Dave Smith Instruments Prophet -6 Desktop Module Site Now Live

Published on Oct 22, 2015 Dave Smith Instruments

"Vintage Analog Sound — Small Enough to Fit in a Backpack. Poly chain any two Prophet-6's for 12 voice polyphony!"

Update: video added above, and the official press release added further below.


Follow-up to this post. The site is now live. Details and pics captured here for the archives. Note the image to the left is in via VINCENT ASCOLI and not on the DSI page from what I can see.

"Vintage Analog Sound — Small Enough to Fit in a Backpack
The Prophet-6 desktop module is every bit as powerful and easy to use as its counterpart, the Prophet-6 Keyboard. The module has all of the same controls as the keyboard version and provides the same immediacy and easy of use — with absolutely no menu diving. As with the Prophet-6 Keyboard, all parameters are at your fingertips, with full-sized knobs and switches and a comfortable, intuitive layout.

How does it sound? Awesome — just like the keyboard, because on the inside, it’s exactly the same. The same analog signal path with discrete VCOs and VCFs. The same high-quality digital effects. The same classic sound that has been earning raves from customers and reviewers alike.

We’ve also added a poly chain feature so that any two Prophet-6s can be paired for twelve-voice polyphony!

Vintage with a Modern Twist
Both the Prophet-6 desktop module and keyboard are Dave Smith’s tribute to the poly synth that started it all—the Sequential Prophet-5. But it’s not simply a reissue of a classic. Rather, as Dave puts it, “It’s the result of our effort to build the most awesome-sounding, modern analog poly synth possible.” The Prophet-6 takes the best qualities of the original Prophet-5—true voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers—and adds enhancements such as studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more. The result is pure, unadulterated analog tone with the stability and reliability of a state-of-the-art modern synth.

Classic Tone, Classic Vibe
Central to the warm, punchy sound of the Prophet-6 are its two newly-designed, discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice. Continuously variable waveshapes provide the tonal palette with triangle, sawtooth, and variable-width pulse waves. There are two discrete filters per voice—a four-pole, resonant, low-pass inspired by the original Prophet-5 filter, and a two-pole, resonant, high-pass filter. Voltage-controlled amplifiers complete the all-analog signal path.

Dual Effects
The dual effects section provides studio-quality reverbs, delays (standard and BBD), chorus and phase shifter. While the effects themselves are digital, with 24-bit, 48 kHz resolution, a true bypass maintains a full analog signal path. There’s also an independent stereo distortion effect, which is 100% analog.

Poly Mod and Poly Step Sequencing
Also present from its classic predecessor is a Poly Mod section, with enhancements. True to the original, modulation sources are filter envelope and oscillator 2 (both with bi-polar control). Destinations include oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, low-pass filter cutoff, and high-pass filter cutoff. Another welcome reprise is Unison mode, which features configurable voice count (1-6 voices) and key modes. The polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step. You can create sequences polyphonically, with rests, and sync to an external MIDI clock. The full-featured arpeggiator can be synced to external MIDI clock as well.

Easy to Program
The knob-per-function front panel offers instant access to virtually all Prophet-6 functions. Included are 500 permanent factory programs in 10 banks of 100 programs. In addition to these, you can create and save up to 500 user programs of your own. Toggling off the Preset button enables live panel mode, in which the sound of the Prophet-6 switches to the current settings of its knobs and switches. In this state, what you see is what you hear.

Easy to Play
All of this awe-inspiring sound is packed into a desktop module that’s small enough to fit in a backpack. It’s an ideal combination of portability and power for the project studio or the gigging musician."




And the press release:

"Legendary Designer to Ship Desktop Version of Acclaimed Analog Poly Synth in November

San Francisco, CA—October 22, 2015—Dave Smith Instruments today announced that they will begin shipping a desktop module version of their acclaimed Sequential Prophet-6 six-voice analog synthesizer at the end of November. Like the keyboard version, it features an all-analog signal path and discrete VCOs, VCAs, and filters. The knob-per-function front panel is free of menu-diving and offers immediate access to virtually all parameters.

As Dave Smith explained: “The Prophet-6 has been our most successful product launch ever. In the four months since its release, a huge number of artists have already added it to their setups.” Added Smith: “Apart from its awesome sound, we feel that a big part of its appeal is the immediacy of its user interface, so we made sure that the desktop version retained all of the same controls as the keyboard version.”

Smith continued:
'As a bonus, we’ve added a poly chain feature so that any two Prophet-6s can be paired for 12-voice polyphony. The biggest sound in modern analog poly synths just got bigger.'

Key to the vintage sound of the Prophet-6 is its two newly-designed, discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) and two discrete filters: a four-pole, resonant, low-pass inspired by the original Prophet-5 filter, and a two-pole, resonant, high-pass filter. Voltage-controlled amplifiers complete the all-analog signal path. Said Smith: 'The desktop module sounds every bit as good as the keyboard because, on the inside, it’s exactly the same — the same VCOs, VCFs, and VCAs and the same classic, punchy, analog poly sound that’s been earning raves from customers and reviewers.'

The module weighs approximately 13 lbs (5.9 kg) and measures 21.25” L x 7.43” W x 4.4” H (54.0 cm x 18.9 cm x 11.2 cm). 'It’s an ideal mix of portability and power,' Smith said.

The Prophet-6 desktop module will be available at the end of November with a projected MAP of $2,199.

Download high resolution photos of the Prophet-6 desktop module at http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product-photos/

View a video of Dave Smith introducing the Prophet-6 desktop module at: https://youtu.be/2bBXcJOKxC8

Price and specifications subject to change."

Introducing the Prophet 12 Module by Dave Smith

Published on Dec 18, 2013 Dave Smith Instruments·26 videos

"Questions? Email support at dave smith instruments dot com.
Soundtrack composed 100% with Prophet 12!
Introducing the Prophet 12 Module, the same great sound engine of the Prophet 12 keyboard with enough portability to fit in a backpack! At twelve voices, the Prophet 12 boasts the greatest polyphony of any instrument designed by Dave Smith. Each voice features four oscillators capable of generating classic and complex waveforms, a sub-oscillator, resonant analog low-pass and high-pass filters, and analog VCAs. The new Character section adds a variety of wave shaping and sound sculpting options, like Drive, Hack, Decimation, Girth, and Air. Additional features include a tuned feedback path, a four-tap stereo delay per voice, expanded arpeggiator functionality, deep modulation capabilities, and bi-timbral operation. The LFOs, delay, and arpeggiator can all be synced, either to the internal clock or an external MIDI clock."

Dave Smith Prophet 12s on eBay

Update: also see:

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Desktop Rack in the Works
Roger Linn stops by DSI for a Linnstrument prototype demo
Dave Smith Introduces the Mopho SE

Update 2: the official press release:

"DSI develops powerful Prophet 12 module from flagship Prophet 12 keyboard


SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA: Premier polyphonic synthesizer manufacturer Dave Smith Instruments is proud to announce the Prophet 12 module — a space-saving tabletop and rack-ready reworking of its recently released Prophet 12 keyboard, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/ analog synthesizer that company founder and renowned designer Dave Smith duly declared his “best synth yet.”

“We have had many requests from professional musicians for a small, easily portable version of the Prophet 12 keyboard, with all the same features and incredible sound,” says Smith. “The new Prophet 12 module is just that: it has all the power of the Prophet 12 keyboard — in fact, it has the exact same voice board — and it fits into a backpack.”

All those powerful Prophet 12 module parameters are easily editable via a well-thought-through front panel perfectly fit for purpose. “People like small these days,” declares its astute architect. “Many musicians also have more than enough keyboards, or simply don’t use keyboards. The Prophet 12 module offers a sleek design that still gives you easy and incredibly fast and intuitive control over all parameters.”

