles to school, uphill both ways in a foot of snow." 😁 I'm looking at getting a new to me desktop synth that is a bit different. I'm digging this synth. Wish it was a bit cheaper but you can't have everything. Anyway, thanks for making this great video. Very in-depth. Cheers!
While I really enjoyed this video and your overview of the synth; it’s features, layout, sound and your experience with the synth, I have to say ( and I mean this purely as a compliment, but ) you have a wonderful shape to your lips.
Thanks Tim, great video. I also really love the Evolver and I am using it quite a bit sending the audio out through a Digitone. It is a really nice sounding combination. Are you aware that you can still purchase from Sequential (DSI) an upgrade chipset and alternative encoder tops? I upgraded mine and find it a lot easier to program directly thru the matrix.
@Andy M The replacement knobs are similar to the ones on the Sequential/DSI Prophet Rev2. They have a much better grip, kind of easier and more accurate turning them. After I bought the Evolver desktop second hand I contacted Sequential/DSI. My Evolver was on an old revision 2, I wanted to upgrade to revision 3. As the shipping costs were relatively high I basically ordered the lot (new encoders, new PIC chip and spare power supply).
I agree, I use the Digitone for producing wavesequencer magic from it's 4 sequencer tracks/parts... & I use the 4 extra ext midi tracks to layer both of my Mopho Mono synth & a Mono Evolver Desktop on ch1... A Pulse2 on ch2 & a Nord Wave on ch 3&4. That's my Digitone hub of synths I thought would not only compliment the Digitone sounds... but also the Elektron sequencer settings & tricks as ext gear to sequence from it.... it's got great sounding pre's on the Digitones i/o, the overdrive fx algorithm on the thing is awesome to use for mix glue too. Nice to use a little of it coloring both the Digitone & a submix of the other synths sequenced from it... coming back into the Digitone audio ins.
Rally interesting video, graph good top. Good job. But with grace I may to say yoy that the image is too dark, with the consequence that the resokution is lossy. Is important what you say about instruments, but we see as well your face and not well the instruments. Regards
Diagram missing some key industry points, Alesis Ion/Micron, Yamaha An1x/Ex5/An200. both of those were very important in the 'VA' thing. My evolver was the very last one from Sweetwater when end of service life happened recently. Never selling it and I need 1 or 2 more(lol). I personally, due to its unique osc nature, believe this was an advancement on the Korg EA1(2x independent voices 2 osc's per) when you change the midi channel of both timbres to the same channel, you could have a poor man's evolver if you pan one voice left and the other right...any seeming critique is done with respect, love your work. :) didn't make it very far though, due to the overindulgence in advertisting...closed
I had one years ago and did not really get on with it. My moans: 1. The signal path goes through an ADC/DAC so you never hear the raw analogue. 2. It's too stereo. I'm sure it can be made more mono but I don't think it has the character or quality for it. I prefer to build up the stereo image from better sources. Doing it in a fiddly synth is not conducive to a good overall mix. 3. The digital delays are pingy and annoying. 4. The CEM chip stuff for the DCOs/filter/VCA are on the bland side, and the digi oscs and other processing are on the ugly side. 5. Waldorf does a better job of the matrix editing. As Tim says, the matrix on this is very dense and hard to read. They've also put the encoder knobs in the wrong position. At the top, your hand is usually covering up the matrix you're trying to scrutinise. Waldorf put theirs below. On the plus side, the Evolver encoders seem more robust than Waldorf's, and with Waldorf's located on the front with tall knobs they're easily knocked, leading to wobbly encoders. I like the Shruthi more than the Evolver, a much better sound but even that has a user interface annoyance. The knobs on that are right below the screen so your hand obscures the screen. The knobs on the P12 are above the screen and that has the same trouble. Knobs too near the screen, not a great idea. It looks like Waldorf have got this right with the Quantum, they've put the knobs on the left and right hand sides of the screen. It's mildly tempting to try one again to see if my thoughts have changed but there are so many great synths around now.
