Dave Smith (Sequential Circuits) - Waveshaper TV Ep.21

In 2014, we had the privelege of interviewing legendary synthesizer designer Dave Smith of Sequential Circuits, who passed away on Sunday May 29 2022. This interview has never been released. We present it in its unedited form, the day after the public announcement his passing. R.I.P. (1950-2022).

[@bryceheffinger8895]

The inventor of MIDI and the first Programmable Polyphonic synth has left us.... but what he leaves behind will carry into future generations. Resonate In Peace. Legends never die.

[@studiotyson2963]

You got it! Father of MIDI!

[@leeselectronicwidgets]

What a contribution to synthesizer engineering, RIP Dave ❤️

[@abwdoc]

I have crossed paths with Dave many times over the last 40 years. In college, I gigged with a Minimoog atop a Rhodes…and it sounded great…BUT…it would take me forever to change sounds, and chords were impossible unless you tuned the three oscillators to different pitches. Then Dave/Sequential Circuits came out with the P5…WOW…problem solved !! It would act up a bit…and I would drive to Sequential Circuits factory on First Street in San Jose, where Riley Smith would diagnose the problem and fix it…no charge. Since then, at NAMM shows, I have run into Dave many times, both before Sequential closed, and after Dave Smith Instruments opened. He was always gracious and friendly, and willing to help. One time, I called DSI with a few questions, and the gentleman who answered spent a few minutes answering each and every question. I thanked him for being so friendly and willing to help, and asked to whom I was speaking…he replies “this is Dave”. “DAVE SMITH ?, I asked”….”yup, it’s me”. I was so impressed. What a great guy…a genius…and a humble man he was. He literally changed the face of modern music. I am so proud to now own not only a Rev2 16 voice, but a Prophet-10 Rev4. I was hoping to somehow get him to sign my P10 at NAMM 2022…but Dave passed 2 days before it started. Just a huge loss to not only the music world, but to humanity in general. My sincere condolences to his wife Denise and the rest of the Smith family; and to all the employees at Sequential, especially Andrew (who was very close to Dave I understand). p.s. Back in the 80’s. my band was playing a wedding reception in Fresno, CA. A bridesmaid came up to me, and said “you play a Prophet-5…my brother builds them”. I said “your brother works at Sequential Circuits ?”…to which she replies “he owns the company”. With astonishment and humility, I asked “your brother is Dave Smith ??” “Yep…he’s my brother !!” Years later, I recounted this story to Dave at a NAMM show…he chuckled, and told me that he had family ties to the Fresno area. Such a great guy…R.I.P., Dave.

[@rivermonsoon7009]

Thank you Dave for being the humble intelligent man you were. You made my life more interesting and better from child to adult with the instruments you created that I play and link together today for the past 35 years. I’m sad and you will be missed. 😘

[@187onasimp]

This man's genius changed music history!

[@kaiwetronic]

I really consider him the Henry Ford of the electronic instruments biz... he didn't invented the synthesizer, but he set the way to go for years to come with his vision of what any electronic instrument must offer to the professional player, and how it must interact whith other related gear... A true gamechanger...!

[@DaraM73]

Some news is irrationally saddening, but fleeting. Then there’s the passing of Dave Smith, which is surely a long term sorrow.

[@AndyVonal]

Brilliant, but heart-wrenchingly sad.

[@TheGeorgeHughes]

A true genius, rest in peace Dave.

[@jaxager]

I don't have any of Dave Smith's instruments. But I use MIDI every single day of my life. I cannot think of anyone that has had more of an impact on my music than this cat. Your name will be remembered fondly for decades and decades to come, sir!

[@paulspivey6799]

The magical kingdom of synthesizer music will surely miss you Dave. Your creativity has changed the world and all your legendary instruments including the Prophet 5 helped so many artists with their work and experiences. You've made so many magical memories and touched all of our hearts. Without you there never would've been a Prophet 5 or Prophet 10, or Prophet T8 and so much more polyphonic synths that you created and made so many artists in the world a living Paradise. R.I.P Dave. The magical kingdom of synthesizer music will never be the same without you. P.S. thank you for reissuing the Prophet 5 & Prophet 10, they are more magical than the original ones.

[@JollyWillard]

I injured my arm years ago and had to take a 2-3 year break from guitar. A Prophet 600 gave me a new way to express my music. I will always be grateful for Dave Smith.

[@SpikesStudio3]

Thanks for posting this guys. Am proud to own one of his masterpieces. With a shot of tequila, cheers Dave.

[@Pca1966]

I had the privilege of having one of the first Prophet 5 and corresponded once with Dave. Later I bought one of the first Prophet 600 with MIDI output. I am very sad that this great man has passed away. RIP Dave.

[@stillphil]

The brilliance of this humble genius-engineer…I’m sad that that he died but I am SO GLAD that he LIVED. What a legacy he left for the entire WORLD.