Just like its Prophet 12 keyboard counterpart, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/analog Prophet 12 module not only boasts the greatest number of voices of any instrument from the distinguished designer to date, but each of those voices features four OSCILLATORS capable of generating classic and complex waveforms, a sub-oscillator (Sub Octave), analog resonant LOW-PASS FILTER and analog HIGH-PASS FILTER, and analog VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER. Additional features include a tuned FEEDBACK path, a four-tap stereo DELAY per voice, expanded ARPEGGIATOR functionality, deep MODULATION capabilities, bi-timbral operation, and much more besides. The CHARACTER section adds a variety of out of the ordinary wave-shaping and sound-sculpting options like Girth (low shelf filtering that boosts low frequencies, with some extra harmonic modification at higher settings), Air (high shelf filtering that boosts high frequencies, with some extra harmonic modification at higher settings), Hack (reduces the bit depth of the mixed output from the oscillators), Decimation (reduces the sample rate of the mixed output from the oscillators), and Drive (emulates tape saturation).

Despite its comparatively diminutive dimensions, the back panel I/O of the Prophet 12 module matches that of the Prophet 12 keyboard in almost all aspects — apart from featuring an external power supply in the interests of making it as compact and portable as possible. Headphones, Main/A Outputs, B Outputs, MIDI Thru, MIDI Out, MIDI In, Pedal 1, Pedal 2, Sustain, and USB connectivity are all present and accounted for, making musical communication with the outside world a breeze.

Be prepared to be blown away by the Prophet 12 module. It won’t break backpacks, but packs more than enough power into its easily carried form factor to meet the needs of modern music makers and savvy sound designers — wherever they take it.

The Prophet 12 module has an MAP of $2,199.00 USD and can be purchased from any authorized Dave Smith Instruments dealer."

An Evening with Dave Smith at Pyramind | Video Recap

Published on Jan 11, 2016 Pyramind

http://www.davesmithinstruments.com

Part 2 below.

"On November 12th, Pyramind welcomed a true legend to our facility. The one and only Dave Smith, founder of Sequential Circuits and Dave Smith Instruments who is often referred to as the Father of MIDI.

During An Evening with Dave Smith, which you can watch in it’s entirety, you will get to hear what the new Sequential Prophet-6 synth is capable of in the hands of it's creator. The Prophet-6 is Dave Smith’s tribute to the analog polyphonic synth that started it all—the Sequential Prophet-5. But it’s not simply a reissue of a classic. Rather, as Dave puts it, “It’s the result of our effort to build the most awesome-sounding, modern analog poly synth possible.” The Prophet-6 takes the best qualities of the original Prophet-5—true voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers—and adds enhancements such as studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more. The result is pure, unadulterated analog tone with the stability and reliability of a state-of-the-art modern synth.

For more information about Pyramind events head to our blog: http://hubs.ly/H01Pj5Z0

Timestamps:

01:00 - Hardware vs. Soft Synths - real synths cost more than soft synths (hardware competes with FREE)
02:48 - What inspired you to start building equipment?
05:03 - Talks about the way he developed his synth to work, and what didn’t work for other companies
05:58 - Where do you start when designing your instruments?
09:30 - Talks about the Prophet 6 (voltage controlled oscillators)
12:18 - “Slop Control” feature
14:00 - Analog distortion
16:00 - Story about the new name - Sequential
18:20 - Starts demoing the synth (focused on sequencer)
19:24 - Talks about factory presets and why they’re made the way they are
21:10 - Arpeggiator
22:00 - Effects
24:30 - Analog synthesis has passed the test of time
26:18 - People used to just want to emulate real instruments
28:05 - Inspiration behind the Prophet 2000
30:30 - Why didn’t they quantize oscillator frequencies?
31:40 - Why he likes constrained designs
34:08 - You can know nothing about synthesis and still make cool sounds with these synths
34:58 - USB integration (it’s just midi over USB)
35:20 - Presets
35:48 - Analog gear market
37:30 - Appealing to different clients / genres
38:28 - Taylor Swift Custom Prophet 12
41:14 - What did the sound designers bring to the synth?
42:16 - Hearing presets being used / modified"

An Evening with Dave Smith | Video Recap | Part II | feat. Jason Linder

Published on Jan 11, 2016

"On November 12th, Pyramind welcomed a true legend to our facility. The one and only Dave Smith, founder of Sequential Circuits and Dave Smith Instruments who is often referred to as the Father of MIDI.

During An Evening with Dave Smith, which you can watch in it’s entirety, you will get to hear what the new Sequential Prophet-6 synth is capable of in the hands of it's creator. The Prophet-6 is Dave Smith’s tribute to the analog polyphonic synth that started it all—the Sequential Prophet-5. But it’s not simply a reissue of a classic. Rather, as Dave puts it, “It’s the result of our effort to build the most awesome-sounding, modern analog poly synth possible.” The Prophet-6 takes the best qualities of the original Prophet-5—true voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers—and adds enhancements such as studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more. The result is pure, unadulterated analog tone with the stability and reliability of a state-of-the-art modern synth.

For more information about Pyramind events head to our blog: http://hubs.ly/H01Pj5Z0

Timestamps:

00:46 - How do you know when the synth is “done”?
01:32 - Prophet 6 circuit board vs. Prophet 5
02:00 - Prophet 6 poly chaining, module version
03:08 - Tempest design vs Prophet 6
06:05 - Problems with having too much input during design stage
07:10 - Any high profile sound designers?
07:50 - Demoing
09:20 - Spring reverb model (hitting the side of synth)
12:26 - What was the hardest feature to cut during design?
13:30 - Favorite synth he has made
14:10 - Talks about polymod (one of the most unique things about the Prophet 5) individual modulation PER VOICE
16:00 - Jason Lindner (Keyboardist of Now vs. Now) demo
22:58 - Compares choosing synths to the way guitar platers choose guitars
24:17 - When do you think about what to build NEXT?
25:48 - Will you ever make guitar pedals or effects?
26:50 - Are you continuing to build your back catalog?
28:25 - Is there an audio input? (No)
29:41 - Filter poles (4 pole for lowpass, 2 pole for highpass)
30:24 - Unison mode demo (chord hold)
33:08 - Analog gear cost
35:10 - What do your employees do?
37:55 - Talked about doing a hybrid analog digital vocoder
39:50 - How are the synths assembled?
41:18 - What changed after having employees?
43:39 - Are you less connected with your products now that you have employees?"

You'll find some event pics on Pyraminds website here.

DSI Prophet REV2 Demos by Syntza

Published on May 10, 2019 Syntza

Playlist:

1. DSI Prophet REV2 Character Ultimate Vintage Analog Demo

Demo by Syntza. Vintage sounds that shows what a character synth the REV2 can be. Instrument used: DSI Prophet REV2(Synths and Bass). EFX used: DSI Prophet REV2, Zoom 9010, Yamaha SPX-990 and Roland SRV-2000. Recorded by REAPER software.

2. DSI Prophet REV2 Character Ultimate Vintage Analog II Demo

Same as above.

3. Tumbling Away

Song by Syntza. Dark Cinematic Soundscaped Ambient - Techno. Sounds that shows what a character synth the REV2 and Tetra 4 can be. All REV2 from 00:14 to 01:38 then Tetra 4 again join in. Instrument used: DSI Prophet REV2(Synths and Bass) and DSI Tetra 4(Synths and Bass). EFX used: DSI Prophet REV2, Zoom 9010, Yamaha SPX-990 and Roland SRV-2000. Sequencer by Akai MPC-2500. Recorded by REAPER software.
SHOW MORE

4. DSI Prophet REV2 Character Ultimate Vintage Analog III Demo

Demo by Syntza. Vintage sounds that shows what a character synth the REV2 can be. Instrument used: DSI Prophet REV2(Synths and Bass). EFX used: DSI Prophet REV2, Zoom 9010, Yamaha SPX-990 and Roland SRV-2000. Recorded by REAPER software.