Thanks for sharing your views and I do agree with some of the points you made. I think for its time the Evolver was quite advanced - maybe you could say it was a concept product for the synths that DSI would go on to make? Even recent prophets show some Evolver heritage, like the feedback loop and delay in the P12 and the stereo filters in the PX. But these synths are definitely more approachable than the Evolver with its very compact interface...
I hate the desktop format as I am mainly a live musician. And to me that´s the reason for the industry to produce mainly desktop synths now as they suit the huge market of amateur home studio owners way better than the rock mount modules. In other words: The industry sees much more business potential in the amateur market than in the prof. market which also leads to toys like all that mini crap by Korg, Roland and Yamaha. And there´s another aspect: As we all know the average pop and rock music unfortunately became a guitar music and that means that there are a significant fewer amount of keyboardists out there than in former times - which means: less numbers of sales. And by the way that´s about the same reason why I find synths inacceptable when they don´t have any storage capacity. In a live situation I need both hands to play and my brain to concentrate on the score that I have to play. And that means I can´t noodle along on numerous knobs etc.
Dave Smith needs to make another synth similar to evolver. I want more options and explorations. I hate all the new synths all boring clones of old crap. I will never sell my evolver.
R.I.P the LEGEND that is Dave Smith.
This was one of the best and most useful synth intro/overview videos I have ever seen. And I've seen a lot! Fantastic and super helpful stuff.
If you use it enough, the parameters are very fast to access, and navigation becomes almost second nature. There are also some waveform uploaders for free out there. Honestly, it is my little desert island synth. If you're not getting good sound, send it to DSI and have them repair it.
Your review of it was decent, but really just scratched the surface of that little beast. Bank 3, Program 1 sold me on it right off the bat. You see, it's not just a synth, it's also a BEAST of an audio processor. The delay and feedback circuits are secret weapons. I've not found anything that does what this little monster does. Now to be fair, its bass response isn't nearly as fat and tight as that of the Mopho, but it's still quite potent, especially when one starts making use of the filter split, and such. The digital oscillators are just amazing. The first hundred or so are 12-bit ROM waves taken from the Prophet VS, and will get rather nasty and aliased when prodded the right way, and the last twenty or so are 16-bit, user editable waves. The digital oscillators are both FM-able and ring-mod'able, and can be modulated, not only by each other, but external audio signals as well.
You're right about it being more of an exploratory tool than a meat and potatoes workhorse like the Mopho/Prophet series, OB-6, etc., and yes, its sound quality is rather dirty and noisy and always was from the day I got mine, which is part of its charm. It makes no apologies for it's dirt and quirks, nor does it need to. Trying to equate it to a groove-box it a sad disservice to it's true nature. Sure, you can get it to do groove-boxy things, but doing things like triggering the sequencers with incoming audio or midi notes, rather than just clock can make for much more complex and enjoyable sequences. The pre and post filter delay returns are also crazy powerful once you've experimented a bit with them.
it can even do quite beautiful singing tones, but it really excels at creating useful dirt. Anyhow, good to see another disciple of the Blue Box. Carry on.
I agree 💯. I wish Dave smith would make another synth based on the the evolver. But with even more exploration.
@@marsoblivi0n945 He sort of did with the Prophet 12, but I could also see him taking things a bit further. Thing is, Dave is a little bit of a control freak, and doesn't want to risk his other synths sounding less than amazing, which is why none of his other synths off user editable waveforms.
I kind of wish he'd get back into the sampling realm, maybe make something like a modernized Studio 440, which the Tempest was most certainly NOT. The Tempest could have been THE ONE, but he omitted sampling, no user editable waveforms, and opted for utterly shite midi implementation. It does some sorta cool stuff on its own, but does not play well with others, and thus must be relegated to a rich boy's toy and curiosity, never to hold the place of a studio centerpiece.