[@christoroppolo8742]

He was a gracious man. A synth wizard ! The Mount Rushmore of synth gods will have him and Bob side by side ! Healing thoughts to the family 😥👽👽🙏

[@ExclusiveLM]

.. Dave Smith on Keyboards and Les Paul on guitar invented some of the most important things that have changed music forever. They are the kings I bow to !!!! Even Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin is on video with Les Paul. And even Eddie Van Halen and Michael Jackson achieved massive success thanks to Dave Smith's sequencer and Midi inventions. Thank you Dave for coming to Earth and leaving it much better. I personally use his technology in my music which I would have never been able to otherwise.

[@metalsandager]

Dave Smith.... Thanks a million for everything you've done, created, carried on, finished!! Without you there would be no me!

[@fablesofsilence]

Proud Prophet T8 owner here - bravo Dave Smith! Can’t believe you are gone when just a few days ago you were standing right next to me. This is sad news for all of the music community. Rest In Peace.

[@danielpirone8028]

Love my T8 too!

[@scottcupp8129]

Prophet 5 Rev 1 here. I just learned of his passing yesterday. Oh how sad this is. An amazing man and an amazing legacy that will live on through every synthesizer that he built and every life that he touched.

[@Azfun6]

A great loss to the world. Dave really shaped the music world we know today. Our thoughts and prayers for his family and loved ones. Thank you for all you gave the world, RIP Dave.

[@ecosphere1015]

A genius in every sense of the word. Thanks for the sounds of music Dave Smith, your spirit lives on.

[@dudemandudebro938]

A true Legend, Thank You Dave Smith. We love you!

[@dy6682]

Sad to hear the passing of the late Dave Smith . Great pioneer ; will miss you bro.

[@manny_f]

Most people alive today don't know virtually every song and composition they have ever heard exists thanks to Dave.

[@downpatmusic]

MIDI came out while I was in college and it shaped my future in producing music. Coming from a classically and jazz trained world, I had the keyboard facility and technique to take advantage of connecting synths together to create music. Once MIDI worked with computers and my first Mac Plus there was no looking back. Next came synchronizing the 24 track 2 inch tape machine with video as well as the MIDI playing the computer. It was an amazing thing to see and hear the first time our studio got that to work as hoped. Imagine, the 2 inch tape machine starts up, you'd hear a click or two and know you were in sync and that I had to play the perfect take through my Midi keyboard into the Mac Plus's midi sequencer by Opcode. I had to play the perfect take and hold back a little with the goal of a usably musical take because during this period the tape machine, sync box, and the SMPTE interface to the Mac Plus didn't always sync up often taking 3-5 tries! This made me efficient and good in the studio nailing good performances on first takes. Thanks Dave for your MIDI invention, and that's a much better name than Roland/Yamaha's team name idea of UMII (You-Me). RIP Dave.

[@adamcartright223]

RIP Mr Smith. You will be missed.

[@billybartcody3591]

Amazing man, he will be missed. I'm so glad he was able to see Sequential release the Take5 and Pro3 before passing, I'm hoping the design and power-for-price philosophy behind these later instruments continues to drive that segment of Sequential's line.

[@andreasbonkowski]

a great mind and gentle soul. resonate in peace, dave!

[@MikeLindup42]

Great interview. Although I knew some of the history, this really captures his philosophy, motivation and logic. He will be much missed, especially by those who knew and worked with him, but his legacy will last forever. Thanks for sharing.

[@JamesWilliam70]

This man definitely played his part in humanity. God speed Dave!

[@supadupahilton6848]

I'm so sorry. First Bob, then Allan Pearlman, and now this. Condolences to the family.

[@JohnLRice]

Really nice and interesting interview, thanks for posting. R.I.P. Dave!

[@EannaButler]

5:22 - "But after about three or four months, I didn't hear any rumours, so well, maybe I should just do it myself, even though it was kind'a a huge project to take on as a one-person design effort"... Wow - I had no idea that he had built stuff on his own at the start of the Prophet-5 revolution. Yes, he integrated bits from other companies, but HE did it. Not some conglomeration... This doubles/triples my respect for a man that I have always respected deeply. A true PIONEER, in the mode of adventurers / explorers that expand the horizons of humankind... May you rest in peace Mr. Smith. Much love from a deeply-thankful community...

[@DMS198526]

What a legend. I’m even sat here messing about with a new synth just amazed at how awesome midi is at connecting with my computer and DAW.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

There was a time I did not know I had been listening to Sequential synths for over a decade (Peter Gabriel, Skinny Puppy et al). R.i.p. legend (prophet of the future).

[@viarnet]

...very sad...I have PRO2, love it ever since I have bought it and I wouldn't sell it ever...RIP Dave Smith.

[@bistermean2046]

PRO2 a magical "mono"synth.

[@therageincajun]

Awesome interview. Loved hearing him explain everything about midi. So good. RIP Dave.

[@byi957]

Waveshaper Media, thank you for releasing this wonderful video. I'm sure you guys had some sort of good reason why you didn't want to release it earlier,,,before his passing. I would of enjoyed it back then even more.

[@gabhanachdenogla898]

R.I.P. Dave.

