RetroSound Studio Tour: Analog Polyphonic Synthesizers

video upload by RetroSound

"RetroSound Studio Tour
Classic Analog Polyphonic Synthesizers from the 1970s and 1980s

In this episode of RetroSound Studio Tour, I explore the sound, design, and history of legendary analog polyphonic synthesizers from the golden era of electronic music. These vintage poly synths defined the lush pads, warm brass sounds, and cinematic textures heard in synth-pop, progressive rock, disco, film scores, and early electronic music.

This studio tour focuses on true analog polyphonic instruments featuring multiple voices, voltage-controlled oscillators , classic analog filters , and rich modulation systems. Unlike monophonic synths, polyphonic synthesizers allow full chords and layered harmonic textures — making them essential in 1970s and 1980s music production.

In this RetroSound Studio tour, you’ll discover:
0:07 Roland Jupiter-4
5:54 Roland Juno-60
9:49 Roland Juno-106
14:10 Roland Alpha Juno 2
15:42 Roland JX-3P
18:21 Roland JX-8P
21:28 Korg Polysix
24:48 Korg Mono/Poly
26:59 Oberheim OB-X
32:32 Oberheim OB-Xa
35:35 ARP Quadra
37:11 Sequential Prophet-600
39:48 Tiracon 6V
41:56 Oberheim Matrix-1000

Full Studio Tour playlist:"

GreyScale-KOSMOS #raspberrypi #pico #rp2040 #midi #sequencer #algorithmic #generative #kosmos

video upload by plantssystem

Follow-up to this post.

"KOSMOS – A Compact Generative Sequencer Driving the Prophet‑5

This short clip features KOSMOS, my standalone generative MIDI sequencer, controlling a Sequential Prophet‑5. KOSMOS creates evolving melodic patterns and rhythmic variations in real time, while the Prophet‑5 provides its unmistakable analog warmth and depth.

The performance is completely autonomous — no DAW, no external processing — just KOSMOS generating the sequence and the Prophet‑5 responding with its classic tone.
It’s a small glimpse into how KOSMOS interacts with hardware synths and how expressive the pairing can be."

Dreamt in Passing | Sequential Take 5 (Dreamscape)

video upload by hvegel

"A patch I created to showcase how massive the Take 5 can get. Apart from a bit of 'ITB Mastering' this is just the instrument. With 'Vintage knob' or things like LFO slew, not engaged, yes, it is true, this instrument, by design can do some very precise Analogue material, think Elektron Analog 4, but it can get into the weeds, and sound out right wild, and unruly, not unlike the Sequential Godfather it shares its DNA from.

The latest firmware update, has really encouraged me to start using this more as centrepiece in my studio. A/B-ing, sound for sound with the Prophet 5 Rev 4, with a bit of attention to detail with programming, it gets just about every bit there (factoring in a substancial lower mid-range bump in tone with P5, with a touch of those mids being abscent on design, some may consider the Take 5 a bit more 'glossy'), The Prophet 6 might be a better (more immediately satisfying) than both the P5 ot T5, but Sequential has done a wonderful job at taking the core Prophet sound, its Rev 1/2 filter, modernising it with bass compensation, and stable filters, that can be pitched to a wonderfully pleasing instability.

This reads a bit as an apologist letter, but I also think the Take 5, is very misunderstood amongst the Internet, for what it's DNA really is, how these firmware updates keep unleashing it further into the stratosphere, and despite its massive popularity at your local Synth Store, it's still this mystified object that kind of gets relegated to a vastly updated Dave Smith Mopho."

