02 The Sequential Prophet 6- Oscillators Part 1

Here is part one of a demonstration of the sound and functionality of the Sequential Prophet 6 Oscillators.
Help make these videos! / automaticgainsay
Yes, the theme was made with the Sequential Prophet 6 (except drums).

[@andersingram]

Your voice is almost trembling with excitement as you describe this synth ... It really makes me want one (also it looks like a BEAST). Best start saving.

[@arvidedor]

I find myself smiling widely watching this

[@pilliumid3006]

"we've been waiting this for a long time" Hands on my chest, marc.

[@toddlerworldtv]

Super big thanks for your videos! I have a Prophet 6 and used your videos to become acquainted with this wonderful instrument.

[@automaticgainsay]

+Toddler World TV ® Thanks for watching!

[@toddlerworldtv]

+AutomaticGainsay Reviewing some of the videos as I write this!

[@teashea1]

Excellent style of presentation - articulate - clear - so well done

[@CarlosUndergroundX]

Very nicely done as always Mark and DSmith. It sounds oh so sweet, can't wait to hear some filter action. Awesome tunes BTW. Keep at it.

[@automaticgainsay]

CarlosUndergroundX You'll hear the filter on Monday! Thank you so much!

[@braincoral9866]

Want. One. I love your over-enthusiasm! You're dragging my under-enthusiastic wallet out of my pocket!

[@automaticgainsay]

Braincoral Music I don't know if I should apologize! Ha ha :D

[@SONICTRAMP]

Awesome video Marc. Love seeing you on Sonic Talk too with Nick & the guys. Keep it up

[@automaticgainsay]

SONICTRAMP Hey, thanks, Sonictramp!

[@dominiquecharpentiermusic]

thank you! This a very nice pedagogical video, easy to understand what you explain, perfect for beginners :-)

[@midlifefunk]

Starting to learn how to funk on my Prophet 6. Thanks for the tutorials!

[@fnersch]

Thanks for this instruction. I need it as I recently found an old Prophet 10 in a junk store for almost nothing (was almost scrapped for it's metals). I fixed it (no cord) and now want to learn to use it. Would like to have the P6 but cant afford it!

[@els1f]

I have never wanted a synth more.

[@ogasi1798]

Excellent and as usual informative :-)

[@automaticgainsay]

jamie munro Thank you!

[@Bestlegsinhd]

Thanks for the synth porn, Marc! I'll be saving my pennies for this synth. Hopefully it can be my birthday present to myself :D

[@automaticgainsay]

Jorge Muniz Thanks for watching, Jorge!

[@synthartist69]

Can you get a Van Halen OBXa synthesizer sound? I know that on my Prophet 5 I could never make it happen.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Yes you can. I have done it on my p5. Sounds better than obxa actually!!!

[@JoelBouchillon]

Your comment does not make sense.  OB’s and Prophets are completely two different sounding synths....kind of like comparing fruits. If you substitute the words ‘OBX with “apple and ‘Prophet 5’ with “orange” and the word ‘sound’ with “taste”, here is what the conversation would sound like: OP “Can you make an Apple taste like an Orange?” Your response, “Yes you can, I have eaten many Oranges and they taste much better than Apples, actually!!”

[@SPAZZOID100]

synthartist69 prophet-5 does it EASILY.

[@SPAZZOID100]

1980sCoverband FALSE EQUIVALENCY. They are both subtractive analog synths. Both have sawtooth oscillators and there is a lot of sonic overlap.

[@CrazyHorse151]

They just totaly heard my preys (and I don't even prey). I was really frustrated because: - Only a few analog poly's with more then 4 Voices - most of them had shitty controlls with encoders instread of potentiometers

[@ChrisLeeW00]

Is there a benefit for PW modulation going from 0-100% rather than 0-50%? I ask because I'm used to Korg apps that only go to 50 because 75 effectively sounds the same as 25.

[@automaticgainsay]

Christopher wootton It does sound really similar as an audio oscillation, but it sounds quite different as a sub-audio modulation. Because oscillator 2 can be an LFO too, it's really beneficial. I assume that oscillator 1 has the same design simply because it's easier to use one design for both.

[@ChrisLeeW00]

That makes sense, thanks.

[@beakf1]

what was your recording path eg: pre amp and convertor and soundcard. Got a nice sound here.

