The Sequential Prophet 6 by Dave Smith Instruments is a stunning and cutting-edge synth that was thoughtfully created to satisfy consumers. The Dave Smith Prophet 6 “Sequential Circuits” synthesizer has six analogue polyphonic voices. When Dave Smith Instruments (DSI) made the decision to return to the analogue synth market 20 years after the company’s death, the moniker “Sequential Circuits” was restored.
The first programmable poly synth that could save its settings internally and be called up from multiple banks rather than physically writing parameters down in a notebook was the original Prophet 5. The keyboard is regarded as one of the most significant synths in the development of electronic music.
Table of Contents
General Overview
The Sequential Prophet-5, the original poly synth, is Dave Smith’s inspiration for the Prophet 6. But it goes beyond just a classic reissue. It is rather the outcome of our efforts to create the most amazing-sounding, contemporary analog poly synthesizer, to quote Dave.
The Prophet-6 includes improvements like studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more while retaining the best features of the original Prophet-5, which included genuine voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers.
As a result, a contemporary, cutting-edge synth with the steadiness and dependability of pure, unadulterated analog tones is produced. Classical tempo and vibe The Prophet-6’s two freshly created independent voltage-controlled oscillators (with sub-oscillator) per voice are at the heart of its warm, powerful sound.
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.3 |
| Connectivity | 9.2 |
| Build Quality | 9.4 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
Triangle sawtooth and pulse waves of various widths are offered to the tone palette by continuously varying wave shapes. A four-pole, resonant, low-pass filter modeled by the original Prophet-5 filter and a two-pole, resonant, high-pass filter are the two distinct filters used for each voice. The all-analog signal route is completed by voltage-controlled amplifiers.
Dual Results the dual effects section offers a chorus, phase shifter, normal and BBD delays, and reverbs of studio quality. Although the effects themselves have a 24-bit, 48-kHz resolution and are digital, a genuine bypass keeps the whole analog signal line intact. There is also a standalone, entirely analog stereo distortion effect.
Sequencing with the poly mod and poly step A Poly Mod portion, with improvements, is also present from its vintage predecessor. The filter envelope and oscillator 2 serve as the initial sources for modulation (both with bi-polar control).
Oscillator 1 frequency, shape, pulse width, low-pass filter cutoff, and high-pass filter cutoff are among the destinations. Unison mode, which has key modes and a programmable voice count (1-6 voices), is another welcome return. The series of polyphonic steps speaks a lot about the condition of the music instrument consumer sector today and we can discuss the physical characteristics of this synth. However, things are changing, and younger artists are more accustomed to soft synthesizers and other virtual instruments than they are to traditional physical ones.
Many artists might recall a time not so long ago when actual synth keyboards weren’t as common or as numerous. The tactile nature of keyboards like the Prophet 6 or the more recent Moogs appeals to both younger artists and more experienced musicians who remember when these instruments were at their peak. They are not included in a computer, a Korg digital piano, or a Korg workstation like the Kronos. When you lessen the need for software, the physical connection to the music is restored.
The Prophet 6 is an extremely fashionable piece of gear. The keyboard has a retro-meets-modern aesthetic thanks to the red glow from many LEDs and the dark, oiled mahogany that surrounds it. Additionally, the instrument has silver nameplates reading “Prophet 6” on the top panel and “Sequential Circuits” on the bottom trim.
Many of the DSI synth line’s instruments have a similar appearance. On all three of these instruments, every knob, button, and wheel feel of the highest quality. Although the knobs on the Pro 2 are a little bit firmer and those on the ’08 are a little bit freer, they both feel excellent. These instruments do a good job of executing dedicated function knobs.
The keyboard itself is a 49-key instrument that is semi-weighted. The Prophet ’08 has 61 keys, whilst the Pro 2 has 44 keys, making them distinct from one another. Given that the Prophet 6 is not an 88-key digital piano, the semi-weighted option is ideal. Here, form follows function, and this keyboard is not designed for performing classical music. Compared to the Prophet ’08, the Pro 2 and Prophet 6 feel better overall, albeit they are still very comparable.
The total size and weight of the instruments are less than three feet, a foot broad, and five inches high. Its overall size and weight are comparable to both the Pro 2 and the Prophet 08, so they won’t influence your choice. Prophet 2’s usage of CV (control voltage) inputs and outputs in addition to audio inputs are the most noteworthy of the many variances between the connections of the three instruments.
