The History of the Prophet Synthesizer

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2024
  • One of the most interesting stories of the synth world is that of Dave Smith and Sequential Circuits. I decided to try to tell some of it via their flagship series, from the Prophet 5 in 1978 to the Prophet X in 2018. With the help of a dozen other people who were incredibly generous and equally excited by their instruments, this film is the result: The History of the Prophet Synthesizer.
    Massive and heart-felt thanks to all of these awesome Prophet people, this film would be very short without you!
    //
    Prophet 5 (rev 3) and Minimoog Model D performed and recorded by Alex Ball at Curve Pusher Studios.
    www.curvepusher.co.uk/
    Prophet 10 performed and recorded by Mike TC at 100 Things I do at MESS, Melbourne.
    / @100thingsido
    Prophet 10 rev 1 (only 2 of these have survived!) images provided by David Kean at Audities Studio
    www.audities.org/
    Additional Prophet 10 images provided by Mathew Watson at MESS, Melbourne.
    mess.foundation/
    Pro-One performed and recorded by Alex Ball.
    Prophet 600 performed and recorded by JP Geersing
    jpgeersing.nl/
    • The sound of a Prophet...
    Prophet T8 performed by Alex Ball. Massive thanks to the owner!
    Prophet 2000 performed and recorded by Pulsophonic
    / pulsophonic
    www.pulsophonic.com/
    Prophet VS performed and recorded by Marko Ettlich at Retrosound
    www.retrosound.de/
    / @retrosound72
    Prophet 3000, VS and Studio 400 images provided by Synth Electro
    synthelectro-fr.blogspot.com/
    DSi Tetra provided by Dave Grant
    Prophet 08 performed and recorded by Patrick Gill
    www.patrickgillmusic.com/
    / patrickgillmusic
    Prophet 12 performed and recorded by Pulsophonic
    / pulsophonic
    www.pulsophonic.com/
    Prophet REV2 performed and recorded by Alex Ball
    Prophet 6 performed and recorded by Mike TC (100 Things I Do)
    / @100thingsido
    Prophet X performed by Alex Ball and recorded by Pendle Poucher. Huge thanks to the owner.
    dulcitone1884.virb.com/sound-dust
    //
    David Abernethy’s absolute bible on the subject: “The Prophet from Silicon Valley”:
    www.amazon.com/Prophet-Silico...
    Prophet 10 / Terminator time signature article: www.slate.com/articles/arts/cu...
    External image credits:
    All print ads from the incredible Retro Synth Ads archive: retrosynthads.blogspot.com/sea...
    Dave Smith 1977 image: www.matrixsynth.com/2012/07/d...
    Model 600 image: www.matrixsynth.com/2014/09/s...
    Dave Smith late 70s: flashbak.com/hail-synthesizer...
    Dave Smith Grammy image: www.sequential.com/about/
    Model 700 programmer image: www.troperecordings.de/gear/se...
    More model 700 images if you’re interested: www.matrixsynth.com/2015/12/v...
    SSM schematic images: www.synthfool.com/docs/Other_M...
    EMU history website: www.creative.com/emu/company/h...
    NAMM 1983 image: www.gearjunkies.com/2012/12/da...
    Prophet 2000 "coke can" photo conceived by Paul Gilby and taken by Mark Ewing. It originally appeared in a 1985 edition of Sound on Sound.
    soundonsound.com
    Prophet 3000 screen shots: www.muzines.co.uk/articles/seq...
    Korg M1 image: www.muzines.co.uk/articles/the...
    Sequential rebrand: www.sequential.com/2018/08/ds...
    //
    I'm also on Facebook: / alexballmusic
    I'm also on Instagram: / alexballmusic
    Photos that accompany this film are here:
    pg/AlexBallM...
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ความคิดเห็น • 1.5K

  • @LearningModular
    @LearningModular 5 ปีที่แล้ว +769

    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/

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +88

      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?

    • @LearningModular
      @LearningModular 5 ปีที่แล้ว +201

      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.

