Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard
Since its release less than two years ago, the desktop module version of the Mopho has built a huge following. Back then we loved the sound but had reservations about the programming interface and the slow rotary encoders, so we're happy to see the arrival of the new Mopho Keyboard that aims to address some of these issues.
Unlike the tiny module, the keyboard version takes up significant desk space, but the benefits more than make up for it. Essentially, the Mopho Keyboard follows the same design as the module, but in addition to the obvious 32-note keyboard with pitch bend and modulation wheels, the most notable upgrade is the move to a much more intuitive programming interface.
Could this neat little mono synth really be the 21st century equivalent of the legendary SCI Pro-One?
Layout
From the moment you pull it out of its protective wrapping, the Mopho Keyboard oozes quality. Housed in a tough steel enclosure, the overall package is relatively small but reassuringly weighty. The striking paint job won't be to everyone's taste but it's in keeping with the Mopho module and works nicely with the wooden side panels.
The two-and-a-half octave keyboard is also nicely built, adding to the sense that DSI takes a great deal of care over fit, finish and quality control.
Internally, the Mopho Keys is essentially the same as the desktop version with the exception of a few minor improvements. The overall synthesis topology is identical, with two oscillators (each with its own sub-oscillator), a noise source and a switchable 2 or 4-pole Curtis low-pass filter that self-oscillates when the resonance is cranked up in 24dB/octave mode.
There are a few minor upgrades, which we'll look at later, but the sound is otherwise just as tough and powerful as the desktop module.
Hands on
Whereas the Mopho module relies on dedicated knobs for pitch, cutoff, resonance, attack and release plus four assignable rotaries for programming, the Mopho Keyboard's interface is much more user friendly.
The DSI designers have taken customer feedback on board and used pots rather than encoders wherever possible, so the majority of knobs (all of those with line markers) are attached to pots with a 330-degree sweep.
"Editing parameters on the Mopho's front-panel will automatically adjust their equivalents on the Tetra"
The Mopho features revised software for encoder behaviour, speeding up the response of the few rotaries left on the front panel. As a result, all encoders are nicely responsive, sensitive and smooth, with no jumping or glitches.
Thankfully, the encoders display none of the erratic encoder behaviour which blighted early examples of the Prophet 08. DSI claims that the Prophet 08 encoder problem was primarily caused by oxidisation of the contacts, and all DSI products now use different components.
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