As a result, the Pro 2 may be integrated into the modular setups that are becoming common these days. The second set of outputs known as “Output B” is exclusive to the year 2008. The Prophet ’08 is less adaptable than the Prophet 6 since it lacks both a low-pass filter cutoff pedal input and a sequencer start/stop input.
Additionally, the 08’s absence of USB makes interacting with a computer setup a little bit more challenging. I believe the Prophet 6 has the correct number of connections; it would be unreasonable to want more, but maybe an external BPM tap pedal input which none of the DSI versions provide would be ideal.
It’s necessary to describe and go over how the synth works before we discuss how it sounds. A poly analogue synth is the Prophet 6. It uses analog filters, envelopes, voltage-controlled oscillators, and more to produce its sound. In the last ten years, the phrase “analog” has had a significant resurgence, but Dave Smith isn’t simply using it as a buzzword; this keyboard should please any analog purists.
The analog oscillators used in the ’08 are also DCO (digitally controlled), as opposed to VCO. The Pro 2 belongs to an entirely separate class and uses only digital oscillators. Even while some people think there are noticeable distinctions, most people would not be able to distinguish the finer timbral variations between the instruments unless they have played the game for a very long period.
There is a cap on the number of “voices” that may be performed simultaneously on this keyboard for individuals who are unfamiliar with synthesizers. On this keyboard, you can only play 6 notes at once. Although this is quite typical, folks accustomed to the software and other less physical keyboard setups can find it strange. The Prophet ’08 lacks the sub-oscillator that the Prophet 6’s two oscillators per voice provide.
The Prophet 6 and ’08 are also poly synthesizers (the ’08 has 8 voices instead of 6) this is the most crucial comparison between the three keyboards I’ve discussed. Pro 2 is either a mono or para synth. The Pro 2 is not intended for anyone looking for a chord-playing instrument. The Pro 2 can only play one note at a time, which limits its ability to play pads or other harmonic parts. It is ideal for playing leads and synth bass lines.
The Prophet 6’s routing starts with the aforementioned VCO analog oscillators first. These oscillators have continuously changeable waveforms, whereas the Prophet ’08 does not. This enables you to obtain an endless variety of sounds, ranging from square to triangular to saw tooth (but restricted to finite perception).
The triangle wave is fixed to the sub-octave oscillator. For brevity’s sake, here’s a list of the routing following the oscillators: Mixer: controls OSC 1, OSC 2, OSC-1 sub octave, and white noise amount High Pass Filter, Low-Pass Filter, Filter Envelope, and Amplifier Envelope.
- 6-voice Analog Synthesizer with Discrete VCOs and Filters
- Enhanced Poly Mod Section
- Dual Effects Section
An LFO is another feature of the Prophet 6 that may be used to modulate various settings. Even more in-depth, the poly-mod section enables simultaneous modulation of several parameters by numerous sources. The Prophet 6 also has an aftertouch, which allows the synth to adjust its response based on how much pressure is given to the key after the first velocity reading. Numerous components of the Prophet, including amplitude, filters, LFO speed, and depth, may be modulated using this data.
Once you get the hang of it, this makes for an instrument that’s a delight to perform live on and lends itself to producing incredibly original sounds. It is safe to acknowledge that it’s challenging to comprehend everything. The Prophet has standard pitch bend and mod wheels.
These are quite changeable and customizable, as you would have anticipated. Other aspects of the Prophet 6 are similar to those of other synthesizers, yet they are nonetheless awesome. A sequencer and an arpeggiator are included. There can be up to 64 steps in the sequencer, including notes and pauses.
The arpeggiator is a lot of fun. Check out this keyboard if you enjoy the television program “Stranger Things.” You can make a replica of the show’s theme song’s Arp sound using the Prophet 6 keyboard. Both the sequencer and the arpeggiator may be connected to an external MIDI clock or a master clock with a tap tempo. The “hold function” on the 6 is closer to the real keybed than it was on the ’08, making it simpler to use during live performances.
Also check: Best Beginner Digital Pianos & Keyboards 2024
Features
- It comes with two newly designed, discrete VCOs per voice.
- There is a continuously variable wave shape (triangle, saw tooth, pulse, and square) per oscillator.
- Pulse width per oscillator is present on the Prophet 6.