I guess the one thing I wish Dave had offered was the ability to move through the wavetable using modulation sources other than the step sequencer, and allow interpolation between the waves, a la Prophet VS.
Prophet X?
Further more. It’s a shame you under appreciate such a great video. I think you should make a video you-self now… or a series
@@oscarvanderburgh9915 I have yet to encounter a Prophet X, so I can't comment. As for my own review or series, I might just do that.
Dave was a friend. Not super close one but we conversed many times, did more than a few shots of tequila together, even a few with his wife as well, and I am saddened by his passing.
We'll see.
Tim, I'm so glad I stumbled into your Evolver vid, you've really inspired me to revisit this amazing machine.
I bought one when they first came out and I loved the sound but being a foot pedal guitarist kind of guy,
I wasn't willing to roll up my sleeves and dive in to really learn to use it. Love your sounds and sequences..
Can't thank you enough...I'll be watching and learning
Excellent video!! The Evolver is absolutely one of my favorites. I have all 4 iterations of the Evolver and cherish each one. Lifetime keepers!
You make some of the only watchable reviews. Classy! Thank you.
Ive had mine for 8 years and i love it. Use it often.... I had no clue there was an editor for it. Thanks!!!
Thanks for sharing, very informative and great sounding tribute! I bought the last Mono Evolver Keyboard that DSI had and Joanne from the company had to pull it from their office studio. A few years ago they hosted us at their office / studio and it was amazing to visit their techs, where they showed me a few early prototypes of the Evolver Desktop.
Thank you for your time and efforts on this video. I greatly appreciate it!
Great video. The Evolver was my first analog synth. You hit the nail on the head with your final statement. I could spend hours fiddling with it on its own, but it never made it into any of my songs.
My EVOLVER is my “sacred cow,” no other synth is as interesting as it is , until literally, the past few years, and it’s 2022 as I write this.
Really appreciate your vast knowledge of the synth market. I was really active back at that time with KORG MS2000, Korg M1, M3, Dave Smith's PolyEvolver, etc.
Great video, evolver changed my life
I like the way Dave Smith approaches the design of his synths, it's something you never really appreciate on first glance but definitely discover in the noodling. I came very close to getting a prophet instead of the DM12, every time I see a video on DSI gear it makes me think about buying one again. There is definitely a sense of reverence surrounding DSI hardware and the more I get into synthesizers, the more I start to understand why.
Totally agree. The way Dave Smith and his team approaches the stereo signal path in his synths, 4 LFOs as kind of standard, extra envelopes, modulation sequencers, alternative tuning, combining digital and analog .....
Thanks Tim. A little gem indeed.
Thank you for excellent run through of this older and slightly oddball synth , I’ve been considering getting some type of evolver recently ( unfortunately seem very rare or very overpriced where I am) but this is a really useful resource in my purchase decision. Thanks so much.
Those are some very nice sounds you demonstrated in this video.
Documentary level/taste youtube video, I'm impressed we need more this level videos and audiance.
Each video gets a tad more gray. Eventually well have to peal through thick mist
You guys! I’m going for the arty look ;)
can barely see
obviously you are not from the photography world, those looks are very deeply loved there ;-)
Absolute DSI Evolver FAN...I had two Evolver desktop units..I stil have the Evolver MEK and Poly Rack...Incl. single cycle wave import..COOL..Also have Mopho Desktop and Pro2...BUT Evolver series are my absolute favorites!!!! Got my own Cubase sequenses + midi CC's..with Evolver...Timeless.... Greetings by Jorgen Veltrop Netherlands.
really great vid! thanks - greetz from switzerland
(my todays setup is the prophet 12, mopho keyboard, evolver keyboard, pulse2 and the blofeld desktop and a korg kronos 2 - 88 keys)
Grabbed the Evolver Desktop from the used gear table at a local shop 3-4 years ago. Great little unit. I don't use it as much as I should, along with the DSI MoPho Keyboard.