[@automaticgainsay]

The recording path went like this: Prophet 6 to Roland VS-1680. :D

[@beakf1]

wow nice. same with the mic? sounds like its got pretty decent pre amps.

[@automaticgainsay]

I use an Alesis AM51 mic running into an ART Tube Pac preamp and then running into the VS-1680.

[@beakf1]

never heard of that ART Tube Pac preamp. Do you use it on all your videos? its got some good reviews.

[@automaticgainsay]

Every single one!

[@ScottWozniak]

Can. Not. Wait. Any. Longer.

[@runningin533]

Waves of enthusiasm.

[@robertsyrett1992]

Why isn't this series of videos in a playlist for your channel?

[@automaticgainsay]

I got lazy a few years back! I should resume making playlists.

[@robertsyrett1992]

It would make it a lot easier to give all your videos thumbs up. Also is lazy the right word? The production looks super good these days.

[@automaticgainsay]

I have taken on so many demonstrations this year that I am sort of overwhelmed! I've done more synths this year than ever. There are still sequencers and synth demos that are in the can that I haven't released yet. It's madness!

[@joopjunior]

thanks for this. debating the 12 or this........

[@automaticgainsay]

***** You've never seen or played a Prophet 6.

[@automaticgainsay]

Well, I find that each new synthesizer is new. This synthesizer is new. It's unlike any synth I've played, even if some of the functionality is similar to this synthesizer or that. While I'd like to believe that after watching all of my videos you could make an informed choice, I don't think anyone can make an informed choice yet! This "this doesn't sound analog" business is driving me crazy.

[@DanielDavissynthman]

joopjunior I'd go for the P12. But that's just me.

[@joopjunior]

Daniel Davis Yeah i think i'm going for the 12.

[@joopjunior]

***** i think i prefer a hybrid than a totally digital unit. but thanks for your comment!

[@garethbinks8804]

I'm hoping this is more interesting that it appears from the specs. Im a big DSI fan as my fave is a PRO2. But I think the modulus 008 has blown this away....let's see....

[@SPAZZOID100]

Nah. This sounds nicer. Plus modulus costs $5,300

[@garethbinks8804]

It doesn't matter what it's being marketed as. It just doesn't strike me straight away as much new or exciting. But I didn't say it doesn't sound good or its not nice, or its not easy, just on paper the modulus 008 looks like true next generation...the modulus may cost more but then again it's got a stack more features. It's different strokes for different folks.... Having a pro2 I know dsi stuff is the dogs nadgers!

[@markustg09]

Gareth Binks Um, the Model 008 is almost TWICE the cost of the Prohet 6 at $5,495. Ouch.

[@garethbinks8804]

Yeah but I'd wager it's completely worth it. I'm sure if you want a pretty standard options but brilliant sounding analog synth this is amazing. Not detracting from this synth. I suppose I look for more new style modulation options etc. But as I've said before, knowing Dave smiths instruments it's gonna be great.

[@SPAZZOID100]

We don't need 1,000 modulation options, just good sounds. (Useful ones)

[@farty555]

start recording in higher resolution please. preferably 1080p@60fps

[@automaticgainsay]

Jesse Wilburn 60fps? Good lord, WHY? What on earth is happening that you need that sort of resolution? I guarantee that me tweaking knobs is good enough in 30fps. :) I occasionally do release videos in 1080p... especially when it's challenging to make out details in 720p. But it sames me a tremendous amount of time, effort, and space to do them in 720p. But if people would really really rather have them in 1080p, I'll do it. Let's have a vote!

[@DanielDavissynthman]

***** Entirely unnecessary. People these days are FAR too obsessed with resolution.

[@farty555]

I just think that most content creators are embracing a higher standard of content. 1080@60fps is the next step and 4k@60fps will follow. Nobody is gonna stop the progress lol

[@farty555]

File size will slow things down but in a few years people will wonder how/why we ever watched things at 30fps.

[@automaticgainsay]

Jesse Wilburn I'm not opposed to it, I'm just not capable of it. And, I tend to upgrade at the last possible moment because that stuff is expensive. If I did more professional video other than filming my hands on a synthesizer, I might consider higher-grade equipment. But at this point, 1080 is really only good for seeing dust on interfaces. :D

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

This may be blasphemy but I think I like the Pro-2's design a little more. Great video's though once again.

[@automaticgainsay]

friendofCHAKA I don't think that's blasphemy! I love the Pro 2... one of my favorite synths of all time. They have a fair amount of differences in functionality... I could totally see the Pro 2 being more suited to someone's particular use.

