Clarifying a few things in the history of the Prophet VS: The third person who contributed significantly to the Prophet VS was Tony Dean. I (Chris Meyer) came up with the voice architecture Josh later named Vector Synthesis, Tony designed the custom chips, and Josh was the project lead + programmer. The three of us spent numerous days brainstorming and debating its features before design started. John Bowen indseed created some of the waveforms and patches; so did I, Josh, and I believe others at Sequential. Some were even randomly generated. (Not to take away from John, who is a great guy and programmer; just credit where credit is due.) The envelopes were inspired by the Buchla 400. The VS’s waves could loop forward, or forward and back, but not backwards only. Back & Forth proved to the most useful (far more than forward only), and is all too rare on looping envelopes today. In addition to voltage, another problem with aftertouch on the VS is that the bottom of its metal case flexed. If you placed your keyboard stand arms near the middle, it bowed the case upward, resulting in aftertouch always being on. Move those arms out to the edges, and it will behave much better. For more on the development of the VS, from someone who was there: learningmodular.com/the-story-of-the-prophet-vs/
Thank you Chris, this is really great! Appreciate you taking the time to correct and expand that. Must have been quite an experience being there at the time?
I don't think we realized how good we had it: A bunch of 20-somethings (early 20s, in my case) being given the freedom to help define and create new instruments. It's not like we thought or knew we were doing something "important" at the time; we were just doing the best we could with the opportunity we were given. And the camaraderie was great - engineers from E-mu and Sequential regularly ate, hung, and partied together, helping each other with engineering challenges, even if our respective managements were competitors. Later in life, I made a point of going back and thanking Dave Smith for his patience with me, and the opportunity he had given me.
Thanks for sharing this, it's truly fascinating. Must be very satisfying to know that you created things that mean so much to so many people. Everything I see and hear of Dave Smith and Sequential paints them as great guys. I sent them this video and they responded saying they'd all watched it and are sending me some stuff. Speaks volumes of the mindset, that they took the time to do that for some random guy like me.
Although I enjoyed the relationship between the engineers while I was there (even the fights and disagreements), at the time, there was a lot of friction of engineering versus marketing & management, plus the overlaid stress of the company going bankrupt. So at the time, I would have said it was not at all a great place to work at. But in hindsight, I realize everyone - management included - was doing the best they could with the tools they had at the time, plus I think Dave has "reincarnated" himself very nicely with DSI (now called Sequential again, of course).
When the T-8 came out, I skipped school to go play it at the music store in my town. Spent hours there on it. My mom showed up and dragged me out of there. The school had called saying I was absent. She knew right where I was.
I'd think so yeah. That's a not a bad question. I was wondering how we got to know our favourite bands and stuff before the internet came along - and I was there myself. (Though it wasn't quite as niche as musical instruments because you had MTV).
Rest In Peace, Dave Smith… You’ve changed this world and we cannot thank you enough for your beautiful creations that have enhanced our lives immensely. I hope you can find peace and music there…
Rest in Peace Dave Smith, even though I never had a chance to own a single Prophet when you were still with us, I will someday during musical journey in my lifetime. That is a solemn promise 💪🏻🥺🦄💖
Alex Ball, thank you for this documentary you made. It helps us remind his legacy and for new people to discover Dave's contribution to synth history 🥺💖
Alex Ball: the David Attenborough of synthesizers! Seriously: You have an absolutely great documentary voice. Not even talking about the quality of your content, which is more than BBC worthy. We are getting so spoiled by all this great stuff for free
I was the New England rep for Sequential and other products back in 1984 - 86 era including many small midi manufacturers like JL Cooper, 360 Systems, Oberheim and a ton of others. This is an excellent history you have put together. I loved these Sequential machines and the vista of sound opportunities they afforded us. So many trend setting things were developed by these guy. First programable synth, first multitimbral synths that people could afford (6 Track Multitrax and Max), first TUNABLE drum machine (so one or two toms could be retuned to do that Neil Peart million tom fill). I believe that not only MIDI but the Midi time code spec was largely theirs as well. They were (and still are) forward thinking people who changed the synth world. Hats off to them and to you for this video.
Thanks for your history, I imagine that was a special time? Do love the Sequential and DSI stuff and it keeps on coming. Been drooling over the Pro-3 of late.
DAVE SPAULDING! It 9s such a trip to come across your comments on the video! Before I started working at Union Music in Worcester Massachusetts, I had the pleasure of enjoying one of your presentations on Sequential at Union Music. I still remember chatting with you about the Multi-Trak, the Max and synths in general. I eventually bought a Multi-Trak and had it for years. I eventually worked part time at Union Music in keyboards. Carl Kemp was a great guy and everyone had a great attitude there - all inspired by Carl. Such great times. Who does not enjoy working in a toy store, eh?
@@garyturner5204 Those were great times. Carl is a great guy and I loved that store. I am glad you liked the seminar. I still have my multitrack (those it needs some love from a tech at the moment). I hope all is well and that you are still making music!
