Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $10,000

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the sonic landscape of the past with a modern twist with the Sequential Circuits Prophet T8. This synthesizer seamlessly melds the warmth of vintage sounds with the precision of digital control. Its 2 VCOs per voice ensure rich, dynamic tones, while its comprehensive MIDI integration makes it a breeze for modern music production. Whether you're crafting ambient textures or pulsating leads, the Prophet T8 stands as a versatile companion for any musician looking to bridge the gap between the analog and digital realms.

Key Features:

  • 2 VCOs per voice for lush, dynamic soundscapes
  • 24 db/octave low pass filter for smooth, nuanced tonal shaping
  • Comprehensive MIDI integration for modern workflow compatibility
  • LFO, VCA for extensive modulation options

Product specs

Brand Sequential
Model Prophet T8 76-Key 8-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer
Finish Black with Wood Sides
Year 1983 - 1986
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Keys 76 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

Is the Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Prophet T8 is an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing you to play up to eight notes simultaneously.

What type of keyboard action does the Prophet T8 feature?

The Prophet T8 features a full-size, weighted keyboard action, providing a piano-like feel that is ideal for expressive playing.

Does the Prophet T8 have MIDI capability?

Yes, the Prophet T8 includes MIDI input and output, allowing for integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and DAWs.

What are the standout sound characteristics of the Prophet T8?

The Prophet T8 is known for its rich, warm analog sound, with versatile modulation options and a classic vintage tone that is highly sought after by synthesizer enthusiasts.

How many keys does the Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 have?

The Prophet T8 features a 76-key keyboard, providing an extended range for performance and composition.

naokidel

naokidel

Prophet T8 Demonstration

Video thumbnail for Prophet T8 Demonstration by naokidel

Prophet T8 Demonstration

naokidel

naokidel

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Prophet-T8 by MrFirechild

Sequential Circuits Prophet-T8

MrFirechild

MrFirechild

Video thumbnail for SEQUENTIAL PROPHET T8 SOUND DEMO by AMAZONA Music Mag

SEQUENTIAL PROPHET T8 SOUND DEMO

AMAZONA Music Mag

AMAZONA Music Mag

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 by Memetune Studio

Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Memetune Studio

Memetune Studio

Video thumbnail for Prophet T8 + Roland P330 piano module by wedream2

Prophet T8 + Roland P330 piano module

wedream2

wedream2

Reviews

PROS

  • Improved specs over Prophet-5, offering advanced features

  • Glorious weighted velocity and polyphonic aftertouch keyboard

  • Superb action enhancing playability

  • Fat sound profile with versatile sonic capabilities

  • Includes a decent acoustic piano patch

  • Can replicate CS80 capabilities with unique sound quality

  • Considered underrated by enthusiasts

CONS

  • Smoke damage in transit can affect functionality (based on one-off import experience)

  • Some users find it doesn't live up to Prophet 5's legacy

  • Different Curtis chips and architecture may not suit all tastes

  • Perceived by some as overrated compared to expectations

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sequential Circuits Prophet T8.

Features and functionality

  • The Prophet T8 is noted for its piano-weighted keyboard, which some users find less user-friendly compared to other models.

    Source

User experience

  • Howard Jones and Thompson Twins used the T8 to enhance touch and velocity sensitivity with their setups, indicating its use in live performance settings.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the unique experience of playing a Prophet T8, stating it's comparable to, yet distinct from, models like the Prophet-5 Rev 2, with nuances in feel and sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The price for a Prophet T8, especially with a notable history like Tony Banks’, can exceed £11k, reflecting its rarity and collector's value.