Love the mopho
One of my favorite synths. I agree you can get lost in it for hours.
An interesting and honest overview of this synth.
I've owned three incarnations of this, starting with the desktop unit in the video, followed by the polyevolver keyboard, which had an issue with one of the voices so I returned it back to the dealer, finishing with the MEK (mono evolver keyboard). It was the last one which I found the most usable in a mix , so I kept that for a year or so.
They're so powerful that they DO override almost everything else in a mix, unless you keep them low-ish. However, they sound like nothing else, and the sequencer is where they really shine; one sequencer lane for EACH OSCILLATOR means all kinds of pseudo multi-timbral fun. The presets will demonstrate this capability with style.
I sold mine cause the overloading in the signal path seemed omnipresent, and it's quite a task to keep it at a reasonable level, which I don't think is what this is about. I used it for a lot of darker stuff for libraries, with literally one or two other things as colouring or even accompaniment.
There's quite a few around on the second hand market, so if you want something different, powerful and POTENT in the mix , give it a whirl.
the evolver hold their value very well..
i need a poly evolver
Great video, just got one, it’s a pretty intense learning curve
Fascinating video, I am not a fan of the Dave Smith sound usually but I really like the sound of this one. Looks to be most useful for sequenced based noodling as you said. The UI looks very challenging to me, makes the MicroKorg look intuitive. I did pass this by when I had the chance to buy one, I was very new to synthesis then, probably as well as I don't think I would have had the patience for it.
thanx for the very informative journey through the architecture of the evolver..
i looked for a bit "something else" when purchased this synth from a friend back in the days,
and this little fellow can be a good "add on" in the mix.
the modulation /mixing abilities
are quite impressive, though i find it a bit "harsh" in sounding, and the programming with
the double features in the matrix can be a bit frustrating by the time.
the step sequencer can be also
a lot of fun, if you re tired of setting notes in the daw.
Thanks so much! amazing video!
Still the most individual, weird-ass, synth. Underrated.
I have one of these but I was never able to get into it enough to make it useful. Later I bought the Mono Evolver keyboard which opened up my understanding of synthesis.
Another very interesting video, thanks once again. I've got a couple of DSI synths but didn't have a clue what the Evolver was like! As a matter of interest, are you still using your Peak? If so, has the update added things that you consider makes it a much better synth?
Genius. Just dusted of my Poly. Thanks
Could your second oscillator level problem be caused by a noise gate? See this excerpt from the manual .... Whenever the distortion is on (i.e. not 0), Evolver’s noise gate is activated. The noise gate is controlled by the left channel only, so if the left channel level is turned down close enough to zero, it will shut off the noise gate on both channels.
This is not a problem for levels above around 10, but it can cause some strange behavior at low levels, where even though oscillator 2 is set to a high value and is playing, it won’t be heard because oscillator 1 is too low to trigger the noise gate.
Just a thought thanks for a great tutorial
excellent such a fantastic introduction to the late nighties synth scene.. making me feel actually quite old now.. haha.. since I first started into synths in the early 2000s...dreaming I could afford a virus and settled for a XT... didn't pick up the evolver until '08....still revolutionary and Mr Smith has proved that analog Andrew digital go hand in hand..
Since then I picked up a poly rack and and MEK.. for a mental 6 voice poly..
Might be worth mentioning that the matrix-style editing on the front panel isn't a million miles away from a much earlier Dave Smith design, the Sequential Multi Trak.
this module need a recap urgent.. that is reason of the noice and Osc thank you for the video
The problem with the DCO you experienced is quite common, sometimes it solved by changing the PSU ;)
Nothing else sounds like the Evolver... nothing.
