Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR OFFICE USE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of
the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe B respecte toutes
les exigences du Reglement sur le materiel brouilleur du
Canada.
For Technical Support, email: support@davesmithinstruments.com
Thanks for purchasing the Prophet '08! Listen to the sounds, twiddle some
knobs, have some fun!
Please Register!
Please go to www.davesmithinstruments.com and register your synth. If you
purchased directly from us, there is no need to register – we already have your
contact information.
So, plug in the power supply, connect (in stereo!!) to your mixer/sound system,
switch on the power, and start playing!
Try applying keyboard pressure (aftertouch) and the mod wheel. Many sounds
are fairly simple at first, then come alive when you use the controllers. With
other sounds, you may need to hold the notes a while to let the sound unfold.
Playing in different ways has a big effect on the programs.
Selecting and Editing Programs and Global Settings
You can use the +/- switches to step through the Programs. Also, the PARAM
knob changes the Program and PARAM
2 changes the Bank.
1
If you want to edit a Program, just turn any knob. The new value will be
displayed in the bottom line of the LCD (the top line displays the programmed
value for handy reference). Once a parameter has been selected, the PARAM
2
knob will also change the value, and the +/- switches will increment or
decrement the value. Hit the + and - switches at the same time to set the
parameter to zero.
That’s the whole idea with this instrument – grabbing knobs and changing the
sound! After turning knobs, just hit the Program switch so the LCD goes back to
the Program / Bank screen, allowing you to change Programs again.
Press the G
LOBAL switch to change higher level parameters, such as MIDI
channel number, Transpose/Detune, and so on. These are remembered when the
synth is turned off. Note that in Global Mode, the screen displays two
parameters at a time. The top parameter is changed by the PARAM
the lower parameter is edited by the PARAM
2 knob. The +/- switches select
1 knob and
new pages.
Summary
You should be up and running now; for more operation information, read on. Or,
just look up specific parameters for detailed notes. Pages 35 through 38 contain
a handy reference for mod destinations and sources. At some point you should
1
read through the manual to discover all the little features that you might not
notice at first.
I should mention that this manual does not include explanations of basic analog
synthesizer functions. It assumes you already know what an oscillator is, how a
low-pass filter affects the sound, what an ADSR envelope looks like, and so on.
Fortunately, these days it is quite easy to find such resources on the Internet. If
you want to learn the lingo and the basics, just try a search in Google (or the
search engine of your choice), something like “analog synthesizer tutorial.”
You’ll find plenty of good reading material.
Have fun!
Dave Smith
Special thanks to:
Tim Ande, David Bryce, Andrew McGowan, Dave Polich, Ravi Ivan Sharma,
and Stefan Trippler.
2
Prophet '08 FAQ and
Troubleshooting Notes
Voices 1 through 4 are not making any sound.
Check to make sure you're using the Main Output and not Output B.
The arpeggiator/sequencer has stopped working.
Check the Clock setting under the Global menu. If it is set to MIDI In or MIDI
In/Out and the Prophet '08 is not receiving MIDI clock, neither the sequencer
nor the arpeggiator will play.
How do I reset the Prophet '08?
The Prophet does not have a full (programs, parameters, everything) reset, but
you can reset the Global parameters to their factory defaults by holding the
LOBAL switch and pressing LFO 3. The factory program banks are available in
G
SysEx format on our Web site.
How can I “zero out” a program to start creating a sound from scratch?
Hold the P
parameters to a basic sawtooth program with most of the parameters set to zero.
Please note that this does not write the sound into memory; it temporarily
changes the parameters of the current program.
Some voices are noticeably louder than others.
Are you using both (left and right) outputs? The Prophet does not have a
summed mono output. Many of the factory programs use the P
parameter or have some modulation affecting the pan position. The Audio Out
parameter in the Global menu can globally switch both outputs to mono.
ROGRAM switch and press +/YES to set the current program's
AN SPREAD
Why am I hearing some distortion in my programs?
The Prophet has an extensive and very deep modulation matrix. If you turn
everything up to 11 (figuratively speaking), the sum may be a bit more than the
Prophet can handle without distorting. Just back off the levels a bit. Rather than
clamping everything internally so that distortion never occurs, we leave it up to
you. Besides, sometimes things “break” in interesting ways!
Why doesn't my expression pedal work with the Prophet?
The Prophet should work with most expression pedals. However, the factory
programs are not preconfigured to use an expression pedal. For (almost) instant
gratification, set the Pedal parameter in Global to control volume or the filter.
To select program-specific destinations, set the Pedal parameter to FootCtrl.
Then, using the M
Foot and set the M
ISC switch in the Modulators section, set the MOD SOURCE to
OD DESTINATION and MOD AMOUNT to the desired values.
3
Getting Connected
The Prophet '08 has several inputs and outputs on its back panel.
Power Input – Connect the power supply included with your Prophet '08. The
power supply comes with different AC adaptor prongs that allow it to work
anywhere in the world. If for whatever reason you need to use a different supply,
it must match the specifications on the rear panel near the input jack. Note: The
supply label says “Evolver” on it for reference.
MIDI In – To receive MIDI data from another device, connect this to the other
device's MIDI Out.
MIDI Out – To send MIDI data to another device, connect this to the other
device's MIDI In.
MIDI Thru – Received MIDI data is passed through to MIDI Thru so that
multiple MIDI devices can be chained on the same MIDI buss.
Poly Chain Out – A special MIDI output that enables you to chain another
Prophet or up to two Tetras for increased polyphony. See Using Poly Chain on
page 33for details. When Poly Chain is turned off, this jack acts as a second
MIDI Out.
Pedal/CV – This input can be connected to two types of controllers: a standard
expression pedal that has a variable resistor on a TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) 1/4"
phone plug, or a synthesizer or other device capable of producing a control
voltage. The control voltage range is 0 to 5 volts DC, and the input is protected
against higher and negative voltages. Note that this input is heavily filtered for
clean operation, so there is a limit to the speed it will respond.
Sustain – Works with any standard, normally open or normally closed
momentary footswitch. See “Sustain” in Global Parameters on page 9 for
information about changing the polarity to work with your type of footswitch.
Main Output – The Prophet '08's unbalanced, stereo outputs.
Output B – Each of the Prophet '08's 256 programs contains two layers, A and
B. Each layer can be a completely different sound and the layers can be
combined as splits and stacks. If you just use the Main Output, layers A and B
are both output there. If you plug two additional cables into Output B, however,
the sound of B layer will be removed from the Main Output and sent to Output
B. This enables you to process the two layers separately.
Headphones – A 1/4 inch stereo phone jack.
4
Basic Operation
When you first turn the power on, the keyboard will be in Program Mode with
ROGRAM switch lit and the following screen active:
the P
Programxxx Bankx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The top line shows the Program (1…128) and Bank (1…2) number of the
currently selected Program, and the bottom line shows the 16-character name of
the Program. The PARAM
knob changes the Bank. The Program can also be incremented or decremented
by pressing the +/Y
Each Program has two layers, A and B. Each layer can contain a completely
different patch. The layers are typically used to create stacked and split
Programs, though you can also switch quickly between the layers using the E
LAYER B switch. When EDIT LAYER B is lit, the front panel controls will edit the
layer B patch.
1 knob changes the Program, and the PARAM2
ES or -/NO switches, respectively.
DIT
Note: When playing in a live performance, E
DIT LAYER B provides a
handy way to toggle quickly between two completely different sounds
with a single switch. This applies only in normal eight-voice mode, not in
Stack or Split modes.
To edit a Program, simply turn any knob. See Program Parameters on page 13
for a detailed list of all parameters and their functions. After editing parameters,
hit the Program switch to enable program changes again.
Compare Feature – While editing a Program, you can press the COMPARE
switch to listen to the original version. If you press the switch again, the Prophet
'08 returns to the edited version.
Saving a Program
To save a Program, press the W
Write? P:xxx B:x
Hit: Yes or No
RITE switch and the following screen appears:
Press the +/YES switch to save the current Program, or -/NO (or the WRITE
switch again) to cancel. To store in a different location, use PARAM
a new destination, and PARAM
2 for a different bank.
1to select
5
Note: If your Prophet '08 is poly chained to a second Prophet '08, the
program will also be saved in the chained unit.
Audition Destination Feature – While there is a write pending (see previous
screen), you can press the C
destination before saving. Just be sure to turn C
actually hit the +/Y
ES switch to save.
OMPARE switch to hear the target Program
OMPARE off again before you
Transposing the Keyboard Range (keyboard only)
Use the U
P and DOWN Transpose switches to transpose the keyboard up or down
in octaves. The LED indicates the current keyboard transposition state. The
transposition changes the MIDI note number of the keys, so MIDI notes sent
will also be transposed.