    Source

Other

  • The Prophet T8, once part of Genesis's studio assets, was sold privately as part of the studio's closure and asset liquidation.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Prophet T8's hand-drawn circuit boards are noted for their intricate and artistic traces, though the wiring and op amp stacking can appear complex and challenging to navigate.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Sequential supports user repairs, providing parts directly to owners, which is a significant advantage for those looking to maintain their own synths.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While some users adore their Prophet-6, they miss features like the LFO/Noise mix control available in the Prophet T8, suggesting variations in functionality between models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sequential Prophet T8

soundonsound.com

The Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 is a marvel of engineering ambition, offering a touch-sensitive keyboard that was groundbreaking for its time. Its pressure-sensitive keys and rich, unique tones make it a standout among synthesizers. However, its delayed launch due to technical challenges and a steep price tag hindered its commercial success. Despite this, the T8 is revered for its exceptional build and sound quality, though potential buyers should be wary of costly repairs due to its delicate optical sensors. A rare gem for collectors, the T8 remains a testament to Sequential's innovative spirit.

positive

Sequential Prophet-T8 - pure analog LUXURY - GreatSynthesizers

greatsynthesizers.com

The Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 is praised for its exceptional build quality and expressive potential, boasting a luxurious 76-key wooden keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch. While its rich sound palette and unique features make it a standout, the T8's bulky size, high cost, and perceived lack of innovation compared to its predecessors may deter some. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a highly coveted synth among enthusiasts, offering a tactile experience that few instruments can match. Ideal for seasoned keyboardists, the Prophet T8 is a testament to analog craftsmanship, though its demanding nature might not suit everyone.

positive

The ultra-rare Sequential Prophet T8, reborn as a flagship add-on - CDM Create Digital Music

cdm.link

The Sequential Prophet T8's legacy lives on through a detailed sample pack for the Prophet X and XL, offering a compelling blend of vintage charm and modern synthesis. While the absence of polyphonic aftertouch on the new Prophets is a letdown, the meticulously recreated T8 sounds shine with the Prophet X's rich features. At just $48, this add-on is a cost-effective gem for sound enthusiasts seeking depth and nostalgia.

positive

Prophet T8 (12T Feb 84)

muzines.co.uk

The Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 is celebrated for its dynamic touch sensitivity and expressiveness, making it a standout polyphonic synthesizer. Its piano-like weighted keys offer a satisfying playing experience, and the sound quality, especially its piano emulations, is impressive for an analog synth. However, its complex memory system and tuning instability can frustrate users, especially at its hefty price point. While the onboard sequencer is useful for live performances, it lacks comprehensive editing features. Despite some technical hiccups, the T8 remains a coveted tool for its tactile responsiveness and rich sound palette.

positive

Prophet T8 (ES Oct 83)

muzines.co.uk

The Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 impresses with its rich, versatile sound, blending classic Prophet features with new expressive capabilities. Its eight-note polyphonic keyboard, velocity, and pressure sensitivity offer a stunning acoustic piano sound. The MIDI compatibility and built-in sequencer add modern connectivity, although the sequencer's inability to sync with simple drum machines is a drawback. Despite its hefty price tag, the T8 is poised to become a studio staple, appealing to serious musicians ready to invest in expansive sound design. Overall, it’s a forward-thinking synth with a few limitations.

positive

2.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
atonalmeasure

A complete dog of a synth

I imported one of these over from tribeca manhattan back in 2001 not long after 911, it took an age to arrive and it had smoke damage, had it not been fully recovered by a synth engineer genius by the name of Tony Allgood it would have never seen the light of day again, even though it had been fully rebuilt i never got on with its sound, it was a shadow of the Prophet 5 i'd had a couple of years earlier, different Curtis chips, and architecture, what was supposed to be an 8 voice poly prophet 5 with aftertouch ended up as a Prophet 800 with a piano keyboard in my opinion, and incredibly overrated synth of which i wouldn't have twice, i was glad to see the back of it.

jimmarchi1

I dunno, I kinda enjoyed every 8 I'v played... but I never have owned one

atonalmeasure

The action really helps the expression, but i really didnt like the change of CEM's they made i dont think, it just didnt have the x factor, i think the envelopes were software too and with that slow Z80 inside it didnt do it any favours for percussive sounds. Nice to have owned one though.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Damon Albarn uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Damon Albarn

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from Polymathperspective, Damon Albarn's Sequential Circuits Prophet T8 is visible alongside the Oberheim Matrix 12, highlighting his use of this synthesizer.