Fun fact: the first prototype was called "Noise" initially. You can see it here at 9:09 briefly: th-cam.com/video/s_XR7ruZEq8/w-d-xo.html
hello. i have a question. since i would want this synth mainly for bass lines, can the delay be filtered? i mean, i dont want want the delay to have bass, it will cause phase problems with the bassline
possible to route external audio signal through the filters ?
Funny you'd have a Grandmother in the background - I had a Mono Evolver keyboard for about five years and just sold it this past summer. I picked up a Grandmother two weeks ago, and in those two weeks I've had more fun with it than I did the entire time I had the Evolver. I just never got excited about it.
well, one can pick up an evolver for approx $375-425 USD, but a used grandmother will still set you back twice that easily. yes, having a moog in the studio does command certain bragging rights, but for my money, this and a supernova ll for the price of a grandmother wins all day every day.
@@MikeA0110 ive got evolver and im wondering to buy mother32. what u think/
@@DavidVanxProfile im sure they will be a great pair.
@@MikeA0110 desktop Evolver & Mininova= complete bliss.....
I named my Evolver desktop 'The Tardis'. Small on the outside but HUGE on the inside. And its blue!
I'm impressed.😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Great “mono” synth, with powerful 4 track sequencer... too bad they did not keep developing this and maybe do a basic version for lower cost... could have been a great groove box for the lower end of the market, which they are totally missing from.
Valdis Krebs They did keep developing it... it just became the Pro 2. ;)
The matrix, as a form, has a very apparent parent: Dave Smith’s own Prophet 2000-Also my first keyboard.
Greetings Sir Tim! I really enjoy your reviews and insights. Most of the time, I watch my subscribed content creators videos till the end... before I hit the like button. With you I don't bother, I know it's going to be great!
Whats your thoughts on eurorack modular synths? I starting to build a system but for the modules I am looking at, it's expensive. Especially since this is a pleasure hobby.
Thanks Tim, I’ve wanted this synth for years. There is nothing else like it. Have you ever tried the keyboard models? There’s a poly and mono keyboard and a polyphonic rack unit.
Dustin Cassidy You are very welcome. Yes since making that video I have managed to play on a mono Evolver keyboard, such a great instrument. Thankfully I don’t have any spare room for a poly Evolver or else I’d be in trouble with the bank manager. Again!
@@TimShoebridge You could put it at my place and come over to play it anytime ;)
The filter envelope amount is the most drastic adjustment on the whole synth.
Nice.
Hi, I have one, and never used it, thinking about changing for OB6 what do you think, will the OB6 do the same and more..?
They are quite different synths to be honest, you have much more modulation / sequencing / sculpting capabilities with an Evolver, but the interface is an acquired taste. The OB6 on the other hand is very immediate and it can sound totally amazing. And of course it's 6 voice poly....
Thanks friend very usefull video..👍
I have the DSI Mopho desktop, is a DCO I wish it to be a VCO instead 🥺
LOVE that plucky PVC tube-esque feedback tone! Sounds like bowed cello a la Arthur Russell's World of Echo at certain decay settings! I can't imagine dialing that in without the software though.
Hello! Please tell me where can I see how to install such a program in my DAW Logic for? that I could work in a DAW with a synthesizer? Thank you in advance for your response!
You mean the editor I was using? You can find it here as well as editors for other Dave Smith synths.... soundtower.com/evolver/index.html
@@TimShoebridge
Thank!
Wow, I didn't think there was a paid version!
When I first got my Evolver I found the programming matrix rather a brain buster, frequently forgetting to press or double click the shift button or forgetting to click the Main button after working with the sequencer, resulting in lots of frustration; however, after a couple months it became second nature and I still find it quick and easy to use.
What are the SK presets you're using here?
had them and found them a bit to harsh sounding, tended to overdrive / clip. Ironically I always liked the digital OSC's more.
Seems like Korg took quite a few notes from the DS Evolver series.
