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Average Price: $80

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Introducing the Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer, a powerful monophonic piece of kit from the golden era of analogue synthesizers. With its dual voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO), it's a master of fat, warm, and expressive sounds. The Pro One is not just a synth, but a creative powerhouse with its built-in 4-pole low-pass filter and Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA). The synthesizer also rocks an arpeggiator and sequencer, giving musicians a wide palette to work with. Sprinkle in CV/Gate controls, and you've got the perfect companion for your vintage or modular setup.

Key Features:

  • Monophonic synthesizer with 2 voltage-controlled oscillators
  • Built-in 4-pole low-pass filter and VCA
  • Features an arpeggiator and sequencer
  • CV/Gate controls for modular setup compatibility
  • Rich, warm, and expressive analogue sounds
  • Classically designed for vintage aesthetic appeal

Product specs

Brand Sequential
Model Pro-One 37-Key Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1981 - 1984
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Slim
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 37 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Sequential Circuits Pro One synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Sequential Circuits Pro One is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can produce one note at a time, which is ideal for basslines and lead sounds.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Sequential Circuits Pro One?

The Pro One is known for its rich, analog sound with a classic, warm tone ideal for genres like electronic, synth-pop, and new wave.

Does the Sequential Circuits Pro One have MIDI connectivity?

The original Sequential Circuits Pro One does not have MIDI connectivity as it was produced before MIDI was standardized, but it can be modified to include MIDI capability.

What is the keyboard action like on the Sequential Circuits Pro One?

The Pro One features a synth action keyboard with 37 slim keys, providing a responsive and fast-playing experience suitable for synth leads and basslines.

How does the Sequential Circuits Pro One compare to the Prophet-5?

While the Pro One is a monophonic synthesizer, the Prophet-5 is polyphonic. The Pro One shares a similar analog sound character but is more focused on single-note performance.

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Sequential Pro One (Electronic Beats TV)

Video thumbnail for Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Sequential Pro One (Electronic Beats TV) by Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Sequential Pro One (Electronic Beats TV)

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Pro-One Sounds by Perfect Circuit

Sequential Circuits Pro-One Sounds

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Pro~One | Carpentry by Alex Ball

Sequential Circuits Pro~One | Carpentry

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Pro One Tutorial by once upon a synth

Sequential Circuits Pro One Tutorial

once upon a synth

once upon a synth

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Pro-One Analog Synthesizer "Lost 80s" by RetroSound

Sequential Circuits Pro-One Analog Synthesizer "Lost 80s"

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for SCI Pro One - review and deep dive by K’s Music Lounge

SCI Pro One - review and deep dive

K’s Music Lounge

K’s Music Lounge

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Pro-One Analog Monosynth | Tutorial by Under the Big Tree

Sequential Circuits Pro-One Analog Monosynth | Tutorial

Under the Big Tree

Under the Big Tree

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Pro-One Analog Synth, Strymon Big Sky by Elskavon

Sequential Circuits Pro-One Analog Synth, Strymon Big Sky

Elskavon

Elskavon

Video thumbnail for How to maintain your Sequential Circuits Pro-One synth by Synthead

How to maintain your Sequential Circuits Pro-One synth

Synthead

Synthead

Video thumbnail for Pro One Keyboard Repair by Telefunkian

Pro One Keyboard Repair

Telefunkian

Telefunkian

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched sound quality, bridges 70s edge and 80s analog cleanliness

  • Powerful sequencer and modulation options

  • Exceptional for tight, punchy bass and snappy arpeggios

  • Versatile sound creation, from fat bass to experimental atmospheres

  • Stable chipset design, solid tuning

  • Offers a wide range of CV/Gate inputs and outputs

  • Can produce a variety of sounds including deep subs and electro arps

  • Simple yet inspiring sequencer and arpeggiator

CONS

  • High resale price may not justify the value compared to alternatives

  • Lack of MIDI without an upgrade

  • Limited production makes it rare and expensive

  • Prone to key triggering issues (double or triple triggering)

  • When a chip fails, repair or replacement can be challenging

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer.

Setup and maintenance

  • The power supply capacitors should be replaced to prevent tantalum cap failure, which can ruin the PCB.

    Source
  • Bent support arms under keys can often be repositioned to fix non-working keys.

    Source
  • Older Pro-One models use Pratt Reed keyboards; newer ones use rubber contacts. Both are repairable, but a full Fatar keybed replacement is often recommended for better performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Fatar keybed replacements are recommended for improved playability and future resale value.

