Dave Smith Instruments Evolver

It's a shame I have to start this review with the "Ease of Use" category, because the user interface of the Evolver is definitely it's weakest link. But at the same time, it's also the reason why such a feature-packed analog synthesizer can be price below $500, so my bank account welcomes the compromise.

The Evolver uses a "matrix" style table of parameters - you choose a row by selecting one of the 10 buttons on the left, and then the 8 knobs across the top will edit the corresponding parameters in each column. Each row actually has two sets of parameters, upper and lower - you toggle between them with the Shift button, either holding it down or tapping it twice quickly for "Shift hold". Not counting the two top rows (which are the Main and Sequencer parameters) this means that a total of 128 parameters are all crammed into a grid that's about 7 1/2 inches wide by 3 1/4 tall. While all of this is laid out in a straight-forward and logical manner, it's still pretty easy to get lost sometimes, i.e. think you are editing the Freq. Cutoff on row 3 when row 2 is actually selected. I've only had my Evolver for about 5 days now, so I'm sure I'll begin to get a feel for where everything is located without having to think about it much.

Perhaps the most confusing thing about the inteface is the 3-digit LED display (another cost-cutting feature). Once you grab a knob and start turning, the value of that particular parameter shows up in the display (Note: the knobs are endless rotary encoders with 'clicks' in them, NOT regular pots - so everytime you grab a new knob to change a different parameter, the very first 'click' will display the *current* value, then any further movement from there will begin to change that value). The LED display is fine for numerical values, but iit switches to an alphabetical code when it needs to, for such parameters as Modulation Source and Destination. Most of the "codes" make sense once you find out what they are (for inctance, "O1F" means Oscillator 1 Frequency) but you'll probably find yourself grabbing the manual a lot, at least in the beginning, just to look up the tables of codes in the back. All of this increases the learning curve, so that's why I've given it a 5 in this category.

Speaking of the maunal - I've done a lot more tweaking than reading up to this point, but each time I've had to look something up I found the answer fairly quickly, so I'd say the manual gets a thuumbs up.

The quick specs: This is a monophonic synth with 4 oscillators and a 4-track, 16-step Sequencer. The archetecture is hiybrid analog/digital: 2 analog OSC's / 2 digital OSC's (with waveshapes from the SCI Prophet VS included). The Amp and Filter sections are also analog. The signal chain (in stereo, by the way) gets converted to digital for other sections, such as multiple Delays, Feedback loops, bit reduction, etc.

The synthesizer section can definitely be described as "full-featured", with everything you would expect PLUS a few cool tricks that you don't normally see - the feedback loops comes to mind, for one. It has 3 Evelopes - one each for the Amp and Filter, plus a 3rd freely assignable one. 4 assignable LFO's. All of this means you've got a lot of options here - but it's the Step Sequencer that pushes the Evolver over the top. You get 4 tracks, each with a maximum of 16 steps. You can set each track to be a different length, for "evolving" patterns - not only that, but the list of Destinations is quite long, and you can even send each track of the sequencer to each individual oscillator! This means the Evolver can pull some really neat tricks for a "mono" synth, essentially sounding like a very complex and layered polyphonic sequence, all coming from one voice. Very nice. Having such a cool on-board sequencer also makes editing via the Evolver's front panel that much more inviting - I think I've only plugged in an external keyboard once.

The main reason why a few points were taken off in this category is that the sequencer will not transmit MIDI data. This is definitely a disappointment, but it's one I can live with since the internal sound engine is so extensive. I can't comment much on any other MIDI implimentation as I have mostly been using the Evolver by itself. I do know there is a "chain" feature that will let you connect multiple units together, essentially making a Polyphonic Evolver.

It's probably worth noting at this point that this machine isn't really ideal for on-stage tweaking, thouhg it could be done of course. And anyone looking for the next "groove box" should look elsewhere. This is definitely a SYNTH first, and a sequencer second. Not to mention there's no "Song" mode available, so you can't chain patterns together. If you send it a program change while a sequence is playing, the chage is fairyl quick...probably smooth enough to form a song, but you'd have to time the program change precisely because it won't wait until the end of the sequence to change. Also worth noting - there's a Reset button that will start any sequence over back at the beginning as soon as it's pressed.

I almost forgot to mention the Audio Inputs - there are two of them, for stereo processing of external signals. They show up near the OSC's in the signal path, so you can run any signal through most of the guts of the machine. The Filter section is comprised of 2 independant filters by the way...they can be linked for normal operation, or they can act separately on the Left/Right signal paths.

I must say that I had very high expectations for this synth ever since I heard it was in evelopment. Now that it here I can say that it has *surpassed* my expectations. Inside this little blue synth is a monster, often bordering on the edge of being uncontrollable, but always bringing a smile to my face. At it's core, I can definitely hear the signature characteristics of the Sequential Circuits family, but there are so many new features piled on that can take the sound in a completely different direction. It can sound bubbly and liquidy-smooth, or it can get as harsh and gritty as you want it to. There is a little red "Clip" LED, top and center, to let you know when the signal path is being overloaded - and I get the feeling sometimes that it's not really there as a warning so much as it is a goal. Thankfully the distortion sounds quite nice, to my ears anyway, and this could be thanks to the analog part of the chain sort of keeping the digital side in check.

The presets do a good job at showing off what the sequencer is capable of. Some of them will definitely make you second-guess the fact that this is really a MONO synth. There are even a handful of percussive loops that are quite impressive and suggest that this thing could be used for some evolving rhythms. The "traditional" type presets, i.e. meant to be played from a keyboard, show a balanced mix between the analog-types of sounds that a lot of people will want to hear, and the more "out there" kind of patches that remind you that this is no ordinary synth.

I think the sound could best be summed up by saying it's got a great deal of what made the 'vintage' analog synths great, but it takes it a few steps further. I don't think anyone has to worry about the Evovler sounding too much like any other synth they may already own. It definitely has it's own voice.

I've had it for less than ne week, so I can't really comment on this.
First impressions are fairly good though. The case feels very solid and seems to be put together very well - made with heavy guage metal, not plastic. The knobs aren't exactly rock-solid...they have a little wiggle in them, but not as bad as a few other synths I've owned (better than, say a Korg Electribe, for instance).

Dave Smith has always responded to my emails in a timely manner, even though I'm sure he's very busy. You couldn't ask for a nicer guy to deal with. He even offers a 30-day money back guarentee...THIS Evolver is staying right where it is though ;)
As for repairs, I'll post an update if it ever needs fixing...let's hope you don;t hear from me.

I sold my Sequential Pro-One in order to afford this, and I'm 99% happy with my choice. The hands-on user interface of those old analog synths, with one knobs for each function, would be the *only* thing I miss. But I knew what I was getting into with the Evolver, and the sound (and the sequencer!) more than make up for the interface. I'm having a LOT of fun with this thing. It can be very inspiring, and surprising at times too.

My music style: ambient / industrial / music for film
Other equipment: Korg Z1, Electribe ES-1 Sampler, E-mu EIII sampler, Roland Juno-60, Octave Kitten