Dave Smith Instruments Introduces DSM02 Character Module

Legendary Synth Designer Debuts Second Eurorack Module for Modular Systems

San Francisco, CA—January 12, 2015—Dave Smith Instruments today introduced the DSM02 Character module, their second offering for modular synthesizers. The Eurorack-format module provides an eclectic assortment of five digital effects, ranging from subtle to aggressive for shaping, twisting, and mangling sound. These effects, Girth, Air, Decimate, Hack, and Drive form a significant component in Smith’s acclaimed Pro 2 and Prophet 12 synthesizers.

“The Character section of the Pro 2 and Prophet 12 is a fundamental part of what gives those instruments their unique sound,” says Smith. “As our users know, those effects can take you from nice to nasty with the turn of a knob. We wanted to make it easy and affordable for modular users to inject some of that character into their rigs.”

“Girth” and “Air” provide sophisticated low- and high-frequency harmonic enhancement, respectively, for polishing and refining a sound. “Decimate” performs sample rate reduction for adding lo-fi grunge. “Hack” is a bit crusher capable of trashing an otherwise clean signal nearly beyond recognition. And lastly, “Drive” adds overdrive and saturation, with warmth at one end of the knob and intense harmonic overload at the other.

The DSM02 module is a 14HP wide, standard Eurorack-format device with interconnections made using 3.5 mm phone jacks. A carefully designed set of inputs allow individual voltage control of effect levels. The module provides two independent audio inputs and two independent audio outputs with shared control, allowing for either mono or stereo operation. The digital signal path provides full 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution for superior audio fidelity.

As DSI’s Andrew McGowan puts it, “The modular scene is exploding with possibilities. We’ve got a lot of really creative and expressive tools to offer musicians in that world. Our Curtis Filter module was our first contribution and users snapped it up immediately. This time we wanted to do something a little more esoteric—but still fundamental to the Dave Smith sound. We think the modular crowd is going to love it.”

The DSM02 module is available now with a MAP of $259.
Price and specifications subject to change.

Launched in 2002, Dave Smith Instruments is helmed by legendary musical instrument designer and Grammy® award winner Dave Smith. Dave’s many accomplishments include the creation of the Prophet-5—the world’s first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer—and his legacy as the primary driving force behind MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).

About Dave Smith Instruments

Dave Smith Instruments’ products are used by an ever-growing roster of well-known musicians and are available from music retailers worldwide. Instruments include the Pro 2, Prophet 12, Prophet 08, Mopho, Tetra, and Evolver synthesizers, and the Tempest analog drum machine. Dave Smith Instruments is based in San Francisco, where the instruments are also manufactured. For more information, visit www.davesmithinstruments.com.

The DSM02 Character Module