Thanks for taking the time to make this awesome review! My Prophet 08 should be coming in the mail later today. This video may have pushed my excitement and impatience over the edge....
you are the best synth reviewer ever! you understand what experienced synth users want and explain the gear in detail. i've seen a few reviews you've done that have been quite helpful. thank you
Love the intelligent summing up at the end. This is the kind of thing most viewers look for from these kind of reviews (not that there are many reviews as good as this) an informed, straightforward opinion from someone who obviously loves the subject.
Brilliant. VEry Useful, even 6 years after the review. Just bought it last week, still exploring. Awesome and powerful virtually limitless possibilities :)
@IAmBound Yes to both: The step sequencer does have adjustable BPM. The Prophet '08 can be synced with an external clock (such as a drum machine) or other midi device (such as a software sequencer).
Many thanks, Wave Strike. In the end, I imported from the US an Andromeda A6 (the "Beast") which I am very pleased with. It does respond to NRPNs but my sequencer Ableton Live doesn't, what the? I trialed other sequencers and most handle the A6 MIDI. However, there are problems still (eg you have to record separate reset signals.. sync fails..). It all reminds me of MIDI in the early 90s... arggh. So, I record Audio from the A6 and use MIDI from soft synths (can't afford the Kronos now)
Many thanks. Ai, for (small time) gigging I've bought myself a Novation Remote 61 keys and use a "music optimised", win7 lappie with soft synths - no crashes, yet... I also use that in the studio (as it is a premium control surface), but to be honest I could live with just the Andromeda A6 as a controller at home (though it's too heavy to cart around).
@fredturd wait, the step sequencer has an adjustable bpm though right? I assume the sequencer and arp rate can be affected by an external clock too right?
Great review of a wonderful instrument! Question: How do you comment the argument that P08 with me often sounds muddy or too busy? Is it due to its dual layer design or only poor programming trying to "show off" all its features?
@numanuma20 Analog synths don't have built-in metronomes. Much like saxophones (or xylophones) don't have built-in metronomes. Although, unlike saxophones, modern synthesizers have various features built into them to achieve certain effects. Such as a step sequencer or appegiator. A step sequencer is not to be confused with a midi sequencer. Also, the Prophet 08 doesn't have a Grand Piano patch. If you want a grand piano patch, a shakuhachi patch, and a metronome, then look elsewhere.
SpacehotelMusic Just different. If you want incredible and otherworldly sound design, nothing beats the P12. The thing is a massively complex synthesizer that totally destroys when it comes to sound design. If you want more traditional analog leads and pads, the P08 might be better. But even then, I can get incredible leads and pads on the P12 as well.
So, how about this for a basic home studio? Get a Korg Kronos as a workhorse (piano, EPs, strings, acoustic bass..) Then the Prophet 08 for the fat bass sounds. The Andromeda A6 sounds way better (a league ahead) but they cost $3000+ second hand and are rare here in OZ. However, how about routing the Prophet through the audio in of the Kronos to add decent effects (which it lacks). Question, in recording do you get complete realtime control of cutoff etc via Prophet and effects via Kronos?
I just think it's a bummer you can't transpose a sequence on thr fly and latch it for that Blade Runner type sequence like the Moog Sub 37. I'd figure that would be a no brainer to include
OK ...One important thing to consider if one is looking at this as a gigable synth,I would ask yourself if you rely on getting from one preset to another quickly wether or not BANK AND PRESET SELECT KEYS would be important as there is a only an "Up" or Down" Arrow on this synth to get from one sound to another.The older classics P-5/T-8/JP-6/8 OBX-/Xa/8/JX3P/JD-800 included BANK AND SELECT KEYS!.Whats an easy/portable way around it?
Comprehensive review. I wish all reviews were like this. Pity we didn't get to hear the raw oscillators on their own. Also no mention of how you can only have two oscillators per layer, you have to stack layers. Yes, I'm nit-picking, the Prophet 5 allows 5 simultaneous oscillators. No demonstration of sync / FM either, Prophet hallmarks.
