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Description
Discover the Sequential Circuits Six-Trak, a versatile synth that blends classic analog warmth with modern functionality, making it an ideal choice for both studio and live performances. This 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer invites you to explore a world of sound with its six independent VCOs, offering sawtooth, triangle, and variable width pulse waveforms. The Six-Trak's robust architecture is complemented by a 24 dB/octave low-pass filter, delivering rich, resonant tones that are perfect for crafting everything from lush pads to aggressive leads.
Beyond its sonic capabilities, the Six-Trak is designed for hands-on creativity, featuring an intuitive interface that encourages on-the-fly sound sculpting. Its built-in arpeggiator and 2-track sequencer allow for seamless composition and performance, while full MIDI implementation ensures it integrates effortlessly with your existing setup. Whether you're a seasoned synth enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of electronic music, the Six-Trak's balance of depth and accessibility will inspire your musical explorations.
Key Features:
- 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer
- 6 VCOs with sawtooth, triangle, and variable width waveforms
- 24 dB/octave low-pass filter
- Built-in VCA and LFO for dynamic sound modulation
- Arpeggiator for creative sequence patterns
- 2-track sequencer for complex compositions
- Full MIDI compatibility for seamless integration
Product specs
| Brand | Sequential |
| Model | Six-Trak 49-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black with Wood Sides |
| Year | 1984 - 1985 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Polyphony | 6 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Sequential Circuits Six-Trak polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Sequential Circuits Six-Trak is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing you to play up to six notes simultaneously.
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What type of synthesis does the Sequential Circuits Six-Trak use?
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The Six-Trak utilizes analog synthesis, providing rich, warm sounds characteristic of vintage synthesizers from the 1980s.
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Does the Sequential Circuits Six-Trak have MIDI capabilities?
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Yes, the Six-Trak features MIDI input and output, making it compatible with other MIDI-equipped devices for integration into modern setups.
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How many keys does the Sequential Circuits Six-Trak have, and what is the key action like?
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The Six-Trak has 49 full-size keys with a synth action, offering a responsive feel suitable for expressive playing.
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What are the standout features of the Sequential Circuits Six-Trak's sound engine?
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The Six-Trak's sound engine is known for its ability to stack its six voices for complex, layered sounds, making it versatile for both bass and lead synth lines.
Videos
AnalogAudio1
SEQUENTIAL CIRCUITS SIX-TRAK | Custom Patches | Analog Synthesizer 1984 | HD DEMO
Reviews
PROS
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Unique six-voice multi-timbral capability
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Offers arpeggiator, glide, polyphonic portamento, voice assign mode, unison mode, and stack mode
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Capable of amazing sounds with time and patience
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Excellent for funk bass and leads
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Great for beginners in sound creation
CONS
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Shortest attack too slow for percussive sounds
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Sensitive VCO frequency adjustment
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Lacks built-in chorus effect
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Only one knob for modulation limits control
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Resolution isn't outstanding
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Controls can be seen as simple yet inefficient
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sequential Circuits Six-Trak.
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
Mods and upgrades
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Caikote 44 is recommended for fixing non-responsive buttons, ensuring all functions are accessible.
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Owners can purchase a v14 EEPROM firmware chip for under $15, enabling MIDI improvements and features like unison detune.
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Firmware updates like Tauntek's 2.3 enhance MIDI capabilities, potentially allowing more complex modulation setups with external devices like Max for Live.
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User experience
Build quality
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The synth is often missing its original walnut side panels, which owners can replicate with scrap walnut for aesthetic restoration.
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Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
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The Six-Trak's ability to stack up to 6 different patches is a unique feature absent on many modern analog synths.
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The Six-Trak lacks internal filter calibration options, contributing to its imperfect keytracking when attempting self-oscillation across the keyboard.
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All parameters on the Six-Trak are CC controllable out of the box, marking it as the first synth to offer this feature.
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Software and compatibility
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Some users discovered MIDI CC capabilities in later firmware versions, enhancing filter control and reducing stepping compared to factory settings.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 12 Ratings
450
Good sound with cool features and terrible maintenance
It has a cool vintage sequential sound, but it often has issues and is expensive to repair. I sold it after restoring my pro one since the pro one sounded better and was easier to program.