5. DSI Prophet REV2 and Tetra 4 Roscosmos Роскосмос

Song by Syntza. Dark Cinematic Soundscaped Ambient - Techno. Sounds that shows what a character synth the REV2 and Tetra 4 can be. Inspired by the Sci-fi universe of the 60s and 70s and Russian Space Program. Instrument used: DSI Prophet REV2(Synths and Bass) and DSI Tetra 4(Synths and Bass). EFX used: DSI Prophet REV2, Zoom 9010, Yamaha SPX-990 and Roland SRV-2000. Sequencer by Akai MPC-2500. Recorded by REAPER software.

6. DSI Prophet REV2 and Tetra 4 Hello am here again Horror Ambient

Song by Syntza. Dark Cinematic Soundscaped Ambient - Techno. Inspired by the upcoming Horror movie, IT: Chapter Two. Sounds that shows what a character synth the REV2 and Tetra 4 can be. Instrument used: DSI Prophet REV2(Synths and Bass) and DSI Tetra 4(Synths and Bass). EFX used: DSI Prophet REV2, Zoom 9010, Yamaha SPX-990 and Roland SRV-2000. Sequencer by Akai MPC-2500. Recorded by REAPER software.

7. DSI Prophet REV2 and Tetra 4 Stranger Behave

Song by Syntza. Dark Cinematic Soundscaped Ambient - Techno. Sounds that shows what a character synth the REV2 and Tetra 4 can be. Instrument used: DSI Prophet REV2(Synths and Bass) and DSI Tetra 4(Synths and Bass). EFX used: DSI Prophet REV2, Zoom 9010, Yamaha SPX-990 and Roland SRV-2000. Sequencer by Akai MPC-2500. Recorded by REAPER software.

8. DSI Prophet REV2 Character Ultimate Vintage Analog IIII

Demo by Syntza. Vintage sounds that shows what a character synth the REV2 can be. More sounds of the past like VHS intro`s and 80s. Using modulations for the EFX in the REV2 for chorus and delays to make them more analog. Instrument used: DSI Prophet REV2(Synths and Bass). EFX used: DSI Prophet REV2, Zoom 9010, Yamaha SPX-990 and Roland SRV-2000. Recorded by REAPER software.

Sequential Announces Prophet 12 Limited Edition in Custom White - Last of the Prophet 12s

"Sequential Commemorates Final Production Run of Prophet 12 Synth with Custom White, Numbered, Limited Edition of 100

San Francisco, CA—November 15, 2018—Sequential today announced a special numbered, limited edition of its acclaimed Prophet 12 Analog/Digital Hybrid synthesizer. Dubbed the Prophet 12 LE, it features a custom, arctic white finish with maple end caps, making it a visually striking contrast to the standard Prophet 12, which has been a significant part of the Sequential product line since its introduction in 2013.

The Prophet 12 LE will be strictly limited to 100 instruments worldwide and will commemorate the last of these synthesizers that Sequential will create. After that, the Prophet 12 will no longer be available.

Dave Smith had this to say about the Prophet 12 LE: “It’s nice to give the Prophet 12 a proper send-off with this special edition. The P12 was a real milestone for us in terms of pushing the synth envelope. As a hybrid instrument, it gave us a chance to explore the interaction of digital oscillators and analog filters and see how far we could take that idea. It’s still a great instrument and has found its way onto a lot of stages and studios, and into a lot of music.”

Sequential product designer Andrew McGowan recalled the genesis of the Prophet 12: “We’d just released the Tempest analog drum machine after several years of development, and we were turning our attention back to synths for the first time in a while. It gave us the opportunity to look at things with a fresh eye. Interestingly, when Dave and I sat down to draw up a spec, it was immediately apparent that we’d each been sort of designing the same instrument in our minds during our ‘time away’ — a hybrid synth with digital oscillators, dual analog filters, and new modulation possibilities. The Prophet 12 came together quickly after that and turned out really well for us.”

The Prophet 12 LE has the same combination of features as the original Prophet 12 — a bi-timbral, 12-voice architecture, with each voice boasting four high-resolution, multi-waveform digital oscillators, a sub-oscillator, analog low-pass and high-pass filters, analog VCAs, four envelopes and four LFOs, and a set of unique Character Effects for sound shaping. Linear FM capability was later added to the Prophet 12 as a software enhancement, giving the instrument even greater depth and making it one of Sequential’s most versatile poly synths.

The Prophet 12 LE will be available in December of 2018 with a US MAP of $2,999. A limited number of standard-finish black Prophet 12s are also available while stock lasts."

https://www.sequential.com/product/prophet-12-limited-edition/

CLICK FOR MORE »

Sequential Circuits PROPHET VS Digital Vector Synthesizer 1.2 OS SN 1350

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Curious if the aftertouch works on this one.

"The Sequential Circuits PROPHET VS digital vector synthesizer. Rare, and even rarer in this NEAR MINT condition and with these specifications.

Sequential Circuits PROPHET VS digital vector synthesizer (user switchable USA/EU voltage (110v or 220v).
This is the only model that includes the musically distinctive vector waveform synthesis (realtime joystick controlled modulation/mixing of four unique high-quality digital waveforms), with the warmth of true analog filters (VCF) and amplifiers (VCA), DUAL LFOs and analog chorus. The Prophet VS stands in a class of one with a most unique sound signature that is a true joy to play and hear. Operating System Ver. 1.2 (rare and last, most expansive and most stable OS version)..."

"Very hard to find in this of condition, and especially with the rare OS Ver. 1.2. These were over-engineered and built by American craftsmen like a tank, to last.

Such an elegant musical instrument: Consider these features:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Dave Smith Instruments... designed and built in San Francisco, USA!

A DSI press release just sent my way. Note it's pre-NAMM. Saving it for the archives.

"SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA: Premier polyphonic synthesizer manufacturer Dave Smith Instruments is proud to design and build its illustrious instruments in San Francisco, USA in an American success story fit for the 2014 NAMM Show and beyond.

'We take the craftsmanship of our instruments very seriously,' says company founder and renowned designer Dave Smith. 'So every one of our products is built in San Francisco, California. Unlike other companies, who may build some products in the USA, but bring in others from China, even our low-cost instruments are built here. Our synthesis technology, developed over the last 40 years, allows us to hit great price points, have the most advanced features, build only with metal and wood — no plastic cases! — and still build everything in the good old USA.'

San Francisco-born, UC Berkeley-educated Smith is an archetypical Californian through and through. Responsible for the pre-eminent Prophet-5, the world’s first programmable polyphonic synthesizer back in 1978, he grew his first commercial company, Sequential Circuits, from garage to sizeable San Jose-based success story, playing a pivotal part as the primary driving force behind MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) in the process.

Smith subsequently returned to hardware instrument design in 2002, founding Dave Smith Instruments while working solo from his home in the Napa Valley wine country. Early successes with the Evolver range of analog/digital synthesizers — indeed, DSI’s first product is still shipping to this day — led to him hiring his first two employees in 2007. Continuing to work from their respective Californian homes, this coincided with the introduction of the award-winning Prophet ’08, an eight-voice synthesizer keyboard with a 100% analog signal path; eight-voice polyphony with four-on-four splits and layers; 16 x 4 gated step sequencer; and a full-size, 61-note, semi-weighted keyboard. It, too, continues to make musical waves worldwide.

