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| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
The typical street price on the RME is only $2295.
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That's right. I keep forgetting about the RME version. 
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
I have a Poly Evolver Rack (and a Mono Evolver Keyboard) and I actually like it a lot, BUT, a lot of people buy these thinking that, because it's analog (& digital) that it is going to be a great synth for basses and leads. That's not really what their strengths are. They really excel at more crazy sounds and, despite being an analog/digital hybrid, some of their best and most unique sounds come out of the digital side IMO. The evolver series have an interesting architecture in that they give you 4 oscillators - 2 digital and 2 analog - and you have a lot of routing capabilities, including the ability to assign each oscillator to a different track on its 4-track step sequencer, giving you some crazy multi-part sequences or 4-way evolving (hence the name) sounds/textures at the press of one key, depending on what you're using the step sequencer to modulate (all modulation destinations are available to the SS). One of its biggest weaknesses IMO is that it only has 4 voices, which limits it for pads/strings. But, like I said, it's not exactly designed for conventional synth sounds and that's the reason for a lot of people's disappointment with it.
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OK, that makes sense. For a first analog poly, this might not be the right choice for me, but I can see where this would be advantageous if I already had a few outboard pieces and was looking to add something different.
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
Lifeless and cold? No way. Maybe in the hands of someone who doesn't know how to program a synth, or just flips through some of the presets. As far as build quality goes, some people don't like the feel of the rotaries on it and some people have experienced problems with weirdness in their response when turning them rapdily, but that's primarily an issue for live users (i.e., you typically will dial in/refine the automation you want in your sequencer anyway). Also, DSI just released the "Pot Edition", which replaces the continuous rotary knobs with pots - the reviews seem to be very favorable, but I haven't seen or used one. So, if you're thinking DSI and want an all-around synth, the P08 is a much better choice than a PEK IMO.
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I have seen the same reviews, and even people looking to retrofit their P08's with the new pots. I had this synth on my radar for a while, but I started dropping money on other more essential items (monitors, DA, etc.), then forgot about it. I originally was planning on picking up the keyboard version. I was going to replace my Novation SL61, which I am not thrilled with. It's good to hear someone with experience with it give a favorable review.
It is interesting your and Alan's differing views on this one. I find a lot of strong opinions on this unit on GS, but I always take those with a grain of salt. Some of those GS guys act like every synth sucks except a $10K modular. I'm going to go back and listen to the demos again.
The main problem is that I can't really try any of these out for myself. My local GC is...well, it's GC, so they specialize in selling everything except high-end. I have played with a Voyager, a TI (briefly) and the LP, at GC but thats about it. They don't carry things like the Andromeda, P08 or Evolver lines on the floor. That pretty much reduces me to reliance on Internet demos and other peoples' opinions.
You'd think there would be a high end gear dealer locally in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, but I have yet to find one. If one ever pops up, I'd be sure to make fast friends! 
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