Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

Hi all

Seems like I am the only person to be excited about the new PE kit for the PEK!!  Im about to order a kit ($400)

Interestingly, it looks like the old PEK has been dropped and now you can only buy the PEK PE.  Have DSI finally given up on the encoder concept?

ta,

Paul
London
www.punkdisco.co.uk

Paul, I can assure you that you are not the only one interested in the upgrade :) I'm waiting on getting a price back from someone who might be able to help a brotha out so to speak. As for the encoders that they use.... well they make a ~$2.5k instrument feel more like a $800 instrument in my opinion. Hard to sell something for that kinda cash when it feels like it'll snap with a simple slap across the ass. Buchla has the same problem. I wouldn't doubt if they used the same encoders. I demoed a buchla at noisebug a couple weeks ago and I was REALLY disappointed in the tactile feedback they provided - they were wobbly as hell and I really thought I would accidentally break one if I wasn't EXTRA careful. Anyway, some dude over at VSE installed the upgrade and said that he was very pleased with it - said they feel great and there is no loss in resolution from what he could tell. 

http://www.vintagesynth.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52336

-Jim/johans121




________________________________

From: Paul <forums@...>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, November 19, 2009 2:38:11 PM
Subject: [DSI Synths] PEK PE Kit / dropped line

  
Hi all

Seems like I am the only person to be excited about the new PE kit for the PEK!!  Im about to order a kit ($400)

Interestingly, it looks like the old PEK has been dropped and now you can only buy the PEK PE.  Have DSI finally given up on the encoder concept?

ta,

Paul
London
www.punkdisco. co.uk

Studio use, I am careful enough.
When I took the PEK and P'08 on the live gig in Oct, I was worried.
I had to remind myself, not to "get into it" or face a broken knob. Worst, transport them, same fear.

That is what turned me off the Alesis A6 many years back, the slop in the knobs. I never did get one.

I am not going to spend $400 however ... just not in my pocket for that ...

dale

band web pages
Inquisitor Betrayer
"Space Elevator" Get it at http://cdbaby.com/cd/inquisitorbetrayer 
http://www.inquisitorbetrayer.com , http://www.myspace.com/inquisitorbetrayer , http://www.PlanetOrigo.com and
iTunes http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=200365877

New group for Serious Musicians, Serious_Musicians@yahoogroups.com, for those
who want to spend less time marketing and more time making music

Escuchen a los Inquisitor - Musica para Inteligentes.
 Music is nothing if the audience is deaf.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: James Elliott 


  Paul, I can assure you that you are not the only one interested in the upgrade :) I'm waiting on getting a price back from someone who might be able to help a brotha out so to speak. As for the encoders that they use.... well they make a ~$2.5k instrument feel more like a $800 instrument in my opinion. Hard to sell something for that kinda cash when it feels like it'll snap with a simple slap across the ass. Buchla has the same problem. I wouldn't doubt if they used the same encoders. I demoed a buchla at noisebug a couple weeks ago and I was REALLY disappointed in the tactile feedback they provided - they were wobbly as hell and I really thought I would accidentally break one if I wasn't EXTRA careful. Anyway, some dude over at VSE installed the upgrade and said that he was very pleased with it - said they feel great and there is no loss in resolution from what he could tell. 

  http://www.vintagesynth.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52336

  -Jim/johans121




------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: Paul <forums@...>
  To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com

  Hi all

  Seems like I am the only person to be excited about the new PE kit for the PEK!! Im about to order a kit ($400)

  <snip>

No, you're not the only one as others have said...

I plan to upgrade when I get the cash and its wise to feedback about  
how well the upgrade feels and works.

I'm also hoping DSI will re-release the Poly rack and upgrade the OS  
to have a better combo mode.... I personally would like to see some  
sort of dynamically assigned voices if possible, like my SQ80 has  
which works great.

I did the upgrade and it's a vast improvement. It's very easy to install.
I also got the Prophet 08 knobs which feel much better.