As a growing Californian concern, Dave Smith Instruments has not looked back since, continuing its forward- looking manufacturing mission with a successful succession of innovative instruments, including the Mopho range of compact and affordable analog synthesizers; the Tetra polyphonic desktop analog synthesizer module; the Tempest analog drum machine (designed by Smith in collaboration with fellow Californian innovative electronic musical instrument designer Roger Linn); and, most recently, the Prophet 12 module, a space-saving tabletop and rack-ready reworking of its 2013 NAMM Show-launched Prophet 12 keyboard, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/ analog synthesizer flagship that Smith duly declared his 'best synth yet.'

Today, San Francisco is its beneficiary, for the now-nine-staff-strong Dave Smith Instruments collectively work in the heart of the city’s historic North Beach district, just a short walk from its manufacturer.

Dave Smith Instruments’ evolving family of illustrious instruments designed and built in San Francisco will be being demoed and displayed in Hall B, Booth 5400 at the 2014 NAMM Show, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California.

About Dave Smith Instruments (www.davesmithinstruments.com)

Established in 2002, Dave Smith Instruments is the preeminent manufacturer of polyphonic synthesizers. It is helmed by legendary musical instrument designer Dave Smith, whose innovations include designing the Prophet-5, the world’s first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer, and acting as the primary driving force behind MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) — he coined the acronym, in fact — for which he received a Technical Grammy® award in 2013. Dave Smith Instruments’ products are used by an ever-increasing roster of well-known musicians and are available from music retailers worldwide. Instruments include the versatile analog/digital hybrid Evolver synthesizers, the Tempest analog drum machine, the all-analog Prophet ’08, and the affordable Mopho line of synthesizers. DSI’s highly-praised, award-winning Prophet 12 combines the best of digital and analog processing in an advanced, powerful instrument that is both respectful of its lineage and a significant technological leap forward. Dave Smith Instruments is based in San Francisco, California, where its instruments are also manufactured."

Sequential Adds Stack and Split Capability to Prophet-10 & Voice Expansion Card for Prophet-5

Prophet-5 Voice Expansion Card & Exploring Bi-Timbral Stack & Split On The Prophet-10 - With J3PO video upload by Sequential

"Sequential has released two major enhancements for the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Rev 4 synthesizers. The first is an easy-to-install voice expansion card for the Prophet-5 that expands its polyphony to 10 voices, enabling it to benefit from the second enhancement — a new OS that adds bi-timbral, stack and split capability to 10-voice Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 synths.

Voice Expansion: https://www.sequential.com/product/pr...

2.0 OS: https://www.sequential.com/updating-t..."

And a video by Matt Johnson Jamiroquai: Note you can stack the Prophet-5 with the expansion installed. You'll find the press release below. As for the better value, you can do the math. The Prophet-5 + Expansion is less, but you have to install it and you don't get the Prophet-10 badge. :)

Sequential Prophet 10 just got a lot better!! video upload by Matt Johnson Jamiroquai


The press release:

San Francisco, CA—September 7, 2021—Sequential today announced two major enhancements for their acclaimed Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Rev 4 synthesizers. The first is a new OS that adds bi-timbral, stack and split capability to the Prophet-10. The second is an easy-to-install voice expansion card for the Prophet-5 that increases its polyphony to 10 voices, enabling it to benefit from the new OS.

With a ten-voice instrument and the new OS, players can stack two different programs together for more powerful, complex sounds. Each program is allocated 5 voices of polyphony, allowing 5-note bi-timbral operation. Alternatively, players can split the keyboard into two separate performance zones, each with a different program. This allows forbi-timbral performance of bass and leads, or bass and pads, for example.

To use the new stack and split feature, Prophet-10/expanded Prophet-5 owners will need to upgrade to version 2.0 of the operating system. The OS upgrade is provided free of charge to Prophet owners and is available on Sequential’s website. The Prophet-5 voice expansion card is available directly from Sequential and includes instructions for installation.

“We’re excited to bring stack and split capability to 10-voice Prophets,” said Sequential founder Dave Smith. “It gives even more musical versatility to an already awesome-sounding instrument. Musicians are going to love the sound design possibilities of bi-timbral stacks. And players will be able to make good use of splits in live performance.”

Sequential CEO David Gibbons had this to say about the enhancements: “There’s nothing more satisfying than making a legendary instrument even more powerful than its original incarnation. Turning the Prophet-10 or an expanded Prophet-5 into a bi-timbral synth takes it to new places as an expressive instrument. That’s always been Sequential’s first priority: Putting great-sounding, expressive musical tools into the hands of musicians.”

The Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Rev 4 reintroduced the music world to Sequential’s most famous and beloved instrument: the Prophet-5. The instruments revisit a landmark era in American analog synthesizer design and are an authentic and authoritative return to roots for the company.

Faithful to the original, the instruments feature five voices with two multi-waveform analog oscillators, resonant analog low-pass filters and amplifiers, and a filter and amplifier envelope per voice. Modulation is provided by a multi-waveshape LFO and Poly Mod, a ground-breaking modulation scheme for its time that allowed the filter envelope and oscillator B to be routed to a variety of destinations including filter cutoff frequency, oscillator A frequency, and oscillator A pulse width.

The Prophet-5 voice expansion card has a US MAP of $899 and is available directly from the Sequential. It is compatible with both keyboard and desktop models of the Prophet-5.

Voice Expansion: https://www.sequential.com/product/pr...

2.0 OS: https://www.sequential.com/updating-t..."

Happy New Year From MATRIXSYNTH! - A Look Back at 2015

Happy New Year everyone!  I want to thank you all for a great 2015 and I wish you all the best in 2016!

The following is my yearly round up for the year.  Feel free to dig into this post as much you like, or skip it and leave a comment at the bottom of the post. I'd be curious to hear what stood out for you in 2015. Do you like the direction the synthesizer world is headed in, or would you rather see more or less of any type of product?

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Sequential Re-Introduces the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Synthesizers

"The new Prophet-5 is Dave Smith's return to the analog poly synth that changed the world. It embodies all three revisions of the legendary synth — Rev1, Rev2, Rev3 — and now, the Rev4. History never sounded better.

Soundtrack exclusively by Prophet-5. Yes, even the drums."

Both models will be available in October. The Prophet-5 has a US MAP of $3,499. The Prophet-10 has a US MAP of $4,299. Note there is an additional video demo by INHALT further below.

Sequential · Prophet-5 Audio Demos

And the press release (pics below):

"Sequential Reintroduces the Prophet®-5, the Synth that Revolutionized an Industry

San Francisco, CA—Oct 1, 2020—After months of clandestine development, Sequential today announced the reintroduction of its most famous and beloved instrument: the Prophet-5. Timed to coincide with founder Dave Smith’s 70th year, the instrument revisits a landmark era in American analog synthesizer design and marks an authentic and authoritative return to roots for the legendary pioneer of electronic instruments.

“It’s not often that you get to revisit your past, retrieve some of its magic, and give it new life,” said Dave Smith. “The Prophet-5 was one of the most exciting instruments to appear in an equally exciting time for music and technology. It’s gratifying to rediscover that its sound and aesthetics are just as appealing now as they were then.”

Faithful to the original, the new Prophet-5 features five voices with two multi-waveform analog oscillators, resonant analog low-pass filters and amplifiers, and a filter and amplifier envelope per voice. Modulation is provided by a multi-waveshape LFO and Poly Mod, a ground-breaking modulation scheme for its time that allowed the filter envelope and oscillator B to be routed to a variety of destinations including filter cutoff frequency, oscillator A frequency, and oscillator A pulse width.

The new Prophet-5 features original, genuine Curtis VCOs and filters as used in the Prophet-5 Rev3, as well as the Dave Rossum-designed SSI 2140 filter, the modern counterpart of the original SSM 2040 Rossum designed in the Prophet-5 Rev1 and Rev2. “We made the new Prophet-5 the best of all Prophets by embodying all three revisions of the original. We did this by adding a Rev switch to the front panel, so you can choose your preferred filter.”