Sounds
In a nutshell, the Prophet 6 sounds incredible. The culmination of all the features listed makes for an extremely versatile synthesizer. A very, very large palette of timbres is possible. It has the capacity to produce loud, fat, and even bizarre noises.
Comparatively, it must be acknowledged that there are many parallels between the Prophet 6 and the ’08, although the depth of configurability is a bit more in the sequential Prophet 6. Additionally, the Pro 2 has additional sound possibilities, although it is still a mono synth. As a result, the Prophet 6 can handle leads quite well if you’re searching for a mono synth, although you might prefer an instrument like the Pro 2.
The Prophet 6 not only sounds incredible, but it also contains studio-grade stereo effects including reverbs, delays, phasers, flangers, and phase shifters. One-time usage of two effects is permitted. This offers the 6 a significant advantage over the 08, which excludes impacts. This synthesizer sounds fantastic on stage and in the studio thanks to all of its capabilities.
Specifications
- The Prophet 6 has Mono/left and right ¼ inch outputs
- There is a stereo ¼ inch headphone output
- In, out, and through MIDI ports are available
- USB port for connectivity.
- Low-Pass filter cutoff expression pedal input comes with the keyboard.
- Volume expression pedal input for easy sound control.
- One sustain footswitch input
- There is a sequencer start/stop footswitch input
- AC power supply input for regulating the temperature when the Prophet 6 is in use.
Pros
- Each voice has two newly created separate VCOs.
- It has a waveform that continuously changes for each oscillator (square, pulse, triangle, sawtooth).
- The Width of each oscillator’s pulse is quite notable as oscillator 1 syncs to the oscillator in hard sync 2.
Cons
- They struggle with several aspects of quality control.
- Sometimes every fourth voice has a lot of background noise.
Competition
The Prophet 6 is anticipated to encounter formidable competition. There are several software-equipped synthesizers available right now. Compared to the Prophet 6, several of them are available for less money. Because the Prophet 6 includes a number of features that push toward genres like Synth wave and other retro-inspired musical excursions, you’ll also need to pick what sort of music you want to compose.
Another issue is the weighted keys, which are great but might not be suitable for everyone. One of the first things you’ll notice about the Prophet 6 keyboard is how it moves and responds to your input. Despite being a terrific and exceptional instrument, this piano has rivals. To maintain their dominant position in the market, several companies are competing with one another to outperform them. Among the keyboards in the competition are;
Roland Juno DS 88 Key Keyboard vs Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet 6
The JUNO synthesizers from Roland are popular enough for their excellent sound, quality usage, and economic friendliness. The JUNO-DS88 elevates the venerable series to a different and significant level of performance by incorporating several improvements while maintaining a streamlined and user-friendly design.
The adaptable, user-friendly JUNO-DS88 puts you in creative command and makes it simple to create excellent music wherever you play. It has 88 weighted-action keys for a premium feel. With professional tones, improved performance characteristics, and battery power, it is an instrument that is ready for the stage.
The lightweight, 88-note Ivory Feel-G Keyboard has a weighted-action feel and all the sounds of the well-liked JUNO-Di in addition to freshly updated acoustic and electric pianos, extra organs, and other stage necessities. Users may download additional sound waveforms for free from Roland’s Axial website via the wave expansion slot.
- Gig-ready instrument with pro sounds, enhanced performance features, and battery-powered operation
- 88-note Ivory Feel-G Keyboard provides weighted-action feel in a lightweight design that’s easy to transport
- Includes all the sounds from the popular JUNO-Di, plus newly updated acoustic and electric pianos, additional organs, and other stage essentials
Roland RD 2000 88-Key Digital Piano vs Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet 6
The Roland RD-2000 offers unsurpassed performance on stage and in the studio because of its dual independent sound engines, quality action, and cutting-edge controller capabilities. This next-generation piano elevates the established stage piano series to new heights of inspiration and creativity by fusing advanced piano technology with extensive contemporary control.
The software’s brand-new sounds join the newest piano models currently included and the classic RD stage piano series that can be purchased on Roland’s Axial website in version 1.50. Your purchase consists of One Roland RD-2000 Digital Stage Piano | With Owner’s Manual | With Power Cord | Piano Stand Not Included 88-note hammer action weighted keyboard; power supply automatically adjusts to varying line voltages;
New RD stage piano with two distinct sound engines and contemporary controller capabilities, a Second Supernatural-based sound engine with 128-voice polyphony for electric pianos and other sounds (compatible with RD-800 Live Sets), Nine sliders, and eight knobs with LED status indicators are used to manipulate sounds and effects in real-time.