I would like the Poly rack to be re-released (I still long for more 
voices), but I think a Tetra-sized 4-voice Evolver "expander" would be 
even better.

Joe McGinty





Mark Lewis wrote:
>
> No, you're not the only one as others have said...
>
> I plan to upgrade when I get the cash and its wise to feedback about
> how well the upgrade feels and works.
>
> I'm also hoping DSI will re-release the Poly rack and upgrade the OS
> to have a better combo mode.... I personally would like to see some
> sort of dynamically assigned voices if possible, like my SQ80 has
> which works great.
>
> 

-- 
Joe McGinty

http://www.esession.com/joemcginty 
http://www.joemcginty.com
http://www.myspace.com/joemcginty
http://www.carouselrecording.com
http://www.loserslounge.com

If they click, they are most likely like the desktop version. If they are smooth, then I would guess they are like the PEK. I haven't heard about an upgrade for the MEK, however DSI might let you know if you shoot them an email. They told me about the upgrade option for the PEK after my inquiry shortly after they released the one for the prophet 08.




________________________________
From: dustin sedlacek <dustin.sedlacek@...>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sat, November 21, 2009 5:01:02 PM
Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] Re:PEK PE Kit / dropped line

  
Would they have an upgrade for the mono keyboard? Are they the same encoders as the PEK?

Hi again.  I just got a reply from DSI.  I have order my kit but asked them about the knobs (which dont come with the kit).  The knobs cost another $109 and they are the same as the P08 knobs.

They have also asked if I can send them my old encoder boards, once I have replaced the them.  This is a good thing in terms of saving the world but surely there should be an incentive or even a condition of sale "you must return your existing boards".  I know the old boards have little value or use but I would have kept them as a source of spare encoders as not all encoders are replaced in the kit.  I think it would also be nice for possible future valve, being able to say "also comes with original encoder boards incase you want to swap".

Sure, I can still keep them but now I know they can be recycled, I know my conscience will make me return them.

So, $110 too much for a set of knobs (on top of the $400 kit)?

Paul
London
www.punkdisco.co.uk

No way! $110 for knobs to go along with a $400 kit? I would totally keep the old knobs if they fit. At this point its a question of form over function.. Sure, the new knobs are pretty and all, however I'm sure they don't really add to the pot twisting experience all that much! Also, at one point I messed around with different knobs on my PEK, and personally I don't think that black knobs with a chrome ring along the top would look good anyway. As a matter of fact, I think the flat-black knobs that came with it look the best. If the PEK had a black panel with white legending, like the pro one or prophet 5, I think the chrome chrome rings sitting above it would look great, however chrome against blue and yellow? Not for me.

As far as returning the boards. I'm kinda shocked that they just ask for them back without giving a discount on the knobs or the upgrade. They are simply going to use them to fix faulty boards sent in from customers. I understand about the recycling aspect - they will certainly reuse them, and I understand it will cut their costs thereby helping keep them in business. However, there might be a time when you decide that the upgrade isn't for you and maybe you want the old encoders back. Or, as you have already pointed out, you could also recycle the parts if you need to by scavenging encoders off of it yourself. If DSI were to promise, "Hey, if you send your encoder boards in, we'll send you encoders for free in the future in case you need them", then I might send it in - I mean that would be one less piece of junk I'd have to keep up with. However, you could make money off of it on day, and you can always pull encoders yourself given you know how to use
 a soldering iron. Don't know, that's a tough call.

Please share your impressions when you swap the boards out.

-Jim




________________________________

From: Paul <forums@...>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 9:26:31 AM
Subject: [DSI Synths] Re: PEK PE Kit / dropped line

  
Hi again.  I just got a reply from DSI.  I have order my kit but asked them about the knobs (which dont come with the kit).  The knobs cost another $109 and they are the same as the P08 knobs.