Smith continued, “We also researched what made the original P-5 sound the way it did — organic and alive — and found that a lot of that desirable character was due to fluctuations and differences in the response times and frequencies of the individual oscillators, filters, and envelopes from voice to voice. So we also added a Vintage knob that loosens all of them up like they were in the old days. You can dial in progressively more vintage character as you go from a very stable “4,” as in Prophet-5 Rev4, all the way to “1,” as in Prophet-5 Rev1, which was the most temperamental of all Prophet-5s. We’ve even included the original factory sound set for the full vintage experience.”

Other modern enhancements include velocity sensitivity and aftertouch to increase expressiveness, as well as MIDI and USB connectivity. Control voltage and gate ins/outs are also present for connecting modular synths and other gear. The new Prophet-5 is housed in a collector-worthy, premium-quality, steel and hand-oiled sustainable black walnut heartwood body, with a full, five-octave, semi-weighted Fatar keybed.

Sequential is simultaneously offering the Prophet-10, a ten-voice version of the synthesizer with the same sound engine and collector-worthy design. “I originally designed the first Prophet in both five-voice and ten-voice versions. But the five-voice model was the one that achieved mass production. We thought it would be fun and fitting to reintroduce the ten-voice as well, to make the circle complete.” Sequential Circuits’ later product, the dual-manual, bi-timbral Prophet-10, was a different instrument in both concept and execution.

Both models will be available in October. The Prophet-5 has a US MAP of $3,499. The Prophet-10 has a US MAP of $4,299."

Sequential Prophet 5 Rev4 INHALT Sound Design of Factory Patches Demo


"There are few synthesizers that spark deep emotions and reverence. The Prophet 5 is one of them. Its history is marked by both the counter and the dominant cultural works; wether listening to the independent outings of New Musik and Skinny Puppy, the art of Japan and Sakamoto, the disco of Cowely, the soundtracks of Carpenter or the pop of McCartney and Madonna, it collectively becomes clear that the Prophet 5 is the great enabler of the modern musical expression. If the Model D is the left hand the Prophet 5 is the right. And rightly so, as its genius and genuineness transitioned the 5 from "tool of novelty" firmly into the place of an exuberant enabler of the creative expression. From decade to decade, its design and purity allowed it to slot into a music production unweathered and unbiased by whatever style is in vogue. Yet, it's always fashionable and it always sits right where it's supposed to. Put simply, it's a workhorse that inspires. Whatever the revision. And now, that story, that lineage continues with the Rev 4.

It's with absolute honor, gratitude, and exhilaration that I accepted the offer to work on the factory patches for Sequential's latest chapter in the story of the Prophet 5. Sound designing alongside the superb voicing team has been a wonderful collaboration with a company I consider family and my way to give thanks for the career that the Prophet 5 has helped me build. Unlike other projects I've done in the past, part of my testing of the Rev 4 included putting it through an actual studio music production. I'm currently in the middle of producing two LP's (the artists Some Ember and Patriarchy) and the Rev 4 got used heavily on both. The main question I sought to answer: "does it handle the same as a vintage unit". What became abundantly clear: the Rev 4 isn't like a Prophet 5, isn't inspired by a Prophet 5, ins't referencing a Prophet 5; it is a Prophet 5. Through and through in every sense of the very defining characteristics of the 5. It's a Prophet 5. Period. And in many regards it's better. Why?

Rapid fire MIDI, Fatar keybed, both genuine SSM (SSI) filters and VCAs, genuine Curtis filters and oscillators, a perfectly tuned LFO and envelopes, the ability to actually save LFO amount settings, velocity, aftertouch, the same voice allocation as the original ... and zero repairs needed with no sacrifice to the soul of what makes the 5 the 5. It looks the same with minor additions that can be completely ignored if you choose. You can play it like the original and you can expect it to do exactly what the original does. Or you can take advantage of all of the modern facilities. I also made a set of patches that were the same sounds on both a vintage 5 and the Rev 4 and quickly cycling playing the same passage on the 2 instruments, for all in the room, it was impossible to tell what's what and who's who.

The amount of care, attention to detail, and workmanship that has gone into the Rev 4 is remarkable and I am honored to have been a part of the team putting it through the paces. Sequential is a special company. It's marked by integrity, friendship, care, and carries on a tradition of producing musical instruments from that platform. The Rev 4 is a Prophet 5 and ONLY Sequential can make that.

Please note, the Rev 4 in the video is a prototype unit and I recorded this with a beta firmware. As such, while the synth was largely done there are some changes both to the panel and to the OS that are in the final shipping version (obviously). The Prophet 5 was recorded straight into Pro Tools HD and no post processing or fx were added. What you're hearing is the raw Rev 4."

All the press pics:

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Dave Smith Instruments Officially Introduces The New Sequential Prophet X

Sequential Prophet X - Official Intro Published on May 1, 2018 Dave Smith Instruments

All sounds created on the Prophet X.

150 GB of onboard samples from 8Dio, 50 GB for additional sound libraries, and ability to import user samples in December 2018. Full specs below.

Update: Gorgeous side angled image added further below and 8Dio's videos added below.
Update2: Both Oscillators and Instruments can be both modulation sources and modulation destinations in the modulation matrix. See this post.
Update3: you can find the full list of Prophet X modulation sources and destinations here.


Published on May 1, 2018 8dioproductions

Playlist:
Prophet X Patch Oh Yeah!??
Prophet X Patch "Children"
Prophet X Romantic Stack
Prophet X Automelodic
Prophet X Beat Architecture
Prophet X Base X



"All sounds recorded directly from the Prophet X poly synth. "Duality Theorem" by Peter Dyer, "PX Joyride" by Drew Neumann, and "Ides of PX" by Mark Wilcox are multi-tracked, all other demos recorded in a single pass directly from the Prophet X."

And the press release:
"Dave Smith Instruments Announces Sequential Prophet X Synthesizer, Featuring Samples-plus-Synthesis Sound Engine

New Instrument Boasts Samples by Acclaimed Sound Developers 8Dio, Stereo Analog Filters, and Full Synthesis Capabilities

San Francisco, CA—May 1, 2018—Dave Smith Instruments today announced the Sequential Prophet X, a new, bi-timbral, 8-voice-stereo (16-voice mono) synthesizer that combines samples and synthesis. At the heart of its sound is a newly developed engine that powers two simultaneous 16-bit, 48kHz sample-based instruments plus two high-resolution digital oscillators with waveshape modulation — all processed through analog filters.

Dave Smith commented: “The Prophet X is a powerful evolution of the Prophet series. Musicians have been asking for samples through real analog flters for a long time. We’ve given them not only that, but also all of the synthesis capabilites and awesome sound you’d expect from a Prophet.”

For sample content, Dave Smith turned to acclaimed sound developers 8Dio, known for pioneering “deep sampling,” a detailed approach to sampling that aims to capture all of the nuances and idiosyncracies of a particular sound or instrument. 8Dio co-founder Troels Folmann put it this way: “We’re known for going anywhere and everywhere with sounds. We embrace all sounds as music and feel that if you can capture the musical soul of a sound, you can make it into an instrument. The Prophet X gives musicians a very immediate and responsive way to access this expressiveness.”

The 150 GB sample library in the Prophet X includes numerous acoustic and electronic instruments as well as an extensive collection of ambient and cinematic effects. Users can shape the samples through loop manipulation, sample stretching, and the synthesizer’s many sound-sculpting functions which include 4 envelope generators, 4 LFOs, a deep modulation matrix, and other tools. The Prophet X also provides 50 gigabytes of internal storage for importing additional samples. Several sample libraries will be available from 8Dio at launch. Support for user-created sample content is planned for December, 2018.