6
Global Parameters
To edit the Global parameters, press the GLOBAL switch and Global page 1 is
displayed. The PARAM
and the PARAM
switches select the other pages.
1 knob changes the parameter on the upper LCD line,
2 knob changes the lower parameter. The +/YES and -/NO
Note: If you hold the -/N
jump to the last page. Similarly, if you hold the +/Y
hit the -/N
Page 1:
Transpose: -12…+12 – Master Transpose control, 0 is centered. Steps in
O switch, it will jump to the first page.
Transpose: xx
Fine Tune: xx
O switch while you hit the +/YES switch, it will
ES switch when you
semitones.
Fine Tune: -50…+50 – Master Fine Tune control; 0 centered. Steps in cents (50
cents = 1/2 semitone).
Page 2:
MIDI Channel: xx
Poly Chain: xxx
MIDI Channel: ALL, 1…16 – Selects which MIDI channel to send and receive
data, 1 to 16. All receives on all 16 channels.
Poly Chain: Off, Out 4, Out 8, In – Use this to increase polyphony by
intelligently processing the keys hit and passing MIDI data through to the Poly
Chain MIDI out jack, where it can be routed to a second Prophet '08 or one or
two Tetras. See Using Poly Chain on page 33 for details.
Note: If Poly Chain is set to Off, the Poly Chain MIDI out jack simply
duplicates the MIDI out jack.
7
Page 3:
Clock: xxxxxxxx
LocalControl: xxx
Clock: see table – Selects the MIDI clock status.
Display MIDI Clock Setting
Internal
MIDI Out
MIDI In
MidiIn/Out
MIDI clock is neither sent nor received
MIDI clock is sent
MIDI clock is received
MIDI clock is received and transmitted (use
with Poly Chain)
Local Control: Off, On – Enables or disables the internal connection between
the keyboard and panel controls and the synth electronics. This is useful with
external sequencer operation.
Page 4:
MParam Send: xxxx
M Param Rec: xxxx
MIDI Parameter Send: NRPN, CC, Off – Changes to the values of the Prophet
'08's front panel controls are transmitted via MIDI as Non-registered Parameter
Number (NRPN) controllers or as Continuous Controllers (CC). Transmission of
parameters can also be turned off. See MIDI Implementation on page 39 for
details.
Note: NRPNs are the preferred method of parameter transmission, since
they cover the complete range of all parameters, while CCs only handle
the main parameters.
MIDI Parameter Receive: All, NRPN, CC, Off – Sets the method by which the
Prophet '08 receives parameter changes via MIDI. As with transmission, NRPNs
are the preferred method, though some controllers may only be able to send
CCs.
Page 5:
MIDI Program: xxx
MIDI Pressre: xxx
MIDI Program: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to MIDI program
changes received, and will transmit Program changes to MIDI Out.
8
MIDI Pressure: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to MIDI pressure
(aftertouch) received, and will transmit Keyboard Pressure to MIDI Out.
Page 6:
MIDI Control: xxx
MIDI SysEx: xxx
MIDI Control: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to MIDI controllers,
and will transmit controllers from the keyboard to the MIDI Out. Controllers
include Pitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, Pedal, Breath, Volume, and Expression.
MIDI SysEx: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to received MIDI
SysEx messages, and will transmit them, when prompted, to the MIDI Out. See
Sysex Messages on page 51 for details.
Page 7:
Pedal: xxxxxxxx
Sustain: x
Pedal: see table – Sets the destination for the Pedal/CV input. Note that this
input is heavily filtered for clean operation, so there is a limit to the speed it will
respond to changes.
Display Pedal Routing
FootCtrl
Breath
Expressn
Volume
LpFilter
LpF Half
Routed to the Foot Control Modulation
Routed to the Breath Control Modulation
Routed to the Expression Modulation
Controls Master Volume
Routed to the low pass filter
Routed to the low pass filter, but with half
the range
Sustain: Norm +, Norm -, Arp +, Arp - – A momentary footswitch connected to
the Prophet ’08’s Sustain input can be used either as a sustain pedal or to latch
the arpeggiator. The Prophet ’08 can be configured for use with either normally
open (+) or normally closed (-) footswitches. When set to Arp+ or Arp-, the
footswitch will act as a sustain pedal when the Arpeggiator is off.
Page 8:
Velocity Curve: x
Pressure Curve: x
Velocity Curve: 1…4 – Sets one of the four velocity curves for the keyboard;
this gives you the ability to adjust the keyboard to your playing style.
9
Pressure Curve: 1…4 – Sets one of the four pressure curves for the keyboard;
this gives you the ability to adjust the keyboard to your playing style.
Page 9:
Audio Out: xxxxxx
MIDIParamLCD: xxx
Audio Out: Stereo (default), Mono – Switching from Stereo to Mono globally
defeats all of the parameters that affect panning (pan spread, modulation, etc.)
and makes both the left and right outputs mono outputs.
MIDIParamLCD: On (default), Off – In edit mode, the display normally shows
any received controller changes. When MIDIParamLCD is Off, only local edits
are displayed.
Page 10:
CntrolReset: xxxx
BalanceTweak: xx
CntrolReset: Norm (default), PgCh – When set to Norm, the settings of MIDI
controllers such as volume, brightness, or modulation will be carried over with
program changes. When set to PgCh, MIDI controllers will be reset when
programs are changed locally or via MIDI. The reset is equivalent to sending the
Prophet the Reset All Controllers message (CC 121) via MIDI.
BalanceTweak: -7…7 – Adjusts the left/right balance of the audio outputs by
approximately +/- 4 dB.
Page 11:
PotMode: xxxxxxxx
EncMode: xxxxxx
PotMode: Relative (default), Passthru, Jump – On the Prophet ’08, 38 of the 52
front panel controls are potentiometers or “pots.” (The pots have about 300° of
travel; the encoders are “endless.”) There are three pot modes to determine how
the synth reacts when the related parameters are edited.
When set to Relative, changes are relative to the stored setting. In Relative
mode, the full value range is not available until either the minimum or maximum
value and the respective lower or upper limit of the pot’s travel is reached.
For example, the Oscillator Mix parameter has a value range of 0 to 127. Let’s
say the physical position of the Oscillator Mix pot is the equivalent of a value of
100. If you switch to a program that has a stored Oscillator Mix setting of 63
10
and turn the pot all the way up, it will only go to 90. To get to the maximum
value of 127, you first have to turn down until the value is at the other extreme
and the pot is at the limit of its travel (in this case, 0 and fully counterclockwise, respectively).
In Passthru mode, turning the pot has no effect until after the edited value equals
the preset value (that is, until the edited value “passes through” the stored
value).
Jump mode uses an absolute value based upon the position of the pot when
edited: turn a pot and the value jumps immediately from the stored value to the
edited value.
Encoder Mode: Detent, Non-Det – Optimizes behavior for the type of rotary
encoders (detented or non-detented) on your Prophet ’08. If you’re reading this
in a printed manual that came with a new instrument, you should have a Prophet
’08 PE with detented encoders. Just leave it set to Detent.
If you have updated the OS from an earlier version that did not include this
parameter, you’ll need to determine which hardware version of the Prophet you
have in order to choose the optimum setting. Early standard Prophet ’08s and all
Special Editions originally shipped with non-detented rotary encoders. That is,
all the controls rotate smoothly and without detents or obvious steps. On these
Prophets, this parameter should be set to Non-Det.
If you have a Potentiometer Edition (PE) Prophet, whether purchased that way
or converted from the earlier hardware version, set the parameter to Detent. This
is true even for those PEs that have a mixture of detented and non-detented
encoders. How do you know for certain if your Prophet is a PE? If the filter’s
Frequency control has definite minimum and maximum settings (that is, it
doesn’t just turn endlessly), it is a PE.
Page 12:
LCD Contrast: xxx
MultiMode: xxx
LCD Contrast: 1…100 – This sets the contrast level for the LCD.
MultiMode: Off, On – MultiMode allows separate MIDI control of voices 1
through 4 and 5 through 8. The implementation is fairly simple and enables
independent, bi-timbral control of the Prophet.
MultiMode is intended for use with an external sequencer or other MIDI
controller controlling the Prophet ’08. It is meant to be a one-way interface (that
is, from your sequencer to the Prophet).
11
When MultiMode is On, the Prophet ’08 responds to MIDI data on two
consecutive MIDI channels, the base channel (selected in the Gobal menu) and
the next highest channel. The base channel controls voices 1 through 4 and the
other channel controls voices 5 through 8. Notes, program changes, and other
MIDI data received on the specified channels provide independent control of the
two parts.
