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Music Production

Dave Smith Tempest: Our Review

Photograph of the blog post author, Music Gateway Team

Music Gateway Team

15.2.2023

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What Is The Dave Smith Tempest? 

The Dave Smith Tempest is a drum machine and synthesizer that was first released in 2012. It is the first analogue drum machine since the classic Roland TR-909 and was designed by legendary synthesizer designer Dave Smith. The Tempest is a powerful and versatile instrument that can be used to create a wide range of sounds and musical styles.

What Are The Features Of The Dave Smith Tempest?

The Dave Smith Tempest drum machine has plenty of features, these include;

  • 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for playing and programming beats
  • 16-part polyphony with up to 64 steps per sequence
  • Six analogue drum voices with individual outputs
  • Digital reverbs and delays for each voice
  • MIDI and DIN sync for connecting to other devices
  • USB connectivity for computer-based production
  • Onboard sequencer with real-time and step-time recording
  • Assignable outputs for mixing and routing to external devices
  • Built-in effects including distortion, chorus, and EQ
  • Comprehensive editing capabilities for creating unique sounds
  • Dedicated control knobs and buttons for easy navigation

Pros

There are so many pros of this analogue drum machine, so we have tried to combine them all here for you in an easy-to-process list:

  • High-quality samples: The Dave Smith Tempest drum machine offers high-quality samples that can be used to create realistic and professional-sounding drum tracks.
  • Versatility: The Dave Smith Tempest drum machine is very versatile and can be used to create a wide range of drum sounds.
  • User-friendly: The Dave Smith Tempest drum machine is user-friendly and easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced producers.
  • Durability: The Dave Smith Tempest drum machine is built to last and is made of high-quality materials that will ensure it stands the test of time.
  • Affordable: The Dave Smith Tempest drum machine is relatively affordable compared to other drum machines on the market.

Cons

I feel that we should mention some of the cons of this analogue drum machine – and it has to be said the pros outweigh the cons, but these are concepts that need improvement; 

  • Limited range of sounds: The Tempest only has a limited range of sounds and does not offer the same variety of sounds as other drum machines.
  • Limited connectivity: The Tempest does not have a MIDI connection, meaning it cannot be connected to other devices for more advanced sound manipulation.
  • Cost: The Tempest is quite expensive compared to other drum machines on the market.

Our Verdict

That is our review! I hope you enjoyed it and learned something about this device. It is a powerful and versatile tool for creating and producing beats. It features a wide range of sounds and effects, as well as a variety of sequencing options. It is also highly customizable, allowing users to customize the sounds and effects to their liking. 

The Tempest also has an excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for producers and beat makers. All in all, the Dave Smith Tempest is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile drum machine.

Click here to purchase your own Dave Smith Tempest.


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