Dave Smith Instruments has released version 1.3 of the operating system for the Prophet 12 hybrid digital/analog polysynth. The update adds a number of requested features, notably:
- Classic linear FM synthesis
- Support for up to 16 alternate tunings (a set of 16 popular tunings is included)
- MIDI note output from the arpeggiator
- Assignable voice stacking in unison mode
- New modulation destinations
The addition of linear FM is a key feature of the upgrade and significantly expands the tonal palette of the Prophet 12. Linear FM (frequency modulation) was originally popularized in Yamaha’s classic DX-series of instruments and is well-suited to creating a wide range of sounds ranging from percussive bell-like timbres to hard-edged industrial effects.
OS 1.3 ships with newly purchased instruments. It is also available for download from the company’s website for users wishing to upgrade instruments with older versions of the OS. The upgrade is compatible with both the keyboard and the desktop/module version of the Prophet 12.