Dave Smith Instruments Mopho (2008–2016)
A compact analog monophonic synthesizer with a hands-on design and a Push-It button for patch auditioning and tempo control.
Overview
The Dave Smith Instruments Mopho is an analog monophonic synthesizer, designed and built in San Francisco. It was introduced in 2008, and the desktop version stayed in production until 2016. There are several variants: the desktop module, the Mopho Keyboard with a 25-key keyboard, the 42-key Mopho SE, and the 4-voice polyphonic Mopho x4 with a 44-key keyboard. The Mopho x4 came out on August 2, 2012, and was produced until 2018. Every model has a Push-It button. It auditions patches, steps through sequences, or works as a tap-tempo input.
Specifications
| Production years | 2008 - 2016 |
| Original price (Desktop) | US $549 |
| Original price (Mopho Keyboard) | US $849 |
| Original price (Mopho x4) | US $1,299 |
| Original price (Mopho SE) | likely below $1,000 |
| Oscillators | 2x analog |
| Sub-octave generators | 1x 1 octave down |
| Filter | Curtis low-pass filter (switchable 2 or 4-pole), 24dB/octave |
| Filter type | multi-mode filter |
| Mopho x4 polyphony | 4-Voice |
| Mopho Keyboard | 25-Key |
| Mopho SE | 42-Key |
| Mopho x4 | 44-Key |
Design
The base Mopho is a desktop analog synth with two analog oscillators and a Curtis low-pass filter. The filter switches between 2- and 4-pole modes and has a 24dB/octave rolloff. There is also a multi-mode filter. The Push-It button auditions patches, steps through sequences, or acts as a tap-tempo button. The unit was designed and built in San Francisco.
Market
Used Mopho SE units sold for between $580 and $700 in excellent to mint condition between 2025 and 2026. The Mopho Keyboard typically goes for around $580 or higher, and pristine examples are listed between $600 and $750. A used Mopho Desktop was listed at $549. Forum opinion is mixed. Some users question its value in later years, and others call it a good synth.
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