Note that a program change needs to be sent to each of the two channels when
setting up MultiMode. Only Layer A of the selected program is loaded. There
are no stacks or splits in MultiMode. Use CCs or Layer A NRPNs for
automation of parameters. Program Layer B data is completely ignored in
MultiMode.
Page 13:
Copy Bkx P: xxx x
To Bkx P: xxx x
Program Copy Utility – Enables Layer A or B of a Program to be copied to
Layer A or B of the same or a different Program. The top line displays the
current Bank and Program. Use PARAM 1 to choose the Layer (A or B) to be
copied. Use PARAM 2 to choose the destination Bank, Program, and Layer.
Press W
Page 14:
RITE to execute.
Dump (Hit Write)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
MIDI Dumps: see table – Allows dumping of Programs in SysEx format via
MIDI. Use PARAM 2 to select from the following options.
Display MIDI Transmit Operation
Current Program
Current Bank
All Banks
Send current program
Send all 128 programs in current bank
Send all programs in both banks
When this page is active, the WRITE switch will blink. Press the switch to start
transmission. This feature is handy for saving Programs on a computer in SysEx
format, or for sending them to another Prophet '08 via a direct MIDI connection.
The dumps include Program and Bank numbers, so when received, the programs
will be stored in the same location.
12
Program Parameters
All Program parameters can be edited using the front panel controls. To edit a
program, simply turn the desired parameter knob or hit the switch. The selected
parameter and value appear in the LCD display. The top line of the LCD
displays the programmed value for reference; the bottom line displays the edited
value.
After a parameter is selected by turning its knob, you can also use the PARAM
knob to change the value of the selected parameter. Use the +/Y
ES or -/NO
2
switches to incrementally adjust parameter values.
Hit both +/Y
Note: Hold the P
ES or -/NO at the same time to set the parameter to zero.
ROGRAM switch and hit the +/YES switch to set the Program to
a basic patch, with most parameters set to zero. It does not save the sound in the
current program; it only changes all the parameters.
Following are descriptions of each Prophet '08 Program parameter.
Oscillators
Each of the Prophet '08's eight voices has two analog oscillators. The basic
controls for each oscillator are the same and are arranged in two horizontal rows,
one for Oscillator 1 and another for Oscillator 2.
Note: There are additional modulation controls that can affect the pitch
of Oscillators 1 and 2. These are covered in other sections of the
Parameter definitions.
Osc Freq: C 0…C 10 – Sets the base oscillator frequency over a 10 octave
range, from 8 Hz to 8KHz, stepping in semitones. C3 is middle C, the first
octave is 0 (C0, C#0, etc.), the second octave is 1 (C1, C#1, etc.), and so on.
Fine: -50…+50 – Fine Tune control; 0 centered. Steps in cents (50 cents = 1/2
semitone).
13
Shape/PW: see table – Selects the analog waveshape as follows:
Display Waveshape
Off
Sawtooth
Triangle
Saw-Tri
Pulse xx
Glide: 0…127 – Sets the Oscillator Glide (portamento) rate. Glide can be set
No output
Sawtooth
Triangle
Sawtooth – Triangle mix
Pulse Wave, with pulse width ranging from minimum
(0) to maximum (99). The pulse width will turn off at the
two extremes – this allows some interesting modulation
possibilities. A square wave will be at Pulse 50.
independently for each oscillator. Low settings are faster.
Note: See “Glide Mode” in Miscellaneous Parameters on page 18 for
additional Glide settings.
Sync 2-> 1 – When enabled (lit), turns oscillator hard sync on. With sync on,
whenever oscillator 2 resets, it will force oscillator 1 to reset for the classic hard
sync sound.
Mix: 0...127 – Enables the outputs of Oscillators 1 and 2 to be mixed in varying
amounts. A setting of 0 is equivalent to 100% Oscillator 1 and 0% Oscillator 2.
A setting of 127 is just the opposite. A setting of 64 is essentially a 50-50 mix of
both oscillators.
Noise
Level: 0…127 – Controls the volume of white noise mixed into the filter.
Low-pass Filter
Each of the Prophet '08's voices utilizes an analog low-pass filter coupled with a
4-stage (plus delay) ADSR envelope generator.
4 Pole – Selects either 2- or 4-pole operation for the filter. (The filter is in 4-
pole mode when the 4
Frequency: 0…164 – Sets the base filter cutoff frequency over more than 13
octaves.
Resonance: 0…127 – Sets the Resonance level of the filter. At high settings the
filter will self-oscillate in 4-pole mode. If the filter does not oscillate, make sure
OLE switch is on.
the 4 P
14
POLE switch is lit.)
Env Amount: -127…+127 – Sets the amount of filter envelope routed to the
cutoff frequency. This can be positive or negative, allowing inverted envelope
control of the filter.
Velocity: 0…127 – Amount of key velocity controlling the level of the filter
envelope.
Key Amount: 0…127 – Sets the amount of keyboard (MIDI note) to the filter
cutoff. A setting of 64 will step the filter one semitone for each note, 32 would
be half-semitones, and so on.
Audio Mod: 0...127 – Controls the amount of audio from Oscillator 1 used to
modulate the filter cutoff frequency. For filter-only audio, set O
to 127, O
SCILLATOR 2SHAPE to Off, and OSCILLATOR 1SHAPE to the desired
SCILLATOR MIX
waveshape. This is useful for bell-like FM sounds. A wide range of sounds can
also be made using A
UDIO MOD with the oscillators routed normally through the
filter.
Delay: 0...127 – Sets a delay between the time the filter envelope is triggered
and when the Attack portion actually begins.
Attack: 0…127 –
Decay: 0…127 – Sets the Decay time.
Sustain: 0…127 – Sets the Sustain level.
Release: 0…127 – Sets the Release time.
Sets the Attack time of the filter ADSR envelope generator.
Amplifier
VCA Level: 0…127 – Sets a base level for the VCA (Voltage Controlled
Amplifier). This allows the VCA to be essentially bypassed for programs that
drone.
Note: If VCA L
typical keyboard playing, VCA L
Env Amount: 0…127 – Sets the amount of VCA envelope to the VCA level.
Velocity: 0…127 – Sets the amount of keyboard velocity controlling the level of
the VCA envelope.
Pan Spread: 0...127 – There is a pan circuit after the VCA that pans the audio
in the stereo field individually per voice. With a P
voices are panned in the middle (monophonic). As you turn up P
EVEL is on full, Envelope Amount has no effect. For
EVEL is set to zero.
AN SPREAD of zero, all eight
AN SPREAD, the
15
audio in each voice is gradually moved away from the center by different
amounts. Every other voice goes in a different direction. This provides a wide
stereo field as you play. Any modulation to Pan will individually move each
voice from its static position as set by the Pan Spread setting.
Note: Use the Audio Out parameter in the Global menu to globally
switch the audio outputs from stereo to mono (and vice versa).
Delay: 0...127 – Sets a delay between the time the amplifier envelope is
triggered and when the Attack portion actually begins.
Attack: 0…127 –
Decay: 0…127 – Sets the Decay time.
Sustain: 0…127 – Sets the Sustain level.
Release: 0…127 – Sets the Release time.
Sets the Attack time of the VCA ADSR envelope generator.
Envelope 3
Destination: see table – Sets the Envelope 3 destination. See Modulation
Destinations on page 35 for a list of possible destinations.
Amount: -127…+127 – Sets the amount of Envelope 3.
Velocity: 0…127 – Sets the amount of key velocity controlling the level of
envelope 3.
Delay: 0…127 – Sets a delay between the time Envelope 3 is triggered and when
the Attack portion actually begins.
Attack: 0…127 – Sets the Attack time of Envelope 3.
Decay: 0…127 – Sets the Decay time.
Sustain: 0…127 – Sets the Sustain level.
Release: 0…127 – Sets the Release time.
LFOs
The Prophet '08 has four Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) per voice. To select
a specific LFO for editing, press the appropriate switch, 1–4. Turning a knob
will then adjust the parameters of the selected LFO.
16
Frequency: 0…150, sync – Sets the LFO frequency. Range 0–150 for un-
synced LFO; speed ranges from slow (30 seconds) to very fast – at 90 (8 HZ, C-
2) and above the speed steps in semitones, up to 150 (261 Hz, middle C).
Note: Some of the analog functions may not respond well to the fastest
LFO speeds, due to speed limitations of the control voltages; but they
will certainly generate some interesting sounds.