EBEEP That's because Dave Smith worked at Korg for a bit 🙂. He contributed to (perhaps led) the design of the Wavestation.
btw: heres the best guide into the evolver
www.carbon111.com/evolverguide.pdf
How do you get the editor to work with this if no USB?
It works over regular MIDI DIN connections
Is the Evolver just a modular version of the PolyEvolver?
the polyevovler is 4x evolvers, you can play them as a 4 voice synth or 4 parts. the control of the desktop evolver is based on matrix but it offer the exact same paramters of the polyevolver.
Thanks for making this video. Is crazy to think that as old as this is this is the best quality video that exists on youtube. Do you feel like the editor is worth the money? I've had mine for years and downloaded the demo of the software but can't justify their asking price. Especially since everything is done via sysex.
I guess if you are used to working in front of a computer a lot of the time then the editor might make sense. I work with my DAW all the time so for me the editor was worth it, but it's certainly not for everyone.
70 bux for the plugin and editor is worth it. Get it. really opens it up further.
@@videotowatch2000 I don't think its even supported on modern operating systems anymore. I tried the demo out on 10.8.5 but wasn't impressed.
@@DeathTrapProductions work fine for me on Windows 10 machine with an intel core I7 9th gen. Plugin work great with ableton 10 just have to follow the instructions. Soundtower has great customer support.
@@videotowatch2000 Yikes. I was going to message the support team to ask about compatibility but the site is full of dead links and 404's now. Not really helping my skepticism. I definitely don't want to spend money if they're going out of business and can't offer support.
The only annoying things about the evolver oh the distortion which go from 0 to 100 and is massively over driven anything above 3 which is silly although it does sound great it sounds hardly any different between 5 and 100. Also it seems to sink up very badly with the daw sequences drift out of time often which is incredibly annoying as it defeats almost the whole purpose of the synth. But the fact that you can step through the sequence ease by pressing keys or sending midi notes means it's still workable but if you hold a key down the pattern will drift sometimes quite quickly which is exactly what the Blofeld did too
The secret is you need to turn the volume down as you increase the distortion. You can use the modwheel for example to increase the distortion and decrease the volume at the same time.
"Back in the day we had to reach across and push a couple of buttons and turn the encoder..." is the equivalent of "I had to walk five miles to school, uphill both ways in a foot of snow." 😁
I'm looking at getting a new to me desktop synth that is a bit different. I'm digging this synth. Wish it was a bit cheaper but you can't have everything. Anyway, thanks for making this great video. Very in-depth. Cheers!
While I really enjoyed this video and your overview of the synth; it’s features, layout, sound and your experience with the synth, I have to say ( and I mean this purely as a compliment, but ) you have a wonderful shape to your lips.
i now feel weird that i went back to look ....
Thanks Tim, great video. I also really love the Evolver and I am using it quite a bit sending the audio out through a Digitone. It is a really nice sounding combination. Are you aware that you can still purchase from Sequential (DSI) an upgrade chipset and alternative encoder tops? I upgraded mine and find it a lot easier to program directly thru the matrix.
@Andy M The replacement knobs are similar to the ones on the Sequential/DSI Prophet Rev2. They have a much better grip, kind of easier and more accurate turning them. After I bought the Evolver desktop second hand I contacted Sequential/DSI. My Evolver was on an old revision 2, I wanted to upgrade to revision 3. As the shipping costs were relatively high I basically ordered the lot (new encoders, new PIC chip and spare power supply).
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll see what DSI suggest re. the faults on my Evolver as well. Hopefully they can fix it while upgrading..... :)
I agree, I use the Digitone for producing wavesequencer magic from it's 4 sequencer tracks/parts... & I use the 4 extra ext midi tracks to layer both of my Mopho Mono synth & a Mono Evolver Desktop on ch1... A Pulse2 on ch2 & a Nord Wave on ch 3&4. That's my Digitone hub of synths I thought would not only compliment the Digitone sounds... but also the Elektron sequencer settings & tricks as ext gear to sequence from it.... it's got great sounding pre's on the Digitones i/o, the overdrive fx algorithm on the thing is awesome to use for mix glue too. Nice to use a little of it coloring both the Digitone & a submix of the other synths sequenced from it... coming back into the Digitone audio ins.