A dual-effects engine provides multiple reverbs, two delays (standard and BBD), a chorus, flanger, phase shifter, rotating speaker, high-pass filter, and distortion. In stacked or split voice mode, you can apply two different effects to each layer. Effects parameters can be modulated through the mod matrix as can the samples themselves. A polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step, per layer. The Prophet X features a premium-quality, five-octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch, an integrated power supply, USB support, and three OLED displays.

Dave Smith summed up the new instrument: 'Composers will love the Prophet X for soundtracks and synth geeks will love it for its sound mangling potential. But it’s really for everyone because it covers such a wide range of sounds. The new analog filter design we’re using is not only fantastic for synth sounds, but also does something special for the samples.” Added 8Dio co-founder Tawnia Knox: “The Prophet X has almost infinite posibilites. But more importantly, it has a soul. It’s alive. You can touch your sounds in a different way than you ever could.'

The Sequential Prophet X will be available in the second quarter of 2018 with a projected MAP of $3,999."

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Dave Smith Instruments Tetra

via Dave Smith Instruments
"•Affordable, fully programmable poly synth with a 100% analog signal path.
•Classic, real analog sound—including legendary Curtis analog low-pass filter.
•Four-part multitimbral capability with four separate outputs.
•Combo Mode for huge unison patches, stacked sequences, and "modular-style" poly sounds.
•Expandable: poly chain with other Tetras, Prophet '08, and Mopho for expanded polyphony
•Just 7.9" x 5" (20.07 cm x 12.7 cm).
•Free editor for Mac OS and Windows.
Overview
Tetra is our next-generation analog poly synth. Tetra takes the award-winning sound and features of Mopho, multiplies them by four, and packs them in a box less than half an inch larger!

Tetra has multiple personalities. It is a four-voice, analog poly synth, a sort of “mini Prophet.” It's a four-part, multitimbral synth with separate outputs, essentially four Mophos in one very compact box. And it’s a voice expander for other Tetras or the Prophet ’08.

Outside the Box
Physically, Tetra is similar to Mopho, with four assignable parameter controls per program and a row of controls dedicated to the most commonly used performance parameters. All of the parameters can be accessed from the front panel and Tetra is fully programmable. A free, downloadable editor is available for Mac OS and Windows to facilitate more comprehensive tweaking.

Most of the rotary controls are detented encoders, but Cutoff and Resonance are potentiometers, allowing full sweeps with a single turn. The Push It button is a manual trigger to play notes and latch sequences on without the need for a MIDI controller.

Audio is output in mono, stereo, or per voice, via the four audio output jacks. There is also a headphone out. MIDI communication is by standard MIDI in and out jacks or USB. Poly Chain Out is a special, dedicated MIDI output to chain multiple instruments for increased polyphony.

Under the Hood
The voice architecture is based on the Prophet '08, but with the addition of a sub-octave generator for each oscillator and a fully programmable feedback loop for each voice. That breaks down to two DCOs, a resonant low-pass filter, three DADSR envelope generators, four LFOS, deep modulation routing, an arpeggiator, and a 16 x 4 analog-style step sequencer per voice. Feedback is capable of producing effects ranging from mild distortion to fairly extreme harmonic instability. (That's a good thing.) The possibilities are nearly endless. And the audio signal path is 100% analog.

Tetra a la Mode
In Program Mode, Tetra is a four-voice, polyphonic synthesizer with four banks of 128 programs. As with the Prophet '08, each program contains two layers—each layer is essentially a separate patch—that can be used to create keyboard splits or stacked sounds. Banks 1 and 2 are the Prophet '08 factory programs; banks 3 and 4 are a combination of Mopho and new programs.

In Combo Mode, a different program can be assigned to each of the four voices. Combos can be used for mammoth unison patches or for triggering up to four different 16 x 4 sequences—each with its own program—simultaneously. Combos can also be used to create "modular-style" polyphonic patches, where each voice plays a different program, with a slight variation on the same sound or even a drastically different sound.

In Multi Mode, Tetra becomes a multitimbral sound module capable of playing four monophonic parts on four MIDI channels, with separate outputs for each voice. Coupled with a MIDI sequencer and DAW, Tetra can play complex arrangements or analog drum parts with each part individually processed and recorded to its own track.

This One Goes to 12...and 16
Up to four Tetras can be poly chained for eight, twelve, or sixteen voices total. When used with a Prophet '08, up to two Tetras can be poly chained for a maximum of sixteen voices. In addition, the Prophet's front panel controls map directly to almost all of Tetra's parameters, so the Prophet acts as a programmer and control surface. And a Mopho can be connected to Tetra's Poly Chain Out for five-voice operation."

Dave Smith Instruments ships Prophet 12 module based on flagship polysynth

"SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA: Premier polyphonic synthesizer manufacturer Dave Smith Instruments is proud to announce that its Prophet 12 module — a space-saving tabletop and rack-ready reworking of its 2013 NAMM Show-launched Prophet 12 keyboard, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/analog synthesizer that company founder and renowned designer Dave Smith duly declared his “best synth” — is now shipping.

“We have had many requests from professional musicians for a small, easily portable version of the Prophet 12 keyboard, with all the same features and incredible sound,” says Smith. “The new Prophet 12 module is just that: it has all the power of the Prophet 12 keyboard — in fact, it has the exact same voice board — and it fits into a backpack.”

All those powerful Prophet 12 module parameters are easily editable via a well-thought-through front panel perfectly fit for purpose. “People like small these days,” declares its astute architect. “Many musicians also have more than enough keyboards, or simply don’t use keyboards. The Prophet 12 module offers a sleek design that still gives you easy and incredibly fast and intuitive control over all parameters.”

Just like its Prophet 12 keyboard counterpart, the twelve-voice hybrid digital/analog Prophet 12 module not only boasts the greatest number of voices of any instrument from the distinguished designer to date, but each of those voices features four OSCILLATORS capable of generating classic and complex waveforms, a sub-oscillator (Sub Octave), resonant LOW-PASS FILTER and HIGH-PASS FILTER, and analog VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER. Additional features include a tuned FEEDBACK path, a four-tap stereo DELAY per voice, expanded ARPEGGIATOR functionality, deep MODULATION capabilities, bi-timbral operation, and much more besides. The CHARACTER section adds a variety of out of the ordinary wave-shaping and sound-sculpting options like Girth (low shelf filtering that boosts low frequencies, with some extra harmonic modification at higher settings), Air (high shelf filtering that boosts high frequencies, with some extra harmonic modification at higher settings), Hack (reduces the bit depth of the mixed output from the oscillators), Decimation (reduces the sample rate of the mixed output from the oscillators), and Drive (emulates tape saturation).

Despite its comparatively diminutive dimensions, the back panel I/O of the Prophet 12 module matches that of the Prophet 12 keyboard in almost all aspects — apart from featuring an external power supply in the interests of making it as compact and portable as possible. Headphones, Main/A Outputs, B Outputs, MIDI Thru, MIDI Out, MIDI In, Pedal 1, Pedal 2, Sustain, and USB connectivity are all present and accounted for, making musical communication with the outside world a breeze.

Dave Smith Instruments’ Prophet 12 module will be being demoed and displayed for the first time in Hall B, Booth 5400 at the 2014 NAMM Show, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California.

The Prophet 12 module has an MAP of $2,199.00 USD and can be purchased from any authorized Dave Smith Instruments dealer."

See the Dealers section on the right and of course, eBay for prices and availability in your country.

Introducing the New Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet-6

Published on Jan 22, 2015 Dave Smith Instruments

Note the new Sequential branding and site vs. DSI or Sequential Circuits. Maybe they were afraid KORG would grab it. ;) SequentialCircuits.com appears to be owned by a fan site. There is Prophet-6 page at DSI as well.