They have also asked if I can send them my old encoder boards, once I have replaced the them.  This is a good thing in terms of saving the world but surely there should be an incentive or even a condition of sale "you must return your existing boards".  I know the old boards have little value or use but I would have kept them as a source of spare encoders as not all encoders are replaced in the kit.  I think it would also be nice for possible future valve, being able to say "also comes with original encoder boards incase you want to swap".

Sure, I can still keep them but now I know they can be recycled, I know my conscience will make me return them.

So, $110 too much for a set of knobs (on top of the $400 kit)?

Paul
London
www.punkdisco. co.uk

I also think that $110 for knobs is a ripoff---look in any electronics catalog ... small plastic pot-knobs are generally under $1 each  some cast aluminum ones could be $2- retail.  You would think that DSI would get them in wholesale bulk too. I wouldnt be suprised if a fair price was actually half.  and to almost demand the old boards back-- like you had only licenced the use of DSI equipment. or that their patents would be pirated?  it seems odd, very odd . then again arent most encoders 3-6$ each out of a electronics catalog--- [if you buy one]? 

--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, James Elliott <johans121@...> wrote:

>
> No way! $110 for knobs to go along with a $400 kit? I would totally keep the old knobs if they fit. At this point its a question of form over function.. Sure, the new knobs are pretty and all, however I'm sure they don't really add to the pot twisting experience all that much! Also, at one point I messed around with different knobs on my PEK, and personally I don't think that black knobs with a chrome ring along the top would look good anyway. As a matter of fact, I think the flat-black knobs that came with it look the best. If the PEK had a black panel with white legending, like the pro one or prophet 5, I think the chrome chrome rings sitting above it would look great, however chrome against blue and yellow? Not for me.
> 
> As far as returning the boards. I'm kinda shocked that they just ask for them back without giving a discount on the knobs or the upgrade. They are simply going to use them to fix faulty boards sent in from customers. I understand about the recycling aspect - they will certainly reuse them, and I understand it will cut their costs thereby helping keep them in business. However, there might be a time when you decide that the upgrade isn't for you and maybe you want the old encoders back. Or, as you have already pointed out, you could also recycle the parts if you need to by scavenging encoders off of it yourself. If DSI were to promise, "Hey, if you send your encoder boards in, we'll send you encoders for free in the future in case you need them", then I might send it in - I mean that would be one less piece of junk I'd have to keep up with. However, you could make money off of it on day, and you can always pull encoders yourself given you know how to use
>  a soldering iron. Don't know, that's a tough call.
> 
> Please share your impressions when you swap the boards out.
> 
> -Jim
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> From: Paul <forums@...>
> To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 9:26:31 AM
> Subject: [DSI Synths] Re: PEK PE Kit / dropped line
> 
>   
> Hi again.  I just got a reply from DSI.  I have order my kit but asked them about the knobs (which dont come with the kit).  The knobs cost another $109 and they are the same as the P08 knobs.
> 
> They have also asked if I can send them my old encoder boards, once I have replaced the them.  This is a good thing in terms of saving the world but surely there should be an incentive or even a condition of sale "you must return your existing boards".  I know the old boards have little value or use but I would have kept them as a source of spare encoders as not all encoders are replaced in the kit.  I think it would also be nice for possible future valve, being able to say "also comes with original encoder boards incase you want to swap".
> 
> Sure, I can still keep them but now I know they can be recycled, I know my conscience will make me return them.
> 
> So, $110 too much for a set of knobs (on top of the $400 kit)?
> 
> Paul
> London
> www.punkdisco. co.uk
>

the board return sounds weird don't get it, if you pay full price for 
the pe board
to me it only seems a deal, where you only pay for postage + a bit extra 
for the pe board and send the encoderboard(s) backs.
sorry but i'm not going to pay 400 for a pe booard and send the 
encoderboard back (still like the option of having both around), which i 
paid for when buying the synth, it isn't their property anymore since it 
left the factory, it's their fault that the encoders didn't work out as 
hoped, not the costumers!

