Sequential Prophet X Analog Hardware Synth

The Prophet X is a potent fusion of samples-plus-synthesis and is Dave Smith’s most ground-breaking evolution of the Prophet yet. At its heart, it’s a bi-timbral, 8-voice-stereo (16-voice mono) synth with a newly developed sound engine that powers two simultaneous 16-bit, 48kHz sample-based instruments plus two high-resolution digital oscillators — all processed through true stereo analog filters. The Prophet X contains over 150 GB of internal samples from Academy Award winning sample developers 8Dio and thousands of deep-sampled instruments – and all of the powerful synthesis tools you’ve come to expect from Dave, the Prophet X has a musical voice uniquely its own.

On the sample side of things, the Prophet X provides two independent, stereo, digitally sampled instruments per voice (4 in Stack or Split mode). The 150 GB of internal sample content was created by 8Dio, known for pioneering “deep sampling.” You’ll find a diverse collection of acoustic and electronic instruments as well as plenty of edgy ambient and cinematic effects. You can shape the samples through loop manipulation, sample stretching, and the Prophet X’s sound-sculpting modulation functions. Each sample instrument has its own Tone control for high-pass or low-pass filtering. Fifty gigabytes of additional internal storage is dedicated to importing external sample libraries. Support for user-created samples is planned for December 2018. Add-on sample packs are available from 8Dio on product release.

On the synth side, the Prophet X gives you the power of a classic Prophet, with two high-resolution digital oscillators that feature both classic waveshapes and a supersaw for more timbral possibilities. Using the Shape Mod control, you can manually dial in a desired waveshape width for any of the classic sine, sawtooth, or pulse waves, or use an LFO or other mod source for continuously shifting timbre. You can shape the raw sounds with all of the classic synthesis functions you’d expect, including 4 syncable LFOs with slew and phase offset, 4 loopable five-stage envelope generators, and a 16-slot mod matrix with dozens of modulation sources and destinations. 

At the heart of the Prophet X’s powerful sound are its new, 24 dB-per-octave resonant low-pass filters, which are based on a vintage design. There are separate filters in the left and right channels for a true stereo signal path. These add exceptional presence and fullness to both the samples and the oscillators. For additional polyphony, you can switch the Prophet X from 8-voice stereo mode to 16-voice mono mode, which is useful for stacks and splits.

The polyphonic step sequencer provides up to 64 steps and up to 6 notes per step. You can create a different sequence for each layer if working in stacked or split voice mode, making it a powerful tool for composition or performance. Sequences can have ties and rests, and can sync to an external MIDI clock. The arpeggiator features note repeats, re-latching, and can be synced to external MIDI clock, as well.

A dual effects engine provides multiple reverbs, 2 delays (standard and BBD), chorus, phase shifter, flanger, vintage 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.

With loads of sonic firepower and personality, a five-octave, premium-quality, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch, an integrated power supply, MIDI USB support, and three crisp OLED displays, the Prophet X fits into any music rig or gig — in the studio or on the road.

The Sequential Prophet X contains over 150GB of deep-sampled instruments – derived from a wide assortment of custom libraries (specifically designed for the Prophet X) and from the 8Dio and private V8P collections. Thousands of deep-sampled instruments and far too many to list. Ambiences, Upright and Electric Basses, Studio Brass Ensemble and Studio Brass Solo Instruments (ex. Trombone, Trumpet, Saxophone etc), Large-Scale Symphonic Choirs, Childrens Choir, Experimental Basses and a large section of custom instruments.

Several deep-sampled drum kits and +50 different electronic kits, Massive Ensemble Percussion Sets, Taiko Drums, Guitars (ex. Acoustic, 12-String, Dobro, Electric, Mandolin etc), Thousands of Cinematic Sound Design Tools, Vintage Keyboards (ex. Suitcase, Hammond, Wurlitzer, Clavinet etc), Orchestral Effects. Deep Assortment of both Tonal and Non-Tonal Percussion, Grand Pianos, Upright Pianos, Prepared Pianos. Solo Voices. Studio String and Woodwind Ensembles. Custom Wavetables. Synth Ensembles and thousands of other instruments.

The Prophet X comes with 50GB of space for exclusive Add-On content and 8Dio will release a vast catalogue of new custom instruments, including a large array of deep-sampled vintage synthesizers, super pianos, full symphony orchestras and many new types instruments. We begin the journey with one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time. The Prophet 5.

The Last Prophet 5 is the last production model ever built and it is Dave Smith’s personal unit. We deep-sampled every patch in the Prophet 5 through an advanced setup – allowing us to get the exact identical sound. So get the most precise vintage experience possible and the ability to play it via true analog stereo filters in the Prophet X. Coming August 2018.

We recorded and processed the CP-70 at 24-Bit / 96Khz at our famous British Studio through a large custom NEVE desk. The Vintage CP-70 contains both standard (Sustains, Staccato, Staccatissimo w/ RR) and a large assortment of prepared articulations (Ex. Plucked Strings, Picked Strings,  Muted Strings, Harmonics etc.). All standard sustain samples were recorded with both pedal up and pedal down positions. In addition we also two types of staccatissimo (w/ round robin) for faster, percussive playing styles.

The Super Grand is an exquisitely deep-sampled Grand Piano. We recorded it in multiple microphone perspectives and up to 10-velocity layers, including Sustains, Una Corda and both Staccatissimo and Staccato short notes with 5 x repetition notes. The shorter articulations offer the ability to play faster licks on the piano, but retaining the realism and ring-out of shorter notes. Coming August 2018.