Is this the Best Prophet 5 Plugin Ever?

A look at Softube's Model 80, a software recreation of the might Prophet 5 by Sequential Circuits.
NOTE: Due to some issues with panning of the sound I've re-uploaded this video in mono.
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[@davidwiesjahn6452]

Thank you very much for doing those patch comparisons!

[@damo5791]

Love the track you're playing at the end. Track breakdown video in the future maybe?

[@jimbotron70]

Yes, it would deserve being developed into a full track.

[@GyuBeats]

Thanks, yes I'm planning on finishing it :)

[@bonchbonch]

You can quantize the filter in Repro using the mod matrix. Sonically, I've been able to match the sound of Model 80 patches using Repro's alternate filter modes. I'm having fun combining the Model 80 modules with other vintage synths in Modular to make an alternate reality Diva. If Modular support and Pro-One emulation aren't considerations, then I think workflow and effects are the primary differentiators between the two.

[@hardoff]

I'm normally tone deaf to these sort of comparisons, but for every single sound you played side by side, the Softube was way more analogue sounding. It has much more presence, a bit of grit, more rounded silky sound in the mid range. I'm really impressed.

[@milkyway8353]

Yup, sound is good now ;)

[@drewnorth3816]

I think the Softube synths are great. I just wish they’d get back on the NKS support train. I’m not aware of any of their new synths, anything newer than modular, being nks compatible. U-he stuff is, and that makes it a bit more useful to me. I have both repro and model 80 now, and the nks support will keep me reaching for repro

[@mir-dr]

I think the Model 80 sounds more like analog oscillators to me, like more raw power. When you demo the resonance on the filter it’s like the filter is struggling to constrain almost wild oscillators. Feels more raw to me, very nice. Reading your list of features at the end put me off though, I’m not sure I need a second aging knob. 😂

[@GyuBeats]

LOL!

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Agree, this one is unbelievable. Very close, but Softube wins imho

[@X-101]

I've seen multiple Softube plugins being compared to actual hardware and for me they are the best

[@BrofUJu]

There's something with the low end and saturation. I love the Model 84

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Agree

[@jno8039]

I hope Softube will upgrade to 10 voices like the Prophet 10. Please.

[@craigsavage6357]

How do these stand up against the arturia version?? 😮

[@eddievanheinous666]

The Model 80 sounds really good, and they seem to have figured out how to get a bit more analog-y juice in there, but in a mix of an actual song you would barely hear it if at all. Probably a great buy if you don't have Repro, but redundant otherwise.

[@chakko007]

I don't really consider that an argument. The fun is in tweaking a synth, and having a big sweet spot, not that a listener won't hear the extra detail, or better sound in the mix. Also, a good sounding synth wil make fitting it in the mix or in a track much easier, because you don't have to work hard to make it sound good.

[@eddievanheinous666]

Agreed. I have an OB-6 and that thing.... the init patch sounds good 😆

[@AceGarpTruckingCo]

Probably not, but the Prophet lover in me will be inspired to take an idea forward in the first place.

[@johnbach2380]

Softube just knows how to make shit feel so real.

[@GyuBeats]

Yes!

[@DG-ss1gc]

What is meant by “classic prophet V “ Do you mean earlier revisions ? They sound so different .

[@wallisliss]

So having played a real Prophet, at the time they were 'it'. Then came the digitals in the eighties on and I left the Prophet for DX, M1 and on and on. You see, we are talking about your TASTE in sound. Frankly I would take a Moog Voyager over a Prophet. I would take a Waldorf over a PPG, because that's what MY ears prefer. I like the color green and you like red. Good for us both.

[@LofiMagick69]

And the colors are complementary 😊

[@sub-jec-tiv]

I use Softube Modular.. so having the ability to use the Prophet 5 filter in Modular is major. And you don’t get that in Repro. My first task is going to be modifying my external stereo FX filter (i have a Moog and a Juno version). Prophet stereo filtering with LFO, here we come.