I just bought a Pro-One from a pawn shop who didn't know what it was, called it a noise machine. All the knobs were set up so nothing but garbage came out, and the KYBD switch was off as well, making it seem like it wasn't working properly. It still was a big purchase, but it looks like I paid a half or a third of the going price for a fully working one in the great condition this is in. It's serial number 1050, so J-Wire keys and not the membrane. Every switch and knob working perfectly with no noise in the slightest. So happy!
Wow. The songs were impressing me each one more than the last. Great edits, story and pacing. This is history that will be useful for a long while. Great job.
Thanks very much. That's great to know that it came across well. Yes. they're in an incredible collection of instruments and the associated breakthroughs endure for decade after decade.
I would like to thank you for making this video. Because of you, I now have a Prophet Rev2 16 voice sitting on my desk. It's already started me down an amazing musical journey.
Wow! This was fantastic. Thanks Alex and team!! As an ex-P5 owner, thought I knew A LOT about Dave and Sequential but this filled in so many gaps that I didn't even know were there. Dave is a genius and a hero to so many. Fantastic to see this story told so well.
19:37 This is amazing... and it's a great example of something I've come to realise: good sound design is important, but the overall experience of a performance is often heavily dependent on CHORD VOICINGS. The way the sounds are played is critical, and Alex, you excel at this. Bravo!
Yep in 1983 the Yamaha DX7 put them all in the ground. Strange how things work out. Mind you what a lot of people forget, if you learn how to program a DX7 you would see why it did what it did. Most people only used 2% of what the DX7 could do. But I love analog synths and digital synths and always have a place in my heart. There was loads of good synths in the 70s and 80s. Today synths just don’t cut it like they did back then.
Mike Meengs It’s was the DX1 that was the best for programming but it cost a lot of money. Worth a lot of money now. I have to arger they didn’t make the DX7 easy at all. Shame in a way because I think there would of been better music out in the 80s if they did. Most stars used the presets. Still you could do a lot with this synth if you had the time to learn.
I have a DX7II and using it in any capacity is a complete drag! Who cares what it might do, if using it just sucks. Totally lame user interface. Welcome to 2020.
When the new Prophets were released I preordered immediately and still wound up getting one in the 600’s but still, to finally get my dream synth AND it’s one of the first thousand made. That is something. One of the best period. This and the Minimoog go together so well.
Ahh, this is absolutely brilliant!! What a sound! What a look! What a story...Ever since I saw a photo of Nick Rhodes playing one at the Rum Runner Club (Duran Duran's early days), I knew it would be something special. There is just something about the sound of a synth (especially the vintage, warm analog sounds). I suppose the way some people swoon for the elegance of a piano or violin, I am absolutely enamored by the unparalleled beauty of the synthesizer. Thank you for making this 80's lovin' gal happy!🌟🎹🌟 Maybe one day I'll have a Prophet 5 of my own.🥰😁
It has a really flimsy keybed though. DSI switched to Fatar after that synth. Mine arrived broken, I got a free replacement from them which was very good service (no complaints there), but even that had one key slightly higher due to a small crack in the plastic section that the key rests on when it is not pressed down.
Absolutely loving your little docos, mate! Interesting fact about Prophet VS: many of the sampled single-cycle waveforms sounded bland until they realised that the "grit" from leaving the anti-aliasing filter OFF would actually enhance them!
Fabulous post. I've played a Prophet T8 many years ago (85/6 ish). It is a beast! What a brilliant thing Yamaha did giving DSI the Sequential name back. I really hope that Blackmagic Design can come to some sort of arrangement to allow Peter Vogel to continue remaking interpretations of vintage Fairlight gear... (as of today he's not allowed due to legal action).
Yes, the T8 is pretty unique! Never played a synth that feels like a nice piano under your fingers. Fairlight / Peter Vogel. Interesting, I didn't know that. Apparently it was Ikutaro Kakehashi that pursuaded Yamaha to return the Sequential branding. Makes the whole thing come full circle, which is poetic.
I rem when my friend bought a prophet 5 , I think it was about 15 years ago , he paid £1200 , and at the time it was leap in price , I thought he had been ripped off ! Total classic synth , totally deserves hall of fame in the top 5-10 synths
Got so inspired by the video I took 2 hours to both study the first 5 minutes of the history, and to recreate the melody cued at "the Prophet 5". Insane work by the pioneers of synthesizers, lot of respect!
Loved this! I had a near-tear jerking nostalgic flashback to everything I remember loving about the 1980's.. Now I wish I knew how to play a piano and read music...
Keyboard player buys a complicated and expensive synth, studies the extensive manual, traverses the mind boggling learning curve, experiments with the seemingly infinite sound manipulating possibilities, feels a sense of euphoric accomplishment and satisfaction when finally mastering the instrument and its myriad of aural soundscapes and circuitry intricacies, gets onstage with his band to triumphantly express himself on his magnificent electronic device, made a musical reality by genius and inventive minds....guitarist in his band plays some cliched blues licks on a cheap Fender Squire and pulls all the hot chicks in attendance.