See how Ryuichi Sakamoto uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

Sakamoto plays both the Prophet-5 and Prophet T8 on YMO's final live tour "YMO Japan Live1983".

See how Tony Banks uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via YouTube

Tony's got one in his homestudio. It can be seen on left corner at 2:40.

See how Junkie XL uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:32 you can see it in the center

See how Roland Orzabal uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Roland Orzabal

Singer, Guitarist

Tears for Fears

...
Verified via Muzines

"The Prophet T8's even better than the Five, I think it's my favourite analogue synth. I like the piano-weighted keyboard — in fact everything I found wrong with the Prophet-5, like the fact that you had to use the modulation wheel for any modulation, seems to be put right on the T8. You've got in-built modulation, touch sensitivity, and I really like the Poly Mod."

See how RJD2 uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

RJD2

Music Producer, DJ

Soul Position

...
Verified via Photo

"The most comfortable keyboard manual that has ever been installed on a synth, in my opinion—like driving a Caddy in an empty parking lot."

-RJD2, Thump.Vice Interview

See how Roger O'Donnell uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Roger O'Donnell

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Cure

...
Verified via Rogerodonnell

listed 7th down in rogers keyboard list

See how Joe Zawinul uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Joe Zawinul

Keyboardist

Weather Report

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"Zawinul did not stop at the Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes electric pianos he used in the 1960s. By the late 1960s he was extending his sonic palette with effects like phase shifters, Echoplexes, wah-wahs and ring modulators, and when synthesizers came on the market he was among the first to buy one (the EMS Putney). The list of synthesizers he has used since then — among them the ARP 2600, Rhodes Chroma, Oberheim Four-voice and Eight-voice, ARP Quadra, Sequential Prophet 5 and Prophet T8, Korg Trident, Oberheim Xpander, Korg VC10 vocoder, Emu Emulator, Casio CZ101, Korg DW8000, DSS1, DSM1 and M1 — reads like a synth museum's treasure list."

See how Howard Jones uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Howard Jones

Singer, Keyboardist

The Conspirators

...
Verified via Muzines

As if this isn't enough, Jones' collection of sound sources is breathtaking. Inhale deeply for an (incomplete) overview: Fairlight Series III; Yamaha TX816 rack; Akai S1000; Roland Super JX, MKS50, D50, Jupiter 8, Juno 60, D550, and MKS20 digital piano; Korg Wavestation; Prophet T8; MiniMoog; Vocoder VP330; Yamaha KX88 and TG77; and somewhere in a corner his old 808 drum machine. Still there?

See how Jerry Harrison uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Jerry Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

Talking Heads

...
Verified via Muzines

On the synthesiser side, he still remains very much committed to the old analogue models. So while the first takes of his solo album were laid down four years ago with a DX7, for the recent Talking Heads recording, he dug out his old Prophet t8, Sequential's touch-sensitive, MIDI-equipped successor to the Prophet 5.

See how Tim Rice-Oxley uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Tim Rice-Oxley

Keyboardist

Keane

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:36, it is mentioned that Tim has bought a Prophet T8 in Paris in 2008 while recording Perfect Symmetry

See how Toby Smith uses Sequential Circuits Prophet T8

Toby Smith

Keyboardist, Composer

Jamiroquai

...
Verified via Jamiroquai

"At home, their analogue catalog includes two Moog sources, Sequential Circuits Prophet-T8 ("the supreme mother of synthesizers"), Memorymoog, ARP Odyssey and 2600, Roland SH-101 and SH-7, and a Minimoog, " that I didn't use much, because it was a mistake."

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 Prophet T8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
4
Oberheim Xpander
Oberheim Xpander Synthesizers
3
ARP Rhodes Chroma
ARP Rhodes Chroma Synthesizers
2
Korg VC-10 Vocoder
2
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
2
Yamaha TX816
Yamaha TX816 Modular Synthesizers
2

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