Sequence speed divided by 32; that is, one LFO
cycle takes 32 steps
Sequence speed divided by 16
Sequence speed divided by 8
Sequence speed divided by 6
Sequence speed divided by 4
Sequence speed divided by 3
Sequence speed divided by 2
Sequence speed divided by 1.5
One cycle per step
Two cycles every three steps
Two cycles per step
Three cycles per step
Four cycles per step
Six cycles per step
Eight cycles per step
Sixteen cycles per step
Display LFO Shape
Triangle
Rev Saw
Sawtooth
Square
Random
Triangle
Reverse Sawtooth
Sawtooth
Square Wave
Random – changes once per cycle for
sample-and-hold effects
Amount: 0…100 – Sets the amount of LFO routed to the destination.
Key Sync – When this switch is enabled (lit) the LFO is re-started each time a
new note is played. Key Sync is set independently on each LFO .
17
Destination: see table – See Modulation Destinations on page 36 for a list of
possible destinations.
Modulators
The Modulators section lets you configure the modulation routing and amount
for the Prophet '08’s four general-purpose modulation slots as well as for MIDI
controllers (Mod Wheel, Key Pressure, Breath Control, Velocity, and Foot
Controller).
Since each Prophet '08 mod source has a single destination, the four general
purpose Mods provide a way to send a mod source (such as a sequence or LFO)
to additional destinations, with a different amount. There are also additional
mod sources available here, such as Noise, allowing a wide variety of
possibilities.
To configure a general-purpose modulation slot, press the appropriate switch, 1
through 4, and use the S
modulation as desired.
OURCE, DESTINATION and AMOUNT knobs to set the
To configure modulation for a controller, press the M
desired controller with the S
MOUNT knobs to set its modulation.
A
OURCE knob, then use the DESTINATION and
ISC switch, select the
The Breath and Foot Controller parameters can be controlled by the Pedal/CV
input on the rear panel. This gives you the ability to route them to different
parameters on each Program for more flexible control. These are set in the
Global section.
Source: see table – Selects a modulation source. See Modulation Sources on
page 38 for possible sources.
Amount: -127…+127 – Sets the amount of modulation.
Destination: see table – Selects a modulation destination. See Modulation
Destinations on page 36 for a list of possible destinations.
Note: The Modulators can not be edited when the EDIT SEQUENCER
switch is on.
Misc Parameters
The Miscellaneous Parameters module lets you configure a variety of
parameters not found elsewhere. The parameter list is printed on the panel for
easy reference. Use the S
ALUE knob, PARAM 2 knob, or the +/YES or -/NO switches to adjust the
V
value.
ELECT knob to choose the desired parameter, and the
18
Voice Volume: 0…127 – Sets the voice volume; usually used for matching
volumes between Programs.
Note: There is enough gain in the synth voice that with some settings,
some mild clipping distortion may be heard. If this happens, try lowering
OICE VOLUME, and/or the VCA ENVELOPE AMOUNT (or VCA
the V
ELOCITY AMOUNT).
V
Name – The lower LCD line will display the name of the Program. The
PARAM 1 knob selects characters for editing. (The active character blinks.) To
change the character, use the PARAM 2 knob, the V
O switches.
/N
Osc 1 Key: On, Off – Turns keyboard tracking on or off for Oscillator 1.
Osc 2 Key: On, Off – Turns keyboard tracking on or off for Oscillator 2.
Osc Slop: 0…5 – The amount of random oscillator frequency slop. The analog
ALUE knob or the +/YES or -
oscillators in the Prophet '08 are very accurate, and will not drift. This works
great for accurate sounds, and allows precise de-tuning. Oscillator Slop allows
subtle amounts of frequency drift. For larger amounts, use a random LFO or
white noise mod.
Glide Mode: see table – Sets the way the oscillators respond to Glide settings.
Display Glide mode
FixRate
FixRate A
FixTime
FixTime A
The Glide rate is fixed. The time to
transition from one note to another varies
depending upon the interval between the
notes.
The same, but Glide is only applied when
played legato; that is, when a new note is
hit while another note is still held. This
only applies in Unison mode.
The Glide time is fixed. The time to
transition from one note to another is the
same, regardless of the interval.
The same, but Glide is only applied when
playing legato; that is, when a new note is
hit while another note is still held. This
only applies in Unison mode.
Pitch Wheel Range: 0…12 – Sets the bend range, in semitones, of the pitch
wheel. The setting is the range in the positive or negative direction. For
example, a setting of 7 lets you bend a note up or down by a fifth.
19
Unison Mode: see table – Determines how the voices are allocated and detuned
when Unison is turned on.
Display Unison mode
1 Voice
All Voices
AllDetune1-3
Classic, two oscillator, monophonic
mode. Sleek.
All available voices are stacked in unison.
Portly.
All available voices are stacked in unison
with three different levels of detuning.
From fat to morbidly obese.
Unison Assign: see table – Determines how the Prophet '08 responds to the
keyboard while in Unison mode.
Display Keyboard mode
Low Note
LowRetrig
HighNote
HighRetrg
LastNote
LastRetrg
Seq Trigger: see table – Sets the triggering mode for the Gated Sequencer.
Display Trigger mode
Normal
No Reset
No Gate
NoGateNR
Key Step
Low note priority
Low note priority, re-trigger envelopes
High note priority
High note priority, re-trigger envelopes
Last note hit priority
Last note hit priority, re-trigger envelopes
Sequence plays from the first step when a
key is held, and resets to step 1 each time
a new note is played. Each sequence step
retriggers the envelopes.
The same, but does not reset to step 1 on
every note.
The keyboard triggers the envelopes; the
sequence steps do not.
Same, but does not reset with subsequent
notes.
Striking a key advances the sequencer
one step.
20
Arp Mode: see table – Sets the order in which the arpeggiator plays notes.
Mode Behavior
Up
Down
Up Down
Assign
Random
2 Octaves Up
2 Octaves
Down
2 Octaves Up
Down
2 Octaves
Assign
2 Octaves
Random
3 Octaves Up
3 Octaves
Down
3 Octaves Up
Down
3 Octaves
Assign
3 Octaves
Random
Plays from lowest to highest note.
Plays from highest to lowest note.
Plays from lowest to highest and back to lowest.
Plays notes in the order keys were pressed.
Randomly plays notes.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one octave higher,
from lowest to highest.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one octave higher,
from highest to lowest.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one octave higher,
from lowest to highest and back to lowest.
Plays a keyed note, then the same note one octave higher,
in the order keys were pressed.
Randomly plays keyed notes and the same notes one
octave higher.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one and two octaves
higher, from lowest to highest.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one and two octaves
higher, from highest to lowest.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one and two octaves
higher, from lowest to highest and back to lowest.
Plays a keyed note, then the same note one and two
octaves higher, in the order keys were pressed.
Randomly plays keyed notes and the same notes one and
two octaves higher.
Env 3 Repeat: On, Off – When on, loops the Delay, Attack, and Decay stages of
Envelope 3 while a note is gated on.
21
22
Keyboard Modes
The Prophet ’08 has three main keyboard modes, Normal, Stack, and Split.
While playing in the different modes, if you look at the eight voice assignment
LEDs on the right side of the front panel, you can easily see how the different
voice assignment modes work.
Normal Mode – When the STACK A/B and SPLIT A/B switches are both off, the
synth is in Normal mode, and will play all eight voices with the same sound.
DIT LAYER Bswitches between the program in layer A (when off) and the
E
program in layer B (when on).
While in Normal mode, other switches like U
NISON, ARPEGGIATOR, and GATED
SEQUENCER will affect all eight voices the same.
Stack Mode – When the STACK A/B switch is on, hitting a single key will play
two voices at the same time. One (on voices 1-4) will play the Layer A sound,
and the second (on voices 5-8) will play the Layer B sound. This allows extra fat
programs to be made, since you have four oscillators to work with, and twice the
sound per key!
Use the E
DIT LAYER Bswitch to alternate between the A and B layers as you
adjust the parameters of a program. You never have to worry about any other
program when using Stack and Split, since each program saves both the A and B
layers, and they are not shared with other programs.
You can use the Copy utility (see “Program Copy Utility” in Global Parameters
on page 12) to quickly copy layers between programs or from Layer A to Layer
B (or vice versa).
Note that each Layer can have different settings for U
ATED SEQUENCER,which allows some very interesting combinations of sound
G
NISON, ARPEGGIATOR, and
control. The sequences and arpeggios can have different settings and speeds, for
example, or you can combine a unison sound on one layer with a polyphonic
sound on the other.
Split Mode – When the SPLIT A/B switch is on, hitting a key on the left side of
the keyboard will play the Layer A sound (on voices 1-4), and hitting a key on
the right side will play the Layer B sound (on voices 5-8). The specific key that
starts the Layer B sound is called the Split Point, and is saved as part of the
program. To change the Split Point, simply hold the desired key, and hit the
PLIT A/B switch (while Split is on).
S
As in Stack mode, the two layers can be completely different in Split mode.