Update: regarding the Sequential name: "In an unprecedented gesture of good will, Yamaha Corporation and its President, Takuya Nakata, have granted possession of the Sequential brand back to its original owner and company founder, Dave Smith. “To say that I’m grateful would be putting it mildly,” said Smith. “Generosity at this level is almost unheard of in today’s corporate climate.”

Video Description:

"Sequential is back! 100% analog signal path with discrete voltage controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers. More info at www.sequential.com

Vintage with a Modern Twist

The Prophet-6 is Dave Smith's tribute to the poly synth that started it all—the Sequential Prophet-5. But it’s not simply a reissue of a classic. Rather, as Dave puts it, “It’s the result of our effort to build the most awesome-sounding, modern analog poly synth possible.” The Prophet-6 takes the best qualities of the original Prophet-5—true voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers—and adds enhancements such as studio-quality effects, a polyphonic sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more. The result is pure, unadulterated analog tone with the stability and reliability of a state-of-the-art modern synth.

Classic Tone, Classic Vibe

Central to the warm, punchy sound of the Prophet-6 are its two newly-designed, discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice. Continuously variable waveshapes provide the tonal palette with triangle, sawtooth, and variable-width pulse waves. There are two discrete filters per voice—a four-pole, resonant, low-pass inspired by the original Prophet-5 filter, and a two-pole, resonant, high-pass filter. Voltage-controlled amplifiers complete the all-analog signal path.

Dual Effects

The dual effects section provides studio-quality reverbs, delays (standard and BBD), chorus and phase shifter. While the effects themselves are digital, with 24-bit, 48 kHz resolution, a true bypass maintains a full analog signal path. There's also an independent stereo distortion effect, which is 100% analog.

Poly Mod and Poly Step Sequencing

Also present from its classic predecessor is a Poly Mod section, with enhancements. True to the original, modulation sources are filter envelope and oscillator 2 (both with bi-polar control). Destinations include oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, low-pass filter cutoff, and high-pass filter cutoff. Another welcome reprise is Unison mode, which features configurable voice count (1-6 voices) and key modes. The polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step. You can create sequences polyphonically, with rests and sync to an external MIDI clock. The full-featured arpeggiator can be synced to external MIDI clock as well.

Easy to Program

The knob-per-function front panel offers instant access to virtually all Prophet-6 functions. Included are 500 permanent factory programs in 10 banks of 100 programs. In addition to these, you can create and save up to 500 user programs of your own. Toggling off the Preset button enables live panel mode, in which the sound of the Prophet-6 switches to the current settings of its knobs and switches. In this state, what you see is what you hear.

Easy to Play

All of this awe-inspiring sound is packed into a four octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch that's an ideal combination portability and power for the project studio or the gigging musician.

Special thanks to Peter Dyer! www.peterdyer.net"


Specs

OSCILLATORS
Continuously variable wave shape (triangle, sawtooth, pulse, square) per oscillator
Pulse width per oscillator
Hard sync: oscillator 1 syncs to oscillator 2
Triangle sub-octave generator (oscillator 1) per voice
Low frequency mode (oscillator 2)
Keyboard tracking on/off (oscillator 2)
Oscillator slop amount for increased tuning instability, from subtle to extreme

MIXER
Oscillator 1 amount
Oscillator 1 sub-octave amount
Oscillator 2 amount
White noise amount

HIGH-PASS FILTER
2-pole, resonant, high-pass filter per voice
Bi-polar filter envelope amount
Velocity modulation of envelope amount
Keyboard tracking: off, half, full

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Original Sequential Circuits Prophet 10 (1016)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this VEMIA listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

VEMIA is Peter Forrest's auction house. He is the author of The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizer Books. Pic of the inside below.

"Vintage Sequential Circuits Prophet 10 Dual Manual Keyboard Synthesizer with Flight Case This Prophet 10 is in very good condition, and is fully functional, although the Braemer tape drive has not been tested. Has factory MIDI and sequencer, and the original blue Prophet-10 flight case on wheels. This may be one of the last Prophet-10s made, as the S/N is 0444. It's big and heavy!! Includes power cord, electronic copies of the operation manual and service information, and one original Sequential footswitch. The flight case foam is serviceable, but could use replacement. The synth is wrapped in plastic within the flight case. Full pictures are here [captured below]. By far the most prevalent of the original Prophet 10 models, the Prophet 10 Rev3 was a better built version than the previous 2 iterations for more consistent and reliable performance. It used Curtis Electronics Manufacturing chips, and featured 2 VCOs per voice, a low pass resonant filter with ADSR, LFO, & cv/gate controls. This rarely seen monster analog synth is by far one of the fattest and nicest vintage synthesizers.

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Introducing the Sequential Prophet-10 Special Edition

Press release follows:

San Francisco, CA – [October, 22nd, 2024] – As part of the 50 Years of Sequential celebration, the renowned synthesizer company proudly announces the launch of the Prophet-10 Special Edition, a tribute to half a century of groundbreaking innovation in analog synthesis. This exclusive edition, with only 150 made, features exquisite lacewood panels that make each instrument a unique masterpiece.

The All-Natural Elegance of Lacewood
While the electronics are identical to the existing Prophet-10 Rev4, the Special Edition is distinguished by its stunning lacewood panels. Sourced from the lush forests of South America, lacewood is celebrated for its intricate grain patterns that create beautiful and varied designs. This exceptional wood not only enhances the visual allure of the Prophet-10 but also honors the long-held tradition of using fine woods in classic analog instruments.

A Collector's Dream
With only 150 in existence, the Prophet-10 Special Edition is a rare opportunity for discerning collectors. Each synthesizer comes with a certificate of authenticity, recording its specific serial number, and an embroidered dust cover, ensuring that this piece of musical history is preserved in pristine condition for decades to come.

The Return of a Legend
The Prophet-10 is Dave Smith’s ten-voice version of the analog poly synth that revolutionized the music world. Known for its warm, organic, and dynamic sound, the Prophet-10 combines all three revisions of the legendary Prophet-5 synth — Rev1, Rev2, and Rev3 — with a Rev switch that allows users to choose between the two distinct filter designs. The Prophet-10 Special Edition also includes the Vintage knob to fine tune instrument’s character, Poly Mod for wide timbral flexibility, and velocity sensitivity and aftertouch for new levels of expression beyond the 1970s Prophets, making it as versatile as it is powerful.

Experience the Prophet-10 Special Edition
Sequential invites professional musicians, collectors, and dedicated synth enthusiasts to experience the Prophet-10 Special Edition. This deeply organic lacewood edition is more than an instrument; it's a piece of history, a testament to Sequential's unwavering commitment to creating inspiring instruments for generations of artists.


About Sequential
Sequential is a leading manufacturer of high-quality analog synthesizers, known for their innovative designs and commitment to excellence. Founded by Dave Smith, Sequential has been at the forefront of the music industry for 50 years, creating instruments that have shaped the sound of countless hit records.

