DSI - DSM02 Character Module

The DSI - DSM02 Character Module is the digital sound-processing unit that had only been available in Dave Smith Instruments desktop synths before, but now they can be integrated to any system in the eurorack format. If you were after your favourite effects in DSI synths, here they are in a more affordable and accessible format!

The Eurorack-format module provides an eclectic assortment of five digital effects, ranging from subtle to aggressive for shaping, twisting, and mangling sound. These effects, Girth, Air, Decimate, Hack, and Drive form a significant component in Smith’s acclaimed Pro 2 and Prophet 12 synthesizers.

“The Character section of the Pro 2 and Prophet 12 is a fundamental part of what gives those instruments their unique sound,” says Smith. “As our users know, those effects can take you from nice to nasty with the turn of a knob. We wanted to make it easy and affordable for modular users to inject some of that character into their rigs.”

“Girth” and “Air” provide sophisticated low- and high-frequency harmonic enhancement, respectively, for polishing and refining a sound. “Decimate” performs sample rate reduction for adding lo-fi grunge. “Hack” is a bit crusher capable of trashing an otherwise clean signal nearly beyond recognition. And lastly, “Drive” adds overdrive and saturation, with warmth at one end of the knob and intense harmonic overload at the other.

The DSM02 module is a 14HP wide, standard Eurorack-format device with interconnections made using 3.5 mm phone jacks. A carefully designed set of inputs allow individual voltage control of effect levels. The module provides two independent audio inputs and two independent audio outputs with shared control, allowing for either mono or stereo operation. The digital signal path provides full 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution for superior audio fidelity.

As DSI’s Andrew McGowan puts it, “The modular scene is exploding with possibilities. We’ve got a lot of really creative and expressive tools to offer musicians in that world. Our Curtis Filter module was our first contribution and users snapped it up immediately. This time we wanted to do something a little more esoteric—but still fundamental to the Dave Smith sound. We think the modular crowd is going to love it.”