23
Note: If you hold the EDIT LAYER B switch while in Stack or Split, the EDIT
LAYER B switch will blink; this indicates you are now in Link Mode, which
means that any parameter you change will update that parameter in both Layer
A and Layer B. This can be handy while playing Stacked or Split programs in a
live situation.
24
Sequencer
p
For many musicians, the term sequencer has become synonymous with MIDI
sequencer; that is, a computer-based application or dedicated hardware device
for recording and playing back notes and performance gestures via MIDI. But
sequencers were around long before MIDI. The Prophet ’08’s sequencer is much
more like the original analog sequencers typically associated with modular
synthesizer systems. The sequencer comprises four 16-step sequences that play
in parallel. Each sequence can be routed to a chosen destination, and each step in
a sequence can be set to a different value used to modulate that destination.
Steps
1234
S
1
e
q
2
u
e
3
n
c
4
e
Strictly speaking, the Prophet ’08’s sequencer does not play notes, nor does it
transmit MIDI data. If none of the sequence destinations are routed to oscillator
frequency, the sequencer may not even affect the pitch. In Prophet ’08 terms, a
sequence is just a series of events at timed intervals that changes the value of
one of the synth’s parameters in discrete steps. Because the four sequences play
in parallel, up to four parameters can be affected by each step, one per sequence.
For the most part, the sequence destinations are the same as the modulation
destinations, which is appropriate: a sequence is just another modulation source.
56789
v = ste
value
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Dest. 1
Dest. 2
Dest. 3
Dest. 4
For each sequence step, the envelopes are gated on for half the step’s duration.
The duration varies according to the BPM and Clock Divide settings (or the
MIDI clock, if synced to an external source). The envelope settings of the
current program ultimately determine how long each step plays, though, and
longer (more legato) or shorter (more staccato) effects can be achieved by
editing the envelope rates.
The Prophet ’08’s sequencer is a gated sequencer. That means it requires a note
to be gated on—that is played from the keyboard or via MIDI—in order for the
sequencer to run. There is no dedicated start or play button and it does not
respond to MIDI start/stop/continue messages, but it can still sync to an external
clock. Simply turn on the sequencer and then play and hold a note to start.
25
Reset and Rest
p
Sequences have a maximum of 16 steps, but they can have fewer—from 1 to
15—using Reset. (Sequences of 16 steps reset automatically.) Reset appears
immediately after the highest value setting for a step. Setting a step to Reset
causes the sequence to jump back to the first step and continue playing.
Reset is set separately for each of the four sequences, so it must be set at the
same step in all four sequences to shorten all the sequences equally. The
following illustration shows an example in which all the sequences are eight
steps in length.
Steps
S
1
e
q
2
u
e
3
n
c
4
e
1234
56789
v = ste
value; R = Reset
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Dest. 1
Dest. 2
Dest. 3
Dest. 4
Tip: Using Reset while programming a sequence can be helpful. For
example, when programming a specific melodic line, start by shortening
the sequence to four or eight steps until those steps are set, and then
gradually move the reset point to lengthen the loop until the desired
number of steps is playing.
Sequences do not have to be the same length, however, which makes for some
very interesting, less repetitive patterns, particularly when sequences are set to
odd and even numbers of steps.
Steps
S
1
e
q
2
u
e
3
n
c
4
e
1234
56789
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
v = step value; R = Reset
Sequence one has an additional value, Rest, that appears in the list after Reset.
Rest prevents the envelopes from being gated by the corresponding step, so a
rest in sequence one affects all four sequences. If the sequences are the same
length, rests will occur in the same place in all four sequences as they loop. If
the sequences are different lengths, the rests in sequence one apply to whatever
26
Dest. 1
Dest. 2
Dest. 3
Dest. 4
the current step happens to be in sequences two through four, resulting in a more
p
random-sounding pattern (which can be really cool). In the following example,
sequence one is 16 steps long and rests occur at steps 2, 6, 9, and 12. However,
sequence two is only eight steps long, so rests occur at steps 2 and 6 the first
time it plays through and then at steps 1 and 4—corresponding to steps 9 and 12
in sequence one—the first time it repeats. As sequence two loops, the rests will
continue in the same alternating pattern.
Steps
S
1
e
q
2
u
e
3
n
c
4
e
1234
56789
v = ste
value; r = rest; R = Reset
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Dest. 1
Dest. 2
Dest. 3
Dest. 4
Programming the Sequencer
Programming the sequencer is easy, but there are a few things to consider before
you start. Most importantly, what do you want the sequence to do and what
modulation destinations will provide the results you’re seeking? For example, is
the sequencer going to control oscillator frequency? One sequence can control
the frequency of both oscillators or one sequence can control oscillator 1 and
another sequence can control oscillator 2 for harmonies or countermelodies. A
typical application of the sequencer might have sequence one routed to the
frequency of both oscillators, sequence two routed to filter cutoff, sequence
three routed to filter resonance, and sequence four routed to amplifier envelope
amount for accents. Many of the factory programs have sequences programmed,
so you can refer to those to see how certain effects are being achieved.
The sequencer’s controls are indicated in orange type on the Prophet '08's front
panel. The G
Even when G
ATED SEQUENCER switch activates the sequencer. (Remember:
ATED SEQUENCER is on, you still have to play a note to hear the
sequence.) The other sequencer controls do double duty as synthesizer controls.
DIT SEQUENCER in Modulatorson (lit), the knobs labeled 1 through 16 in
With E
the Filter and Amp sections are used to set the values for each of the sequence's
16 steps. Switches 1 through 4 in Modulators select the sequence (labelled “Seq
Track”) to be edited. To set the destination for a sequence, choose the desired
sequence and use M
OD DEST to change the destination. See Modulation
Destinations on page 36 for a list of possible destinations.
27
To program a sequence:
1. Press the GATED SEQUENCER switch and press a key to play the
sequence. You may also want to adjust the C
LOCK DIVIDE and BPM
settings.
2. Press E
DIT SEQUENCER to enter sequence edit mode.
3. Select the sequence you want to program by pressing the appropriate
switch (1, 2, 3, or 4 in Modulators).
4. Select the destination for that sequence using the M
OD DEST. For
example, to generate a sequence of notes, select OscAllFreq.
When a sequence is routed to oscillator frequency, each knob increment
equals half of a semitone. The LCD display will show the relative note
value, with a “+” after it to show when at a half-semitone step.
5. Turn the Step 1 knob to the desired value.
As the sequence loops, you will hear your edits.
6. Repeat for each subsequent step in the sequence.
7. Choose another sequence and follow the same basic steps until you’re
happy with the results.
8. Dont forget to write your edits to memory! Sequences are saved with
the related program. Just press Write and then Yes to save the program
and sequences.
More Sequencer Parameters
The previous section covers the basics of sequencer programming, but there are
some additional parameters that affect the sound and user interaction with the
sequencer.
Slew
In modular analog synthesizers, a lag processor or slew limiter is used to create
a time-varying change—a smooth transition—between successive, discrete
control voltage levels. The rate of change is called the slew rate and one
common application is to create a glide (aka portamento) effect between notes.
Among the possible destinations for Prophet ’08 sequences two and four is a
sequence-only parameter called Slew. Slew behaves a little differently from the
other modulation destinations, in that it is not really a destination at all; instead,
it affects the sequence above it. That is, if Slew is the chosen destination for
28
sequence two, it controls sequence one, and Slew in sequence four controls
sequence three.
In the Prophet ’08’s sequencer, Slew sets the slew rate between the previous
step’s value and the current step’s value when the step is gated on. Confused
yet? This should help: let’s say sequence one is routed to oscillator frequency
and sequence two to Slew. Increasing the Slew value for step four will cause the
oscillator frequency to glide from the step three value when step four is gated
on. The higher the Slew value, the slower the slew rate. And the slew rate can be
different for each step. But its not just for oscillator glide. Slew can be applied to
any of the destinations. For example, sequence three could be routed to filter
cutoff with Slew in sequence four used to create a less abrupt transition from
one step to the next.
Note: Depending upon the BPM and Clock Divide settings, the slew rate
can actually exceed the time the envelopes are gated on, causing a step in
the affected sequence to not reach its set value. For example, if Slew is
applied to oscillator frequency, high Slew values may cause a step to
sound flat or sharp. If that’s not what you want, simply reduce the Slew
value.
Sequencer Trigger Modes
The Sequencer Trigger mode determines how the sequencer reacts to triggers
and what constitutes a trigger. Sequencer Trigger is found in the Miscellaneous
Parameters section. The different modes are:
Normal–A note on, from either the local keyboard or via MIDI, causes the
sequencer to play from the first step. The sequencer resets to step one each time
a new note is played. Each sequence step gates the envelopes.
