Dave Smith Instruments Tempest (2011)

An analog drum machine co-designed by Dave Smith and Roger Linn, released in 2011 with hybrid sound generation and real-time recording.

Overview

The Dave Smith Instruments Tempest is an analog drum machine built in collaboration with Roger Linn. It was sold as a performance instrument for making electronic beats. Production started in 2011 and officially ended in 2020. It has six voices that mix analog and digital sound generation, velocity-sensitive pads and a bright LED display. It is a standalone box, built around hands-on control and real-time pattern recording.

Specifications

Product type	Analog Drum Machine
Production year	2011
Display	bright LED display
Recording	real time recording
Polyphony	6
Oscillators	2 DCOs
Waveforms	analogue and digital waveforms
Filter type	24db analog LP, 12db digital
Velocity sensitive	Yes
Dimensions	15.4″ L x 9″ W x 2.5″ H (39.1 cm x 22.8 cm x 6.4 cm)
Weight	6.5 lb. (2.95 kg)
Original price	$1199

Design

The Tempest uses a hybrid sound engine, part analog and part digital. It has six voices, and each voice gets two digitally controlled oscillators. The filtering is a 24dB analog low-pass filter plus a 12dB digital filter. The front panel has velocity-sensitive pads and a bright LED display that shows you what you're programming.

Context

Dave Smith and Roger Linn conceived the Tempest together. It was positioned as a premium standalone drum machine for performers and producers who wanted deep synthesis control over their drum sounds. It was removed from production in 2020.

Market

Used Tempests have gone up in value since they were discontinued, with listings between $1,145 and $1,700. A retired instrument from a respected designer partnership helps its collectibility.

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