Does anyone have a good recommendation for a warm sounding, polyphonic analog synth for around $1000? Having trouble deciding on what to get, and want to get the most bang for my buck.
peterborinski Best synthesizer out there? Depends what you're looking for... Modern Analog Poly: Prophet 08. Modern Analog Mono: Moog Voyager (flexibility) / Tom Oberheim SEM (sound) Modern Virtual Analog: John Bowen Solaris (flexibility) / Virus TI (sound) / Nord Lead 4 (interface). All-Time Analog Mono: Minimoog Model D (dirty) / Oberheim SEM (clean) All-Time Analog Poly: Highly subjective, most would list these as their favorites: Oberheim OB-X & Xa (incredibly organic sound) Prophet-5 Rev3 (punchy sound) Yamaha CS-80 (expressive, flexible, full sound) Roland Jupiter 8 & Oberheim OB-8 (flexible, reliable, modern sound)
Huh? He said this is the only one. And it is. Oberheim duo is $4000+. Moogs are $3000+ and one voice. The Little Phatty is stripped down with few knobs. That is it. DSI has a hold on the Polyphonic analogs. The PolyEvolver is nice, but only four voice digital/analog hybrid and the MonoEvolver Keyboard is out of production. The desktop version is limited in it's editability. I own the MEK and the P08 and love them both and have had zero issues. Plus DSI has great support!
Where do I send the check? Great review. You should teach a class or make a how to video. You could probably make a good amount going to a few cities and having a three day tutorial. I'd pay $300 for that. I bet you could get 20 people in New York City and another 20 in Washington DC.
I can't figure out why but the Prophet 08 simply blows the Prophet 12 out of the water. If you need a P12 get a ProTwo mono and then get a P8 rack. Ultimate rig.
***** Not really. They are better at different things. I can do things on the P12 that would not ever be possible on the P08. The P12 excels at complex sound design. Digital, analog - these terms don't mean shit to real synthesists. Just different tools designed for different jobs.
***** There is nothing profound about things being different. Different tools for different jobs. Again, I can do things on my P12 that would not be possible on any analog synth in the world. I can do things on an analog synth that aren't possible on the P12. They should be different. One is not better or worse. It's like debating that a hammer is better than a wrench, when you really need a screwdriver. Absolutely ridiculous to say the least. A real synthesist doesn't care - he or she only cares about making great music, and that's what I do, be it on a P12, P08, DX7 or Microkorg.
i kind of dislike the conclusion in the end.. depending on the kind of music one does, it is a really great one and only synth. i only have the dsi tetra up to now and with this 4 voices and a nice keyboard to play them even in single layer mode i can forget the time and loose myself completly into some huge, warm sound and feel like i'm rewaking good old new age spirit, before digitalism invaded.. which is really a great thing.
Prophet 08 is not known for a fat bass at all - it has no sub osc like the Tetra and X4 do. You should get 2 tetras and you would have far more capability than a Prophet 08, given that you already will have the keybed of the Kronos.
Had a rev 2, sounds very plastic and weak vs the Prophet 6 I ended up with. It's still a good synth for a ton of sounds but doesn't really have the punch, bite or rich warmth I like in an analog so sold the rev2 and got Prophet 6! mmmmmmm!
The fact is that you're not great at sound design to bring out the warmth in the Rev 2. If you use the gated sequencer to add random movement to the frequency and to the amp and filter envelopes and detune the oscillators, you can get the static DCOs to sound as rich and thick as VCOs, but you wouldn't know that because you're not much of a sound designer.
Simply the best review I have ever seen on youtube. Keep up the good work! You're making youtube... hell, even the entire internet, worth it !
Thanks for taking the time to make this awesome review!
My Prophet 08 should be coming in the mail later today. This video may have pushed my excitement and impatience over the edge....
you are the best synth reviewer ever! you understand what experienced synth users want and explain the gear in detail. i've seen a few reviews you've done that have been quite helpful. thank you
It's 2020 and I just picked up a used Prophet 08 in pristine condition for $1200 USD.
I'm probably fixing to the same. What pushed you over the edge?
Love the intelligent summing up at the end. This is the kind of thing most viewers look for from these kind of reviews (not that there are many reviews as good as this) an informed, straightforward opinion from someone who obviously loves the subject.
Brilliant. VEry Useful, even 6 years after the review. Just bought it last week, still exploring. Awesome and powerful virtually limitless possibilities :)
That arpeggiator riff... PLEASE DONT STOP
I love this presentation, thanks.