- Your purchase includes One Roland RD-2000 Digital Stage Piano | With Owner’s manual, Power cord & Damper pedal | Piano stand not included
- Piano dimensions – 55-5/8” W x 5-9/16” H x 14-1/2” D | Weight – 47 lbs. 14 oz. | Display – Graphic LCD 256 x 80 dots | Weighted keyboard – 88-note hammer action | Power supply will automatically adjust to different line voltages
- Second Supernatural-based sound engine with 128-voice polyphony for electric pianos and additional sounds (compatible with RD-800 Live Sets)
Yamaha MX88 88-Key Weighted-Action Synthesizer vs Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet 6
For the contemporary pianist, aspiring music producer, or live performer, the MX88 music synthesizer offers the whole package. With over a century of expertise in the production of pianos, the MX88 boasts a genuine piano touch. It also has an 88-note weighted keyboard, cutting-edge synthesizer technology, and simple connectivity to PCs and iOS devices.
88-note GHS weighted action is class-compliant USB audio/MIDI for genuine “plug and play” connectivity without the need for any drivers, and is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano; Tempo (BPM): 5300, theme sound engine: layer, switch, cycle, randomize, and control up to 8 parts in a single voice, virtual circuitry Vintage effects and signal processors’ sounds and behaviors can be recreated by modeling (VCM). Display 3 digit LED + 20 x 2 line character LCD (backlit), 128 notes of polyphony ensures dropout-free performance playing live or with full 16-track sequences.
- The 88-note, GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano
- Class-compliant USB audio/MIDI for true "plug and play" connectivity without installing any drivers; Tempo (BPM): 5-300
- Motif sound engine: layer, zone, switch, cycle, randomize and control up to 8 elements within a single voice
Sequential Prophet-5 Polyphonic Synthesizer vs Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet 6
The Ultimate Prophet-5 from Dave Smith is a Synth Legend. Its features include a full-sized Semi-weighted Fatar Keyboard, a 61-key 5-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer with Two VCOs, a 4-pole Lowpass Filter, Aftertouch, and Poly-Mod.
- 61-key 5-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer with Two VCOs
- Full-sized Semi-weighted Fatar Keyboard
- 4-pole Lowpass Filter
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Conclusion
The Prophet 6 keyboard is superb. The Prophet 06 achieves even higher grades than the ’08 and Pro 2, despite having competitors within the same brand. In my opinion, it is the greatest analog polysynth available, and I urge everyone to check it out for themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Prophet-6 have a Sequencer?
Yes, Prophet-6 has a sequencer. Other aspects of the Prophet 6 Keyboard are similar to those of other synthesizers, yet they are nonetheless awesome. A sequencer and an arpeggiator are included. There can be up to 64 steps in the sequencer, including notes and pauses
2. Which Sequential Prophet is the Best?
Given everything it has to offer, we believe the Prophet-6 is the best option for anybody looking for the traditional Sequential sound in an all-encompassing, contemporary packaging. Yeah. Most likely, all you would need to do is USB-connect your Prophet 6 to your computer, update the parameter’s midi mapping in the SH-2 Roland plugin, and then move the parameter you wish to control it.
Sequences may be created polyphonically, with pauses, and in time with a third-party MIDI clock. It is also possible to sync the fully featured arpeggiator to an external MIDI clock.
3. How Many Oscillators Does Prophet-6 Have?
It has 2. Sequential Prophet-6 by Dave Smith Instruments has 6 voices and 2 voltage-controlled oscillators plus a sub-oscillator for each voice. Oscillator 1 frequency, shape, pulse width, low-pass filter cutoff, and high-pass filter cutoff are among the destinations.
4. How Many Keys Are There in Prophet-6?
The Prophet 6 is a 49-key, 4-octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. Polyphony of six voices. Filters with high and low passes. Complete ADSR envelopes. A semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch that combines portability and power is the perfect choice for the touring musician since it has all of this breathtaking sound.
5. Does the Prophet-6 Have an Arpeggiator?
Yes, the Prophet-6 has an arpeggiator. The arpeggiator and sequencer on the Prophet-6 Keyboard may now output MIDI note numbers. Any notes you hold down on the Prophet-6 keyboard will be output as MIDI notes through MIDI (or USB) and arpeggiated in accordance with the current arpeggiator settings.