Specifications
Hardware
• Two authentic CEM 3340 VCOs per voice with simultaneously selectable wave shapes
• Pulse width per oscillator
• Hard sync: oscillator 1 syncs to oscillator 2
• Oscillator 1, 2 and White Noise amount
• Four-pole, resonant, low-pass filter per voice, switchable between authentic versions of the Prophet-5 Rev1/2 filter and Prophet-5 Rev3 filter
• Filter can be driven into self-oscillation with the Resonance control
• Four-stage (ADSR) envelope generators, one for Filter and one for Amp
• The LFO features three wave shapes: sawtooth, triangle, square
• Poly Mod sources, filter envelope and oscillator B, can be set to modulate oscillator A frequency, oscillator A pulse width, or filter cutoff
• Channel (mono) aftertouch destinations: filter cutoff frequency, LFO amount
• Bi-timbral operation, Layer mode: two different 5-voice programs stacked together simultaneously, and Split mode: two independent, user-assignable performance zones, with a different 5-voice program assigned to each.
• Full-sized, semi-weighted, premium Fatar 5-octave keyboard with velocity and aftertouch
• Polyphonic glide (portamento)
• Unison (monophonic) mode with configurable voice count, from one to all ten voices and key modes
Enhancements
• Vintage Knob recreates the characteristics of various Prophet-5 models by varying the behavior of oscillators, envelopes, amplifiers, and other parameters
• Oscillator 2 can be set to Low frequency mode and have Keyboard tracking turned on or off
• Velocity modulation of envelope amount for more dynamic Filter and Amp control
• 200 user and 200 factory programs in 5 banks of 40 programs each
Ins & Outs
• Mono output (1 x 1/4” phone jack)
• Headphone output (stereo, 1/4” phone jack)
• MIDI in, out, and thru ports
• USB for bidirectional MIDI communication
• CV and Gate inputs and outputs
• Low-pass filter cutoff expression pedal input
• Volume expression pedal input
• Sustain footswitch input
• IEC AC power inlet for internal power supply, operates worldwide on voltages between 100 and 240 volts at 50 to 60 Hz; 28 watts maximum power consumption

For more information about the Prophet-10 Special Edition, visit us at:
https://www.sequential.com/prophet-10-special-edition/

Sequential Introduces New Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Desktop Modules

Title says it all. Press release follows:

Sequential Announces Prophet®-5 and Prophet®-10 Desktop Modules

San Francisco, CA—Jan 12, 2021—Fast on the heels of the reintroduction of its legendary Prophet-5 synthesizer, Sequential today announced that it has created a desktop version of the acclaimed instrument. As with the keyboard version, the desktop model will be available in both five- and ten-voice configurations, dubbed the Prophet-5 desktop module and Prophet-10 desktop module, respectively. They feature the same authentic vintage sound and front-panel controls as the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 keyboards, but in a smaller form factor designed for portability and space-conscious studios.

“Our introduction of the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Rev 4 keyboards has been hugely successful. At the same time, a lot of people have been asking us for an easy way to fit them into a smaller studio space or into a touring rig,” commented Sequential founder and original Prophet-5 designer Dave Smith. “It was an easy decision to create a desktop module to fill that need. The great thing is, we managed to fit the same big, ballsy sound of the full Prophet-5 into a desktop model. It sounds every bit as awesome.”

Like the original, the new Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 modules feature two multi-waveform analog oscillators, analog resonant low-pass filters and amplifiers, and a filter and amplifier envelope per voice. Modulation is provided by a multi-waveshape LFO and Poly Mod, a ground-breaking modulation scheme for its time that allowed the filter envelope and oscillator B to be routed to a variety of destinations including filter cutoff frequency, oscillator A frequency, and oscillator A pulse width.

And just like the new Prophet-5/10 Rev 4 keyboards, the modules feature genuine Curtis VCOs and filters as used in the Prophet-5 Rev 3, as well as the Dave Rossum-designed SSI 2140 filter — the modern counterpart of the original SSM 2040 Rossum designed in the Prophet-5 Rev 1 and Rev 2. A Rev switch on the front panel allows users to switch between the two as desired.

Also present is the new Vintage knob, which loosens up the oscillators, filters, and envelopes from voice to voice as they typically are in vintage Prophet-5s. Users can dial in progressively more vintage character from a very stable “4,” as in Prophet-5 Rev4, all the way to “1,” as in Prophet-5 Rev1, which was the most temperamental of all Prophet-5s. The original factory sound set is included as well.

Other modern enhancements include velocity sensitivity and aftertouch to increase expressiveness, as well as MIDI and USB connectivity. Control voltage and gate ins/outs are also present for connecting modular synths and other gear. The new modules are housed in a premium-quality, steel case with hand-oiled sustainable black walnut heartwood trim.

Both modules will be available in February. The Prophet-5 desktop module has a US MAP of $2,499.
The Prophet-10 desktop module has a US MAP of $3,299.

About Sequential
Originally launched in 2002 as Dave Smith Instruments, Sequential is helmed by legendary musical instrument designer and Grammy® award winner Dave Smith. Dave’s many accomplishments include the creation of the Prophet-5—the world’s first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer—and his legacy as the primary driving force behind MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).

The company’s products are used by an ever-growing roster of well-known musicians and are available from music retailers worldwide. Instruments include the new Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Rev 4, the Pro 3 and Pro 3 SE, and the Prophet X, Prophet-6, OB-6, and Prophet Rev2 synthesizers. Sequential is based in San Francisco, where its instruments are also assembled. Visit www.sequential.com.

Update: additional pics via https://www.sequential.com: (Note the CV IO on back)

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Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet X Now Shipping

via Dave Smith Instruments

"Dave Smith Instruments Begins Shipping Sequential Prophet X Samples-Plus-Synthesis Hybrid Synthesizer

New Keyboard Features Samples by 8Dio, Stereo Analog Filters, and Full Synthesis Capabilities

San Francisco, CA—June 6, 2018—Dave Smith Instruments today began shipping the Sequential Prophet X, a new, bi-timbral, 8-voice-stereo (16-voice mono) synthesizer that combines samples and synthesis. At the heart of its sound is a newly developed engine that powers two simultaneous 16-bit, 48kHz sample-based instruments plus two high-resolution digital oscillators with waveshape modulation per voice — all processed through analog filters.

Dave Smith commented: “The Prophet X is a powerful evolution of the Prophet series.We’ve created a new sound engine that not only provides sample playback through stereo analog filters, but also gives you all of the synthesis capabilites and awesome sound you’d expect from a Prophet. It’s an amazing instrument.”

For sample content, Dave Smith turned to sound developers 8Dio, known for pioneering “deep sampling,” a detailed approach to sampling that aims to capture all of the nuances and idiosyncracies of a particular sound or instrument. 8Dio co-founder Troels Folmann put it this way: “We’re known for going anywhere and everywhere with sounds. We embrace all sounds as music and feel that if you can capture the musical soul of a sound, you can make it into an instrument. The Prophet X gives musicians a very immediate and responsive way to access this expressiveness.”

The 150 GB sample library in the Prophet X includes numerous acoustic and electronic instruments as well as an extensive collection of ambient and cinematic effects. Users can shape the samples through loop manipulation, sample stretching, and the synthesizer’s many sound-sculpting functions which include 4 envelope generators, 4 LFOs, a deep modulation matrix, and other tools. The Prophet X also provides 50 gigabytes of internal storage for importing additional samples. Several sample libraries will be available from 8Dio at launch. Support for user-created sample content is planned for December, 2018.

A dual-effects engine provides multiple reverbs, two delays (standard and BBD), a chorus, flanger, phase shifter, rotating speaker, high-pass filter, and distortion. In stacked or split voice mode, you can apply two different effects to each layer. Effects parameters can be modulated through the mod matrix as can the samples themselves. A polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step, per layer. The Prophet X features a premium-quality, five-octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch, an integrated power supply, USB support, and three OLED displays.

Dave Smith summed up the new instrument this way: “As a whole, the Prophet X covers more sonic territory than any Prophet we’ve ever created. The new analog filter design we’re using not only sounds fantastic for synth sounds, but also does something special for the samples. Composers will love it for soundtracks, synth geeks will love it for its sound mangling potential, and live players will love it for its versatility.” Added 8Dio co-founder Tawnia Knox: “The Prophet X has almost infinite posibilites. But more importantly, it has a soul. It’s alive. You can touch your sounds in a different way than you ever could.”

The Sequential Prophet X is available now with a US MAP of $3,999."

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