[@SPAZZOID100]

The p6 is the first new synth of dave's that i would consider buying.

[@SRSmith-pk4yo]

Detune "all the way to annoying" . . .LOL !

[@shookstylez]

RIP MOOG.

[@MrTartlet]

Marcusmiller I doubt that.

[@ogasi1798]

Hahahaaaaaaa, yes I'm sure Moog are on their way out....just like I recently developed a 3rd foot.

[@ronnieperez7650]

***** I have been considering returning my sub37 to get 1,500 off of a Prophet-6 purchase. But every time I consider it, I stand in front of the sub 37 and ask myself "What can this synthesizer do, that the Prophet6 can't?" and I mess with the modulations and make some ridiculously cool sound that the prophet couldn't have made. Plus the filter sounds great, and it's a really cool synth layout that's fun to use. I *LOVE* that I can just press the modulation selection button, move ANY knob and it will be modulated instantly.. wtf. Genius.

[@LazyandInconsiderate]

***** I've been considering the same thing. Filter does sound great, but every time I consider selling it I'm afraid I just haven't gotten through all it can do. It may just be harder to program than the prophet 6. I'm still considering it, but will definitely give it a few more months of heavy sub37 use.

[@ronnieperez7650]

Dan Gore I assure you, you haven't. It's an excellent synth that surprises me every time. Trick of the day: Modulate LFO1 with LFO2 (with LFO2 on Key Reset) to get an automatic delayed vibrato that intensifies as you hold a key down :) (another nice thing is modulating the individual amps or distortions) it's like a little compact modular synth.. and I've barely messed with using the sequencer as a modulation source (+the sequencer was revamped to do a lot more!) I feel like I was outgrowing my synths, and the Sub37 reawakened that excitement. Feels like using NI Massive. :P But the Prophet6 is its own sound design masterpiece.

[@ocrana4337]

is he on dave smith's payroll or why does this appear to me like a sales talk rather than a serious review of a synth? I am considering buying the prophet 6, but honestly the oscillator section is not that breathtaking.

[@automaticgainsay]

Maurice Begrijpen Hi, Maurice... I'm Marc Doty. You might like to check out my over-200 videos which focus on examining the functionality of a very great deal of analog synthesizers, modern and vintage... dating back to 2006. I'm a pretty enthusiastic guy, and I understand that sometimes my enthusiasm confuses people. But to be honest, if you're not enthusiastic about what I am enthusiastic about, you have your answer. Perhaps I'm biased, but I'm a guy who owns, or has owned, some of the great synthesizers of all time... and have experienced or demonstrated others that I haven't owned that most people don't have access to. I'm internationally known and respected for my reviews by musicians, synthesists, and enthusiasts. If you're a guy who is not excited by what I'm excited by, that's fair enough. But if you're not excited about Dave Smith making an analog and polyphonic sequel to a great synthesizer of the past, but with extended functionality... well, then I don't know what to say to you. I would thank you, however, not to jump to some conclusion that I'm some kind of shill. Again, if you're not excited by a modern analog polyphonic with this particular functionality, I have to ask you what exactly DOES excite you... and talking about that would be more appropriate than accusing me of bullshit. I am not on ANYONE's payroll, and I say what I think. The way you can tell whether I am genuinely excited about a synth or not is whether I demonstrate it or not. So, exactly what analog polyphonic oscillator section would be breathtaking to you? Let's talk about that.

[@ocrana4337]

***** Hi Marc. No doubt, you have a vast amount of knowledge and experience with synths and, I assume, you would not let manufacturers giving you their new synths just for the sake of motivating you to write a good review. I liked your past reviews and the passion and effort you have for good analog sound. This is exactly why I was wondering about why you did not mention any point of cricisism on the prophet 6 thus far. Maybe it's simply because of the fact that this is merely the second of a series of upcoming videos. I too possess a couple of DSI synths and I am considering buying the prophet 6. Hence, I am not only interested in the pros, but also - and especially - in the cons. Your opinion also on the cons would therefore help interested people potential buyers like me to make a decision. As for the highlights on the oscillator section of the prophet 6, I agree with you on the opinion that the possibility to fluently change between the waveshapes is a highlight, as is the possibility to use pulsewithmodulation and, of course, the fact that they are 'real' VCAs. On the other hand, this is already known from the (monophonic) Moog Voyager for example (which even has a third oscillator) and the fact that there is a rotary knob to fine-tune the pitch is, honestly, not that exciting, isn't it? Looking forward to the next couple of vids. Maurice

[@austinmcrawford]

Yeah lol he is enthusiastic about synths in general. He works for the moog foundation btw.

