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  1. Tech
  2. Synths

First look video: Sequential Prophet-6

News
By Dan Goldman ( Future Music ) published 8 September 2015

We unbox and get a taste of the new synth from Dave Smith

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Intro

Intro

37 years since the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 was launched, its sound is still revered. With Dave Smith recently re-acquiring his Sequential name from Yamaha, it was obviously the right time to launch the P5's spiritual successor - the aptly named Prophet-6!

We’ve finally got our hands on this much-anticipated machine, so let's get a quick overview of what this beautiful new synth is about.

Check out the video below to see the Prophet 6 in action.

Page 1 of 9
Page 1 of 9
1. Looks/build

1. Looks/build

A solid metal case/chassis and lots of beautiful walnut. Looks are elegantly understated, just like the original Prophet-5. The switches and dials feel generally solid, though there is some play in the dials.

Page 2 of 9
Page 2 of 9
2. Ease Of Use

2. Ease Of Use

Though it's a very powerful synth, the panel is very intuitive and the learning curve is very shallow. Even a rookie could be making sounds quickly with no reference to the manual.

Page 3 of 9
Page 3 of 9
3. Sound

3. Sound

The sound is absolutely on the money! The P6 has the vintage mojo and vibe but with modern stability.

The 2 VCOs (plus sub oscillator) provide a warm, precise, wide and sizzling sound that really captures that vintage spirit, with a surprising amount of low end to boot. The 'slop' control can push the stable sound in a more chaotic, random-detuned direction.

Page 4 of 9
Page 4 of 9
4. Envelopes

4. Envelopes

Surprisingly snappy, especially when you consider that many polysynths of old were a bit sluggish in this department. Great for drums, basses and pretty much everything else!

Page 5 of 9
Page 5 of 9
5. Modulation

5. Modulation

The Poly Mod section coupled with the 64-step sequencer (which records polyphonically), arpeggiator and audio-range LFO (plus the fact that Osc 2 can be de-coupled from the keyboard and sent to low-range frequencies) means there's plenty onboard to move the basic sound into wildly different sonic territory.

Page 6 of 9
Page 6 of 9
6. Keyboard

6. Keyboard

Feels like a premium synth-action keyboard should: precise yet fast and not too heavily sprung.

It’s great that there's aftertouch onboard too; this can be sent to five destinations in varying amounts.

Some may sniff at the 4-octave range, but it keeps the unit compact and in most situations it isn't an issue.

Page 7 of 9
Page 7 of 9
7. Filters

7. Filters

Low-pass (24db, self-oscillating) and high-pass (12db, non-self oscillating) resonant filters mean there's plenty of sound sculpting options. The low-pass can go from earth-shaking subs to sizzling highs. LPF resonance goes from smooth lows, through a nice high mid bump, right into shrieking self-oscillation. Combine the LPF and HPF for band-pass filtering.

Page 8 of 9
Page 8 of 9
8. Effects

8. Effects

There are two high-quality digital effect busses containing some very complementary effects. There are great-sounding reverbs and delays (analogue and digital style) plus a lush chorus, two phasers and an analogue distortion.

Page 9 of 9
Page 9 of 9
Dan Goldman
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