    • @oxiigen
      @oxiigen 5 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      wow, living legend commenting! thank you!
      & thanks to Alex for such an interesting video!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +61

      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.

    • @LearningModular
      @LearningModular 5 ปีที่แล้ว +55

      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).

  • @Bati_
    @Bati_ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +137

    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…

    • @Emare100489
      @Emare100489 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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 💪🏻🥺🦄💖

    • @Emare100489
      @Emare100489 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      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 🥺💖

  • @rollomaughfling380
    @rollomaughfling380 5 ปีที่แล้ว +755

    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.

    • @rollomaughfling380
      @rollomaughfling380 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Also, NE1 remember the booklet guides some manufacturers used to provide to tell you which patches were what?

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +128

      If you're going to skip school, a Prophet T8 is a good reason!

    • @Bigmojo75
      @Bigmojo75 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Ahh brilliant. I’d have done that had there been one within 100 miles of me.

    • @benbowland
      @benbowland 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      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?

    • @the_neutral_container
      @the_neutral_container 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      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).

  • @BriggsMullen
    @BriggsMullen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +112

    Yamaha returning the name "Sequential" to DSI is such a feel-good moment.

    • @neilloychakravarty6737
      @neilloychakravarty6737 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Thats a sign of good business ethics

    • @rwdplz1
      @rwdplz1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      For such a large corporation, they frequently do that kind of thing, really shows how 'in-tune' they are with their customers.

    • @jergervasi3331
      @jergervasi3331 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      They inspired Gibson to do the same for Tom Oberheim.

    • @backwardsface3046
      @backwardsface3046 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rwdplz1 ha, "in-tune"

    • @cleverhardy5230
      @cleverhardy5230 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      And now Sequential/DSI is owned by Focusrite, making them their second instrument subsidiary after Novation.

  • @lasideasfugazes
    @lasideasfugazes 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Whatching this on this tragic day for everysynth lover... RIP Dave Smith.

  • @Johnsormani
    @Johnsormani 2 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    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

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Thank you John.

    • @Flonkstonk
      @Flonkstonk 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Indeed!

    • @synthdude7664
      @synthdude7664 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Undoubtedly

    • @BurkhardusX
      @BurkhardusX 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.

  • @StarskyCarr
    @StarskyCarr 5 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    What an excellent way to pass 20 minutes. Loved it :)

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Thanks. I've watched quite a few of your videos too. :)

  • @nicolasbeker6490
    @nicolasbeker6490 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    THAT intro... one of the greatest P5 riff I've ever heard.

  • @Riktenstein
    @Riktenstein 5 ปีที่แล้ว +81

    Now and again youtube suggests something very special. That was a pleasure to watch. Now I can work my way through the rest.

  • @DerekPower
    @DerekPower 3 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    Now we have gone full circle from Prophet 5 to Prophet 5 😁

    • @cpsnakemusic3082
      @cpsnakemusic3082 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Just think if Alex could talk to Alex from two years in the future.

  • @davespaulding6978
    @davespaulding6978 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    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.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      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.

    • @garyturner5204
      @garyturner5204 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      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?

    • @davespaulding6978
      @davespaulding6978 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@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!

  • @FreeFireFull
    @FreeFireFull 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    The sound of the Prophet synths is absolutely beautiful

  • @robertsyrett1992
    @robertsyrett1992 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The traces on those PCBs are just gorgeous, a true work of art.

  • @retrosound72
    @retrosound72 5 ปีที่แล้ว +202

    Very nice documentation about Sequential and the legendary Prophet synths.. Proud to be a little part of it. Keep up the great work

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Praise indeed from the king of vintage synths! Thank you for the VS footage, makes all the difference actually having the instruments on camera.

    • @retrosound72
      @retrosound72 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      A pleasure for me Alex.

    • @100ThingsIDo
      @100ThingsIDo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Finally RetroSound and lil old me in the same clip! :D One day the Prophet VS and PPG Wavesterm will be mine .... :D

    • @retrosound72
      @retrosound72 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      yeah. grab all that cool shit :D

    • @maisonvague
      @maisonvague 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Marko! It was great to see you in the video! A pleasant surprise. I was like "Hey! I know him!" haha

  • @resofactor
    @resofactor 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Dave Smith really made something incredible.