Stanky Sequential Super Saw Sonic Showdown - Fourm vs Take 5 vs Prophet 10

video upload by Pork Chop Synthesizers

Oberheim TEO-5 Arpeggi-GREAT!

video upload by Pork Chop Synthesizers

Also see Sequential Showdown Prophet 10 vs Take-5 vs Fourm

Sequential Showdown Prophet 10 vs Take-5 vs Fourm

Pt. 1 - Just Jammin' - video upload by Pork Chop Synthesizers

Update:

Sequential Showdown Pt. 2 - Init Patch Exploration - Prophet 10 vs Take-5 vs Fourm

video upload by Pork Chop Synthesizers

Sequential Showdown Pt. 3 - Pads 'n' Organs - Prophet 10 vs Take-5 vs Fourm

video upload by Pork Chop Synthesizers

Comparing the Sequential Fourm to the Pro-One

"I Compared the Sequential Fourm to My Pro-One" video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 intro jam and info
5:04 Really Deep Bass - THE FILTER
9:14 They've got Oscillators
11:24 Creating a Few Tones
15:11 PWM and how to match them
19:10 F to the M
20:00 Show Me The Sync
21:19 Pushing the Envelope 24:06 Overall..?

"Some genuine surprises in this head-to-head with the Sequential Fourm and the legendary Sequential Pro-One to find out if the Fourm can give the same vibe.

At first glance, the architecture looks familiar: dual oscillators, classic envelopes, a focused modulation section, and unmistakable Prophet-era DNA from Prophet-5 territory. But the big question is this: does the Fourm capture the raw punch, deep bass, and aggressive character that made the Pro-One a cult classic?

.. and I know it's not a clone :) but in this in-depth demo and comparison, I explore:

Oscillator behaviour, sync, PWM and FM
Filter differences (including low-end depth and resonance extremes)
Envelope response and modulation range
Bass performance, subs, and room-shaking tones
Where the Fourm goes beyond the Pro-One — and where it doesn’t

Rather than obsessing over perfect null tests, this video focuses on feel, playability, and whether the Four inspires the same kinds of sounds and musical ideas as the original Pro-One.

If you’re into analog monosynths, Sequential gear, vintage vs modern comparisons, or you’re wondering whether a contemporary synth can truly stand in for a rising-price classic, this one’s for you.

🎧 Headphones or proper speakers strongly recommended — some of these bass tones go very deep."

Sequential Prophet 5 - a vintage Hero! Sounds only! No talking

video upload by Franz Kreimer Keys

"Prophet 5 Analogsynthesizer from the early 80's. One of the best Synthesizers ever made.

Sounds only! No talking.

If you like talking and explaining

Prophet 5 - Ein Meilenstein der Synthesizergeschichte" [posted here]

BEHRINGER PRO 800 Demo & Review (Amazingly Cheap PROPHET Synth)

video upload by Woody Piano Shack

"Demo and Review of the BEHRINGER PRO-800 Analog Synth, a recreation of the SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS PROPHET 5 and PROPHET 600.

Lesson packs also available for one-time purchase on Patreon.

MORE WOODY PIANO SHACK
https://woodypianoshack.com"

Vintage Sequential Prophet 10 Rev3 61-Key Dual Keyboard Analog Synthesizer SN 0407

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

via this Reverb listing

"Vintage Sequential Circuits Prophet-10 (Double Manual) synthesizer with MIDI in excellent working condition. Legendary dual-manual analog polysynth featuring two independent 5-voice Prophet engines for layered, split, or stacked sounds. Delivers the classic Prophet tone with rich VCOs, resonant filters, snappy envelopes, and hands-on control.

Both keybeds have been professionally restored: bushings replaced and lubricated, contact bars cleaned, J-wires realigned, and keys fully cleaned. Fully tested—both manuals play evenly and respond correctly. On the top left corner there is residue left over from an adhesive Velcro strip that can easily be removed, and the prophet logo on the front panel was touched up by someone. These can be seen in the photos. Some other light cosmetic wear but nothing serious."

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Vintage Synths Doing Classic Horror Movie Themes | Top 8

video upload by Espen Kraft

"8 horror movie theme covers performed with a variety of classic 80s and 90s synths, samplers and drum machines.

The thumbnail image is not AI generated."

Roland JX-3P, Yamaha KX88, Roland Juno-106, Roland JX-8P, Elka OMB 5, Bit01, Roland Jupiter-8, John Bowen Solaris, Oberheim Matrix-12, Sequential Six-Trak, & Prophet-VS.

Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime

video upload by PAUL McCARTNEY

"Official music video for 'Wonderful Christmastime' performed by Paul McCartney."

Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and I believe a Hohner Clavinet D6 in the video.
Some say a Yamaha CS80 was used in the recording for the lead pluck sound.