[@anthonyman8008]

I’m looking for a modular plugin. Do you think that soft tubes is the best?

[@WildAnalog]

​@@anthonyman8008Hands down the best. Softube modular is magic. I own every major software synth; Modular is the most alive, analog, and weighty.

[@rs2klee]

I sold all my hardware, and now all on vst`s as like you over time they sounded better as time went on, and oh my god.. the amount of space i have now !

[@GeoffModulate]

I've got Repro so I'm not sure I'll buy the Softube version as I think there is so little in it. But I did buy the model 84 and I think it's definitely got something over the Cherry DCO106. It's just that extra 4-5% of 'something'. Magic? Analogishness?? (Is that even a word? It should be...lets make it a word).

[@SaturnVoyager11]

sorry but the differences are not tiny. The Softube emulation sounds better in several aspects, specially the low end, although I personally didn´t like it, probably it´s not for me, but for example the minimoog emulation or the Model 84 are superb, my favorites

[@GyuBeats]

Fair play - Yes I'm in love with Model 84!

[@jmoffitt36]

Both sound great but model 80 does sound slightly more analog. Doubt you would notice in a mix. I got a Behringer pro 800 and been blown away with it. With that said you seem very comfortable with your workflow and I see no reason to change it.

[@adamjacksonmedia]

I’ve been considering the Pro 800 for months now. Is it good? Does it get that aggressive middle range for those big pads, like Prophet?

[@kristianborisov5928]

Thank you for the review! I maybe missed it though: what is the final verdict, does it sound better than Repro in the part they overlap? Also interesting thoughts on Deepmind - I have similar impressions that Diva and Repro can sound better than it with some patch types, also Steinberg Padshop too can sound creamier, but I still like Deepmind's sound, and as I have two Deepminds with a lot of third-party libraries bought, wondering whether it's worth keeping them or focus on soft synths entirely, as I am also limited in space. Have you tried different 3d-party libraries like the ones from Analog Audio, Ultimate Patches, GEOSynths - they all have extremely good programming and show the Deepmind in a different light?

[@GyuBeats]

You're welcome! Tbh it's really had to say, I do think the Model 80 sounds a little better in certain ways, for example the how the resonance sounds. But it's very close and RePro is awesome. About the Deepmind, I didn't mean to knock it, I think it's a great synth. I just had a preconceived notion about how analogue was supposed to sound and it didn't sound quite like that. I didn't have those patch banks but I'm sure they sound great! Personally, I'm really happy working mainly in the box at the moment and that's mainly because of how much I love the sound of Softube's synths (and Modular)

[@LocaliLLocano]

I have a prophet 10 v4. When I’m too lazy to turn it on I use the arturia prophet to play some ideas out.

[@whoadog8725]

Repro and the Arturia version are both great. More than adequate for everyone but collectors or people who want to gig on hardware.

[@SourJovis]

Same here. I have a Prophet 5 rev 4. Using software is a lot easier. You can instantly hear how it will sound in the mix with effects and all, so you won't waste time recording your hardware with a take you won't use, because the settings weren't quite right. Also I'm not yet able to send midi notes and CC automation to my Prophet hardware. You know if that possible? In any case I use the software as a CG stunt double for the parts where I can't get the playing quite right.

[@FlowJunkie65]

Have you had the opportunity to try out the newest Arturia Prophet V and if so, how does it compare to these 2 software offerings?

[@user-zd4qy5zl7i]

I don't really like arturia prophet v

[@FlowJunkie65]

@@user-zd4qy5zl7iWhy is that? You don't think its sounds are similar to a real Prophet, or you don't like the user interface, or something else?

