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Description

Discover the distinctive sound of the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS, a celebrated synth that effortlessly combines vintage charm with modern functionality. This digital synth stands out for its innovative use of vector synthesis, offering a sonic playground for music enthusiasts and professional artists alike. It boasts four oscillators per voice, each packed with 127 waveforms, providing an impressive range of sound manipulation possibilities. The addition of two LFOs, a Curtis low pass analog filter with digital controls, and built-in effects only adds to its allure, while MIDI compatibility ensures seamless integration with your existing setup.

Key Features:

  • Digital synth utilizing vector synthesis for sound generation
  • Four oscillators per voice with 127 waveforms each
  • Two LFOs and a Curtis low pass analog filter with digital controls
  • MIDI equipped for easy integration with other devices
  • Envelopes, arpeggiator, and built-in effects for added versatility
  • Also available in a rackmount version

Product specs

Brand Sequential
Model Prophet VS 61-Key 8-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1986 - 1987
Made In United States
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

What synthesis method does the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS use?

The Prophet VS utilizes vector synthesis, which allows for dynamic blending of its four digital wavetable oscillators, creating unique and evolving sounds.

How many voices of polyphony does the Prophet VS offer?

The Prophet VS provides 8-voice polyphony, allowing for complex, layered soundscapes and rich textures.

What type of keyboard action does the Prophet VS feature?

The Prophet VS is equipped with a synth action keyboard, offering a responsive and smooth playing experience suitable for expressive performance.

Is the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 61 full-size keys and MIDI connectivity, the Prophet VS is well-suited for live performances, offering versatility and control on stage.

Can the Prophet VS be integrated with modern MIDI setups?

The Prophet VS includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with modern MIDI setups for seamless integration into your studio or live rig.

What distinguishes the sound of the Prophet VS from other synthesizers?

The Prophet VS is renowned for its distinctive sound, achieved through its combination of digital wavetable oscillators and Curtis analog filter ICs, providing a unique blend of digital clarity and analog warmth.

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Prophet VS In Action

Video thumbnail for Prophet VS In Action by Doctor Mix

Prophet VS In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Vintage Vector Synthesizer by Perfect Circuit

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Vintage Vector Synthesizer

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Synthesizer "The Year 1986" by RetroSound

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Synthesizer "The Year 1986"

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Sequential Prophet VS - the Vector Synthesizer from 1986 by Espen Kraft

Sequential Prophet VS - the Vector Synthesizer from 1986

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Vector Synthesizer by RetroSound

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Vector Synthesizer

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Sequential Circuits Prophet VS by MrFirechild

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

MrFirechild

MrFirechild

Video thumbnail for SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS PROPHET VS - Sounds, Patches & Ambient Soundscapes | Vector Synthesizer Demo by synth4ever

SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS PROPHET VS - Sounds, Patches & Ambient Soundscapes | Vector Synthesizer Demo

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for Best of Sequential Prophet VS Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo by RetroSound

Best of Sequential Prophet VS Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Prophet VS incorporates dynamic waveform crossfading via a joystick, allowing for complex sound manipulation and unique soundscapes.

    Source
  • It includes a 4-pole resonant lowpass Curtis filter with an envelope, offering rich filtering capabilities for sound design.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Stereoping real-time controller is available, enhancing real-time editing and reducing reliance on the stock unit's menu diving.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its ability to create pads, arps, and ambient soundscapes, making it ideal for electronic and atmospheric music genres.

    Source
  • The Prophet VS's longevity can be extended by replacing aging components, making it a viable option for enthusiasts willing to invest in maintenance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Prophet VS is difficult to repair due to its rarity and complex digital components, demanding specialist attention for maintenance.

    Source
  • Replacing old electrolytic capacitors in vintage gear like the Prophet VS is recommended to prevent shorts and maintain functionality, but requires skilled soldering and proper equipment.

    Source
  • Using a vacuum desoldering station, rather than a hand pump and wick, is highly recommended to avoid damaging traces and ensure thorough removal of old components.

    Source
  • Electrolytic capacitors from the 1980s are prone to wear out failures over time, with a lifespan typically ending in either performance degradation or potential short circuits.

    Source
  • Proper ESD protection, including grounding the synth and the soldering iron, is essential to prevent static damage during maintenance.