They were the stuff of legend when I was in secondary school. We always used to draw them and daydream about being a muso. But I never really knew how awsome they sounded until I saw this film. Thank you so much. I gives me a total reality on the whole concept. What an amazing sound. So fat and awe-inspiring. I never knew that yamaha bought the name and burried it. Well done for giving it back.
recalls nice memories of winter 79 when for the first time I put my fingers on the keyboard of a Prophet 5 Rev.1 @ Phonorgan shop in Pigalle district of Paris, under the aegis of Francis Mandin and Francis Rimbert (of JMJ fame). Sadly, I was then no wealthy enough to afford it and set my choice on a Korg MS20 (that I still own). Some 25 years later, once more thanks to Mandin, I bought a Creamware Pro-12 ASB Prophet clone.... but I'm still dreaming of a Prophet 5 at a decent price ( or maybe a Behringer clone, if Uli decides to upgrade from its coming Pro-1 one!)
Whilst SC and their wonderful iconic synths are peerless, the biggest gift DS gave to music and the world of music was surely his role in establishing the MIDI protocol. It transformed the entire music industry, the creative music process and the entire basis upon which music was written, performed and recorded. Thank you. Imagine the music that would never have been made but for MIDI.
It sounded like a guitar in the second part of the demo? Or was that a real guitar layered over...? Didnt the T8 even have polyphonic aftertouch? Alex didnt mention that.
Amazing video! Thank you so much for compiling all of this info and knowledge of this master and the legacy that is still shaping modern music. I learned about Prophets and instruments I never knew existed. I had the great honor of meet Dave Smith himself a few days ago. Such a sweet and wonderful human. I'm also an onwer of the Prophet 600 - so much love for all Dave Smith and Sequential have accomplished. So happy they got their name back! Thank you again, cheers from Northern California!
@@j.fetzer5814: You're welcome. I'm sure that someone is going to tell me that I'm talking absolute nonsense, but this is coming from friends who know their synths.... unlike me! I actually put a friend onto the Prophet 600 with Gligli, without taking my own advice. Needless to say, prices have shot up since then!
My first Synth in 1982 was a Pro One. Then few years ago I got the Prophet 600. Last year I sold the 600 and bought the Rev2 8 voice. Amazing machine that I think encapsulates all that went before it. I especially like the Prophet 5 type sounds. I’m not just a synth player I use it in conjunction with other instruments to craft my songs. I don’t think I’ll ever need another synth now I have the Rev2. Love it!
It has become very good Alex, compliments! Proud to contribute a bit to a brand that is so deep in the heart. Let's hope for a personal response from Dave. Until another! JP
Thanks JP! And thank you for responding to the random email out of the blue! The 600 shines in the video, sounds (and looks) amazing. Maybe Sequential will respond, but I imagine they're very busy, so I won't be offended in the slightest if they don't.
First rewatch since Dave’s passing. Again, lovely video mate. An unintentional and quite moving tribute. One of these wooden wonders will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine. One day…
Tazmanian Ninja I miss those sounds, we had a studio in a spare bedroom at a friend’s house and he’d be in there using a similar sound to that, it is like a warm memory
Very well made video! Just one thing that would add to this: Seeing the years you mention visually helps get a grip on the actual timeline. For me its really easy to not pick up on a mentioned year when its just audio.
A very enjoyable entertaining and informative documentary, reminding me a little of the rollercoaster the likes of Commodore were on in the 80s - also fabulous innovators but ultimately ahead of their time.
Now that was a great documentary. The history of the Prophet synths is such an important legacy for the music industry. Thanks for putting this together
Wow! The quality gets better with every video you make. This is pretty much the definitive Prophet 5 video out there. DSI should pay you for this :D great job, man!
Great documentary on the sequential line of products, and also I really enjoyed the sound track and demos as well. The p5 is my personal favorite synth!
Fantastic video, Alex. The Ptro-One was my first professional synth. Still have her to this day, 36 years on. Keep up the good work. Your videos put a big smile on my face and dent in my wallet too!
I wish I would have found this video a few weeks ago because it would have made the decision process of my first hardware synth way faster. But my prophet rev2 is coming in the mail tomorrow and finding this video right now is making me so excited. Great video. Absolutely quality content that is not expected from a UA-camr! Thank you for the history!
Great video. Really enjoyable. 22:12 love that sound! On it's own at 00:12 but at 22:12 it sounds so good with the other instruments - foot tappingly good. Dave has been such a great innovator and he just keeps on going, always moving forward. He is gonna be in the music history books as one of the greats in the entire world history of music and an inspiring man and role model.
Totally agree with you, I love that synth sound and those drums sound awesome - also love the time signature. Keep up the great work, excellent documentary.
I was only a kid when the T-8 launched, but - you made me totally want one now. That thing can (with you, obviously) perform like it was a synth of our times today. Well done!