[@DanielDavissynthman]

Maurice Begrijpen This isn't a review - it's a detailed overview. It's up to you to determine what a pro and con is.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Lots of dikhead anoraks thinking only vintage analog is the way to go. BULLSHIT!! THIS synth sounds fantastic. And btw--digital offers textures you NEED.

[@automaticgainsay]

James Reeno I am usually a dikhead anorak... but this is a great synth! :D

[@SPAZZOID100]

Yep. Sound and interface!!! My comment was a response to people who are saying "this does not sound analog!"

[@SPAZZOID100]

Wavetable synths are kool too..,

[@oc101289]

no sine wave?, what the hell is this remake?

[@automaticgainsay]

+o c Well, um... first, it's not a remake. Second, as much as people enjoy a good sine wave, a lot of polysynths don't feature them because they have no harmonics to filter.

[@SPAZZOID100]

o c it’s NOT a remake. And btw, the Prophet-5 never had a sinewave anyway.

[@vistacruiser70s]

So, what are the cons of the p6? Why doesn't he speak of any? If he isn't on the payroll, then why is he promoting for free? He is good. He should get paid.

[@ronnieperez7650]

vistacruiser70s They gave him one to demo. I doubt they gave it to him to then publicly trash-talk it. I'm sure they signed some kind of agreement not to. Which is probably why Nick Batt hasn't gotten one! lol. He is definitely a Pros and Cons type of guy, you couldn't sign him out of it, and if you do he'd probably say "Well, I'd give you Pros and Cons but they made me sign an agreement not to" lol

[@ronnieperez7650]

***** Yeah that's what I meant. I was exaggerating with the "trash talk" statement. I doubt that anyone in their right mind wants to trash talk a Prophet 6 anyway. But knowing Nick, he may have a Prophet 5 in the studio when he does demo it. :) Can't wait.

[@automaticgainsay]

vistacruiser70s To be honest, I don't know how to do "cons." What do I say? Most "cons" are personal preferences. While there are definitely synthesizers out there that fail to do things they purport to do, or do those things very poorly... I don't demonstrate those synths. I specifically choose synthesizers that I think are absolutely fantastic to demonstrate, and either the company happens to ask me, or I ask them. The "cons" I have heard people say simply aren't decent criticisms. But in general, my job isn't to make your decision for you, it's to show you how it sounds when it's doing what it does. All of the enthusiasm is actually how I feel. I am not on a payroll. I make no money whatsoever from any synthesizer company, anywhere. I put a tremendous amount of work into these demos, and as hard as it may be for some people to grasp, I do it because I love synthesizers and I want people to understand them. If I am lucky, the company may give me the synthesizer they loan me. It happens more often than not, but not always. But to be honest, if you take even the retail price of most of these synthesizers and divide it up across the 80+ hours it takes me to make a 2-hour demonstration series... and THEN show it on a site with this level of viewership... it doesn't come close to payment.

[@ronnieperez7650]

***** I guess the question this turned into is, whether there is an agreement to not give negative publicity about it. What if you had a Prophet 5 and use it every day, and when you got your hands on this one thought to yourself "Wow, this really doesn't sound good at all, by comparison". I am aware that it is not considered a reissue but a synth 'inspired by the 5', but it still stands that the implication is there is a connection to the Prophet 5, Dave even said "Everyone should buy a new synthesizer every 30 years", making a clear implication (to my ears) that if we're considering a second-hand Prophet 5, we should instead buy the 6 as it is inspired by the 5 and it provides a substantial functional improvement. In which case, people do want a comparison, because often times the update doesn't live up to its ancestor. And people really want it to, so they can -- as Dave said -- buy something new. Anyone would prefer a new Analog Prophet any day. But only if it lives up to the sound they expect from its ancestor. But if reviewers are told not to give any substantial cons, such a review ends up being a disservice to those interested in purchasing. Frankly, music stores don't just have a Prophet 6 sitting around on display for everyone to play with. All some of us get is these videos as our deciding factor. If you really have no cons, then great! We're just afraid you're not allowed to give cons.

