Sequential Prophet-6 Desktop

The Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet 6 Desktop Analogue Synthesizer Module is not just a ridiculously long name; it is a desktop version of the Prophet-6 Keyboard, and is just as just as powerful despite is compact size. The module features the same controls as the keyboard version and allows for the same ease of use. With an intuitive layout with full-sized knobs and switches, all parameters are right at your fingertips.

The Sequential Prophet-5: the beast that started it all. The Prophet-6 desktop module and keyboard are Dace Smith’s personal tribute to this classic poly synth. But, don’t think that it’s just a reissue. Dave Smith said himself, “It’s the result of our effort to build the most awesome-sounding, modern analogue poly synth possible”. This means taking all the top qualities of the Prophet-5, like true voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers, and adding enhancements to these. A polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more have been added, allowing it to live comfortably in the modern age.

The warm, punch tone of the Prophet-6 has been achieved by its two newly-designed, discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice. This means you have continuously variable waveshapes, providing the tonal palette with triangle, sawtooth, and variable-width pulse waves. 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 pre-set 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.

This box of huge tricks is surprisingly compact. The desktop module is small enough to fit in a backpack. It’s an ideal combination of portability and power for the project studio or the gigging musician.