This was captivating to watch and very informative. Hopefully you will make this into a series and do other docs on the CS80, DX7, Waldorf, Elka Synthex and Juno/Jupiter synths.
ALEX! Thank you for taking the time to research and collate all this information! This is so entertaining and informative, well put together and amazingly narrated! Appreciate these great documentaries!
Just brilliant once again, and I love the main theme. I’m slightly embarrassed, and honoured, to have my name listed next to the other brilliant contributors.
Thanks so much for this historical overview of the Prophet series development. It was demonstrated with great music and not just a collection of incoherent noise as in so many other modern synth demos on You Tube.
Friggin fab...u Los, grew up with the greats 🎶💯🤟. David Smith literally rewrote synth sound...glad to have some of the best sounds that were created by him...4 vco, ouch😮😅
Clarifying a few things in the history of the Prophet VS:
The third person who contributed significantly to the Prophet VS was Tony Dean. I (Chris Meyer) came up with the voice architecture Josh later named Vector Synthesis, Tony designed the custom chips, and Josh was the project lead + programmer. The three of us spent numerous days brainstorming and debating its features before design started.
John Bowen indseed created some of the waveforms and patches; so did I, Josh, and I believe others at Sequential. Some were even randomly generated. (Not to take away from John, who is a great guy and programmer; just credit where credit is due.)
The envelopes were inspired by the Buchla 400. The VS’s waves could loop forward, or forward and back, but not backwards only. Back & Forth proved to the most useful (far more than forward only), and is all too rare on looping envelopes today.
In addition to voltage, another problem with aftertouch on the VS is that the bottom of its metal case flexed. If you placed your keyboard stand arms near the middle, it bowed the case upward, resulting in aftertouch always being on. Move those arms out to the edges, and it will behave much better.
For more on the development of the VS, from someone who was there: learningmodular.com/the-story-of-the-prophet-vs/
Thank you Chris, this is really great! Appreciate you taking the time to correct and expand that.
Must have been quite an experience being there at the time?
I don't think we realized how good we had it: A bunch of 20-somethings (early 20s, in my case) being given the freedom to help define and create new instruments. It's not like we thought or knew we were doing something "important" at the time; we were just doing the best we could with the opportunity we were given. And the camaraderie was great - engineers from E-mu and Sequential regularly ate, hung, and partied together, helping each other with engineering challenges, even if our respective managements were competitors.
Later in life, I made a point of going back and thanking Dave Smith for his patience with me, and the opportunity he had given me.
wow, living legend commenting! thank you!
& thanks to Alex for such an interesting video!
Thanks for sharing this, it's truly fascinating. Must be very satisfying to know that you created things that mean so much to so many people.
Everything I see and hear of Dave Smith and Sequential paints them as great guys. I sent them this video and they responded saying they'd all watched it and are sending me some stuff. Speaks volumes of the mindset, that they took the time to do that for some random guy like me.
Although I enjoyed the relationship between the engineers while I was there (even the fights and disagreements), at the time, there was a lot of friction of engineering versus marketing & management, plus the overlaid stress of the company going bankrupt. So at the time, I would have said it was not at all a great place to work at. But in hindsight, I realize everyone - management included - was doing the best they could with the tools they had at the time, plus I think Dave has "reincarnated" himself very nicely with DSI (now called Sequential again, of course).
When the T-8 came out, I skipped school to go play it at the music store in my town. Spent hours there on it. My mom showed up and dragged me out of there. The school had called saying I was absent. She knew right where I was.
Also, NE1 remember the booklet guides some manufacturers used to provide to tell you which patches were what?
If you're going to skip school, a Prophet T8 is a good reason!
Ahh brilliant. I’d have done that had there been one within 100 miles of me.
This just shows my digital age ignorance, but back in the day how did you know when these things would come out? Magazines? Posters in music stores?
I'd think so yeah. That's a not a bad question. I was wondering how we got to know our favourite bands and stuff before the internet came along - and I was there myself. (Though it wasn't quite as niche as musical instruments because you had MTV).
Rest In Peace, Dave Smith… You’ve changed this world and we cannot thank you enough for your beautiful creations that have enhanced our lives immensely. I hope you can find peace and music there…
Rest in Peace Dave Smith, even though I never had a chance to own a single Prophet when you were still with us, I will someday during musical journey in my lifetime.
That is a solemn promise 💪🏻🥺🦄💖
Alex Ball, thank you for this documentary you made. It helps us remind his legacy and for new people to discover Dave's contribution to synth history 🥺💖
Yamaha returning the name "Sequential" to DSI is such a feel-good moment.
Thats a sign of good business ethics
For such a large corporation, they frequently do that kind of thing, really shows how 'in-tune' they are with their customers.
They inspired Gibson to do the same for Tom Oberheim.
@@rwdplz1 ha, "in-tune"
And now Sequential/DSI is owned by Focusrite, making them their second instrument subsidiary after Novation.
Whatching this on this tragic day for everysynth lover... RIP Dave Smith.
