The new Sequential Prophet-5 / Prophet-10 desktop modules pack everything we love about the new reissues in a super-compact format.
Back in October, I reported about the new Sequential Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 as desktop modules. The news is true. Sequential today announced both iconic analog Synthesizer reissues as desktop modules.
They feature the same authentic vintage sound and front-panel controls as the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 keyboards, but in a smaller form factor designed for portability and space-conscious studios.
“Our introduction of the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 Rev 4 keyboards has been hugely successful. At the same time, a lot of people have been asking us for an easy way to fit them into a smaller studio space or into a touring rig,” commented Sequential founder and original Prophet-5 designer Dave Smith. “It was an easy decision to create a desktop module to fill that need. The great thing is, we managed to fit the same big, ballsy sound of the full Prophet-5 into a desktop model. It sounds every bit as awesome.”
Sequential Prophet-5 & Prophet-10 Desktop Modules
The sound engine of the Prophet-5/-10 desktop modules is identical to the keyboards. Two multi-waveform analog oscillators, analog resonant low-pass filters and amplifiers, and a filter and amplifier envelope per voice. Then you have a multi-waveshape LFO and Polymod, a ground-breaking modulation scheme for its time. It allows that the filter envelope and oscillator B to be routed to a variety of destinations including filter cutoff frequency, oscillator A frequency, and oscillator A pulse width.
Like the new Prophet-5/10 Rev4, it comes with the best-known Curtis VCOs and filters from Revision 3, as well as the Dave Rossum-designed SSI 2140 filter. It’s the modern counterpart of the original SSM 2040 Rossum designed in the Prophet-5 Rev 1 and Rev 2. The desktop version also has this super handy Rev switch on the front panel that allows users to switch between the two filters.
Vintage Knob
Also present is the new Vintage knob that lets you dial in as much old-school randomness as you’d like. The new Prophets ships with the original factory sound set that gives you the charm of the vintage unit. Other modern enhancements include velocity sensitivity and aftertouch to increase expressiveness, as well as MIDI and USB connectivity.
Control voltage and gate ins/outs are also present for connecting modular synths and other gear. The new modules are completely new designs: premium-quality, steel case with hand-oiled sustainable black walnut heartwood trim.
I like both new desktop units very much. Mainly because they give more musicians the opportunity to come into possession of the legendary Prophet-5. Good move.
Both Sequential Prophet-5 & Prophet-10 desktop modules will be available in February. The Prophet-5 will cost has a US MAP of $2,499. The Prophet-10 desktop module has a US MAP of $3,299.
More information here: Sequential
If only they did the same for the awesome pro-3