Dave Smith Instruments have announced the Sequential Prophet X, a new, bi-timbral, 8-voice-stereo (16-voice mono) synthesizer that combines samples and synthesis. At the heart of its sound is a newly developed engine that powers two simultaneous 16-bit, 48kHz sample-based instruments plus two high-resolution digital oscillators with waveshape modulation — all processed through analogue filters.
Dave Smith commented: “Musicians have been asking for samples through real analogue filters for a long time. We’ve given them not only that, but also all of the synthesis capabilities and awesome sound you’d expect from a Prophet.”
For sample content, Dave Smith turned to acclaimed sound developers 8Dio, known for pioneering “deep sampling,” a detailed approach to sampling that aims to capture all of the nuances and idiosyncrasies of a particular sound or instrument.
The enormous 150 GB sample library in the Prophet X includes numerous acoustic and electronic instruments as well as an extensive collection of ambient and cinematic effects. Users can shape the samples through loop manipulation, sample stretching, and the synthesizer’s many sound-sculpting functions which include four envelope generators, four LFOs, a deep modulation matrix, and other tools. The Prophet X also provides 50 gigabytes of internal storage for importing additional samples. Several sample libraries will be available from 8Dio at launch, and support for user-created sample content is planned for December, 2018.
A dual-effects engine provides multiple reverbs, two delays (standard and BBD), a chorus, flanger, phase shifter, rotating speaker, high-pass filter, and distortion. In stacked or split voice mode, you can apply two different effects to each layer. Effects parameters can be modulated through the mod matrix as can the samples themselves. A polyphonic step sequencer allows up to 64 steps and up to six notes per step, per layer. The Prophet X features a five-octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch, an integrated power supply, USB support, and three OLED displays.
Dave Smith summed up the new instrument: “Composers will love the Prophet X for soundtracks and synth geeks will love it for its sound mangling potential. But it’s really for everyone because it covers such a wide range of sounds. The new analogue filter design we’re using is not only fantastic for synth sounds, but also does something special for the samples.” Added 8Dio co-founder Tawnia Knox: “The Prophet X has almost infinite possibilities. But more importantly, it has a soul. It’s alive. You can touch your sounds in a different way than you ever could.”
The Sequential Prophet X will be available in the second quarter of 2018 with a projected street price of $3999.
