Dave Smith Instruments Tempest
Product ID: 499217975
The Tempest by Dave Smith Instruments combines authentic analog and digital synthesis with an intuitive interface, 16 velocity/pressure-sensitive pads, and a powerful sequencer. It's an instrument clearly meant to extend the capabilities and expand the imaginative reach of beat-oriented musicians everywhere. Each of the 6 analog voices has 2 analog oscillators plus 2 digital oscillators (with a large bank of included samples), Dave's classic analog low-pass filter with audio-rate modulation, an additional high-pass filter, analog VCA with feedback, 5 envelopes, 2 LFOs, an extraordinary variety of analog modulation routings, and stunning sonic quality, warmth and punch. Although optimized for drum sounds, it excels at tuned sounds as well, and even doubles as a 6-voice analog synth. In addition to the 6 direct voice outputs, there are stereo mix outputs and phones outputs, plus 2 inputs for foot switches or expression pedals, MIDI in/out and USB.The performance-oriented operating system, 90 panel controls, and bright 256 x 64 OLED display work together to provide a tightly integrated, non-stop workflow: record a drumbeat in real-time, switch to another drumbeat and use the lit pads to record it using step programming, switch to another drumbeat and record tuned keyboard parts, use the 2 touch controllers to to record real-time note or beat-wide parameter animations, use the generous sound controls to edit any of the drum sounds, tweak the analog effects or drum mix, arrange beats in real time and record the live arrangement into a song, enter/exit Song mode and much more, all without ever stopping play.16 pressure- and velocity-sensitive lit pads are arranged in a 2x8 configuration, providing intuitive access to all your fingers and providing the ideal compromise between the popular 4x4 pad arrangement (popular for real time programming ) and 1x16 arrangement (popular for step programming) because Tempest does both. The pads can be used to play 32 drum sounds (2 bank
O**Z
To me the Tempest does one thing better than any other hardware or software or hybrid
Incredible, unique, and very deep music machine. To me the Tempest does one thing better than any other hardware or software or hybrid: sculpt complex and original analog+digital layered drum sounds. Other machines or methods may be more flexible, but Tempest has so much attitude and sounds like nothing else, in a very good way. The digital samples hit hard, the analog voices give sounds girth and vibe, and the sequencer is powerful and easy to use if you are willing to avoid MIDI and stay within the bounds of the machine(altho this is somewhat addressed with the release of OS 1.4) It has extremely fast envelopes ideal for percussion but I have also created basses, leads, and noise efx I am extremely pleased with. If you feel you need thousands of samples to sift thru or a sampler plus endless effects chains to create your sounds you had better stick with software or a sampler. If you are willing to learn the alchemy of drum synth programming, acquire a Tempest with confidence and get to work. It has the best feeling drum pads of any box I have owned or tried, extremely sensitive and expressive. I'm a lifelong acoustic piano player and I am very picky about touch and feel. Before owning the Tempest I never connected the way I wanted to with Akai, Korg, or Maschine pads but these pads are perfect for me. Bottom line, you can create nearly any sort of drum sound you can think of or come across IF you invest the time to do so and learn synthesis. Even better, the sound is fantastic!! Analog and alive, when in use the voices and sounds react to and with each other in very musical and pleasing ways. The analog distortion and compression add even more character, both able to range from subtle to savage. The act of creation on Tempest is hard to describe but I am certain of this, for me it is FAR more fun to create beats with this inspiring hardware than attempting to squeeze soul from a laptop. I bought this to replace Ableton Live for my percussion and (very simple) sequencing desires and I LOVE IT!!! Expect a steep learning curve as far as mastery of the machine, especially live performance. I think it is a new form of musical instrument and should be approached as such. How long did you spend getting acquainted, then mastering your first few songs with a guitar or keyboard? Give it time. Also, it's a great size to travel with!! I spend a lot of time away from home with my work so I bought the DSI case for it(perfect, by the way) and it goes with me on the road. I get waaaay more enjoyment banging on the Tempest and creating sounds than any TV time would bring. It may be too expensive and too demanding for a casual user but Tempest is unique, powerful, and lot of fun...I'm very happy with it.
K**N
Awesome!!!
This is an awesome analog drum machine. The fact that it has the original Linn Drum and Linn 9000 drum sounds in its ROM was reason enough for me to consider it. Beyond that the drum/percussion/Rhythm sounds you can produce are amazing. The analog signal path provides breathtaking warmth and depth. There is also a synth part that can be played separately in later updates. It is best to have a fair understanding of synthesis.Playing the pads are a joy. They are very responsive and can be thumped hard.The owner's manual is okay and has changed with the successive firmware updates. However, Roger Linn has a series of YouTube videos to help learn the instrument. watching the videos is highly recommended.Overall, this is not a beginner's instrument. But, Roger Linn's MPC 60 sampler for Akai wasn't for beginners and that is supposedly what DJ Shadow learned on.
J**E
It feels and controls like nothing else
The Tempest is in its own class. It feels and controls like nothing else. If your reading this you probably already know how its sounds, but it's important that you understand it's midi and back up limitations (which can be found on the DSI forums)Technical hiccups aside, I love my Tempest more than any product I have ever owned. Its has reinvigorated my love for music and completely changed my creative process.I absolutely love the Tempest but I us it as my main instrument. Those looking to add it to an already massive rig may not have the patience or attention required to really get the most out of one of this thing. It's a truly robust machine that requires a lot of time and care. Pre-set jockies, Dj's and casual jamm'ers look elsewhere.
S**E
Big, Fat, Warm sound! Wish you could load your own samples.
One of the best analog drum machines I've ever used - can also be used as a synthesizer, which is a nice plus. The performance and playability for a live setting on the Tempest absolutely top notch. The sound quality of this machine is big, round, and warm. It's really one of a kind in that regard. My only gripe is - you can't load your own samples. If that's a deal breaker, then check out the Elektron Rytm: http://www.amazon.com/Elektron-Analog-Rytm-8-Voice-Computer/dp/B00K2TM4PI?tag=watitstr-20Otherwise, this is an awesome investment and loads of fun.
U**1
the only drum machine you would ever need.. ...
the only drum machine you would ever need...able to replicate the tr808 909 707 linndrum machinedrum maschine and anything in between. The one stop shop, you can double it as an anolog synth. all available wave shapes and etc...
R**Y
this thing is sooo fun.
Awesomeness, this thing is sooo fun.
C**.
Five Stars
The only drum machine you will ever need
Trustpilot
3 days ago
4 days ago