[@codegreenstudio]

***** I in no way speak for Marc but my guess--because this is how I feel--is that the P5-ness or not-P5-ness of the P6 is ultimately irrelevant. First, It's not a reissue or recreation and doesn't purport to be. Second, it's a tool for creating sounds; here, Marc is demonstrating the simplest building block of sound creation, the oscillator, and *you can hear for yourself* whether that's a useful starting point for you. If he were to start getting into silliness like "fatness" or relative fatness to another synth or what-have-you he'd be entering into the realm of semantics and subjectivity...and none of that matters anyway--let's say,for the sake of argument, that it sounded what you might call "thin and plasticky." Well, for one, you'd have a chance to hear that and, for another, that might be an interesting starting point for sound creation that distinguishes this synth. But--again--we've heard it. He's laying it out for us, piece by piece. And the enthusiasm you're hearing from him is the enthusiasm that comes with encountering a modern-built poly synth with, for bloody once, *the thing that made vintage poly synths interesting*: VCOs. That's a great starting point to pique one's interest and what's got him chuffed is the same thing that's got me chuffed, because it's there for all of us to hear: the thick sound of 12--2 per voice--voltage controlled oscillators beating against one another ever so subtly, each with nice, rich harmonic content. I sense you're looking for subjective "cons" and, as Marc said above, he doesn't really do those; one man's subjective "con" is another man's "interesting timbre." If there were some piece of intended functionality that didn't do what it purported to do, then I'm sure you'd hear him comment on that. But is anyone anticipating that here? This is a Dave Smith design--you may like the sound of his synths or you may not, but as one who has owned several, both modern and vintage, you're not likely to find a feature that doesn't do what it's supposed to. One might get into "I wish it did this" or "I wish it did that" but if a frog had side pockets he'd carry a handgun. There are so many synths out there now, of all types, that wanting a synth to be all things doesn't make a lot of sense (though there are plenty out there who will always find something to grouse about). So does it have cons? It may! For you! You may want it to do this or that that it doesn't. You may want digital waveforms. You may not like the sound. The beauty of these DEMOS is that Doty walks you through the full architecture of a synth, with deep consideration given to how each element may relate to another and the potential that implies...all of which allows you to form your own opinions.

[@dvamateur]

Okay, nice reissue. So then when are the DX7 and D-50 reissues coming out? I need E.Piano sound for '80s ballades, tubular bell for Top Gun intro, Pizzagogo for Enya, and I need 5-octave keyboard, 16-voice polyphony, and an aesthetic pleasing front panel without knob infestation. I am willing to pay $2,000 for each, the DX7 and D-50 honest to goodness reissues. $2,800 for 6-voice polyphony of irritating out of tune VCO's? No.

[@automaticgainsay]

Andrew Piatek It's not a reissue.

[@dvamateur]

Oh, oops... okay.

[@chieftp]

Andrew Piatek why would you pay $2,000 for a DX7 when you could buy one (or 200,000 of them) for $300?

[@dvamateur]

Because I don't want a run down crummy one.

[@chieftp]

Andrew Piatek I've had probably close to a dozen of them. there are plenty out there in great condition. they were really well made. and what does this have to do with the Prophet 6?

[@GottiPlays]

don't like dave smith's synths. don't know why but never liked one

[@automaticgainsay]

***** Well, there are always features that appeal to certain people, and not to others. I had never been a DSI user until I heard the Prophet 12... it was really surprisingly pleasing to me, and that led me to the Pro 2, which has become one of my favorite and most treasured synthesizers. I totally understand when certain synths don't do it for certain people!

[@alphanumeric1529]

Why you chop up your videos into little tiny pieces, mate? It is the one thing that is annoying about your channel (never minding you don't send me a truck full of synths, but I'm forgiving that, even though it is unforgivable).

[@automaticgainsay]

It started as a requirement due to the original 10-minute limitation of earlyKZbin. Over time, I realized that most people enjoyed the content being delivered in bite-size pieces in a serialized fashion. Of course, they’re not serialized if they’re all up, but you can always use a playlist!

[@alphanumeric1529]

@@automaticgainsay DRIVES ME CRAZY, bud. just woke up, didnt mean to shout, caps was just on. Consider doing a long form video, your audience is not little bubble gum kids... i think theyre synth nerds!

[@IIHOGZBREATHII]

Fantastic!!!!...and yes, wow!!!!