Excellent thorough review. Thanks a mill :)
Excellent quality review thanks
So much inspiration here. I'm recreating some of these concepts in Reason right now :)
diggin that melody at the beginning
@IAmBound
Yes to both:
The step sequencer does have adjustable BPM.
The Prophet '08 can be synced with an external clock (such as a drum machine) or other midi device (such as a software sequencer).
Great review. Thanx.
too good , ur really too good mr insidesynthesis , I bow down to u :)
Great Review.
Great Review, very clear:
Very nice job thank you !
Now I want one !!!!! :-)
Many thanks, Wave Strike.
In the end, I imported from the US an Andromeda A6 (the "Beast") which I am very pleased with. It does respond to NRPNs but my sequencer Ableton Live doesn't, what the? I trialed other sequencers and most handle the A6 MIDI. However, there are problems still (eg you have to record separate reset signals.. sync fails..). It all reminds me of MIDI in the early 90s... arggh.
So, I record Audio from the A6 and use MIDI from soft synths (can't afford the Kronos now)
Nice review! Can we get a Pro 2 review pro favor?
Many thanks.
Ai, for (small time) gigging I've bought myself a Novation Remote 61 keys and use a "music optimised", win7 lappie with soft synths - no crashes, yet...
I also use that in the studio (as it is a premium control surface), but to be honest I could live with just the Andromeda A6 as a controller at home (though it's too heavy to cart around).
2:22 is a sick effect! wow!
@fredturd wait, the step sequencer has an adjustable bpm though right? I assume the sequencer and arp rate can be affected by an external clock too right?
BTW great, informed, review technique.
at 8:59 you say that you couldn't see this synth as the one and only... which one would you see as such? Regards. Great reviews!
Great review of a wonderful instrument! Question: How do you comment the argument that P08 with me often sounds muddy or too busy? Is it due to its dual layer design or only poor programming trying to "show off" all its features?
@numanuma20 Analog synths don't have built-in metronomes. Much like saxophones (or xylophones) don't have built-in metronomes.
Although, unlike saxophones, modern synthesizers have various features built into them to achieve certain effects. Such as a step sequencer or appegiator. A step sequencer is not to be confused with a midi sequencer.
Also, the Prophet 08 doesn't have a Grand Piano patch. If you want a grand piano patch, a shakuhachi patch, and a metronome, then look elsewhere.
It's a really smooth sounding synth (with a whopping 16 parts and FX).
Its major problem is trying to sound not too fat and dominate the mix...
Nice vid, sounds better than the '12 to my ears.
SpacehotelMusic Just different. If you want incredible and otherworldly sound design, nothing beats the P12. The thing is a massively complex synthesizer that totally destroys when it comes to sound design. If you want more traditional analog leads and pads, the P08 might be better. But even then, I can get incredible leads and pads on the P12 as well.
super review. none of this "raa, it doesnt sounds exactly like *insert classic synth*". Great sound for a darn reasonable price
does it have a built in metronome like the roland juno di?
Nice synth.
I think the Prophet 08 has a challenger. It's the Futuresonus Parva!
So, how about this for a basic home studio?
Get a Korg Kronos as a workhorse (piano, EPs, strings, acoustic bass..) Then the Prophet 08 for the fat bass sounds. The Andromeda A6 sounds way better (a league ahead) but they cost $3000+ second hand and are rare here in OZ. However, how about routing the Prophet through the audio in of the Kronos to add decent effects (which it lacks).
Question, in recording do you get complete realtime control of cutoff etc via Prophet and effects via Kronos?
I just think it's a bummer you can't transpose a sequence on thr fly and latch it for that Blade Runner type sequence like the Moog Sub 37. I'd figure that would be a no brainer to include
OK ...One important thing to consider if one is looking at this as a gigable synth,I would ask yourself if you rely on getting from one preset to another quickly wether or not BANK AND PRESET SELECT KEYS would be important as there is a only an "Up" or Down" Arrow on this synth to get from one sound to another.The older classics P-5/T-8/JP-6/8 OBX-/Xa/8/JX3P/JD-800 included BANK AND SELECT KEYS!.Whats an easy/portable way around it?
Leaning towards this synth...I lack a true analog synth at the moment and want to keep the price around $2k. Any other suggestions?
Since seeing the Prophet 12, I am looking at the 8 more seriously. I was waiting on the 12 but I am scared off by digital.
Comprehensive review. I wish all reviews were like this.
