Description

In the Sequential Prophet X digital and sample-based synthesis (150GB + 50GB user-loadable) combine in a powerful sound engine. Analog filter, two multi-effects, 4 LFOs, 4 DADSR envelopes, and an extensive modulation matrix make this 5-octave semi-weighted keyboard synth (velocity and aftertouch), with arpeggiator and polyphonic sequencer, a perfect tool for professional keyboardists.

Video Tutorial Sequential Prophet X

The Sequential Prophet X is an 8-voice stereo (16 mono) bi-timbral synthesizer in a 61-key keyboard format, capable of generating a formidable fusion of high-quality audio samples and digital sound synthesis. Inside, it features a sound engine consisting of 2 sample-based instruments at 16 bit/48kHz and 2 high-resolution DSP oscillators, all 4 usable together, simultaneously, without limits. The generated sound is then processed through a newly designed analog stereo filter inspired by the vintage sound of the past. The extensive internal sample library consists of a full 150GB of sounds produced by the renowned independent company 8dio, for years one of the most highly-rated in the sound design and sound library production sector. Prophet X offers an important modulation matrix. 4 LFOs, 4 envelopes along with the polyphonic sequencer make it a truly complete tool for music production and sound design.

The Prophet X Instrument engine

The two powerful sample players responsible for sample playback can be managed like oscillators. In them, you'll find a vast collection of acoustic and electronic instruments, cinematic and environmental sounds. Not just a Rompler, an additional 50GB are dedicated to samples and libraries that you can upload into the synth yourself via a simple USB 3.0 flash drive. To program and map audio samples simply and intuitively, we will use the free computer software (Mac and PC) Sequential Prophet X Mapping Utility developed by 8dio. To download the Sample Editor for your Prophet X click here.

All instruments are organized by category and with the Type knob in the Sample Playback section, you can quickly scroll to choose individual timbres. Each of the two instruments can manage a Sample Set (instrument composed of one or more mapped samples). Both are capable of treating samples with parameters such as Reverse, Start/Stop, Loop playback with start point and duration settings. In Dual Layer mode (Stack or Split) the instruments become 4: 2 for each layer.

The digital synthesis of Prophet X

In this instrument, we find the synthesis engine of a classic Prophet emulated by two high-resolution DSP oscillators that generate sine, saw, pulse, and supersaw waveforms. With the Shape Mod control, you can vary the pulse width, thus increasing the timbral possibilities resulting from the modification of the harmonic content. When used on a SuperSaw waveform, this control allows you to play with detuning to create fuller sounds. Let's try to imagine the expressive potential of the sound generation section of this instrument, for example, by assigning an LFO (or other source) to the Shape Mod parameter, we can obtain a constantly variable waveform to our liking, and thus reproduce organic and evolving sounds, giving maximum vent to our creativity. For programming vintage-style sounds, we can use the Slop 1 & 2 parameter to add that pitch instability between the two oscillators typical of old analog synthesizers of the past: try it at low values for a slight fluctuation, bring it to maximum for an accentuated detuning. Among the various parameters we can manage with Glide is the possibility to control the Rate of each individual Oscillator, whether it is DSP or Sample Player. Hard Sync could not be missing: oscillator 1 is synchronized with oscillator 2 to create powerful leads or experimental drones.

The Sequential Prophet X filter

At the heart of the powerful Prophet X sound is its 24dB per octave resonant low-pass analog filter based on a vintage design. In 8-voice mode, the filter becomes Stereo, with left and right cut-off that can be managed separately to create sounds with different modulations per channel. In the Filter section, we find the Drive knob, which gradually increases the volume input to the filter to introduce pleasant harmonic saturation.

