Following the positive response to the pot edition of the Prophet '08, Dave Smith Instruments has decided to continue the keyboard pot evolution and release the Potentiometer Edition of the Poly Evolver Keyboard Synthesizer.

The new version ($2,899 MSRP, $2,599 MAP) features a whopping 78 rotary controls (60 of them potentiometers), and 58 switches. Unlike endless rotary encoders, potentiometers allow the full range of a knob’s values to be accessed in a single turn of about 300 degrees, in turn simplifying filter sweeps and other more performance-oriented gestures, according to the manufacturer.

On the surface, the Pot Edition looks a bit different too. This Poly Evolver uses Prophet-style knobs, has updated panel graphics, and features wood end panels made from bubinga.

The PE version of the PEK features the following:

• Four oscillators per voice, two analog and two digital
• True stereo signal path with separate Curtis analog lowpass filters in each channel for each voice
• Independent effects (feedback, delay, distortion, highpass filter, and so forth) for each voice
• Accessible sound control: 78 knobs (60 of them potentiometers) and 58 switches
• Clocked, pulsing blue LEDs and hardwood end panels
• Independent 16 x 4 step sequencer and MIDI Sync for each voice
• In Program mode, all four voices play the same sound; in Combo mode, voices can be allocated however desired
• Stereo output for each voice (in addition to the mix and headphones outputs)
• Stereo audio input that can be routed to any or all of the voices, enabling parallel audio processing of external stereo or mono signals

The Poly Evolver PE Keyboard Synthesizer is now shipping. A conversion kit ($399) with potentiometer-equipped panel boards is available to convert older Poly Evolvers; you can order the kit on its own for $399 or get it factory-installed for $449. For more information, check out Dave Smith Instruments online.