Pity we didn't get to hear the raw oscillators on their own.
Also no mention of how you can only have two oscillators per layer, you have to stack layers. Yes, I'm nit-picking, the Prophet 5 allows 5 simultaneous oscillators.
No demonstration of sync / FM either, Prophet hallmarks.
what is the song in the intro?
Does anyone have a good recommendation for a warm sounding, polyphonic analog synth for around $1000? Having trouble deciding on what to get, and want to get the most bang for my buck.
Deepmind 12
What a nice reveiw. But it's a shame the tone just isn't up the what the Prophet sound is all about: The Prophet 5.
peterborinski Best synthesizer out there? Depends what you're looking for...
Modern Analog Poly: Prophet 08.
Modern Analog Mono: Moog Voyager (flexibility) / Tom Oberheim SEM (sound)
Modern Virtual Analog: John Bowen Solaris (flexibility) / Virus TI (sound) / Nord Lead 4 (interface).
All-Time Analog Mono: Minimoog Model D (dirty) / Oberheim SEM (clean)
All-Time Analog Poly: Highly subjective, most would list these as their favorites:
Oberheim OB-X & Xa (incredibly organic sound)
Prophet-5 Rev3 (punchy sound)
Yamaha CS-80 (expressive, flexible, full sound)
Roland Jupiter 8 & Oberheim OB-8 (flexible, reliable, modern sound)
Huh? He said this is the only one. And it is. Oberheim duo is $4000+. Moogs are $3000+ and one voice. The Little Phatty is stripped down with few knobs. That is it.
DSI has a hold on the Polyphonic analogs. The PolyEvolver is nice, but only four voice digital/analog hybrid and the MonoEvolver Keyboard is out of production. The desktop version is limited in it's editability. I own the MEK and the P08 and love them both and have had zero issues. Plus DSI has great support!
Superb review. So what would you say is a good all round modern analogue synth ? Are there any out there ?
Where do I send the check? Great review. You should teach a class or make a how to video. You could probably make a good amount going to a few cities and having a three day tutorial. I'd pay $300 for that. I bet you could get 20 people in New York City and another 20 in Washington DC.
so now i'm going to have to buy a prophet 08. *sigh*
In a studio setting, most of these layering and sequencing features would be unnecessary.
I can't figure out why but the Prophet 08 simply blows the Prophet 12 out of the water. If you need a P12 get a ProTwo mono and then get a P8 rack. Ultimate rig.
***** Not really. They are better at different things. I can do things on the
P12 that would not ever be possible on the P08. The P12 excels at
complex sound design. Digital, analog - these terms don't mean shit to
real synthesists. Just different tools designed for different jobs.
***** There is nothing profound about things being different. Different tools for different jobs. Again, I can do things on my P12 that would not be possible on any analog synth in the world. I can do things on an analog synth that aren't possible on the P12. They should be different. One is not better or worse. It's like debating that a hammer is better than a wrench, when you really need a screwdriver. Absolutely ridiculous to say the least. A real synthesist doesn't care - he or she only cares about making great music, and that's what I do, be it on a P12, P08, DX7 or Microkorg.
i kind of dislike the conclusion in the end.. depending on the kind of music one does, it is a really great one and only synth. i only have the dsi tetra up to now and with this 4 voices and a nice keyboard to play them even in single layer mode i can forget the time and loose myself completly into some huge, warm sound and feel like i'm rewaking good old new age spirit, before digitalism invaded.. which is really a great thing.
Prophet 08 is not known for a fat bass at all - it has no sub osc like the Tetra and X4 do. You should get 2 tetras and you would have far more capability than a Prophet 08, given that you already will have the keybed of the Kronos.
waarom kan je niet gewoon spelen
Had a rev 2, sounds very plastic and weak vs the Prophet 6 I ended up with. It's still a good synth for a ton of sounds but doesn't really have the punch, bite or rich warmth I like in an analog so sold the rev2 and got Prophet 6! mmmmmmm!
The fact is that you're not great at sound design to bring out the warmth in the Rev 2. If you use the gated sequencer to add random movement to the frequency and to the amp and filter envelopes and detune the oscillators, you can get the static DCOs to sound as rich and thick as VCOs, but you wouldn't know that because you're not much of a sound designer.
☝🏼 @@gravyguns is right, y’know … 👌🏼