novation peak and sequetial rev.2

[lsj]

wondering if purchasing a rev.2 is a good move since I do have a novation peak(plus several other synths).  is the rev,2 very close in sound to the peak?  

[David Emm]

That depends on two things:

 

 1. What do you currently have?

 2. Why?

 

The Rev 2 seems to improve on the Prophet 08 enough that its become common among those who didn't have the need (or $) for a real P-5. It covers a lot of analog territory while retaining a certain digital edge, whereas the Peak is a superior digital synth that can be coaxed into analog duty. There's a definite crossover point where you benefit from a best-of-both flavor. Its up to your ear and how many stylistic areas you want to cover.  

 

Having owned three different Prophets and a Tera, my take is that while they can do impressive leads and colorful effects, they really shine at lively poly mega-pads. Those always support everything else that's going on, yet they remain distinct without stepping on the other frequencies. Speaking in an orchestral sense, they're like French horns. They're nice and rich solo, but three or four together are, um, bitchin' boss soul. 💪

 

So review what you already have to avoid duplicating your efforts and then consider what a new poly will do (or won't do) for the spot you're seeking to fill. 

 

Warning: Never MIDI a Prophet-12 and Oberheim Matrix-12 together. That's a starter node for SKYNET. 😬

 

 

 

[benj2017]

5 hours ago, David Emm said:

Having owned three different Prophets and a Tera, my take is that while they can do impressive leads and colorful effects, they really shine at lively poly mega-pads.

 

 

I have not dug too much into the Rev2 yet, but I own the 16-voice and it seems like there is infinite potential for creating complex layered/evolving pads, and the 16 voice feature adds the capability for playing pretty lush harmonies without losing notes.

[Stokely]

I own the Summit but tend to use it in single mode, so (basically) a Peak with a few extra features.

I only bought that when Sweetwater gave me an unexpected deal, otherwise I was all set on the Prophet rev 2.  My buddy ended up getting the rev2 so it was interesting to compare.

Someone mentioned presets....out of the gate, there were very few "bread and butter" synth presets in the Summit.  Not sure about the Peak.  A LOT of atonal, wandering stuff great for doing avante garde film soundtracks but not so hot for cover songs!     Novation does provide an excellent web-based librarian though so it was very easy for me to compile some good patches, not to mention it comes with a bunch of provided banks to pick and choose from.  My friend didn't have anything like that for the rev2.   Having a librarian wasn't even a minor concern for me going in, but it turned out to be a really important and useful feature.

I'm very sure I would have been happy with either.  I've always loved the Prophet (and Oberheim too!) sound going way back.  In retrospect I kind of wish I'd gotten a Peak instead as I only want to bring two keyboards yet the Summit isn't really something I can use on most of our songs.  When I DO get a synth-heavy song though, it's great.  I would have made more sense to have a workstation + clonewheel with the Peak midied in.