[@user-zd4qy5zl7i]

@@FlowJunkie65 I'm not good at English, but I'll write down a few letters.🥹 i have real prophet6 hardware and i also have prophet emulated vst synths(repro5, model80, prophet v), and I tested all inst’s basic oscillator and filter (with hd800s and rme adi 2 pro), the hardware definitely had a high resolution and 3d sound and musical sound. On the other hand repro and model80 were similar to hardware, their sound is good but they didnt sound as deep and rich as hardware. Prophet v sounds uninspiring for me and i think it has a plastic sound so I don't use it anymore. when i’m working, i’m using hardware for the main track and vsts are used for the additional track

[@FlowJunkie65]

@@user-zd4qy5zl7iThank you for your reply! I used to own a Prophet 5 rev. 3, but sold her when I was only playing jazz piano. Many years later - now - I am playing in another band, but not playing jazz -- we are playing rock and pop and I wish I had my real Prophet 5! 😭 But, I am not willing to buy another Prophet, so I bought Arturia's V-Collection with the Prophet V -- which I feel is pretty good, but nothing is the same as a real Prophet. I also used to own a Roland JC-120x, a special edition of this amp that came with JBL speakers -- oh my god, this was such an amazing amp with the JBLs! But, I am much older now, and lifting that amp in and out of my car and on to stages is more difficult, so I also sold that 15 years ago. Now I use a Roland KC-550 -- pretty good, not great though. And, when I was selling my equipment, I also sold my Rhodes Stage Piano, which many of my keyboard pro friends told me that it had the best keybed action of any Rhodes that they had ever played before. I also sold it because I preferred carrying around a much lighter workstation - Korg Kronos 2 61 - that had so many Rhodes and other e-piano variations of the Dyna Rhodes, DX7, Yamaha Electric Grand, Clavinet, Wurlitzer, etc. Thanks for your reply!

[@YoungNino2017]

I have a SH-101, and the Tal Bassline not only sounds ALMOST as good ( it doesn't have quite as much punch and bite) BUT, the VST does make richer low notes if you truly are trying to get rich deep bass.

[@GyuBeats]

Yeah we're spoiled for choice now!

[@robertocaba5915]

The discontinued NI Pro53 was great too

[@theandroids]

is it better than the Arturia version?

[@IngeBall]

Great! What's the song in the beginning? I recognize it.

[@BrianKukowski]

Everything in its’ Right Place - Radiohead

[@GyuBeats]

Yep :)

[@IngeBall]

How the fudge could I forget that? One of the greatest intros ever! I'll blame Mitsubishi 😉

[@CC-fi3pp]

GFORCE and Softube are S tier for analog emulation.

[@DavGreg]

And how about the Arturia Prophet?

[@antonystannard3333]

Bought 80 yesterday. Uses 16% cpu on my Mac Studio before I play a note 😱

[@baptistec.4546]

Common behaviour with most Softube plugins, unfortunately.. this made me stop using Softube for this reason with lots of regrets tbh

[@MrJpbmusic2005]

Softube dont give you "Bells n Whistles " they give you what you get on the hardware no fx!!! Thay nailed the 106 (Model 84)

[@GyuBeats]

Yep! Yeah the Model 84 sets the standard for analogue vibe in a plugin for me (and their others tbh)

[@zyxyuv1650]

People are automatically saying Repro is more accurate but I haven't seen a definitive example where Repro sounds much better, I've only heard them trading blows. Someone will have to post a video with proof the U-He is better.

[@GyuBeats]

Yeah I agree

[@lorenmorgan1931]

It is fantastic, especially in HQ (AA 4x i think) mode, and sadly no one uses this when they are demoing it or comparing it. It uses a lot more CPU but the Repro comes alive and has the dynamic range, and depth of the real one. Softube though seems to have knocked it out of the park with this one. I saw they were releasing softsynths, but never even thought to check them out, which is a shame because I mixed an EP with their plugins (and built in Reaper JS) plugins about 10 years ago and even then it came out sounding pretty amazing.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

Also just want to say, in his demos here I think he has HQ engaged (at the start at least), although when you switch patches in Repro it will only use the mode it was preset to use. In the demos, you can hear a depth to the Softube that Repro simply cannot do. I use a 2:1 upward expansion on Repro to make it more tangible, but Im not so sure this one really needs that. So I think the people that are saying Repro, are just trying to justify something they purchased several years back.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

It’s because people don’t have good enough ears to have a real opinion, so they just fall back on what all the ‘cool people’ told them .. that Repro is perfect and the best thing ever. Tbh Softube’s recent synths are freaking incredible. I’m a mix engineer of 35 years and owned a Prophet most of that time, trust me Softube is just killing it with this (and their Juno).