    Source
  • Using high-quality desoldering tools reduces the risk of PCB damage during component replacement, which is crucial for preserving vintage synths like the Prophet VS.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The vector synthesis technology was later used in the Korg Wavestation and Yamaha SY-22/TG-33, showcasing its pioneering influence on future synth designs.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners have experienced failure in older components like electrolytic capacitors, which can cause significant damage if not addressed, emphasizing the importance of preventive maintenance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sequential Prophet VS [Retrozone]

soundonsound.com

The Sequential Circuits Prophet VS remains a standout in synthesizer history with its innovative Vector Synthesis, offering a unique method of sound creation that still influences modern technology. Praised for its sound versatility and MIDI capabilities, the Prophet VS can emulate various iconic synths while delivering its distinct sonic character. However, the synth's complexity, poor build quality, and challenging programming interface are significant drawbacks. Its rarity and high second-hand market value reflect its cult status but also caution potential buyers about maintenance issues. Overall, a pioneering synth with both brilliance and practical pitfalls.

Sequential's Prophet VS... (SOS Jul 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Sequential Circuits Prophet VS is heralded as "the most exciting keyboard launched since the DX7." With its innovative vector synthesis, it offers a fresh sound palette that stands out in a crowded market. The joystick-controlled mixing of four oscillators is intuitive, allowing for rich, complex soundscapes without the manual's constant guidance. While the keyboard is lauded for its velocity sensitivity, the stiff pressure sensitivity is a noted drawback. The built-in arpeggiator is almost a sequencer, adding to its versatility. Despite minor quirks, the Prophet VS is a game-changer, delivering quality and innovation at a reasonable price.

positive

Blast from the past: Sequential Circuits Prophet VS | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Sequential Circuits Prophet VS is lauded for its innovative design, blending sampled waveforms with analog synthesis, making it a standout in the 1980s. Its vector synthesis, which allows for dynamic sound manipulation via joystick, is a highlight. While the keyboard's reliability was questionable, its unique sound capabilities attracted artists like John Carpenter and Nine Inch Nails. Despite its innovations, it couldn't save Sequential from financial woes, leading to its closure. Fortunately, the technology lived on, influencing future synths. This review appreciates the Prophet VS's legacy while acknowledging its commercial challenges.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
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mach4
mach4

1256

The last in a noble line that lived up well to its name. A monster synth with some cool and distinctive features.

Interesting to think that this auspicious beast from 1986 was Sequential's first digital synth, but the penultimate one to bear the "Prophet" moniker before the company folded a year later. However, without it (and some of Sequential's residual boffins), the popular Korg Wavestation would not have turned out the way it did.

Initially something of a test-bed for a range of ideas - including digital wavetables, the capacity to arbitrarily crossfade between selected waves across 4 oscillators, envelopes that went beyond the standard ADSR steps and which featured loopable stages - they all ended up in the Prophet VS.

There are 96 waves available in RAM and a further 32 that are user programmable. Essentially what this meant was that you could set up any combination of the RAM waves in the 4 oscillators (each with their own volume) and save that as a new single waveform - a neat way of expanding the sonic palette. It was possible to import sample data into the RAM, but that was (is) a little complicated.

Mixes between the 4 oscillators could be programmed using a dedicated Envelope and LFO allowing for some great, animated, and unpredictable patches, and this was a significant part of the VS's charm. The vector joystick also allowed realtime control over the oscillator mix which would override whatever was programmed in the patch setting. This was all routable through an analogue (Curtis chip) resonant filter, and on top of that was a modulation matrix allowing a ton of flexible routings.

It's often overlooked, but the onboard arpeggiator was worth spending time with as it was damn near a sequencer, you can program your own steps and store them as part of a patch. And with the keyboard featuring a programmable split point, it was possible to set up some cool, sequencer-like patterns on one half of the keyboard whilst playing solos or pads on the other half.

A slightly more quirky feature (initially a programming accident which Dave Smith insisted that the designers keep) is the random patch generator achieved by pressing the Enter button and patch button no.2. You're then treated to some serious, sonic psychedelia - rarely possible to play a tune with, but an ear-opening demo of what the VS can do. And you'll never hear the same one twice! (unless you save it).

All in all, I think it's a shame the Prophet VS didn't fare a little better in it's time. Whilst it's spirit was certainly revived in the Korg Wavestation and the Yamaha SY22, I for one am very happy to have the original blueprint in my collection. It's one very powerful and versatile synth.

From Gear Setup
jimmarchi1

it was also hugely influential on some of my favorite digital synths from Ensoniqs

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ulrich Schnauss uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Ulrich Schnauss

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via YouTube

It can be seen around halfway through the video

See how John Carpenter uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

John Carpenter

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Texas Toad Lickers

...
Verified via The Official John Carpenter

A Sequential Circuits Prophet VS was used on the soundtrack for "They Live."