PlantsSystem-Duos&Prophet-5

video upload by plantssystem

"This video work captures the unpredictable changes in sound that occur when the analog circuits of a Sequential Prophet-5 and a Hikari Instruments Duos are feedback-connected and interfere with each other.
The Prophet-5's rich polyphonic sound stimulates the Duos's sharp circuit response, responding sensitively to even the slightest touches, creating an organic, tense acoustic space.
This experimental work captures, through both sound and video, the moment of feedback, which oscillates between control and rampage.
#plantssystem #prophet5 #polysequencer #duos #hikari"

PlantsSystem-Prophet-5&PolySeq

video upload by plantssystem

"PlantsSystem performed live in the intimate space of a single room using the Prophet-5 and Poly-Seq.

Performer and audience shared the same space, and in a seamless environment, the Prophet-5's rich analog tone and the Poly-Seq's quietly pulsating sequences resonated with each other.

The act of performing itself blended into the living space, resulting in an intimate and immersive performance where the listener could experience the sound-creation process in its entirety.

#plantssystem #prophet5 #polysequencer"

PlantsSystem-Duos&PolySeq ChaosSync

video upload by plantssystem



"PlantsSystem performed using Hikari Instruments' Duos and Sequential's Poly-Sequencer, linked via ChaosSync.

The multiple sequencers interact and influence each other, generating music through a struggle between regularity and chance. The delicate yet sharp modulations of the Duos and the phrase changes made by the Poly-Sequencer overlap, keeping the development constantly fluid.

This experimental live performance, unique to PlantsSystem, showcases the process in which intention and chance emerge simultaneously."

Prophet-5 Famous Riffs | Radiohead, D Train, Cameo & More!

video upload by Andy Whitmore

"Take a tour of the legendary Sequential Prophet-5 with a stack of famous riffs – from Radiohead and D Train to Cameo, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Phil Collins, Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Hall & Oates.
All sounds are played on my Prophet-5, with no other synths."

Time Stamps: Time Artist Track
Time Stamps: Time Artist Track
00:00 Intro
00:36 Radiohead - Everything In Its Right Place - Main Riff
01:04 The Cars - Let’s Go - Intro Melody Riff
01:23 Talking Heads - This Must Be the Place - Flute Sound
01:44 Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight - Prophet 5 Pad
02:11 Pink Floyd - Run Like Hell - Synth Solo
02:58 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Bass Drop & Brass Lick
03:17 Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax - Middle 8 Bass Drop
03:40 D Train - You’re the One for Me - Bass
03:51 D Train - You’re the One for Me - Main Lead Riff
04:08 D Train - You’re the One for Me - First Synth Part
04:16 D Train - You’re the One for Me - Second Synth Part
04:30 D Train - You’re the One for Me - Bass Drop
04:46 D Train - You’re the One for Me - Synth Organ Solo
05:27 Cameo - She’s Strange - Moody Synth
06:02 Cameo - She’s Strange - 2nd Synth Lick
06:20 Daryl Hall & John Oates - I Can’t Go for That - Sawtooth Filter Open Swell
06:32 Daryl Hall & John Oates - I Can’t Go for That - Main Synth Riff
06:45 Daryl Hall & John Oates - I Can’t Go for That - Flute Lick
08:18 Outro - Summary - What’s coming next
---
Nice Oberhiem OB-8 synth T!

Additional Andy Whitmore Famous Riffs

Is this SYNTH the next INDUSTRIAL CLASSIC?

video upload by Tonepusher

"🔊Sounds, Presets & Templates🔊
Presets & Samples ► https://www.tonepusher.com/
FOURM presets► https://www.tonepusher.com/product-pa...

Is the Sequential FOURM the next Industrial classic?

Today we discover the ‪Sequential FOURM. The sound of Sequential synthtesizers helped shape EBM and industrial music sound, albums by bands such as Skinny Puppy, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM or VNV Nation. I'm putting the Sequential FOURM to the test to see if it can deliver that EBM and Industrial sound, just like the Prophet-5 and Pro-One did back then.