No Reset–As above, but the sequencer does not reset to step one for each note
played. The sequencer is effectively free running.
No Gate–The keyboard gates the envelopes, but the sequencer does not. The
sequencer resets to step one each time a new note is played.
NoGateNR–As above, but the sequencer does not reset to step one for each note
played. Again, the sequencer is effectively free running.
Key Step–Striking any key or playing a note via MIDI advances the sequencer
one step.
Syncing an LFO to the Sequencer
One very useful way to modulate a parameter in sync with a sequence is using
an LFO with Clock Sync. A setting of 16 Steps for LFO Frequency with a
29
triangle wave selected and routed to the filter will provide a clean filter sweep
over a 16-step sequence, perfectly in sync! This is much easier (and smoother)
than manually programming a sequence to sweep the filter.
30
Arpeggiator
Arpeggiator—Turns Prophet ’08’s arpeggiator on and off. The tempo and note
value are determined by the BPM and Clock Divide settings. Arpeggiator Mode
is set in Miscellaneous Parameters. The different modes are:
Mode Behavior
Up
Down
Up Down
Assign
Random
2 Octaves Up
2 Octaves
Down
2 Octaves Up
Down
2 Octaves
Assign
2 Octaves
Random
3 Octaves Up
3 Octaves
Down
3 Octaves Up
Down
3 Octaves
Assign
3 Octaves
Random
Briefly hold the Arpeggiator switch down to latch arpeggiated notes. (The light
will blink when latched.) Playing additional notes while latched adds them to the
notes already playing.
Plays from lowest to highest note.
Plays from highest to lowest note.
Plays from lowest to highest and back to lowest.
Plays notes in the order keys were pressed.
Randomly plays notes.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one octave higher,
from lowest to highest.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one octave higher,
from highest to lowest.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one octave higher,
from lowest to highest and back to lowest.
Plays a keyed note, then the same note one octave higher,
in the order keys were pressed.
Randomly plays keyed notes and the same notes one
octave higher.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one and two octaves
higher, from lowest to highest.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one and two octaves
higher, from highest to lowest.
Plays keyed notes and the same notes one and two octaves
higher, from lowest to highest and back to lowest.
Plays a keyed note, then the same note one and two
octaves higher, in the order keys were pressed.
Randomly plays keyed notes and the same notes one and
two octaves higher.
The Arpeggiator can also be latched with a footswitch connected to the Sustain
jack. See “Sustain” in Global Parameters on page 7.
Note: You can only have any specific key play one time in the arpeggio.
That is, if you are latching keys, and hit the same note twice, it will only
latch the most recent hit.
31
The Arpeggiator (and Sequencer) can also sync to MIDI clock from an external
sequencer or other device. See “Clock” in Global Parameters on page 7 for
more information.
Note: If the arpeggiator does not seem to be working, check the G
LOBAL
settings to make sure Clock is set to Internal. If Clock is set to use an
external clock source, the Prophet '08 must be receiving MIDI clock
messages in order for the arpeggiator to run.
The tempo and note value are determined by the BPM and C
LOCK DIVIDE
Controls.
BPM: 30…250 – Sets the programmed tempo for the sequencer in BPM (beats
per minute).
Clock Divide: see table – Sets the note value for each sequence step relative to
the BPM.
Display Tempo Timing Division
Half
Quartr
Eighth
8 half
8swing
8 trip
16th
16half
16swng
16trip
32nd
32trip
64trip
BPM/2 Half note
BPM Quarter note
BPM x 2 Eighth note
BPM x 2 Eighth note, half swing timing
BPM x 2 Eighth note, full swing timing
BPM x 3 Eighth note triplets
BPM x 4 Sixteenth note
BPM x 4 Sixteenth note, half swing timing
BPM x 4 Sixteenth note, full swing timing
BPM x 6 Sixteenth note triplets
BPM x 8 Thirty-second note
BPM x 12 Thirty-second note triplets
BPM x 24 Sixty-fourth note triplets
32
Using Poly Chain
Poly Chain links two Prophet '08s or a Prophet '08 and one or two Tetras to
increase polyphony by intelligently processing the keys hit and passing MIDI
data through to the Poly Chain MIDI out jack.
You should have the same programs loaded into all the poly chained
instruments. The easiest way to do that is to use the Dump command in the
Global menu to dump the programs via MIDI from one synth to the other.
Note: Tetra ships with the Prophet factory programs already loaded into
banks one and two. The Prophet does not have Tetra’s sub-octave
generators or feedback, so for poly chaining it’s best to either use Prophet
programs or Tetra programs that don’t use those features.
The diagram below shows the possible configurations and the Poly Chain
settings for each of the instruments. Just use a standard MIDI cable to connect
one instrument to another.
You can now virtually ignore the slave unit, since the controls on the master will
control the poly chained unit(s) as if they were a single synth. This includes
saving a Program; if you save an edited program on the master, it will also save
the program on the slave.
Note: If using an external MIDI clock, set the master MIDI clock to
MIDI In/Out, and the Slave MIDI clock to MIDI In.
33
If Poly Chain is set to Off, the Poly Chain MIDI out jack simply duplicates the
MIDI out jack.
34
Rack Mounting the Module
The Prophet '08 module includes rack ears for mounting the module in a
standard, 19" equipment rack. The module itself is 4U (4 rack spaces) high. The
inputs and outputs are recessed, but it may be necessary to use angled plugs for
audio and MIDI to prevent the plugs and cables from interfering with a fifth
space above the module.
To rack mount the module:
1. Remove the six 1" 8-32 screws from the two wood end panels. Keep
the screws and end panels in a safe place, to revert back to the tabletop
configuration.
2. Using the six supplied 3/8" 8-32 flat-head screws, attach the rack ears
to each side of the module. Please note: It is very important to use the
shorter screws to attach the rack ears. Longer screws may damage the
internal components.
3. Connect the necessary cables (power, MIDI, audio, etc.).
4. Mount the module in the rack.
35
Modulation Destinations
Display Destination
Off
Osc 1 Freq
Osc 2 Freq
OscAllFreq
Osc Mix
NoiseLevel
Osc1 PulsW
Osc2 PulsW
Osc All PW
Low Pass
Resonance
Fil FM
UCA Level
Output Pan
LFO 1 Freq
LFO 2 Freq
LFO 3 Freq
LFO 4 Freq
LFOAllFreq
LFO 1 Amt
LFO 2 Amt
LFO 3 Amt
LFO 4 Amt
LFOAll Amt
Env 1 Amt
Env 2 Amt
Env 3 Amt
EnvAll Amt
Env1Attack
Env2Attack
Env3Attack
EnvAll Att
Env1 Decay
Env2 Decay
Env3 Decay
EnvAll Dec
Env1Releas
Env2Releas
No destination selected
Oscillator 1 Frequency
Oscillator 2 Frequency
Oscillator 1 and 2 Frequency
Oscillator Mix
Noise Level
Oscillator 1 Pulse Width
Oscillator 2 Pulse Width
All Oscillators Pulse Width
Low-pass Filter Frequency
Resonance
Audio Mod Amount
VCA Amount
Pan
LFO 1 Frequency
LFO 2 Frequency
LFO 3 Frequency
LFO 4 Frequency
All LFO Frequencies
LFO 1 Amount
LFO 2 Amount
LFO 3 Amount
LFO 4 Amount
All LFO Amounts
Envelope 1 Amount (Level)
Envelope 2 Amount (Level)
Envelope 3 Amount (Level)
All Envelope Amounts (Levels)
Envelope 1 Attack Rate
Envelope 2 Attack Rate
Envelope 3 Attack Rate
All Envelope Attack Rates
Envelope 1 Decay Rate
Envelope 2 Decay Rate
Envelope 3 Decay Rate
All Envelope Decay Rates
Envelope 1 Release Rate
Envelope 2 Release Rate
36
Env3Releas
EnvAll Rel
Mod 1 Amt
Mod 2 Amt
Mod 3 Amt
Mod 4 Amt
Seq Slew
Envelope 3 Release Rate
All Envelope Release Rates
The Prophet '08 receives MIDI data according to the mode controls under
LOBAL. In addition, there is interaction between some of the Program
G
parameters that determine the overall response of Prophet '08 to MIDI data.
Note: The Poly Chain output has a number of additional MIDI messages that are
sent when Poly Chain is enabled. These are not included in the MIDI summary
below, since they are specific to use in Poly Chain mode only.
Following are the Global parameters that affect response to MIDI:
MIDI Channel: ALL, 1…16 – Selects the MIDI channel to send and receive data,
1 to 16. All receives on any channel.