See how Dan the Automator uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Dan the Automator

Music Producer

Gorillaz

...
Verified via YouTube

This video features his San Fransisco studio with almost all the classic Synth keyboards stored alongside rows of vinyl, including this Prophet VS

See how David Sylvian uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

David Sylvian

Singer, Guitarist

Japan

...
Verified via David Sylvian : Expect Everything And Nothing Less

Transcript from Musician magazine May 1988 mentions Prophet VS as of David Sylvian’s touring keyboards. He supposedly also used this keyboard on Gone To Earth.

See how Dominik Eulberg uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Dominik Eulberg

Music Producer, DJ

Dominik Eulberg & Gabriel Ananda

...
Verified via Photo

On his Facebook Page, Dominik Eulberg mentions he is finishing his new synthtrack, in the picture were the Prophet VS and the Jupiter 8 amongst other gear.

See how Yanni uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Yanni

Composer

...
Verified via Dailymotion

Yanni used the Prophet VS for quite a while leading up to 1994. You can see it in this performance of 'Swept Away' at timecode 6:53.

See how Roger O'Donnell uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Roger O'Donnell

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Cure

...
Verified via Rogerodonnell

Roger O'Donnell lists the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS as the ninth item in his keyboards section on his official website.

See how Charlie Clouser uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Charlie Clouser

Keyboardist, Composer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Vintage King Blog

"I actually haven't gotten too far into that style really. I still have most of the tools of the trade, from lots of modular synths to old favorites like the Prophet-VS and Jupiter-8 synths, except when I bought them they weren't considered vintage because they were brand new and had just come out! For a long time, it seemed like using that stuff to get the John Carpenter sound would have been sort of a tongue-in-cheek, retro-styled in-joke, and I stayed well clear of doing so for that reason. Plus, I spent so many years doing heavily synth-based records that when I got back into scoring I wanted to explore the kinds of sounds that I was never able to use in an album or remix context, like atonal and dissonant orchestral effects, organic-sounding drones, and all the bowed metal stuff I mentioned earlier. Lately, it seems like the retro-synth-wave style is well and truly back, so if the right project comes along my synth collection is well-stocked."

See how Laurie Anderson uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Laurie Anderson

Singer, Keyboardist

We Are Family Collective

...
Verified via Photo

Seen in this picture of Laurie Anderson's home studio is a Sequential Circuits Prophet VS. Photo taken by Derek Peck in Laurie Anderson studio circa 2010.

https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/331/laurie-anderson

See how Holger Czukay uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Holger Czukay

Bassist, Composer

Can

...
Verified

In a picture featured in the article "Weird Science" from the September 1993 issue of Sound On Sound, a Sequential Circuits Prophet VS is visible in Holger Czukay's home studio.

See how Michael Angelakos uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Michael Angelakos

Music Producer

Passion Pit

...
Verified via Uaudio

In an interview with Universal Audio, Michael Angelakos mentions using the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS.

See how Billy Currie uses Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

Billy Currie

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Ultravox

...
Verified via Gforcesoftware

"Q. I noticed that during your solo albums you moved through the gamut of classic 80s keyboards including the PPG Wave, Yamaha GS-1 and Roland D-50. What are your fave synths from the 80s?

I loved the GS-1. It was big and high quality but I don’t think I used it a lot on my solo albums. I think it was originally made for the small church market in America so that they could get the sounds they needed without buying a huge church organ. I had a deal with Yamaha who stuck with us over the years and when the GS-1 came out I ended up going to Hamburg and sitting with a Yamaha programmer who created some great string sounds for me. I loved playing that instrument and I could play the vibrato with my feet. I’d stand up and rock back back to keep the sustain going and do the vibrato with my foot.

I used the PPG a lot. I got into the Rack Mounted DX-7, the TX-816. I’d got into MIDI in the early days in my own studio for the first couple of solo albums, Transportation and Stand Up and Walk and linking all these things up to get new sounds. I had a Prophet T8, the Prophet Sampler, the Roland D-50. it was like Keyboard City. The Prophet VS was used a lot. I really liked the joystick and the way you could morph between sounds."

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 VS, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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mirko_bostic

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Gear IQ 94

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Gear IQ 552

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1 alternative for Sequential Circuits Prophet VS, curated by the Equipboard community.

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