[@user-zd4qy5zl7i]

@@sub-jec-tiv agree. I have both and i also have a real prophet6. model 80 is better than repro

[@chakko007]

"Envelope is really nice and snappy." - Maybe nice, but, snappy? 😉 Prophet-5 is not really known as having the most snappy envelopes. Not nearly as snappy as the ones in the Minimoog.

[@kostyakonstantinoff]

With built-in effects, 2 synth versions from U-he, and their years of experience and expertise, Repro is still unbeatable.

[@GyuBeats]

Yeah I can't really argue with that. I do love U-He and Zebra 2 was the first plugin I ever bought (years ago!) but in general I find Softube's synths amazingly inspiring.

[@Janomix]

Softube hands down! So close, so warm, so bold. U-he are an arrogant guy that only make "digital emulations"... Thanks for the video.

[@SilentEarthling]

You’re right, the Softube is in no way a digital emulation. It is a real analog synthesizer that you can jam into your hard drive. That is how things work.

[@Janomix]

@@SilentEarthling You can read between quotation marks?? Good luck...

[@IzopticMusic]

@@Janomix I'll prefer arrogant to ignorant any day.

[@titledworld8393]

@@Janomix lmao

[@tunnis7us]

this synth seems to missing voicings / unison mode. You can't add voices like in native instruments pro 53 or u-he repro.

[@petersegerdahl5386]

It does have a unison mode where you can choose voices and detune amount. It's on a different panel (where the velocity and other settings are).

[@tendingtropic7778]

Oooooh clickbait! was hoping for a comparison video with u-he repro

[@GyuBeats]

Did you not see that bit?

[@tendingtropic7778]

Sorry!

[@GyuBeats]

@@tendingtropic7778 Hey no problem :)

[@gdansk12349]

I tried it and it’s great but I think Repro did a more accurate 1:1 emulation. I compared to my Prophet and Starsky’s comparison to his Prophet is also amazing. Nice stuff with the modula in the end though.

[@maxterwel]

The softube sounds closer to the real thing but it has that thinness other softube synth have in the midrange.

[@MatthiasLindemann-hp2zr]

This sound starting at "0:07" was created with a Prophet 5, can you manage to replicate it? :D kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2avlJR5mZ13gs0 (The horn sound)

[@------YeahOK------]

I have the Arturia, Softube & U-He P5 plugins. But guaranteed in 5 years time, they will all bring out v4, v5 etc... so I thought fk it, and bought a real P10 (living on beans and toast for a while 😅) gotta say - I will never buy another P5 plugin again - sorry troops.

[@GyuBeats]

Well that's fair! Congratulations on your purchase, I'm sure it's amazing 🙂🙌.

[@AdamSpade]

$5 Id bet on Softube sounds better and maybe even uses less cpu, but Repro has more features / fx and a community behind it with patches.

[@AceGarpTruckingCo]

On the CPU score, sadly no. Model 80 is a hog, and when the voices cut out it doesn't even save power like Repro.

[@chakko007]

@@AceGarpTruckingCo Yep, that's the main issue I see. It's a massive CPU hog.

[@Groove81TV]

Repo all the way

[@bigjayrillah3508]

The hardware really blows away the software. It’s not even close really

[@richardgraham65]

Why is the free sample pack NOT FREE? Your link goes to 10 quid and 5 quid links.