Dave Smith Instruments Debuts DSM01 Curtis Filter Module for Modular Synths

Dave Smith Instruments Debuts DSM01 Curtis Filter Module Acclaimed Synth Designer Introduces First-Ever Module for Modular Systems

San Francisco, CA—July 17, 2014—Dave Smith Instruments today introduced the DSM01 Curtis Filter module, their first offering for modular synthesizers. The module takes its name from the original filter chip designed by the late Doug Curtis and provides both a switchable 2/4-pole low-pass filter and a VCA. The Curtis filter is an integral part of the sound of many synthesizers created by Dave Smith, including the classic Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and Pro-One, and more recent instruments such as the Evolver, Mopho, Prophet ʼ08, and Prophet 12.

The “Curtis sound,” which is often described as saturated, brash, and powerful, was fundamental to not only Smith’s synthesizers, but also to such highly-regarded instruments as the Oberheim Xpander, Rhodes Chroma and Polaris, PPG Wave, Korg MonoPoly, Waldorf Wave, Elka Synthex, and many others. “We wanted to make the classic Curtis filter sound, which I’ve always found very versatile and expressive, readily available to modular users,” said Smith. “Adding the DSM01 to a modular system is an easy way to give it the sonic edge that people typically associate with a vintage Sequential synth. But it’s also a big part of the sound of my current synths such as the Prophet 12.”

The module is a standard 8HP wide, Eurorack-format device with interconnections made using 3.5 mm phone jacks.
A carefully designed set of inputs and parameters allows voltage control of filter frequency and resonance. Filter slope is selectable between -12 dB and -24 dB. The module also provides its own VCA and features two separate outputs for the filter—one pre-VCA and the other, post-VCA. A unique feature of the filter is a Boost function that introduces harmonic distortion into the signal for more aggressive coloration.

“With modular synths, having the widest possible tonal palette to draw from has always been the name of the game. Our Curtis Filter module is our first, but significant contribution to that world. We think modular users are really going to get a lot of sonic mileage out of it.”

The DSM01 module will be available in August of 2014 with a MAP of $179.
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 Mopho, Tetra, Prophet 08, Prophet 12, 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.