  • @Exitof99
    @Exitof99 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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!

    • @purpleghost4083
      @purpleghost4083 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Gotta love it when people don't realize what they're actually selling.

    • @analogsynthplayer
      @analogsynthplayer วันที่ผ่านมา

      @19:26 sounds like the poly expander

  • @macronencer
    @macronencer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    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!

    • @derb_
      @derb_ ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That section was mind blowing

    • @joederbyshire_
      @joederbyshire_ ปีที่แล้ว

      The rev2 might be the most underrated Sequential/DSI synth. Sounds incredible.

  • @chris.dillon
    @chris.dillon 5 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    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.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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.

    • @ytsm
      @ytsm 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@AlexBallMusichave or can you release them? Really loved the tunes featured on this great doc.

  • @EspenKraft
    @EspenKraft 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Perfectly condensed and very informative and entertaining, thanks Alex! :)

  • @2.7petabytes
    @2.7petabytes 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’m drooling!

  • @joker9494949494
    @joker9494949494 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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.

  • @Jaytecx
    @Jaytecx 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This is actually the best advert I have ever seen.

    • @dez1989
      @dez1989 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Now that's a good way to put it!

  • @chrisstrobel3439
    @chrisstrobel3439 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great documentary! A walk down memory lane for me as I was a working keyboard player all through the 80's. Thanks.

  • @AntoineBaril
    @AntoineBaril 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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!

  • @moognificat
    @moognificat 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is ridiculously well-done. I’m so fired up by all of the sounds in this video. What an inspiring history!

  • @michaelmitchell8218
    @michaelmitchell8218 5 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    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.

    • @mikemeengs4124
      @mikemeengs4124 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I could never get the hang of programming the DX-7. I just couldn't get it. 😐

    • @michaelmitchell8218
      @michaelmitchell8218 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.

    • @bergsofcanada2757
      @bergsofcanada2757 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      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.

    • @christophermarney777
      @christophermarney777 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The dx7 was a far cry from the cs80,which vangelis used in...like...everything!

    • @skipintroux4098
      @skipintroux4098 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.

  • @belovedconsole
    @belovedconsole 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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

  • @danrathbun6670
    @danrathbun6670 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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.

  • @thebreakfastmenu
    @thebreakfastmenu 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I love that so many electronic companies in the 70s and 80s worked together.

  • @selamawitgirma2273
    @selamawitgirma2273 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    beautiful doc, synths are so full of personality and so many have told a story through them

  • @fawltytenor
    @fawltytenor 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    God bless you, Alex. Most awesome synth video I've seen in a long time! The SC filters are so lush and beautiful.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks. Yep, they've got a sound for sure!

  • @eviertelify
    @eviertelify 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Only halfway through and learning so much. Remarkable. Thank you!

  • @intheblink
    @intheblink 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    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!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks. Hopefully the film does the story some justice.

  • @titovalasques
    @titovalasques 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wood paneling instantaneously elevates a synth into legend status.

  • @tekis0
    @tekis0 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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!

  • @jontrout2010
    @jontrout2010 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    holy hell your playing makes these synths sound as fresh as ever!

  • @tedmuss
    @tedmuss 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I always wanted a Prophet synth! What a fantastic documentary, I was absolutely glued to the screen!

  • @jeremythornton433
    @jeremythornton433 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Excellent video! Thank you!

  • @RebeccaPebble
    @RebeccaPebble 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    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.🥰😁

  • @gregorykulinski2186
    @gregorykulinski2186 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    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.

  • @Nrthrn
    @Nrthrn 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a great short documentary, man! You made me appreciate even more that I have a Prophet 8 at the office. Well done!

  • @justinb9387
    @justinb9387 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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

  • @SynthsandSounds
    @SynthsandSounds 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Alex Ball - where the biggest synthesizer Legends are played on 10€ IKEA stands. Great history video, love it!