> I also think that $110 for knobs is a ripoff---look in any electronics 
> catalog ... small plastic pot-knobs are generally under $1 each some 
> cast aluminum ones could be $2- retail. You would think that DSI would 
> get them in wholesale bulk too. I wouldnt be suprised if a fair price 
> was actually half. and to almost demand the old boards back-- like you 
> had only licenced the use of DSI equipment. or that their patents 
> would be pirated? it seems odd, very odd . then again arent most 
> encoders 3-6$ each out of a electronics catalog--- [if you buy one]?
>
> --- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com 
> <mailto:DSI_Evolver%40yahoogroups.com>, James Elliott <johans121@...> 
> wrote:
> >
> > No way! $110 for knobs to go along with a $400 kit? I would totally 
> keep the old knobs if they fit. At this point its a question of form 
> over function.. Sure, the new knobs are pretty and all, however I'm 
> sure they don't really add to the pot twisting experience all that 
> much! Also, at one point I messed around with different knobs on my 
> PEK, and personally I don't think that black knobs with a chrome ring 
> along the top would look good anyway. As a matter of fact, I think the 
> flat-black knobs that came with it look the best. If the PEK had a 
> black panel with white legending, like the pro one or prophet 5, I 
> think the chrome chrome rings sitting above it would look great, 
> however chrome against blue and yellow? Not for me.
> >
> > As far as returning the boards. I'm kinda shocked that they just ask 
> for them back without giving a discount on the knobs or the upgrade. 
> They are simply going to use them to fix faulty boards sent in from 
> customers. I understand about the recycling aspect - they will 
> certainly reuse them, and I understand it will cut their costs thereby 
> helping keep them in business. However, there might be a time when you 
> decide that the upgrade isn't for you and maybe you want the old 
> encoders back. Or, as you have already pointed out, you could also 
> recycle the parts if you need to by scavenging encoders off of it 
> yourself. If DSI were to promise, "Hey, if you send your encoder 
> boards in, we'll send you encoders for free in the future in case you 
> need them", then I might send it in - I mean that would be one less 
> piece of junk I'd have to keep up with. However, you could make money 
> off of it on day, and you can always pull encoders yourself given you 
> know how to use
> > a soldering iron. Don't know, that's a tough call.
> >
> > Please share your impressions when you swap the boards out.
> >
> > -Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: Paul <forums@...>
> > To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com <mailto:DSI_Evolver%40yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 9:26:31 AM
> > Subject: [DSI Synths] Re: PEK PE Kit / dropped line
> >
> >
> > Hi again. I just got a reply from DSI. I have order my kit but asked 
> them about the knobs (which dont come with the kit). The knobs cost 
> another $109 and they are the same as the P08 knobs.
> >
> > They have also asked if I can send them my old encoder boards, once 
> I have replaced the them. This is a good thing in terms of saving the 
> world but surely there should be an incentive or even a condition of 
> sale "you must return your existing boards". I know the old boards 
> have little value or use but I would have kept them as a source of 
> spare encoders as not all encoders are replaced in the kit. I think it 
> would also be nice for possible future valve, being able to say "also 
> comes with original encoder boards incase you want to swap".
> >
> > Sure, I can still keep them but now I know they can be recycled, I 
> know my conscience will make me return them.
> >
> > So, $110 too much for a set of knobs (on top of the $400 kit)?
> >
> > Paul
> > London
> > www.punkdisco. co.uk
> >
>
> 


-- 
http://xpluszequalszero.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/wravenveerendegebarstehoofden

For some reason I'm thinking that something is getting misconstrued. I don't think DSI is trying to force anyone to send in their old boards. I think they are just asking for them. Maybe I'm mistaken. Regardless, if I upgrade my PEK I am not sending in the old encoder boards. I paid for them, therefore they are mine.