Alex Ball: the David Attenborough of synthesizers! Seriously: You have an absolutely great documentary voice. Not even talking about the quality of your content, which is more than BBC worthy. We are getting so spoiled by all this great stuff for free
Thank you John.
Indeed!
Undoubtedly
No, I don't think so. I partially barely understand his talking. But I like his playing and all the synths shown in this video.
Now and again youtube suggests something very special. That was a pleasure to watch. Now I can work my way through the rest.
Thanks for stopping by.
I was the New England rep for Sequential and other products back in 1984 - 86 era including many small midi manufacturers like JL Cooper, 360 Systems, Oberheim and a ton of others. This is an excellent history you have put together. I loved these Sequential machines and the vista of sound opportunities they afforded us. So many trend setting things were developed by these guy. First programable synth, first multitimbral synths that people could afford (6 Track Multitrax and Max), first TUNABLE drum machine (so one or two toms could be retuned to do that Neil Peart million tom fill). I believe that not only MIDI but the Midi time code spec was largely theirs as well. They were (and still are) forward thinking people who changed the synth world. Hats off to them and to you for this video.
Thanks for your history, I imagine that was a special time?
Do love the Sequential and DSI stuff and it keeps on coming. Been drooling over the Pro-3 of late.
DAVE SPAULDING! It 9s such a trip to come across your comments on the video! Before I started working at Union Music in Worcester Massachusetts, I had the pleasure of enjoying one of your presentations on Sequential at Union Music. I still remember chatting with you about the Multi-Trak, the Max and synths in general. I eventually bought a Multi-Trak and had it for years. I eventually worked part time at Union Music in keyboards. Carl Kemp was a great guy and everyone had a great attitude there - all inspired by Carl. Such great times. Who does not enjoy working in a toy store, eh?
@@garyturner5204 Those were great times. Carl is a great guy and I loved that store. I am glad you liked the seminar. I still have my multitrack (those it needs some love from a tech at the moment). I hope all is well and that you are still making music!
What an excellent way to pass 20 minutes. Loved it :)
Thanks. I've watched quite a few of your videos too. :)
I just bought a Pro-One from a pawn shop who didn't know what it was, called it a noise machine. All the knobs were set up so nothing but garbage came out, and the KYBD switch was off as well, making it seem like it wasn't working properly.
It still was a big purchase, but it looks like I paid a half or a third of the going price for a fully working one in the great condition this is in.
It's serial number 1050, so J-Wire keys and not the membrane. Every switch and knob working perfectly with no noise in the slightest.
So happy!
Gotta love it when people don't realize what they're actually selling.
@19:26 sounds like the poly expander
THAT intro... one of the greatest P5 riff I've ever heard.
The traces on those PCBs are just gorgeous, a true work of art.
Wow. The songs were impressing me each one more than the last. Great edits, story and pacing. This is history that will be useful for a long while. Great job.
Thanks very much. That's great to know that it came across well.
Yes. they're in an incredible collection of instruments and the associated breakthroughs endure for decade after decade.
@@AlexBallMusichave or can you release them? Really loved the tunes featured on this great doc.
Very nice documentation about Sequential and the legendary Prophet synths.. Proud to be a little part of it. Keep up the great work
Praise indeed from the king of vintage synths! Thank you for the VS footage, makes all the difference actually having the instruments on camera.
A pleasure for me Alex.
Finally RetroSound and lil old me in the same clip! :D One day the Prophet VS and PPG Wavesterm will be mine .... :D
yeah. grab all that cool shit :D
Hi Marko! It was great to see you in the video! A pleasant surprise. I was like "Hey! I know him!" haha
I would like to thank you for making this video. Because of you, I now have a Prophet Rev2 16 voice sitting on my desk. It's already started me down an amazing musical journey.
Wow! This was fantastic. Thanks Alex and team!! As an ex-P5 owner, thought I knew A LOT about Dave and Sequential but this filled in so many gaps that I didn't even know were there. Dave is a genius and a hero to so many. Fantastic to see this story told so well.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed. Which rev of Prophet did you own out of interest?
The sound of the Prophet synths is absolutely beautiful
19:37 This is amazing... and it's a great example of something I've come to realise: good sound design is important, but the overall experience of a performance is often heavily dependent on CHORD VOICINGS. The way the sounds are played is critical, and Alex, you excel at this. Bravo!
That section was mind blowing
The rev2 might be the most underrated Sequential/DSI synth. Sounds incredible.
Great documentary! A walk down memory lane for me as I was a working keyboard player all through the 80's. Thanks.
Yep in 1983 the Yamaha DX7 put them all in the ground. Strange how things work out. Mind you what a lot of people forget, if you learn how to program a DX7 you would see why it did what it did. Most people only used 2% of what the DX7 could do. But I love analog synths and digital synths and always have a place in my heart. There was loads of good synths in the 70s and 80s. Today synths just don’t cut it like they did back then.