    Source

User experience

  • The membrane-style keybed can have broken keys and is challenging to service.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Pro-One allows for manual parameter manipulation, unlike preset-only synths like the ARP Soloist.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Behringer Pro-1 clone reportedly sounds identical to original Pro-One and includes modern features like MIDI.

    Source
  • The Pro-One is noted for having snappier envelopes and more character compared to synths like the Mopho x4, which are seen as less distinctive.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Original Pro-One units can sell for over $1,000 on platforms like eBay, making a $520 purchase potentially profitable after repairs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some owners use the Pro-One with CV control from a better keyboard to bypass its less reliable built-in keybed.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sequential Circuits Pro-One (EMM Mar 82)

muzines.co.uk

The Sequential Circuits Pro-One synthesizer shines as a versatile and cost-effective monophonic synth, boasting impressive design features and exceptional value. With its dual oscillator setup, intricate modulation section, and built-in sequencer and arpeggiator, it’s a robust choice for sound sculptors. The keyboard action is firm, and its filter offers a crisp, uncolored sound. However, the casework could be sturdier, and the contact system produces some physical noise. Despite these minor issues, the Pro-One remains a reliable and highly recommended instrument, particularly with its ability to interface well with other devices. Act quickly, though, as potential price increases loom.

positive

Back to the Future: The Sequential Circuits Pro-One

musictech.com

The Sequential Circuits Pro-One Synthesizer is a nostalgic nod to 1980s synth design, offering rich analog tones and a unique modulation matrix that keeps it a favored choice for synth enthusiasts. While it boasts a comprehensive VCO section and modulation capabilities that inspire creativity, the Pro-One is marred by its subpar build quality and unreliable keyboard, which historically required frequent maintenance. The synth’s affordability at launch came at the cost of durability, with the casing and keybed drawing criticism. Nonetheless, its sound and modulation options make it a valuable addition for those seeking vintage character, provided the keyboard issues can be overlooked or bypassed.

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 24 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
D

Excellent synthesizer in it's own right.... But.... Not a bit like the ARP Oddysey

Love the modulation mixer. It's not been done on that many synthesizers. It almost gives the impression on a modular - without all the hassle of cables and sockets that would eventually start to crackle and go intermittently open circuit.

Pros - nice and stable thanks to a complete chipset designed just for synthesizers designs. Cons - When one of the chips goes down, which, to be fair would be a long time ago, the whole instrument is pretty much scrap.

Unless a good engineer could redesign that specific section. I used to keep all schematics of these sort of mods. I do believe that the chipsets for these synthesizers have once again been brought back to life and the foundries have started up again. This will be.great for the second hand market once again. To own any synthesizers of this age, you either need to know a very good engineer, or you would need to have the knowledge to modify these beasties. Come to think of it, to own a studio and engineer it yourself, you (should be) just the sort of engineer to keep one of these of these on it's feet.

theweekendwarrior

the only monosynth you need if you cant find or afford an obie two voice, ob1, kobol, syrinx

does a 303, does a deep sub, does electro arps/seqeuncing, does moogy, does arpy, does the monopoly chord memory sub octave sound, plus its great at thunder and zaps. pretty solid tuning, lots of cv/gate in and outs with trigger. fairly robust and not finicky. a solid synth, i guess thats why theyre now $1500-2000 cdn/us. in case you didn't know, millenials...we (gen-x) old timers used to pay 350-600 for these back in the ancient olden days of 1993.

B

One of the absolute best

This is a marvellous synthesizer. Probably the best monosynth ever made after the Minimoog. It can handle pretty much anything, from smooth moogy leads to filthy bass and extreme effects. Everything you dial in sounds good, and the sequencer and arp are simple but inspiring. If you need a monosynth and can't afford a Minimoog, this is the one to get.

michael_pohl

All in one synth for everything

Crappy keys suffering from double or triple triggering but soundwise it could be the only machine you ever need because it delivers any basic sound in outstanding quality. Fast envelopes, a strong filter which opens up to the highest highs and resonates over the entire audio spectrum, very flexible modulations, sync, fm (with a character similar to my ARP2600) and lots of other goodies. Vince Clarke was right to choose it as one of his favorite machines.

transquanta

My favourite synth

this is my favourite synth in my collection, it produces some wicked bass sounds and is a right staple within my collection. I wish I had the the pro 5, but I couldn't afford it last time I saw one on ebay. I have the pro 5 VST which is pretty cool, but the sound is very much different from the synthesizer in the flesh! .

jimmarchi1

ah the pro1, snappiest envelopes ever

mikefiction

Favorite Monosynth

I had it for a long time and then sold it like a chump. I regret everything. I need to get another but the price is so much higher now. Maybe the clone will be ok, maybe not. Maybe I need to get another one. I still cry every night missing my Pro One.

rothhandlestudios

Pro-1

At the studio we use it mostly as a bass synth but also for arpeggios.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:01 Kevin Parker of Tame Impala , can be seen using the Sequential Circuits Pro One.

