Introduction
The Sequential Prophet-5 is a 5-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer first introduced in 1978 by Sequential Circuits[14]. It was one of the earliest synthesizers to have full programmability of sounds and quickly gained popularity among musicians and producers due to its unique sound and innovative design[14]. The Prophet-5 has seen several revisions over the years, with the most recent being the Prophet-5 Rev4, which was released alongside a 10-voice companion, the Prophet-10[13].
Designers
The Prophet-5 was designed by Dave Smith, the founder of Sequential Circuits[14]. Dave Smith’s vision for the instrument was to create a polyphonic synthesizer that was both powerful and musical[15]. The original Prophet-5 was a groundbreaking instrument, and its design has influenced the development of many other synthesizers over the years[14].
Impact and Popularity
The Prophet-5 has been used by numerous artists and producers across various genres, including Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, and Tony Banks[14]. Its unique sound and innovative design have made it a sought-after instrument among musicians and producers[14]. The Prophet-5’s impact on the music industry can still be felt today, as its legacy continues to inspire the development of new synthesizers and instruments[13].
Technical Specifications and Features
The Sequential Prophet-5 features a 5-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer with a full, five-octave, semi-weighted Fatar keyboard[15]. It has two CEM 3340 VCOs per voice, with simultaneously selectable waveforms for oscillators A and B[6]. The Prophet-5 also includes a Poly-Mod (Polyphonic Modulation) section that allows all five voices to have separate modulation paths[5]. Other features include:
– Velocity sensitivity and aftertouch[1]
– USB, MIDI, Gate, and CV ins/outs[15]
– A Vintage knob for setting various Prophet-5 models[1]
– Pitch and modulation wheel[1]
Recent Models
In 2020, Sequential reintroduced the Prophet-5 with the release of the Prophet-5 Rev4, which embodies all three revisions of the legendary synth[13]. This new version offers improvements in stability and reliability while maintaining the classic sound and design of the original Prophet-5[1]. Sequential also released a 10-voice version called the Prophet-10, realizing Dave Smith’s original vision for the instrument[13].
Citations:
[1] https://www.sequential.com/product/prophet-5/
[2] https://www.sequential.com/product/prophet-5-desktop-module/
[3] https://youtube.com/watch?v=1t1bJaX3pVM
[4] https://www.sequential.com/2018/08/sequential-celebrates-prophet-5-40th-anniversary/
[5] https://blog.zzounds.com/2021/09/11/the-coming-of-the-prophet/
[6] https://www.thomannmusic.com/sequential_prophet_5.htm
[7] https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/sequential-prophet-5-prophet-10
[8] https://8dio.com/products/prophet-5-add-on
[9] https://youtube.com/watch?v=8fpFBp00KzU
[10] https://equipboard.com/items/sequential-circuits-prophet-5
[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/comments/12oln9m/why_is_the_prophet_five_more_popular_than_the/
[12] https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/sequential-prophet-5-rev-4
[13] https://www.perfectcircuit.com/signal/sequential-prophet-5-2020
[14] https://genesis-a-gear-revelation.fandom.com/wiki/Sequential_Circuits_Prophet-5
[15] https://vintageking.com/sequential-prophet-5-polyphonic-analog-synthesizer
[16] https://insheepsclothinghifi.com/5-songs-featuring-prophet-5/
[17] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophet-5
[18] https://electronicmusic.fandom.com/wiki/Prophet-5
[19] https://www.vintagesynth.com/sci/p5.php
[20] https://reverb.com/news/the-path-of-the-prophet-how-dave-smiths-invention-changed-the-synth-game
[21] https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Prophet5–sequential-prophet-5-61-key-analog-synthesizer
[22] https://youtube.com/watch?v=fnfrW6avujU
[23] https://dailyanalog.com/synths/sequential/sequential-circuits-prophet-5-review/
[24] https://greatsynthesizers.com/en/review/sequential-prophet-5-milestone-and-musical-legend/
