Peavey DPM4

Using version 1.05b, the DPM4 has potential. The sounds are not what you find on a typical keyboard. Although if I'd wanted a typical keyboard I'd have bought one of the many vanilla synths that are being sold today. Sounds are... ok. The positive parts about this board is the programability. I find that the board really sings when I edit the sounds to what is needed. I've designed very convincing electric guitar and sax sounds. These are not your typical "Oh that's a synth" sound, too. These are hardline "never knew it was a synth" type sounds. Manuals are well built and explain all parameters with instructions implicitly

Polyphony runs the 32 voice, 16 using two oscillator gammut. Well built relatively identifiable interface makes programming easy. I've been using this baord since I updated it from a DPM3 and the action has always been excellent. Built in effects can express up to four different effects. Many are excellent. My electric guitar would not be what it is without that distortion effect! But, Peavey stuck it's old sounding plate reverb in there which can be pleasing if it's set up correctly. Expansion capabilities are numerous. With the SX sample expansion, you can use the keyboard as a simple sampler much like the K2000. Believe it or not, this keyboard actually contained that type of capability BEFORE the K2000 was released. The unit also contains an on board sequencer. 8 tracks. You get into a beat once you get all the menus down. Good scratchpad... I use a Mac. Get a Mac. It's easier.

Sounds are terribly realistic - With programming - Again, the electic guitars and some acoustical instruments really shine. SHOOT the piano. I use a JV880 for that. Great sounds for "etheral" type stuff. Good drums, too. Velocity and aftertouch routing is great. I can really get some great modulation going with this thing.

This sucker was built like a tank. Get a crane and save your back! The nice thing is it is using common transistors and circuits. If I need something to repair it with, I just run down to an electronic supply store and grab what I need. I have never had to do this, though. Use it without a backup? This thing needs no backup. Heck, it CRUSHED the backup!

Nonexistent. Lots of nods and "Yessir","Nosir". But the thing is designed with sysex. I can't get a "Stop button" in the interface because of a design error. I've called Peavey for the last 2 years about an update. They have simply ignored all requests

I wouldn't buy again with what else is out there for the cost. But, when I did it sure did the trick. The sounds are still fresh. Having the sample expander really helps. It's a great "filler" board with lots of power under the hood. It's also a good starter board with plenty of options. I do wish Peavey would fix the dings before they trample off to some other project. This board has a great following of people that need that help.