----- Original Message ----
From: X + Z = 0 <xpluszequalszero@...>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 2:19:59 PM
Subject: Re: [DSI Synths] Re: PEK PE Kit / dropped line

the board return sounds weird don't get it, if you pay full price for 
the pe board
to me it only seems a deal, where you only pay for postage + a bit extra 
for the pe board and send the encoderboard(s) backs.
sorry but i'm not going to pay 400 for a pe booard and send the 
encoderboard back (still like the option of having both around), which i 
paid for when buying the synth, it isn't their property anymore since it 
left the factory, it's their fault that the encoders didn't work out as 
hoped, not the costumers!

> I also think that $110 for knobs is a ripoff---look in any electronics 
> catalog ... small plastic pot-knobs are generally under $1 each some 
> cast aluminum ones could be $2- retail. You would think that DSI would 
> get them in wholesale bulk too. I wouldnt be suprised if a fair price 
> was actually half. and to almost demand the old boards back-- like you 
> had only licenced the use of DSI equipment. or that their patents 
> would be pirated? it seems odd, very odd . then again arent most 
> encoders 3-6$ each out of a electronics catalog--- [if you buy one]?
>
> --- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com 
> <mailto:DSI_Evolver%40yahoogroups.com>, James Elliott <johans121@...> 
> wrote:
> >
> > No way! $110 for knobs to go along with a $400 kit? I would totally 
> keep the old knobs if they fit. At this point its a question of form 
> over function.. Sure, the new knobs are pretty and all, however I'm 
> sure they don't really add to the pot twisting experience all that 
> much! Also, at one point I messed around with different knobs on my 
> PEK, and personally I don't think that black knobs with a chrome ring 
> along the top would look good anyway. As a matter of fact, I think the 
> flat-black knobs that came with it look the best. If the PEK had a 
> black panel with white legending, like the pro one or prophet 5, I 
> think the chrome chrome rings sitting above it would look great, 
> however chrome against blue and yellow? Not for me.
> >
> > As far as returning the boards. I'm kinda shocked that they just ask 
> for them back without giving a discount on the knobs or the upgrade. 
> They are simply going to use them to fix faulty boards sent in from 
> customers. I understand about the recycling aspect - they will 
> certainly reuse them, and I understand it will cut their costs thereby 
> helping keep them in business. However, there might be a time when you 
> decide that the upgrade isn't for you and maybe you want the old 
> encoders back. Or, as you have already pointed out, you could also 
> recycle the parts if you need to by scavenging encoders off of it 
> yourself. If DSI were to promise, "Hey, if you send your encoder 
> boards in, we'll send you encoders for free in the future in case you 
> need them", then I might send it in - I mean that would be one less 
> piece of junk I'd have to keep up with. However, you could make money 
> off of it on day, and you can always pull encoders yourself given you 
> know how to use
> > a soldering iron. Don't know, that's a tough call.
> >
> > Please share your impressions when you swap the boards out.
> >
> > -Jim
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: Paul <forums@...>
> > To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com <mailto:DSI_Evolver%40yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 9:26:31 AM
> > Subject: [DSI Synths] Re: PEK PE Kit / dropped line
> >
> >
> > Hi again. I just got a reply from DSI. I have order my kit but asked 
> them about the knobs (which dont come with the kit). The knobs cost 
> another $109 and they are the same as the P08 knobs.
> >
> > They have also asked if I can send them my old encoder boards, once 
> I have replaced the them. This is a good thing in terms of saving the 
> world but surely there should be an incentive or even a condition of 
> sale "you must return your existing boards". I know the old boards 
> have little value or use but I would have kept them as a source of 
> spare encoders as not all encoders are replaced in the kit. I think it 
> would also be nice for possible future valve, being able to say "also 
> comes with original encoder boards incase you want to swap".
> >
> > Sure, I can still keep them but now I know they can be recycled, I 
> know my conscience will make me return them.
> >
> > So, $110 too much for a set of knobs (on top of the $400 kit)?
> >
> > Paul
> > London
> > www.punkdisco. co.uk
> >
>
> 


-- 
http://xpluszequalszero.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/wravenveerendegebarstehoofden 



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

> I don't think DSI is trying to force anyone to send in their old boards.
> I think they are just asking for them. Maybe I'm mistaken. Regardless,
> if I upgrade my PEK I am not sending in the old encoder boards.