  • @fantasizer8473
    @fantasizer8473 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    oh man the t8 sounds good, the polyphony and movement layers so well.. actually magical

  • @franciscomsosa
    @franciscomsosa 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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!

  • @matsynthr1433
    @matsynthr1433 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Love these videos! It is so inspiring to see how it used to be😊

  • @jimvandersteege
    @jimvandersteege 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    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.

  • @Denver_Risley
    @Denver_Risley 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an excellent doc!

  • @steadfastcoward
    @steadfastcoward 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are the Synth Storyteller. It's a joy to listen to your stories.

  • @FlyingAce1016
    @FlyingAce1016 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    my fav synths Prophets, Moogs/jupiter 8/junos /oberheims such fantastic sounds!

  • @RoomAtTheTopStudio
    @RoomAtTheTopStudio 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    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

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you. It's a great story for sure.

  • @audioartisan
    @audioartisan 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This was a great Prophet documentary! Thank you for sharing :)

  • @PeterJoslynHarris
    @PeterJoslynHarris ปีที่แล้ว

    Another brilliant production. Thank you so much for doing these.

  • @gibafilm
    @gibafilm 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great documentary!

  • @flobama7200
    @flobama7200 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    subbed! thank you for deepening my appreciation for the prophet's legacy, as a rev2 owner it means a lot to know this stuff!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's a great story, and helps contextualize modern synths like the REV2 (as you say).

  • @Martin-mf1dn
    @Martin-mf1dn 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great subject, and superb production. Thank you for this fantastic video, Alex!

  • @420gravy4
    @420gravy4 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for posting this. I will be watching it many many times!
    😎🎹

  • @sbove
    @sbove 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    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.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks, glad you enjoyed. Which rev of Prophet did you own out of interest?

  • @vvigabdpa1991
    @vvigabdpa1991 5 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    A new Alex Ball video = Quality & Satisfaction Guaranteed!

  • @mikedegroff7766
    @mikedegroff7766 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Mike. Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @winstontk
    @winstontk 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I really really LOVED this!! Thank you so much!

  • @davidgover5958
    @davidgover5958 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great documentary! Done with love and attention to detail. Thank you!

  • @Anamnesia
    @Anamnesia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Holy shit! That *_T8_* sounds *AMAZING* !!!

  • @LondraCalibro9
    @LondraCalibro9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    exactly what I was looking for, this is a superb documentary. as always, thank you alex for your thoughtful and inspirational work.

  • @PatrickGillMusic
    @PatrickGillMusic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great to be involved with this. Superb effort Alex! This is great.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Mr Gill! And thanks for the 08 section, I keep humming your riff.

    • @PatrickGillMusic
      @PatrickGillMusic 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Alex Ball Likewise with your main theme! 😎

  • @taskerpro944
    @taskerpro944 5 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    It's got 8 LFO's, 3 Noise Gates, 4 MIDI outputs, 76 Trombones, and a Toaster.
    I'd buy any of them.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Think the next Prophet is going to include a dishwasher and a stereo cor anglais.

  • @timurmusabay4822
    @timurmusabay4822 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    RIP DAVE... your legacy will continue. thank you

  • @charleslee1879
    @charleslee1879 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great work, @Alex Ball!!! WOW!

  • @MikeStryk
    @MikeStryk 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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.

  • @RudyAdrian
    @RudyAdrian 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    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!

  • @synthsandstuff
    @synthsandstuff 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    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

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      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.

  • @RonnieAugeri
    @RonnieAugeri 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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!

  • @wajadcontinuum1956
    @wajadcontinuum1956 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man, what a story. Almost made me cry. Thank you for your great work!

  • @kittarixmusic2591
    @kittarixmusic2591 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The T8 just makes my toes curl.... awesome sound

    • @moabt.frican7163
      @moabt.frican7163 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It makes mine want to crochet. Or knit. Depends on the day.

    • @saftpackerl
      @saftpackerl 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.

  • @BlackMytilus
    @BlackMytilus 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Interesting and fascinating!