Chapters:
0:00 - intro
0:19 - Sequential in Industrial Music
1:03 - FOURM Overall Look
4:12 - Favorite Features
5:27 - Remaking Classics
7:59 - Full Track Demo + Final Notes"

Luke Million | Knight Rider Theme | Official Video Clip

video upload by Luke Million

"The Official Video Clip for my cover of the Knight Rider Theme

I had so much fun putting this together. I paid homage to the original masterpiece by Stu Phillips but injected it with more raw synth fire power 🎹 🔥 🔋

You can stream / download on your favourite music platforms here - https://xelon.ffm.to/krtheme

Synths Used in order of appearance;

Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 Rev 3.3
Moog Multimoog
Roland Jupiter 4
Moog Grandmother
Oberheim OB8
Roland Juno 6
Arp Odyssey Mk 1
E-MU Emulator II
Moog Matriarch

#knightrider #80smusic #synthesizer"

Oberheim OB-8

video upload by Vykaar Tones

"Quick demo of the over sized , great sounding Oberheim OB-8 with the cheap non velocity keyboard implementation that everyone used at the time compared to the sequential T8 that had a great keyboard but didn't sound as good as the prophet 5! I prefer my TEO-5 or the OB6 I had before but I still have the rev4 Prophet 5 desktop."

Sequential & Oberheim Announce Free OS Updates for Take5 & TEO-5 Adding Poly Chain and More

video upload by Sequential

"The Take 5 Poly Chain OS update is free to download! Link two units together for a massive 10-voice polysynth, explore 10 new arpeggiator modes like Spiral and Leapfrog, and experience Whiplash arp timing for dynamic rhythmic transformations. Plus, dive into fresh sound design possibilities with selectable violet noise for shimmering, airy textures. This update is all about bigger chords, deeper creativity, and inspiring new sonic landscapes! It's your Take 5 to the power of 10.

Synth sounds and drums exclusively by Take 5. Music composed by Peter Dyer.

For more information on the Take 5 Poly Chain OS Update, visit Sequential at: https://sequential.com/take-5-poly-ch..."

TEO 5 Poly Chain OS Update

video upload by Oberheim Official

"Elevate your TEO-5 with the new Poly Chain OS update! Link two TEOs together for a lush 10-voice Oberheim experience, explore 10 inspiring arpeggiator modes like Spiral and Leapfrog, and add rhythmic drama with Whiplash arp timing. Plus, expand your sound palette with violet noise for shimmering and airy textures. Step up to bigger chords, deeper creativity, and fresh sonic possibilities!

All sounds from TEO-5. Music by Peter Dyer

Learn more at https://oberheim.com/products/teo-5-p..."

And a user video by Devin Belanger, aka Miles Away:

Take 5 & TEO-5 Firmware Update // First Look + Demo (Polychain, New Features & Sounds)

video upload by Devin Belanger

"First look at the brand new firmware update for the Oberheim TEO-5 & Sequential Take 5. This update adds Polychain, new arp modes, noise options, and more — giving these synths a serious upgrade. In this video I’ll walk through what’s new and demo some of the new sounds in action."

Press releases follow:

Sequential Announces Free OS Update for Take 5 Synthesizer — Adds Poly Chain and More


OS Update introduces 10-voice Poly Chain, new arpeggiator patterns, Whiplash arp timing mode, and violet noise.

San Francisco, CA — November 6, 2025— Sequential today announced a major OS update for its popular Take 5 polyphonic synthesizer, delivering powerful new features that expand its creative capabilities. This update is free for all Take 5 owners and is available now from the Sequential website.

The centerpiece of the update is Poly Chain, which allows two Take 5s to be linked for a fully integrated 10-voice instrument. This means players can perform bigger chords and more complex arrangements without worrying about voice stealing. All front-panel controls are mirrored from one unit to the other for seamless sound tweaking, as if they were a single, expanded synth.

The arpeggiator gets a serious creative boost with 10 new play modes designed to inspire fresh rhythmic and melodic ideas. Modes like Spiral and Leapfrog introduce surprising new musical elements, creating parts that feel alive. These patterns go beyond simple up-and- down motion, using virtual “playheads” to weave intricate note paths, adding new flavor to your compositions.