See how Aphex Twin uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via reddit

In a Reddit discussion, user SpudSkub highlights that frames from the video for Aphex Twin's 2018 track "T69 Collapse" reveal equipment details for the "Collapse EP." These frames include images showing the Cirklon sequencer's channel tracks, indicating the use of the Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer among other gear.

See how Above & Beyond uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Above & Beyond

Music Producer

Above & Beyond vs. Andy Moor

...
Verified via Soundware

"We have a whole bunch of outboard gear including the Sequential Circuits Pro One that made that dark sound in the Madonna remix..."

See how Brian Eno uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

Roxy Music

...
Verified via Hyperreal

"I don't like the Prophet Five... I like the Pro One though. I've also got a Casio 202... "

See how Chromeo uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Chromeo

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"The Pro One is something that P bought before we started the album 'Business Casual.' This is the bass sound on 'Don't Turn the Lights On' and on 'Hot Mess' as well. What's cool about this is that contrary to the Prodigy, this is MIDI so we can program. What P actually did for 'Hot Mess' was he programmed a line in MIDI and then did the glide manually and then re-recorded it with the glide in it... I actually found it hard to deal with the filter because the synth has a phase. The oscillators are not really in sync. When oscillators get too in phase you lose some of the width of the sound and the depth. When they're out and not apart they sound off key and not in tune. So what we did is that we let it run for the length of the song and we chose the parts where we found them aligned and it sounded great. You could sync it but you lose all the clarity, it's horrible - I hate that. You need the right balance of cheating and the human element of these synths, which is a little imperfect but you want to cheat it to contain it and make it sound more modern. Also, for the aficionados, this is totally not a typical Pro One case. They're black usually. This is custom built with parts from a Prophet 5. So it's like a mini Prophet 5, kind of. It's still the Pro One just with a different casing."

See how Jay Watson uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Jay Watson

Guitarist, Drummer

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

Jay Watson's Sequential Circuits Pro One is shown to his left under the Brian Eno photo

See how BT uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

BT

Music Producer

All Hail The Silence

...
Verified via Askaudiomag

"The Pro One I use a lot and I was a big early Sequential Circuits fan."

See how Alessandro Cortini uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Alessandro Cortini

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

The Pro One can be seen during Alessandro Cortini's "synth cave" tour. The item can be seen 10:59 into this video.

See how Paul Weller uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Paul Weller

Singer, Guitarist

The Style Council

...
Verified via Somvalvulado

Paul playing Pro One next to Mick Talbot live with Style Council (last photo on page)

See how Vince Clarke uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Digital Trends

Do you have a favorite synth?

"The Pro-One [i.e., the Sequential Circuits Pro-One analog synth, used on Yaz hits like “Don’t Go” and “Only You”]. I’ve had it for so long. I like the envelopes on it, and it has really interesting modulation. It was easier to zero in on earlier in my career since there weren’t that many synths around, but now there are quite a few."

See how Adrian Utley uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Adrian Utley

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Portishead

...
Verified via Archive

In a June 1995 Sound On Sound interview Utley said:

Adrian's love affair with all things analogue extends to his home studio setup: "I've got a Kenton Pro2 MIDI/CV interface for my Roland SH101, SH09, ARP Odyssey and Pro One synths."

See how Dominic Simper uses Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer

Dominic Simper

Guitarist, Bassist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from Instagram, he uses Sequential Circuits Pro One.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sequential Circuits Pro One Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
xipac

xipac

Gear IQ 135

lean_logic

lean_logic

Gear IQ 65

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similar sound cheaper alternative

The Behringer Pro-1 is an analog clone of the Sequential Circuits Pro One in a desktop module format. Behringer utilized modern manufacturing techniques to keep the price point affordable. Unlike the original, the Pro-1 offers MIDI input.

u-he Repro

$49.00 - $149.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

Repro is U-He's very detailed and fully-featured software emulation of the Sequential Circuits Pro One.

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