I could never get the hang of programming the DX-7. I just couldn't get it. 😐
Mike Meengs
It’s was the DX1 that was the best for programming but it cost a lot of money. Worth a lot of money now. I have to arger they didn’t make the DX7 easy at all. Shame in a way because I think there would of been better music out in the 80s if they did. Most stars used the presets. Still you could do a lot with this synth if you had the time to learn.
I have a DX7II and using it in any capacity is a complete drag! Who cares what it might do, if using it just sucks. Totally lame user interface. Welcome to 2020.
The dx7 was a far cry from the cs80,which vangelis used in...like...everything!
Will be interesting if Korg brings the OpSix to market that they showed at NAMM 2020 - same sound as DX7 but with a “proper” interface.
Dave Smith really made something incredible.
Now we have gone full circle from Prophet 5 to Prophet 5 😁
Just think if Alex could talk to Alex from two years in the future.
This is one of cherries what you've produced.
I can not fathom how much this makes me happy.
Glad you're in balance with happiness and creativity.
Nice documentary! Dave Smith is a bonafide legend for the Midi standard alone. It's great to see that he's still making good synthesizers!
When the new Prophets were released I preordered immediately and still wound up getting one in the 600’s but still, to finally get my dream synth AND it’s one of the first thousand made. That is something. One of the best period. This and the Minimoog go together so well.
I love that so many electronic companies in the 70s and 80s worked together.
Ahh, this is absolutely brilliant!! What a sound! What a look! What a story...Ever since I saw a photo of Nick Rhodes playing one at the Rum Runner Club (Duran Duran's early days), I knew it would be something special. There is just something about the sound of a synth (especially the vintage, warm analog sounds). I suppose the way some people swoon for the elegance of a piano or violin, I am absolutely enamored by the unparalleled beauty of the synthesizer. Thank you for making this 80's lovin' gal happy!🌟🎹🌟 Maybe one day I'll have a Prophet 5 of my own.🥰😁
Prophet 12 is one of the best analog hybrid synthesizers ever made imo.
It's got everything!
It has a really flimsy keybed though. DSI switched to Fatar after that synth. Mine arrived broken, I got a free replacement from them which was very good service (no complaints there), but even that had one key slightly higher due to a small crack in the plastic section that the key rests on when it is not pressed down.
This is actually the best advert I have ever seen.
Now that's a good way to put it!
beautiful doc, synths are so full of personality and so many have told a story through them
Absolutely loving your little docos, mate! Interesting fact about Prophet VS: many of the sampled single-cycle waveforms sounded bland until they realised that the "grit" from leaving the anti-aliasing filter OFF would actually enhance them!
my fav synths Prophets, Moogs/jupiter 8/junos /oberheims such fantastic sounds!
I always wanted a Prophet synth! What a fantastic documentary, I was absolutely glued to the screen!
Fabulous post. I've played a Prophet T8 many years ago (85/6 ish). It is a beast! What a brilliant thing Yamaha did giving DSI the Sequential name back. I really hope that Blackmagic Design can come to some sort of arrangement to allow Peter Vogel to continue remaking interpretations of vintage Fairlight gear... (as of today he's not allowed due to legal action).
Yes, the T8 is pretty unique! Never played a synth that feels like a nice piano under your fingers.
Fairlight / Peter Vogel. Interesting, I didn't know that. Apparently it was Ikutaro Kakehashi that pursuaded Yamaha to return the Sequential branding. Makes the whole thing come full circle, which is poetic.
Always loved the Uncial font of Prophet. This was great.
Totally and the STOP font too for the Sequential logos.
I rem when my friend bought a prophet 5 , I think it was about 15 years ago , he paid £1200 , and at the time it was leap in price , I thought he had been ripped off ! Total classic synth , totally deserves hall of fame in the top 5-10 synths
Got so inspired by the video I took 2 hours to both study the first 5 minutes of the history, and to recreate the melody cued at "the Prophet 5". Insane work by the pioneers of synthesizers, lot of respect!
It's got 8 LFO's, 3 Noise Gates, 4 MIDI outputs, 76 Trombones, and a Toaster.
I'd buy any of them.
Think the next Prophet is going to include a dishwasher and a stereo cor anglais.
Loved this! I had a near-tear jerking nostalgic flashback to everything I remember loving about the 1980's..
Now I wish I knew how to play a piano and read music...
Keyboard player buys a complicated and expensive synth, studies the extensive manual, traverses the mind boggling learning curve, experiments with the seemingly infinite sound manipulating possibilities, feels a sense of euphoric accomplishment and satisfaction when finally mastering the instrument and its myriad of aural soundscapes and circuitry intricacies, gets onstage with his band to triumphantly express himself on his magnificent electronic device, made a musical reality by genius and inventive minds....guitarist in his band plays some cliched blues licks on a cheap Fender Squire and pulls all the hot chicks in attendance.
They were the stuff of legend when I was in secondary school. We always used to draw them and daydream about being a muso. But I never really knew how awsome they sounded until I saw this film. Thank you so much. I gives me a total reality on the whole concept. What an amazing sound. So fat and awe-inspiring. I never knew that yamaha bought the name and burried it. Well done for giving it back.