1798
Blank canvas synth
A lot of people say this synth is underwhelming and that it's biggest limitations were: shortest attack too slow for really percussive sounds, the sensitive vco frequency adjustment, and lack of chorus to thicken the chords. But I disagree with a lot of those, minus the chorus. I think it's one of those synths that just requires a lot of time and patience put into it to know how to get the sounds you want out of it. There's so many amazing sounds I've made with it that are truly insane and I suggest anyone with effects pedals get this synth, because it is a trip.
41029
aren't they actually DCOs? I could swear dave went all digitally controlled when he invented MIDI with the roland guy. Nothing against DCOs, love 'em
1798
Yes of course! They actually have apps to control and edit a Six Trak like the Model610 app which is dedicated to controlling the sixtrak and or a BCR2000 (which is time consuming and a hassle). I did everything manually.
2259
Limited but useful
This synth would be far more popular if it didn't have only one knob for modulation. The resolution isn't outstanding either however it is capable of some unique tricks. Namely the Six-Trak is a six-voice multi-timbral synth with a maximum of six sounds at a time. Using the six different sounds simultaneously limits one to having it only be monophonic. It has an arpeggiator as well. Third, there are tons of performance tools, such as glide, polyphonic portamento, voice assign mode, unison mode, and the great stack mode which allows for stacking up to six sounds and firing them up by hitting one key. I recently purchased the Stereooping Six-Tweak which I highly recommend to get more control available at one time. This synth while limited (never stopped a good sounding synth before) is capable of excellent funk bass and leads.
1264
Great Modulation
It's not the ballsiest SCI. But what it lacks in umpf it makes up for in noisy modulated meatness. It screams pretty ok.
56
One of a kind analog sound with polyphony.
One of the earliest polyphonic synthesizers. I love mine. Simple, yet inefficient controls, but that is to be expected from the time. Great size and great intro to creating your own sounds.
Artist usage
Add artist
"Load out in Santa Ana. Thanks everyone for last night, so fun."
The Sequential Circuits Six-Trak is a 49 key, 6 voice multitimbral (via sequencer) analog synthesizer, featuring a programmable oscillator, resonant low pass filter (24dB CEM), 3 envelopes, and LFO, along with 100 program memories, arpeggiator, 6 track (800 note) sequencer, and MIDI.
In FKJ's NPR Tiny Desk concert, FKJ can be seen using the Sequential Six Trak at 1:40 into the video.
"One of my first synths, the Six-Trak, which we still use very heavily. The sequential Six-Trak is the baby brother of the Prophet 5 and the baby brother of the T-8."
"This was used on the pad on 'Needy Girl,' 'Night by Night,' and 'You're So Gangsta.' So this made its way up to the new album. We still use it."
In an Instagram post by Tim Pagnotta, producer for iDKHOW's album Razzmatazz, the Sequential Circuits Six-Trak synthesizer is shown during the recording process. This suggests its use by Dallon Weekes on the album, particularly on tracks like "Leave Me Alone."
During Legowelt’s Studio Tour for Future Music Magazine, at 7:05 Legowelt describes the Sequential Circuits Six-Track as "a really funky synthesizer, it’s really good for that ‘Prince’ brassy sound…the cool thing about this is that it has a six track sequencer built in”.
The white writing and wooden sides of the Six-Trak can be spotted just out of the bottom-right of this photo from Kill Paris' Instagram.
"This is the Six Trak from the inventors of MIDI, Sequential Circuits. It’s a very cheap but still nice little synth. I’ve made some nice sounds with it. The main ‘Azzurra synth lines were made by this baby. I’ve even used it for some drum bleeps. It reminds me of some of Kraftwerk’s sounds.," says Gui Boratto, in this article.
Philip Glass is seen playing a Roland JX-3P at 10min 42 seconds of this YouTube video and shortly after a Sequential Circuits Six-Trak is seen next to him, ready to be played at around 10min 45 seconds.
Album Usage
The Sequential Circuits Six-Trak has been featured on the following albums:
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 Six-Trak, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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