Sequential Prophet-6 Analog Synthesizer

The Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet 6 Analogue Synthesizer is a modern reissue of a vintage classic. Not just a reissue however, the Prophet 6 is the result of efforts not only to bring back a sought- after classic, but it is the outcome of ambitions to create the best sounding modern analogue poly synth possible.

The Prophet 6 takes all the best qualities from the original Prophet 5 including the true-voltage- controlled oscillators, the filters and amplifiers, the polyphonic step sequencer, the arpeggiator and more… all are here to be explored and enjoyed again… and they’re sounding better than ever. This brilliant modern masterpiece offers a pure, unadulterated analogue tone that sounds as classic as ever with all the reliability and stability of a state-of-the-art modern synth.

Firstly, central to the modules warm, punchy sound are the two newly-designed, discrete voltage- controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice. The wave shapes provide a wide and colourful tonal pallet. The triangle, saw tooth and variable-width pulse waves are all continuously variable and offer almost unlimited sound possibilities. There are two discrete filters per voice. The first being a four-pole, resonant, low-pass filter which is directly inspired by the Prophet 5, and the second a tow-pole, resonant high pass filter. Voltage-controlled amplifiers complete the all- analogue signal path and keep this synth truly analogue.

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

Another classic that is present from its predecessor is the Poly Mod section. This colourful command has some enhancements on the original but true to the Prophet 5 the modulation sources are filtered envelope and oscillator 2 (both with bi-polar controls) with destinations including oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, low-pass filter cut-off and high-pass filter cut-off.

Another welcome reprise is the Unison mode. This mode features a configurable voice count (1-6 voices) and optional key modes. The polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step. The user can create sequences polyphonically, with rests, and synch to an external midi clock.

The front panel is designed to a knob-per-function format, and offers instant access to virtually all of the Prophet 6’s functions with ease. Included are 500 permanent factory programs in 10 banks of 100 programs. In addition, the user can create and save up to 500 user programs of their own. Toggling off the preset button enables the 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.

Finally, all of this awe-inspiring sound is packed into a four octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel after touch that is the ideal combination of portability and power. The Prophet 6 is simply perfect for the project studio or the gigging musician.

Features:

Modern reissue of a vintage classic True-voltage-controlled oscillators Polyphonic step-sequencer Warm & punchy sound Two discrete filters per voice Dual effects section with 24-bit 489kHz resolution 100% Analogue stereo distortion Poly-mod section Unison mode Knob-per-function front panel formatting 500 Factory programs 500 User programs Four-octave, semi-weighted keyboard Portable and powerful.