Perfectly condensed and very informative and entertaining, thanks Alex! :)
Thanks Espen!
oh man the t8 sounds good, the polyphony and movement layers so well.. actually magical
recalls nice memories of winter 79 when for the first time I put my fingers on the keyboard of a Prophet 5 Rev.1 @ Phonorgan shop in Pigalle district of Paris, under the aegis of Francis Mandin and Francis Rimbert (of JMJ fame). Sadly, I was then no wealthy enough to afford it and set my choice on a Korg MS20 (that I still own). Some 25 years later, once more thanks to Mandin, I bought a Creamware Pro-12 ASB Prophet clone.... but I'm still dreaming of a Prophet 5 at a decent price ( or maybe a Behringer clone, if Uli decides to upgrade from its coming Pro-1 one!)
Well there's the new Rev4, cheaper than the old ones now. Even the 10 voice is cheaper than an old 5 but not *cheap* 😳
This is ridiculously well-done. I’m so fired up by all of the sounds in this video. What an inspiring history!
Whilst SC and their wonderful iconic synths are peerless, the biggest gift DS gave to music and the world of music was surely his role in establishing the MIDI protocol. It transformed the entire music industry, the creative music process and the entire basis upon which music was written, performed and recorded. Thank you. Imagine the music that would never have been made but for MIDI.
Imagine how wonderful a thing we might have gotten instead.
Only halfway through and learning so much. Remarkable. Thank you!
The T8 just makes my toes curl.... awesome sound
It makes mine want to crochet. Or knit. Depends on the day.
It sounded like a guitar in the second part of the demo? Or was that a real guitar layered over...? Didnt the T8 even have polyphonic aftertouch? Alex didnt mention that.
You are the Synth Storyteller. It's a joy to listen to your stories.
Amazing video! Thank you so much for compiling all of this info and knowledge of this master and the legacy that is still shaping modern music. I learned about Prophets and instruments I never knew existed. I had the great honor of meet Dave Smith himself a few days ago. Such a sweet and wonderful human. I'm also an onwer of the Prophet 600 - so much love for all Dave Smith and Sequential have accomplished. So happy they got their name back! Thank you again, cheers from Northern California!
That's very cool, they've got a lot of fans and for very good reasons! Great you got to meet Dave.
Is your 600 modded or original?
@@AlexBallMusic I had a feeling you were going to ask! I purchased it with the Gigli mod.
@@j.fetzer5814: I have it on good authority that the Gigli mod brings the Prophet 600 very close to the 5 in sound quality.
@@MisAnnThorpe Wow! This is fascinating! Thank you for sharing. I still have a lot of exploring to do with my Prophet 600.
@@j.fetzer5814: You're welcome. I'm sure that someone is going to tell me that I'm talking absolute nonsense, but this is coming from friends who know their synths.... unlike me! I actually put a friend onto the Prophet 600 with Gligli, without taking my own advice. Needless to say, prices have shot up since then!
My first Synth in 1982 was a Pro One. Then few years ago I got the Prophet 600. Last year I sold the 600 and bought the Rev2 8 voice. Amazing machine that I think encapsulates all that went before it. I especially like the Prophet 5 type sounds. I’m not just a synth player I use it in conjunction with other instruments to craft my songs. I don’t think I’ll ever need another synth now I have the Rev2. Love it!
It has become very good Alex, compliments! Proud to contribute a bit to a brand that is so deep in the heart. Let's hope for a personal response from Dave. Until another! JP
Thanks JP! And thank you for responding to the random email out of the blue! The 600 shines in the video, sounds (and looks) amazing. Maybe Sequential will respond, but I imagine they're very busy, so I won't be offended in the slightest if they don't.
I am so glad that Yamaha gave Dave back the Sequential name. Sequential synths have always been one of my favorites!!
Wow I freaking loved this! The evolution! This was very fun to hear and watch, I like how it got better and better, very nice
First rewatch since Dave’s passing. Again, lovely video mate. An unintentional and quite moving tribute. One of these wooden wonders will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine. One day…
A new Alex Ball video = Quality & Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Thanks :)
Love this film - I looked after a Prophet5 for a holidaying friend once back in the 80's - fond memories of hours exploring all the possibilities..
9:27 - shivers from that wonderful, lush pad-sound. The embodiment of Prophet-sound.
Tazmanian Ninja I miss those sounds, we had a studio in a spare bedroom at a friend’s house and he’d be in there using a similar sound to that, it is like a warm memory
holy hell your playing makes these synths sound as fresh as ever!
Very well made video! Just one thing that would add to this:
Seeing the years you mention visually helps get a grip on the actual timeline.
For me its really easy to not pick up on a mentioned year when its just audio.
A very enjoyable entertaining and informative documentary, reminding me a little of the rollercoaster the likes of Commodore were on in the 80s - also fabulous innovators but ultimately ahead of their time.
