Sequential Circuits Prophet VS main image

Photo of Sequential Circuits Prophet VS and more gear

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

$5,549.97 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (7)

3 Critic Reviews

1 Review

Find out who is using Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

6 community setups

18 wishlisted

37 saved

Page last updated Jun 27, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 27, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (2)

$5,549.97 11 available Used

View Deal

£117.00

View Deal

Average Price: $5,550

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Sequential Circuits Prophet VS is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit 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.

Videos

Add video

Doctor Mix

Prophet VS In Action

Doctor Mix

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Vintage Vector Synthesizer

Perfect Circuit

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Synthesizer "The Year 1986"

RetroSound

Sequential Prophet VS - the Vector Synthesizer from 1986

Espen Kraft

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Vector Synthesizer

RetroSound

Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

MrFirechild

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

synth4ever

Best of Sequential Prophet VS Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo

RetroSound

Reviews

Add review

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

0 0

The Prophet VS incorporates dynamic waveform crossfading via a joystick, allowing for complex sound manipulation and unique soundscapes.
Source
0 0

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

Mods and upgrades

0 0

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

0 0

Known for its ability to create pads, arps, and ambient soundscapes, making it ideal for electronic and atmospheric music genres.
Source
0 0

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

0 0

The Prophet VS is difficult to repair due to its rarity and complex digital components, demanding specialist attention for maintenance.
Source
0 0

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
0 0

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
0 0

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
0 0

Proper ESD protection, including grounding the synth and the soldering iron, is essential to prevent static damage during maintenance.
Source
0 0

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

0 0

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

0 0

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.

neutral

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

mach4

1256

about 10 years ago

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.

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Orchestra

From Gear Setup