Hi - yes, for sure, returning them is optional and they make that quite clear.

I just think (and I have asked them) that they should have a little incentive. I hope that does not sound greedy but like you say, we have paid for the old PCBs and there are benefits to us in keeping them (all be it, small benefits). In terms of saving the world, the right thing to do is return them, but not if it means you could one day lose out because of it..

I really think they should say: $400 or, say,  $350 if you return the old PCB..

Paul
London
www.punkdisco.co.uk

I asked that recently. Apparently, there is a PE upgrade kit coming for the MEK, but it won't be available until next summer.

--- In DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com, dustin sedlacek <dustin.sedlacek@...> wrote:

>
> Would they have an upgrade for the mono keyboard? Are they the same encoders
> as the PEK?
>

Good luck with the upgrade! Keep us posted with your impressions!!

-Jim




________________________________

From: Paul <forums@...>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, November 27, 2009 12:01:07 PM
Subject: [DSI Synths] Re:PEK PE Kit / dropped line

  
Summer = sucks!

Btw, my kit has arrived and for you UK people, here are the total costs you will pay (exchange rate of 1.66)

Kit including postage: £280
All duties: £62
Total = £342

Using the same sort of import ratios (20%), the Knobs will cost an extra £85!!

Total with Knobs = £427

So, not quite as cheap as I originally imagined when I saw the $400 cost.  400 / 1.66 = £240 

Paul
London
www.punkdisco. co.uk

Has anyone here taken a stab at the "Beat It" gong sound on the PEK? 
Seems entirely do-able, any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks,

Joe
>
> 

-- 
Joe McGinty

http://www.esession.com/joemcginty 
http://www.joemcginty.com
http://www.myspace.com/joemcginty
http://www.carouselrecording.com
http://www.loserslounge.com

So, Paul, what do you think about the upgrade? What are your impressions?

-Jim




________________________________

From: Paul <forums@....uk>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, November 27, 2009 12:01:07 PM
Subject: [DSI Synths] Re:PEK PE Kit / dropped line

  
Summer = sucks!

Btw, my kit has arrived and for you UK people, here are the total costs you will pay (exchange rate of 1.66)

Kit including postage: £280
All duties: £62
Total = £342

Using the same sort of import ratios (20%), the Knobs will cost an extra £85!!

Total with Knobs = £427

So, not quite as cheap as I originally imagined when I saw the $400 cost.  400 / 1.66 = £240 

Paul
London
www.punkdisco. co.uk

Hi Jim

> So, Paul, what do you think about the upgrade? What are your
> impressions?

Unfortunately, it is a Christmas present to myself from my girlfriend so, I dont get it until 25th :(

I do know that the more I use the PEK, the more I dislike the pots; they feel to me like a controller for a VST rather than the instant feel of a regular knob.  I turn a pot and the sound does not change as expected so I look at the LCD to see that I have only moved the value 30% of what I expected.

but time will tell..

Paul
London
www.punkdisco.co.uk

Alright Mr. Paul... christermeka is ova, tell us about dat PEK pot skit maing!

What about it?

-Jim




________________________________

From: Paul <forums@...>
To: DSI_Evolver@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, December 8, 2009 3:15:03 PM
Subject: [DSI Synths] Re: PEK PE Kit

  


Hi Jim

> So, Paul, what do you think about the upgrade? What are your
> impressions?

Unfortunately, it is a Christmas present to myself from my girlfriend so, I dont get it until 25th :(

I do know that the more I use the PEK, the more I dislike the pots; they feel to me like a controller for a VST rather than the instant feel of a regular knob.  I turn a pot and the sound does not change as expected so I look at the LCD to see that I have only moved the value 30% of what I expected.

but time will tell..

Paul
London
www.punkdisco. co.uk