Sequential Circuits Prophet-5

The Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 is a groundbreaking analog synthesizer, renowned for being the first polyphonic instrument with fully programmable memory. Introduced in 1978, it revolutionized live performances by allowing musicians to store and recall sounds instantly, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Designed by Dave Smith and John Bowen, the Prophet-5 features five voices, each consisting of two voltage-controlled oscillators, a low-pass filter, and a voltage-controlled amplifier. It supports a variety of waveforms and includes a low-frequency oscillator for modulation. The Prophet-5 was produced in three main revisions from 1978 to 1984, with significant updates in the third revision, which replaced the SSM chipset with CEM chips. Its impact on music was profound, with widespread use in popular music and film soundtracks. The Prophet-5's innovative design set a standard for future synthesizers, and its legacy continues to influence electronic music today. In 2020, Sequential released a new version, the Prophet-5 Rev4, maintaining the classic sound while incorporating modern features.