Rally interesting video, graph good top. Good job. But with grace I may to say yoy that the image is too dark, with the consequence that the resokution is lossy. Is important what you say about instruments, but we see as well your face and not well the instruments. Regards
19:35 I don't know why, but this moment reminded me of the Alan Brady Song from the Dick Van Dyke Show
th-cam.com/video/VKHByjZhFR8/w-d-xo.html
Love the Evolver, but showing it in comparison to the Grandmother does it no favors.
7:35
Nice! :)
Diagram missing some key industry points, Alesis Ion/Micron, Yamaha An1x/Ex5/An200. both of those were very important in the 'VA' thing. My evolver was the very last one from Sweetwater when end of service life happened recently. Never selling it and I need 1 or 2 more(lol). I personally, due to its unique osc nature, believe this was an advancement on the Korg EA1(2x independent voices 2 osc's per) when you change the midi channel of both timbres to the same channel, you could have a poor man's evolver if you pan one voice left and the other right...any seeming critique is done with respect, love your work. :) didn't make it very far though, due to the overindulgence in advertisting...closed
I had one years ago and did not really get on with it.
My moans:
1. The signal path goes through an ADC/DAC so you never hear the raw analogue.
2. It's too stereo. I'm sure it can be made more mono but I don't think it has the character or quality for it. I prefer to build up the stereo image from better sources. Doing it in a fiddly synth is not conducive to a good overall mix.
3. The digital delays are pingy and annoying.
4. The CEM chip stuff for the DCOs/filter/VCA are on the bland side, and the digi oscs and other processing are on the ugly side.
5. Waldorf does a better job of the matrix editing. As Tim says, the matrix on this is very dense and hard to read. They've also put the encoder knobs in the wrong position. At the top, your hand is usually covering up the matrix you're trying to scrutinise. Waldorf put theirs below. On the plus side, the Evolver encoders seem more robust than Waldorf's, and with Waldorf's located on the front with tall knobs they're easily knocked, leading to wobbly encoders.
I like the Shruthi more than the Evolver, a much better sound but even that has a user interface annoyance. The knobs on that are right below the screen so your hand obscures the screen. The knobs on the P12 are above the screen and that has the same trouble. Knobs too near the screen, not a great idea. It looks like Waldorf have got this right with the Quantum, they've put the knobs on the left and right hand sides of the screen.
It's mildly tempting to try one again to see if my thoughts have changed but there are so many great synths around now.
Thanks for sharing your views and I do agree with some of the points you made. I think for its time the Evolver was quite advanced - maybe you could say it was a concept product for the synths that DSI would go on to make? Even recent prophets show some Evolver heritage, like the feedback loop and delay in the P12 and the stereo filters in the PX. But these synths are definitely more approachable than the Evolver with its very compact interface...
I hate the desktop format as I am mainly a live musician. And to me that´s the reason for the industry to produce mainly desktop synths now as they suit the huge market of amateur home studio owners way better than the rock mount modules.
In other words: The industry sees much more business potential in the amateur market than in the prof. market which also leads to toys like all that mini crap by Korg, Roland and Yamaha. And there´s another aspect: As we all know the average pop and rock music unfortunately became a guitar music and that means that there are a significant fewer amount of keyboardists out there than in former times - which means: less numbers of sales.
And by the way that´s about the same reason why I find synths inacceptable when they don´t have any storage capacity. In a live situation I need both hands to play and my brain to concentrate on the score that I have to play. And that means I can´t noodle along on numerous knobs etc.
Dave Smith needs to make another synth similar to evolver. I want more options and explorations. I hate all the new synths all boring clones of old crap. I will never sell my evolver.