Description

Sequential Prophet Rev 2 analog synthesizer in the 5-octave keyboard version, bi-timbral, with 16 voices of polyphony, 64-step polyphonic sequencer (6 notes per step), arpeggiator, and multi-effect. The synthesis engine is based on 2 DCOs with continuously variable waveforms, a 2/4-pole Curtis low-pass VCF, 3 D-ADSR envelopes, and 4 LFOs. The modulation capability is extensive, thanks to the matrix with 22 sources and 53 destinations.

16-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesis

The 16 voices of Prophet Rev2 are composed of 2 digitally controlled analog oscillators (DCO). Both oscillators offer 4 waveforms: sawtooth, sawtooth+triangle, triangle, and pulse. The oscillators of Prophet Rev2 are extremely stable, but if you're looking for the imprecise sound typical of vintage analog, you can use the Osc Slop potentiometer to gradually introduce a random detuning. One of the important innovations introduced by this Rev 2 is represented by the two potentiometers named Shape Mod. With these, you can continuously shape the amplitude and form of the generated waveform on each oscillator, to access an extremely wide sonic palette. By pressing the Sync button, we force the wave of oscillator 1 to follow that of oscillator 2, thus obtaining a more complex and harmonically rich sound. An inevitable white noise generator and the Sub oscillator: a square wave tuned an octave lower than oscillator 1, useful for recreating round and deep basses. The Pan Spread function found in the Amplifiers section gives us the ability to widen the stereo image of the generated sound by positioning the individual voices scattered across the panorama.

The Unison button allows you to play up to 16 voices simultaneously, with the freedom to assign the amount of detune between one voice and the next to help you program very full-bodied sounds. Pressing it while playing a chord, the same button will activate the Chord Memory function, thus memorizing the intervals between notes, and then transposing and reproducing them following the note (root) you play on the keyboard.

The Sequential Prophet Rev 2 is Bi-timbral

Sequential Prophet Rev 2 in the 5-octave keyboard version with 16 voices of polyphony is a powerful bi-timbral analog synthesizer, meaning the instrument can play two sounds independently. It's like having two Prophet Rev 2s at your fingertips, with 8 voices of polyphony dedicated to each sound. The two Layers can be played in Stacked mode, where the two sounds are played simultaneously across the entire length of the keyboard, or in Split mode: one sound is assigned to the upper part of the keyboard and the other to the lower part. Each Layer has its own distinct life. BPM, effects, Unison, Arpeggiator, and Sequencer can also be programmed for each sound differently, without interfering with each other: two instruments in one.

The filter of the Prophet Rev2 16 voices

The warm, unique, and incisive sound of this prodigious synthesizer is also the result of its analog filter: a resonant low-pass filter switchable to 2 or 4 poles. Like many successful vintage or modern analog instruments, the filter of the Prophet Rev2 bears the signature of the late engineer Doug Curtis. In the filter section of this synth's panel, there is also the Audio Mod potentiometer, which allows us to adjust the amount of audio coming from oscillator 1, useful for modulating the filter's cutoff to achieve movement on the harmonics in the upper part of the sound spectrum, an effect particularly noticeable in 4-pole mode with low resonance parameter values.

Waveform Modulation

Although the sonic character of the Sequential Prophet Rev2 is determined by its analog oscillators and filters, much of its power to create unique and unusual sounds comes from the creative use of its modulations. The 4 LFOs offer five waveforms: triangle, sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, and random (sample & hold). Three 5-stage envelopes: D(delay)-ADSR. One dedicated to the filter, another to the amplifier, and the third assignable. There are 22 sources from which to draw modulations and 53 destinations that can be modulated. The Modulation section allows us to program these modulations very simply and intuitively, by pressing and touching the parameters we want to connect using Source, Destination, and Amount.

The Effects of the Sequential Prophet Rev2

The integrated multi-effect provides us with one of the following effects, chosen for each Layer: reverb, delay (standard and BBD), chorus, phaser, flanger, ring mod, distortion, and a high-pass filter. In Stacked or Split mode, you can apply a different effect to each Layer. For even more extreme sound design, all effect parameters can be modulated via the dedicated matrix.