The modulations of the Sequential Prophet X

You can program and shape sounds with all the classic synthesis functions you would expect from a Sequential instrument. 4 synchronizable LFOs with slew and phase offset, as well as 4 five-stage envelope generators (D-ADSR) with loop function. 2 envelopes are pre-assigned to the amplifier and filter respectively, while the other two are freely assignable. The 16-slot Mod matrix offers 22 sources and 88 modulation destinations: you will have all the tools needed to sculpt and evolve any sound you wish to create.

The Prophet X sequencer and arpeggiator

The polyphonic sequencer provides up to 64 steps, each capable of holding up to 6 notes. If you work in layered voices or split mode, you can create a different sequence for each layer. Phrases can optionally synchronize with an external MIDI clock, just like the arpeggiator.

The effects of the Sequential Prophet X

There are two available effects where you can choose one of the algorithms from multiple reverbs, 2 delays (standard and BBD), chorus, phase shifter, flanger, ring mod, vintage rotating speaker, high-pass filter, or distortion. Both effects are programmable, and in layered voices or split mode, you can apply two different effects to each layer. Effect parameters can be modulated through the matrix.

Keyboard, display and controls of the Prophet X

A distinguishing feature of the Prophet X is the presence of no less than 3 OLED displays. One is dedicated to the Sample Playback section for selecting instruments (Sample Set), the second to the effects section, and the third, the largest of the three, is placed in the center to allow clear navigation through the various settings. Prophet X has a 5-octave semi-weighted keyboard sensitive to velocity and aftertouch (mono). The wheels for Pitch and Modulation control are backlit to be visible even in low light conditions. Above the wheels are 2 Touch Sliders freely assignable to any parameter.

The connections of Prophet X

Among the connections are the classic 3 MIDI ports (In, Out, and Thru), two USB ports, one of which is type B dedicated to bidirectional MIDI communication (In & Out) and the other is type A for inserting the flash drive (3.0) intended for importing your own samples/libraries. There are 2 stereo outputs divided into Main/A Output and B Output (4 ¼” TS jacks). There is also a headphone output (1/4” TRS) and 4 pedal inputs for Volume, Pedal/Cv, Sustain, and Sequencer; the latter allows you to start or stop the sequencer or arpeggiator.

Features of the Sequential Prophet X

    
• Hybrid Digital/Analog Synthesizer
    
• 61-key keyboard (5 octaves)
    
• Semi-weighted, with velocity and aftertouch (mono)
    
• 512 user and 512 factory memories
    
• 2 DSP oscillators and 2 Sample Players
    
• DSP: sine, saw, pulse, supersaw
    
• Hard Sync, Unison, Chord Memory
    
• Shape Mode: to vary the waveform
    
• 2 Sample Players: 150 GB of samples by 8dio
    
• 50 GB of user samples importable via USB (pendrive)
    
• PC and Mac software editor for sample mapping
    
• Sample start, end, stretch, reverse, loop, etc.
    
• 3 OLED displays
    
• 4-pole LP VCF with resonance and drive
    
• 4 LFOs, 4 D-ADSRs
    
• 16-slot modulation matrix, 22 sources, 88 destinations
    
• Programmable polyphonic glide
    
• 64 Step polyphonic sequencer (1x Layer)
    
• Programmable arpeggiator
    
• 2 multi-effects
    
• Clock: Master (Tap Tempo), external MIDI
    
• MIDI: In, Out, and Thru DIN, USB type B
    
• USB type A port for flash drive (3.0)
    
• MAIN/A and Out B: 2 stereo audio outputs (4 ¼” TS jacks)
    
• Headphone output: ¼” TRS jack
    
• ¼” TRS volume pedal input
    
• ¼” TS sustain pedal input
    
• Pedal input (1/4” jack) for sequencer and arpeggiator on/off
    
• Pedal/CV input (¼” TRS jack): for expression pedals or CV (0 - 5 VDC)
    
• Dimensions and weight: 97.6cm x 34.3cm x 10.9cm; 11kg
    
• IEC connector for power supply
    
• Power consumption: max 25 watts
    
• Download the Sample Editor for PC and MAC: click here