Sequential traces its lineage to Sequential Circuits, the San Jose–based synthesizer company founded by Dave Smith in 1974. The original Sequential Circuits produced some of the most influential electronic instruments in history: the Prophet-5 (1978), widely recognized as the world's first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer, and the Prophet-600, one of the first commercially available MIDI-equipped synthesizers. Smith was instrumental in co-developing the MIDI standard itself, helping shepherd the protocol that would unify electronic instruments industry-wide. After Sequential Circuits was acquired by Yamaha in 1987, Smith continued developing instruments before launching Dave Smith Instruments (DSI) in 2002, starting with the Evolver hybrid synthesizer.

In 2015, Yamaha returned the Sequential Circuits trademark to Dave Smith, and the company officially rebranded from Dave Smith Instruments to Sequential in 2018. The modern Sequential catalog spans polyphonic analog synthesizers, hybrid digital/analog designs, and mono/paraphonic instruments. Flagship models include a reissued Prophet-5, the Prophet-6, the Prophet Rev2, and the more compact Take 5. The Trigon-6 draws on ladder filter architecture reminiscent of vintage Moog designs, while the Fourm features polyphonic aftertouch with a distinctive voice architecture. The Pro 3 is a semi-modular monosynth with three oscillators and an extensive modulation matrix.

Sequential instruments occupy a prominent place in professional studios and live rigs across pop, electronic, film scoring, and experimental music. The Prophet-5 in particular remains an enduring icon for its warm, characterful analog sound and has appeared on a vast range of landmark recordings since its original release.

Sequential has 53 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Synthesizers, Modular Synthesizers, and Drum Machines. Their gear is featured by 289 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Rock, and Pop. Notable users include Julian "J3PO" Waterfall Pollack, Kenny Larkin, and Kevin Parker. Most Sequential products sit firmly in the high-end, boutique range.