[@JBMONROETHEPRODUCER]

Thank you for your contributions to music. 🙏 I have learned your always going to learn something new with music everyday. 🌏

[@laurentallenguerard]

Thanks for sharing. Just got an OB6, this is so awesome!

[@djtricks1]

Really sad, what a month ..May 2022. now this , just google how many music legends have died in the passed few weeks, i know we all got to leave sometime, Rest in Paradise.. †, Mr Smith (also Vangelis spirit,Depeche Mode’s Andrew Fletcher ...man there's even more..!) :( Bless You tubers, "love your life !"

[@sydb]

Nice lil interview. Rest In Power, Dave.

[@runner0075]

Such a good man

[@odalv7278]

I’m soo saddened by this news.. … now it makes me think to keep the beast: Polyevolver. RIP Dave. 🙏🏼

[@johnmills-cockell106]

Dave Smith's interview with Waveshaper is essential in the development of music & sound tech.! I met & talked with Dave at Moogfest., thrilled because after the Moog revolution, and Arp's amazing 2500,, when I became involved with scoring for plays, Sequential Circuit's' Prophet V was my go-to axe simply because It was a sampling instrument integrated with the famous analog Prophet V, easy to use. It has been mentioned before that the Prophet V's function as a sample recorder/player along with it's beautifully responsive keyboard and onboard voices made life for a composer of music & sound for film & plays so much more accessible. As a sampling instrument it was groundbreaking. It sounded incredible. Time passed, now I am using Pro 2 and Prophet 12 as an integral part of my basic studio setup along with Moog instruments etc. Thank you so much, Dave Smith. His account of the emergence of MIDI is fascinating. His contribution to music and audio technology is vital!. Thank you so much! Prophet 12 may be a bit tricky to implement, but it is unique!

[@WaveshaperMedia]

Thank you for the great comment and insight into your work JMC!

[@vintageMIDI]

thank you for posting this interview

[@anonymoushuman8344]

A seemingly minor detail that actually says a lot about the character of Dave Smith and his designs: the big blue reject cookies button on the Sequential homepage. It's right there next to accept button where it should be, and equally prominent.

[@pfmmodule5144]

So sad. Had just finished a couple of hours with the Prophet X, took a break to catch up on some Facebook and found out he was gone. Was hoping to talk to him at NAMM at the Sequential booth.

[@joshuaswannmusic6462]

I feel so horrible. This is so sad.

[@inyokutse]

RIP 🙏

[@werewlves7075]

🖤💔

[@sutusmihaly]

🖤🖤❤️

[@lIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI]

Rip

[@onseanimal9363]

RIP Mr Dave smith.

[@timmytreetop]

❤️♥️❤️

[@JPChubbs]

My Mophox4 is the only synth I regret selling to this day. RIP.

[@DungeonStudio]

I might be wrong, but I recall Yamaha starting out with say the CS80 as their flag ship, and then the CS60, CS30, 15, 10, down to 5. And I settled with a CS10, as the 5 was too minimal, and the 15 too expensive. And it seemed to start with the SY Series that they kinda put out a 'rough idea' first like the SY77, which blew me away and I bought tout sweet. And was miffed when I saw the SY99 after. And then the SY88 and so on. And then their MU Series, which really cheesed me. As again I think they came out with the MU50 first? And I thought 'wait a bit, they'll have bigger ones soon...' And sure enough, the MU80, MU90, and then the MU100 - which I bought and thought couldn't go beyond that. THEN comes the MU128, and the mysteriously overblown MU2000. DAMMIT!!! But I understand Dave Smith was somewhat behind the SY series, which truly had some mind blowing filters that could self oscillate. And I hate to admit I didn't trust him when he started up again, as I thought 'he's just making calling cards in hopes to get back in with Yamaha or Kurzweil, etc.' But I certainly like his ideology here in that if he's got an idea, build it to the best spec's possible. And don't diminish it with something new that's just slightly better next few months to a year, like (ahem) Yamaha...

[@modularsynthspostpunk9354]

RIP ❤️💣

[@yournamehere7182]

😭💔🎹

[@user-ru8hn5om5s]

The MIDI programm he created has got to be the oldest software still in use today. Whatever keyboards you might buy someday, don't buy anything unless it comes with MIDI. All my musical keyboards have all three MIDI connections THRU, OUT, and IN. keep MIDI in all your musical equipment. Learn how to use it, it lets any keyboard connect to anyother MIDI divice, and all you have to do is turn them on and it starts working, no software to load, no drivers needed. with 2 MIDI keyboards you can connect 4 speakers and combine the sounds of each one to create new sounds. try doing that with USB.

[@keekeefries6298]

He invented MIDI….That says it all….

[@SPAZZOID100]

And the Prophet-5

[@augustwest304]

17:40

[@futurebeats898]

there's no modern music without MIDi. bigger influence than mickeal jackson. no midi no nothing !!!

[@genepozniak]

I just posted a Six-Trak video in Dave's honor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3Pbn4RoZ6qSodk