God bless you, Alex. Most awesome synth video I've seen in a long time! The SC filters are so lush and beautiful.
Thanks. Yep, they've got a sound for sure!
The start of this video was so nicely made
Now that was a great documentary. The history of the Prophet synths is such an important legacy for the music industry. Thanks for putting this together
Thank you. It's a great story for sure.
Great video. The Prophet 5 was always the first synth I'd grab from the stores at uni.
RIP DAVE... your legacy will continue. thank you
exactly what I was looking for, this is a superb documentary. as always, thank you alex for your thoughtful and inspirational work.
Wow! The quality gets better with every video you make. This is pretty much the definitive Prophet 5 video out there. DSI should pay you for this :D great job, man!
Thanks. Hopefully the film does the story some justice.
Great documentary on the sequential line of products, and also I really enjoyed the sound track and demos as well. The p5 is my personal favorite synth!
Probably one of the best short documentaries on youtube. Somehow UA-cam knew I wanted to watch this for the third time :-)
Thx for sharing.
Thanks!
Fantastic video, Alex. The Ptro-One was my first professional synth. Still have her to this day, 36 years on. Keep up the good work. Your videos put a big smile on my face and dent in my wallet too!
Great documentary! Done with love and attention to detail. Thank you!
Thanks!
I'm very impressed with your excellent research work, great screenwriting, and great edition and sound. Thank you very much.
It’s funny you did this video a year ago and now Dave’s reissuing the original
Came for the name, stayed for the background music. Amazing!
Wood paneling instantaneously elevates a synth into legend status.
Those old Prophets sound amazing, these synths always had their unique sound texture, which made them super recognisable.
they do a good copy though ,,,,obviously cant emulate that size of sound
that moment when you finally realise, dave smith is -the single greatest outside influence on your life-
_god_
amen
glad this guy isnt corny with his playing. he actually adds more to this with the style he plays. much love! great video
Alex Ball - where the biggest synthesizer Legends are played on 10€ IKEA stands. Great history video, love it!
Haha!
I've done worse in my lofi film productions. 😉
I wish I would have found this video a few weeks ago because it would have made the decision process of my first hardware synth way faster. But my prophet rev2 is coming in the mail tomorrow and finding this video right now is making me so excited. Great video. Absolutely quality content that is not expected from a UA-camr! Thank you for the history!
I’m sure you’ll love the ReV2 I’m very pleased with mine.
Holy shit! That *_T8_* sounds *AMAZING* !!!
The sounds you chose are so wonderful, it really makes me want to get a Prophet synth myself! So warm and soothing.
Great video. Really enjoyable. 22:12 love that sound! On it's own at 00:12 but at 22:12 it sounds so good with the other instruments - foot tappingly good. Dave has been such a great innovator and he just keeps on going, always moving forward. He is gonna be in the music history books as one of the greats in the entire world history of music and an inspiring man and role model.
Totally agree with you, I love that synth sound and those drums sound awesome - also love the time signature. Keep up the great work, excellent documentary.
I was only a kid when the T-8 launched, but - you made me totally want one now. That thing can (with you, obviously) perform like it was a synth of our times today. Well done!
This was captivating to watch and very informative. Hopefully you will make this into a series and do other docs on the CS80, DX7, Waldorf, Elka Synthex and Juno/Jupiter synths.
Thanks. I've got others planned, enjoyed doing this one.
ALEX! Thank you for taking the time to research and collate all this information! This is so entertaining and informative, well put together and amazingly narrated! Appreciate these great documentaries!
Thanks Mike. Glad you enjoyed it!
I adore my little Dave Smith Mopho, it's just from another planet man
Thank you for posting this. I will be watching it many many times!
😎🎹
Just brilliant once again, and I love the main theme. I’m slightly embarrassed, and honoured, to have my name listed next to the other brilliant contributors.
Role: Night time Tetra provider.
That's quite a cool band name.
Thanks so much for this historical overview of the Prophet series development. It was demonstrated with great music and not just a collection of incoherent noise as in so many other modern synth demos on You Tube.
I'd like to see one of these on the History of the Mellotron, the way John Paul Jones complained about it has always made me wonder.
Friggin fab...u Los, grew up with the greats 🎶💯🤟. David Smith literally rewrote synth sound...glad to have some of the best sounds that were created by him...4 vco, ouch😮😅
Curtis chips are *the classic*. Total genius in his own lifetime.
This is an awesome video! Very well produced and I love all the synth songs that you did on your own. Long live to the anaolg Synth!
Love these videos! It is so inspiring to see how it used to be😊
11:43 - 12:50 :O Wow, all that from that one instrument. Quintessential 80s, yet not over the top. Amazing!
subbed! thank you for deepening my appreciation for the prophet's legacy, as a rev2 owner it means a lot to know this stuff!
It's a great story, and helps contextualize modern synths like the REV2 (as you say).
Man, what a story. Almost made me cry. Thank you for your great work!
Excellent video! Thank you!