Another standout feature is Whiplash, a new timing mode that keeps each arpeggiator cycle the same length regardless of how many notes you hold. The result? Notes bunch together or spread apart dynamically, producing rhythmic tension and release that stays in-step with the overall bar-length of your composition.

Finally, the update also adds violet noise, which emphasizes high frequencies while reducing low-end content. This opens up new possibilities for sound design, from smooth and shimmering textures to airy percussive layers.

"Musicians love the sound of Take 5, and we get asked regularly for ways to expand the polyphony," said David Gibbons, CEO of Sequential.

"This new software makes it possible to use it as a massive 10-voice synth — while also adding some fun and creative new capabilities."

The Sequential Take 5 combines classic Prophet-5 tone with a compact, portable design and an intuitive layout that feels great to play. With five voices of polyphony (and now ten with a desktop module companion), authentic analog oscillators, the iconic Prophet-5 filter, and deep modulation options, it’s the perfect gateway to Sequential’s legendary sound.

Download now, or get more details and hear the new Poly Chain OS features in action at https://sequential.com/take-5-poly-chain-os-update/



Oberheim Releases Free OS Update for TEO-5 Synthesizer — Adds Poly Chain and More


OS Update introduces 10-voice Poly Chain, new arpeggiator patterns, Whiplash arp timing mode, and violet noise.

San Francisco, CA — November 6, 2025— Oberheim today announced a free OS update for its acclaimed TEO-5 synthesizer, adding powerful new features that make the instrument even more versatile and inspiring. The update is now available for download from Oberheim's website.

The highlight of the update is Poly Chain, enabling two TEO-5 units to be linked for a fully synchronized 10-voice Oberheim experience. This allows for complex chords and lush textures without compromise, and all panel controls are mirrored across both units for consistent sound and performance.

Additionally, the arpeggiator now includes 10 new play modes that go far beyond traditional patterns. Modes like Spiral and Leapfrog introduce new rhythm and melody, creating parts that twist, turn, and evolve in ways that spark creativity.

Also new is Whiplash, a timing mode that keeps each arpeggiator cycle the same length no matter how many keys you hold. This means the note values shift dynamically, producing rhythmic tension and release that stays in-step with the overall bar-length of your composition.

To round out the update, violet noise joins the sonic palette. With its emphasis on high frequencies and reduced low-end content, violet noise is ideal for creating smooth shimmering textures, airy effects, and unique percussive elements.

"TEO-5 was designed to bring the classic Oberheim sound to more players," said Tom Oberheim. "This update pushes that vision further — adding features that make it even more useful and inspiring."

TEO-5 combines authentic Oberheim tone with modern creative tools. With true analog oscillators, the legendary SEM filter, linear through-zero FM, and a deep modulation matrix, TEO-5 offers a vast sonic palette in a compact, performance-ready design. Take the next step with TEO-5 and download the Poly Chain OS Update today.

The TEO-5 OS update is now available for free download at https://oberheim.com/products/teo-5-poly-chain-os-update/

Anthony Marinelli Music Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"I finally agreed to make a video showing my synthesizer studio. I'm NOT a collector, so you'll see the instruments I've used for over four decades to do my work. It's also my space for composing. In this deep dive studio tour, I walk you through every corner of my space, showing how everything’s connected for performing, recording, and creative flow.

You’ll see icons like the 'Plantasia' Moog Modular IIIc, Synclavier II, Rhodes Chroma with Expander & Enabler, Oberheim Four Voice, Elka Synthex, Roland Jupiter 8, Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, ARP 2600s, Korg MS modular synths, some classic Minimoog — plus a few modern synths I’ve added as I look to the future. Alongside the synths are vintage drum machines, string machines, and rare electric keyboards including a 1973 Fender Rhodes Suitcase and Hohner Clavinet/Pianet Duo.

We'll also explore racks of outboard gear, vocoder units, tape echoes, and a vast array of my custom guitar pedal options, efx pedal boards and studio effects racks that make this room endlessly inspiring. I'll also reveal how my entire studio is designed for instant creativity, featuring 48 channels of synth drivers and stage boxes, so any synth can be patched and recorded on the fly."

https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/pages/about

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