Poly Chain: Off, Out, In – Use this to link two Prophet '08s to double polyphony
by intelligently processing the keys hit and passing MIDI data through to the
Poly Chain MIDI out jack, where it can be routed to a second Prophet '08.
Local Control: Off, On – Enables or disables the internal connection between
the keyboard and panel controls and the synth electronics.
Clock: see table – Selects the MIDI clock status, and enables External
sequencer triggers, as follows:
Display MIDI Clock Setting
Internal
MIDI Out
MIDI In
MIDIn/Out
MIDI clock is neither sent nor received
MIDI clock is sent
MIDI clock is received
MIDI clock is received and transmitted (use
with Poly Chain)
MIDI Parameter Send: NRPN, CC, Off – Changes to the values of the Prophet
'08's front panel controls are transmitted via MIDI as Non-registered Parameter
Number (NRPN) controllers or as Continuous Controllers (CC). Transmission of
parameters can also be turned off.
MIDI Parameter Receive: All, NRPN, CC, Off –Sets the method by which the Prophet
'08 receives parameter changes via MIDI. As with transmission, NRPNs are the preferred method,
though some controllers may only be able to send CCs.
MIDI Program: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to MIDI program
changes received, and will transmit Program changes to MIDI Out.
MIDI Pressure: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to MIDI pressure
(aftertouch) received, and will transmit Keyboard Pressure to MIDI Out.
39
MIDI Control: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to MIDI controllers,
and will transmit controllers from the keyboard to the MIDI Out. Controllers
include Pitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, Pedal, Breath, Volume, and Expression.
MIDI SysEx: Off, On – When On, the synth will respond to received MIDI
SysEx messages, and will transmit them, when prompted, to the MIDI Out.
MIDI Messages
System Real-time Messages
Status Description
1111 1000 MIDI Timing Clock
Received Channel Messages
Status Second Third Description
1000 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0vvvvvvv Note Off. Velocity is ignored
1001 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0vvvvvvv Note On. Note off if vvvvvvv = 0
1010 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0vvvvvvv Polyphonic Key Pressure
1011 nnnn 0vvvvvvv 0vvvvvvv Control Change; see “Received Controller
1100 nnnn 0ppppppp Program change, 0 – 127 for Programs 1 – 128
1101 nnnn 0vvvvvvv Channel Pressure
1110 nnnn 0vvvvvvv 0vvvvvvv Pitch Bend LS Byte then MS Byte
Notes: 0kkkkkkk Note number 0 – 127
nnnn Channel number 0 to 15 (MIDI channel 1-16). Ignored if MIDI
1011 nnnn 32 0vvvvvvv Bank Select – 0 and 1 select banks 1 and 2;
40
Voice Volume
frequency
controller
others ignored
1011 nnnn 64 0vvvvvvv Damper pedal – holds envelopes in Sustain if
1011 nnnn 123 0vvvvvvv All Notes Off – clear all MIDI notes
1011 nnnn 121 0vvvvvvv Reset All Controllers – clears all MIDI controllers
0100 0000 or higher
to 0, MIDI volume to maximum
See sections below for additional Continuous Controller (CC) and Nonregistered Parameter Number (NRPN) messages received.
Transmitted Channel Messages
Status Second Third Description
1000 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0000000 Note Off.
1001 nnnn 0kkkkkkk 0vvvvvvv Note On.
1011 nnnn 0vvvvvvv 0vvvvvvv Control Change; see “Transmitted Controller
1100 nnnn 0ppppppp Program change, 0 – 127 for Programs 1 – 128
1101 nnnn 0vvvvvvv Channel Pressure
1110 nnnn 0vvvvvvv 0vvvvvvv Pitch Bend LS Byte then MS Byte
Notes: 0kkkkkkk Note number 0 – 127
nnnn Channel number 0 to 15 (MIDI channel 1-16). Ignored if MIDI
channel set to ALL
0vvvvvvv Value
Transmitted Controller Messages
Status Second Third Description
1011 nnnn 0000 0001 0vvvvvvv Mod Wheel
1011 nnnn 0000 0010 0vvvvvvv Breath Controller – when assigned to Pedal/CV
1011 nnnn 0000 0100 0vvvvvvv Foot Controller – when assigned to Pedal/CV
1011 nnnn 0000 0111 0vvvvvvv Volume – when assigned to Pedal/CV
1011 nnnn 0100 1010 0vvvvvvv Brightness – when assigned to Pedal/CV
1011 nnnn 0000 1101 0vvvvvvv Expression – when assigned to Pedal/CV
1011 nnnn 0010 0000 0vvvvvvv Bank Select – 0 to 2
1011 nnnn 0100 0000 0vvvvvvv Damper pedal – sends 0 if off, 0100 0000 when
Messages” table following
within current Bank
on
See sections below for additional Continuous Controller (CC) and Nonregistered Parameter Number (NRPN) messages transmitted.
Additional Continuous Controllers
(CCs) Transmitted/Received
The following table details how CCs are mapped onto the Prophet ’08’s
controls. They are transmitted when MIDI Parameter Send is set to CC in
Global, and recognized when received when MIDI Parameter Receive is set to
either CC or All in Global.
41
Parameter CC#
Osc 1 Frequency 20
Osc 1 Freq Fine 21
Osc 1 Shape 22
Glide 1 23
Osc 2 Frequency 24
Osc 2 Freq Fine 25
Osc 2 Shape 26
Glide 2 27
Osc Mix 28
Noise Level 29
Filter Frequency 102
Resonance 103
Filter Key Amt 104
Filter Audio Mod 105
Filter Env Amt 106
Filter Env Vel Amt 107
Filter Delay 108
Filter Attack 109
Filter Decay 110
Filter Sustain 111
Filter Release 112
NRPN Messages
Parameter CC#
VCA Level 113
Pan Spread 114
Amp Env Amt 115
Amp Velocity Amt 116
Amp Delay 117
Amp Attack 118
Amp Decay 119
Amp Sustain 75
Amp Release 76
Env 3 Destination 85
Env 3 Amt 86
Env 3 Velocity Amt 87
Env 3 Delay 88
Env 3 Attack 89
Env 3 Decay 90
Env 3 Sustain 77
Env 3 Release 78
BPM 14
Clock Divide 15
The Non-Registered Parameter Number (NRPN) MIDI messages are used to
transmit and receive both global and program parameters. They are transmitted
when MIDI Parameter Send is set to NRPN in Global, and recognized when
received when MIDI Parameter Receive is set to either NRPN or All in Global.
The messages are handled in standard MIDI format using the NRPN CC
commands in running status byte format. Below is the format used for
transmitting a NRPN parameter:
Transmitted NRPN Messages
Status Description
1011 nnnn Control Change
0110 0011 NRPN parameter number MSB CC
0vvv vvvv Parameter Number MSB
0110 0010 NRPN parameter number LSB CC
42
0vvv vvvv Parameter Number LSB
0000 0110 NRPN parameter value MSB CC
0vvv vvvv Parameter value MSB
0010 0110 NRPN parameter value LSB CC
0vvv vvvv Parameter value LSB
The parameter number can be found in the two tables below, one for Global
parameters, and the other for Program parameters. The parameter numbers and
the parameter values are broken into two 7-bit bytes for MIDI transmission; the
LSB has the seven least-significant bits, and the MSB has the seven mostsignificant bits, though in most cases the MSB will be zero or one, and never
more than two.
When receiving an NRPN, all messages do not necessarily need to be
transmitted, since the synth will track the most recent NRPN number, though it
is usually good practice to send the entire message above.
Once an NRPN is selected, the synth will also respond to NRPN Data Increment
and Decrement commands, which some controllers utilize. Finally, it responds
to one RPN (Registered Parameter Number) command, the RPN/NRPN Reset
command, which can be handy for resetting the currently selected parameter to a
known state.
Received NRPN Messages
Status Second Third Description
1011 nnnn
1011 nnnn
1011 nnnn 0000 0110 0vvvvvvv NRPN parameter value MSB CC
1011 nnnn 0010 0110 0vvvvvvv NRPN parameter value LSB CC
1011 nnnn
1011 nnnn
1011 nnnn 0010 0101 0111111 RPN parameter number MSB CC – Reset NRPN
1011 nnnn 0010 0100 0111111 RPN parameter number LSB CC – Reset NRPN
0110 0011
0110 0010
0110 0000
0110 0001
0vvvvvvv NRPN parameter number MSB CC
0vvvvvvv NRPN parameter number LSB CC
0xxxxxxx NRPN parameter value Increment
0xxxxxxx NRPN parameter value Decrement
parameter number (when both MSB and LSB
received)
parameter number (when both MSB and LSB
received)
Global Parameter Data
The following table shows the Global data that is sent and received on global
parameter dumps, and the corresponding NRPN number when sent/received
individually.