  • @n8b8dyh3r3
    @n8b8dyh3r3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is one of the finest documentaries I’ve seen here. Mad respect. 👏🏽

  • @thomasgrey6309
    @thomasgrey6309 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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...

  • @wege8409
    @wege8409 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I adore my little Dave Smith Mopho, it's just from another planet man

  • @WunHungLo99
    @WunHungLo99 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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.

    • @petermgruhn
      @petermgruhn 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Imagine how wonderful a thing we might have gotten instead.

  • @MarkJPerry
    @MarkJPerry 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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..

  • @raycordmusic
    @raycordmusic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    beautiful synth! Merci!

  • @Mr_ToR
    @Mr_ToR 5 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Probably one of the best short documentaries on youtube. Somehow TH-cam knew I wanted to watch this for the third time :-)
    Thx for sharing.

  • @KosmicKitchen
    @KosmicKitchen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an effort, a quality documentary film, many thanks.

  • @sunnykongjl
    @sunnykongjl 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Omg this video is the best I’ve seen about synth
    So fortunate to be here

  • @Tazmanian_Ninja
    @Tazmanian_Ninja 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    9:27 - shivers from that wonderful, lush pad-sound. The embodiment of Prophet-sound.

    • @ronnysterling7694
      @ronnysterling7694 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      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

  • @jasonmcgary
    @jasonmcgary 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    With a degree in electrical engineering and a full head of hair he went to work and by the end had ripped all his hair out building the prophet 10

  • @JeremyCoppin
    @JeremyCoppin 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Again Wow. Your documentaries are legendary Imo. Thank you very much.

  • @Bati_
    @Bati_ 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is an incredibly inspiring video! What a treat!

  • @100ThingsIDo
    @100ThingsIDo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Excellent my friend :D The final cut is even better than I was expecting! Thanks for using snippets of my music and synths :D... We need to chat about you doing some mix work for me :P

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Mike. And thank YOU once again for the footage, photos, music etc. Makes all the difference!
      Mix - yes. I owe you. Send me an email.

  • @jeanbonnefoy1377
    @jeanbonnefoy1377 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    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!)

    • @davebellamy4867
      @davebellamy4867 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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* 😳

  • @LiquidAudio
    @LiquidAudio 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow! Awesome video and just love that T8 piece you play @ 11.45. Fantastic stuff!

  • @julesrace2217
    @julesrace2217 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The start of this video was so nicely made

  • @shookstylez
    @shookstylez 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Prophet 12 is one of the best analog hybrid synthesizers ever made imo.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's got everything!

    • @6581punk
      @6581punk 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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.

  • @j.fetzer5814
    @j.fetzer5814 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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!

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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?

    • @j.fetzer5814
      @j.fetzer5814 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AlexBallMusic I had a feeling you were going to ask! I purchased it with the Gigli mod.

    • @MisAnnThorpe
      @MisAnnThorpe 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@j.fetzer5814: I have it on good authority that the Gigli mod brings the Prophet 600 very close to the 5 in sound quality.

    • @j.fetzer5814
      @j.fetzer5814 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MisAnnThorpe Wow! This is fascinating! Thank you for sharing. I still have a lot of exploring to do with my Prophet 600.

    • @MisAnnThorpe
      @MisAnnThorpe 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@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!

  • @TrevorVogtMusic
    @TrevorVogtMusic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic job my friend! The internet needed this!!

  • @FreeThink1984
    @FreeThink1984 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Incredible video!! Amazing stuff! Thank you for putting something so wonderful on to the internet!

  • @DaveG207
    @DaveG207 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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.

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Role: Night time Tetra provider.
      That's quite a cool band name.

  • @ednasdiscomachine6049
    @ednasdiscomachine6049 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    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).

    • @AlexBallMusic
      @AlexBallMusic  5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      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.

  • @germansnowman
    @germansnowman 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The sounds you chose are so wonderful, it really makes me want to get a Prophet synth myself! So warm and soothing.

  • @rodrigolumi
    @rodrigolumi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm very impressed with your excellent research work, great screenwriting, and great edition and sound. Thank you very much.