Arpeggiator and Poly Step Sequencer

The programmable arpeggiator of the Sequential Prophet Rev2 can be configured in the classic Up, Down, Up + Down, Random sequences, and in the order in which we play the notes. The notes generated by the arpeggiator and sequencer can be transmitted to the MIDI OUT; through the dedicated Global setting, we can decide whether to send them via DIN, via USB, or only to one of the two options. The Arpeggiator and Sequencer are both synchronizable to an external MIDI Clock or to the internal Master Clock with Tap Tempo.

Inside the Prophet Rev 2, we find a Sequencer with two distinct modes. The first is the Polyphonic mode where we can record up to 64 steps with a maximum of 6 notes per step. This mode will allow you to create rhythmic and melodic sequences, even very complex ones. The second mode is the Gated mode: unlike the polyphonic one, it allows us to record up to 4 tracks of 16 steps each. In this mode, the Sequencer will not transmit notes, but rather will allow us to store variations of the Synth parameters step-by-step.

Keyboard and controls of the Prophet Rev2

The panel provides us with no less than 55 potentiometers for immediate access to almost all instrument parameters. Included are 512 permanent factory presets and 512 rewritable user programs. All this polyphonic power is enclosed in a high-quality semi-weighted five-octave keyboard, sensitive to velocity and monophonic aftertouch. Among other features that make it an ideal instrument for concerts or studio recording, we highlight the presence of an integrated power supply and an intelligible OLED display.

The connections of the Sequential Prophet Rev2

On the rear panel of the Prophet Rev2, we find a headphone output and 2 stereo audio outputs labeled Main/A Output and B Output. The Main/A output plays the sound of both layers if no cable is connected to output B. Conversely, simply connecting a cable to output B will separate the two audio signals of the layers and assign them to their respective outputs.

A Pedal/CV Input is used to connect a standard expression pedal (1/4” TRS jack) assignable via the modulation section to control various parameters, or a CV audio signal (max 5V peak-to-peak). Naturally, there is a 1/4” TS jack input dedicated to a sustain pedal and another input called Sequencer for connecting a footswitch or receiving a CV audio signal to start/stop the sequencer, arpeggiator, or other functions indicated in the manual. For MIDI connection, we have In, Out, and Thru DIN format and a USB type B port for bidirectional communication with PC and Mac computers.

Sequential Prophet Rev2 Features

• 16-voice analog synthesizer
• Bi-timbral: 8x2 layer or split
• Memories: 512 presets (4x128) + 512 user
• 5-octave keyboard with semi-weighted keys
• Velocity sensitive and mono aftertouch
• Assignable Pitch and modulation wheel
• 55 knobs and 35 buttons
• Glide (portamento): with separate speeds per oscillator
• 2 DCOs: saw, triangle, saw/triangle, variable width pulse
• Hard Sync
• White noise generator
• 1 Curtis low-pass filter (2 or 4 poles)
• Analog VCA
• 3 DADSR envelopes: filter, VCA, and assignable (with loop)
• 64-step polyphonic sequencer (6 notes per step)
• 4 tracks 16 steps x 4 mode
• Each layer can have a separate sequence
• 4 LFOs
• 8-slot modulation matrix
• 22 sources and 53 destinations
• 5 additional sources: mod wheel, pressure, velocity, breath controller, footswitch
• Programmable arpeggiator with Re-latch
• Note repetition
• MIDI: DIN In, Out, Thru; USB type B
• 2 stereo audio outputs: MAIN/A and Out B
• Headphone output: 1/4" stereo jack.
• Sustain pedal input 1/4” TS jack
• Pedal input for sequencer and arpeggiator on/off
• Input (1/4” TRS jack) pedal/CV: for expression pedals or CV (0 - 5 VDC)
• Dimensions and weight: 89.20x32.26x9.65cm; 9.3KG
• IEC connector for power supply
• Consumption: max 22W at 16 voices; 17W at 8 voices
• Wooden side panels (African mahogany)

A Modern Classic Reimagined

Sequential Prophet Rev 2 is a modern classic that has appeared in countless recordings and stages since its debut in 2007. As Dave Smith says, "The Prophet Rev2 is the realization of our effort to improve everything we could from the original design, at a more accessible price." The Prophet Rev2 retains all the key features of the Prophet ’08 and expands them. It has double the polyphony, a more extensive modulation matrix, continuous shape variation on all waveforms, digital effects per layer in stacked or split voice mode, a polyphonic step sequencer per layer, and more. The result is a true analog powerhouse. You can download any of the many existing Prophet ’08 sound libraries, and not only will they sound identical, but they can be enhanced with the new features.