4 386 0 – 16 MIDI Channel; if = 0, data received on all MIDI
channels. Otherwise = channel number 1 – 16.
5 387 0 - 2 Poly Chain
0 No Chaining
1 Poly Chain Out
2 Poly Chain In
6 388 0 – 3 MIDI clock select
0 Use Internal clock, don’t send MIDI clock
1 Use Internal clock, send MIDI clock
2 Use MIDI clock In
3 Use MIDI clock In, and retransmit MIDI clock out
7 389 0 - 1 Local Control Off/On
8 390 0 - 2 Parameter Send:
0 NRPN
1 CC
2 Off
9 391 0 - 3 Parameter Receive:
0 All
1 NRPN only
2 CC only
3 Off
10 392 0 - 1 MIDI Program Send/Receive Off/On
11 393 0 - 1 MIDI Pressure Send/Receive Off/On
12 394 0 - 1 MIDI Controller Send/Receive Off/On
13 395 0 - 1 MIDI Sysex Send/Receive Off/On
14 396 0 - 5 Pedal Destination:
0 Foot Control
1 Breath Control
2 Expression
3 Volume
4 Filter Frequency
5 Filter Frequency / 2
The following table lists the Prophet ’08’s voice parameters. These are used for
the NRPNs and in the program and edit buffer dumps. Since most parameters
are present in both the A and B layers, they are listed side-by-side.
151 Sequence speed divided by 32
152 Sequence speed divided by 16
153 Sequence speed divided by 8
154 Sequence speed divided by 6
155 Sequence speed divided by 4
156 Sequence speed divided by 3
157 Sequence speed divided by 2
158 Sequence speed divided by 1.5
159 One cycle per step
160 Two cycles per three steps
161 Two cycles per step
162 One cycles per three steps
163 Four cycles per step
164 Six cycles per step
165 Eight cycles per step
166 Sixteen cycles per step
65 265 0 - 20 Mod 1 Source; See Modulation Source list below
66 266 0 - 254 Mod 1 Amount; -127 to +127
67 267 0 - 43 Mod 1 Destination; See Modulation Destination list
68 268 0 - 20 Mod 2 Source; See Modulation Source list below
69 269 0 - 254 Mod 2 Amount; -127 to +127
70 270 0 - 43 Mod 2 Destination; See Modulation Destination list
71 271 0 - 20 Mod 3 Source; See Modulation Source list below
72 272 0 - 254 Mod3 Amount; -127 to +127
73 273 0 - 43 Mod 3 Destination; See Modulation Destination list
74 274 0 - 20 Mod 4 Source; See Modulation Source list below
75 275 0 - 254 Mod 4 Amount; -127 to +127
76 276 0 - 43 Mod 4 Destination; See Modulation Destination list
77 277 0 - 43 Sequence 1 Destination; See ModDestination list
78 278 0 - 43 Sequence 2 Destination; See ModDestination list
list below
list below
list below
list below
below
below
below
below
below
below
47
79 279 0 - 43 Sequence 3 Destination; See ModDestination list
below
80 280 0 - 43 Sequence 4 Destination; See ModDestination list
below
81 281 0 - 254 Mod Wheel Amount; -127 to +127
82 282 0 - 43 Mod Wheel Destination; See ModDestination list
below
83 283 0 - 254 Pressure Amount; -127 to +127
84 284 0 - 43 Pressure Destination; See ModDestination list below
85 285 0 - 254 Breath Amount; -127 to +127
86 286 0 - 43 Breath Destination; See ModDestination list below
87 287 0 - 254 Velocity Amount; -127 to +127
88 288 0 - 43 Velocity Destination; See ModDestination list below
89 289 0 - 254 Foot Control Amount; -127 to +127
90 290 0 - 43 Foot Control Destination; See ModDestination list
Universal System Exclusive Message (Device Inquiry)
Status Description
1111 0000 System Exclusive (SysEx)
0111 1110 Non-realtime message
0vvv vvvv If MIDI channel is set to 1-16, 0vvvvvvv must match (unless MIDI Channel
0000 0110 Inquiry Message
0000 0001 Inquiry Request
1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX)
Prophet '08 responds with:
= ALL); always responds if 0vvvvvvv = 0111 1111.
Status Description
1111 0000 System Exclusive (SysEx)
0111 1110 Non-realtime message
0vvv vvvv If MIDI Channel = ALL, 0vvvvvvv = 0111 1111. Otherwise 0vvvvvvv =
Channel Number 0-15.
0000 0110 Inquiry Message
0000 0010 Inquiry Reply
0000 0001 DSI ID
0010 0011 Prophet '08 ID (Family LS) Note: Special Edition ID = 0010 0100
0000 0000 Family MS
0000 0000 Family Member LS
0000 0000 Family Member MS
0jjj nnnn Main Software version: jjj – Minor rev; nnnn – Major rev
51
0vvv vvvv Voice Software version LS
0vvv vvvv Voice MS
1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX)
Request Program Dump
Status Description
1111 0000 System Exclusive (SysEx)
0000 0001
DSI ID
0010 0011 Prophet '08 ID
0000 0101 Request Program Transmit
0000 00vv Bank Number, 0 – 1
0vvv vvvv Program Number, 0 – 127
1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX)
The Prophet '08 will respond by sending out the Program Data in the format
described below in Program Data Dump.
Request Program Edit Buffer Dump
Status Description
1111 0000 System Exclusive (SysEx)
0000 0001 DSI ID
0010 0011 Prophet '08 ID
0000 0110 Request Program Edit Buffer Transmit
1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX)
Prophet '08 will respond by sending out the current Program edit buffer in the
format described below in Program Edit Buffer Data Dump.
Request Global Parameter Dump
Status Description
1111 0000 System Exclusive (SysEx)
0000 0001 DSI ID
0010 0011 Prophet '08 ID
0000 1110 Request Global Parameter Transmit
1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX)
Prophet '08 will respond by sending out the current edit buffer in the format
described below in Global Parameters Data Dump.
52
Program Data Dump
Status Description
1111 0000 System Exclusive (SysEx)
0000 0001 DSI ID
0010 0011 Prophet '08 ID
0000 0010 Program Data
0000 00vv Bank Number, 0 – 1
0vvv vvvv Program Number, 0 – 127
0vvv vvvv 439 bytes in “packed MS bit” format (see page 54.)
1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX)
Program Edit Buffer Data Dump
Status Description
1111 0000 System Exclusive (SysEx)
0000 0001 DSI ID
0010 0011 Prophet '08 ID
0000 0011 Edit Buffer Data
0vvv vvvv 439 bytes in “packed MS bit” format (see page 54).
1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX)
Global Parameters Data Dump
Status Description
1111 0000 System Exclusive (SysEx)
0000 0001 DSI ID
0010 0011 Prophet '08 ID
0000 1111 Main Parameter Data
0vvv vvvv 38 nibbles (LS then MS) for 19 Global parameters. Global Parameters
are listed starting on page 43.
1111 0111 End of Exclusive (EOX)
Note: The Global Parameters Data Dump is not recognized when received; it is
only transmitted when requested. NRPN messages are used to change Globals.
53
Packed Data Format
Data is packed in 8 byte “packets”, with the MS bit stripped from 7 parameter
bytes, and packed into an eighth byte, which is sent at the start of the 8 byte
packet.
This explains why it takes 439 MIDI bytes to transmit 384 Program data bytes.
Packed MIDI data
54 55
Hidden Functions
Hold the PROGRAM switch and hit the +/YES switch to set the Program to a basic
patch, with most parameters set to zero. It does not save the sound in the current
program; it only changes all the parameters.
If you hold the E
DIT LAYER B switch while in Stack or Split, the EDIT LAYER B
switch will blink; this indicates you are now in Link Mode, which means that
any parameter you change will update that parameter in both Layer A and Layer
B. This can be handy while playing Stacked or Split programs in a live situation.
The following hidden functions are listed for information only; you should not
normally have to use these. To use these, hold the G
LFO 1 Switch – Displays the software versions for the Main and Voice
LOBAL switch and hit:
processors.
LFO 2 Switch – Calibrates the low pass filters and analog oscillator waveshapes.
LFO 3 Switch – Resets all Global parameters to factory settings
To calibrate the pitch and mod wheels:
1. Turn the mod wheel all the way off (down), and while also holding the
pitch wheel off, hold the Global switch and hit the Mod 1 switch.
2. Return the pitch wheel to center, and hold Global and hit the Mod 2
switch.
3. Move the Mod wheel all the way on (up), and while also holding the
pitch wheel all the way on, hold Global and hit the Mod 3 switch.
1210 Cabrillo Hwy N
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-1449
USA
www.DaveSmithInstruments.com
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