The History of the Prophet Synthesizer

[@LearningModular]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

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]

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).

[@rollomaughfling380]

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]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

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

[@Bigmojo75]

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

[@benbowland]

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]

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).

[@Bati_]

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]

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]

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 🥺💖

[@BriggsMullen]

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

[@neilloychakravarty6737]

Thats a sign of good business ethics

[@rwdplz1]

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

[@jergervasi3331]

They inspired Gibson to do the same for Tom Oberheim.

[@backwardsface3046]

@@rwdplz1 ha, "in-tune"

[@cleverhardy5230]

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

[@lasideasfugazes]

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

[@Johnsormani]

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]

Thank you John.

[@Flonkstonk]

Indeed!

[@synthdude7664]

Undoubtedly

[@BurkhardusX]

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]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

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

[@nicolasbeker6490]

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

[@Riktenstein]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@Exitof99]

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]

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

[@analogsynthplayer]

@19:26 sounds like the poly expander

[@davespaulding6978]

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]

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]

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]

@@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!

[@michaelmitchell8218]

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]

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

[@michaelmitchell8218]

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]

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]

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

[@skipintroux4444]

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.

[@FreeFireFull]

The sound of the Prophet synths is absolutely beautiful

[@robertsyrett1992]

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

[@macronencer]

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_]

That section was mind blowing

[@joederbyshire_]

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

[@retrosound72]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

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]

A pleasure for me Alex.

[@100ThingsIDo]

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

[@retrosound72]

yeah. grab all that cool shit :D

[@maisonvague]

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

[@resofactor]

Dave Smith really made something incredible.

[@chris.dillon]

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]

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]

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

[@thebreakfastmenu]

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

[@AntwhaleNearfar]

Keyboard player buys a complicated and expensive synth, studies the extensive manual, traverses the mind boggling learning curve, experiments with the seemingly infinite sound manipulating possibilities, feels a sense of euphoric accomplishment and satisfaction when finally mastering the instrument and its myriad of aural soundscapes and circuitry intricacies, gets onstage with his band to triumphantly express himself on his magnificent electronic device, made a musical reality by genius and inventive minds....guitarist in his band plays some cliched blues licks on a cheap Fender Squire and pulls all the hot chicks in attendance.

[@Jaytecx]

This is actually the best advert I have ever seen.

[@dez1989]

Now that's a good way to put it!

[@justinb9387]

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

[@DerekPower]

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

[@cpsnakemusic3082]

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

[@shookstylez]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's got everything!

[@6581punk]

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.

[@Digiphex]

Always loved the Uncial font of Prophet. This was great.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Totally and the STOP font too for the Sequential logos.

[@sbove]

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]

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

[@joker9494949494]

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.

[@taskerpro944]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

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

[@danrathbun6670]

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.

[@chrisstrobel3439]

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

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

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]

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.

[@tekis0]

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!

[@gregorykulinski2186]

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.

[@RudyAdrian]

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!

[@timurmusabay4822]

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

[@WunHungLo99]

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]

Imagine how wonderful a thing we might have gotten instead.

[@longshotkdb]

that moment when you finally realise, dave smith is -the single greatest outside influence on your life- _god_ amen

[@jeanbonnefoy1377]

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]

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* 😳

[@Denver_Risley]

What an excellent doc!

[@titovalasques]

Wood paneling instantaneously elevates a synth into legend status.

[@RebeccaPebble]

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.🥰😁

[@vvigabdpa1991]

A new Alex Ball video = Quality & Satisfaction Guaranteed!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks :)

[@Mr_ToR]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

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

[@ronnysterling7694]

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

[@OfficialRainsynth]

Those old Prophets sound amazing, these synths always had their unique sound texture, which made them super recognisable.

[@kevcatnip7589]

they do a good copy though ,,,,obviously cant emulate that size of sound

[@EspenKraft]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Espen!

[@scottcupp8129]

I am so glad that Yamaha gave Dave back the Sequential name. Sequential synths have always been one of my favorites!!

[@BritishBeachcomber]

Curtis chips are *the classic*. Total genius in his own lifetime.

[@christophermitchum6829]

Friggin fab...u Los, grew up with the greats 🎶💯🤟. David Smith literally rewrote synth sound...glad to have some of the best sounds that were created by him...4 vco, ouch😮😅

[@theartist124]

I'd like to see one of these on the History of the Mellotron, the way John Paul Jones complained about it has always made me wonder.

[@fantasizer8473]

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

[@kittarixmusic2591]

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

[@moabt.frican7163]

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

[@saftpackerl]

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.

[@johnnydiamondsmusic1673]

My first Synth in 1982 was a Pro One. Then few years ago I got the Prophet 600. Last year I sold the 600 and bought the Rev2 8 voice. Amazing machine that I think encapsulates all that went before it. I especially like the Prophet 5 type sounds. I’m not just a synth player I use it in conjunction with other instruments to craft my songs. I don’t think I’ll ever need another synth now I have the Rev2. Love it!

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

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]

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

[@FlyingAce1016]

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

[@selamawitgirma2273]

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

[@jupitermarx]

It’s funny you did this video a year ago and now Dave’s reissuing the original

[@synthsandstuff]

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]

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.

[@wege8409]

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

[@j.fetzer5814]

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]

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]

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

[@MisAnnThorpe]

@@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]

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

[@MisAnnThorpe]

@@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!

[@thomasgrey6309]

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...

[@AndiKravljaca]

Jesus Christ, 19:28 - I NEED THIS SYNTH. That is ridiculous. Amazing.

[@theneurochemist5267]

The REV2? There's one at the german's eBay for 1.599,00 euros, which is acceptable, I'd say.

[@moabt.frican7163]

Yes! Samesies!

[@EXTIQUE]

SORRY YAMAHA, YOUR DX-7 JUST ISNT A PUNCHY SOUNDING AT THE PROPHET 5 & 10!!

[@javiceres]

CYBERAMD The DX7 can’t do a lot of the things the Prophets can but I’m not that sure it can’t be as punchy.

[@daemonelectricity]

I just picked up the 16-voice one a month and a half ago after seeing a bunch of videos that made me say the same thing. I was looking for the next best thing to the Moog One, and with this, i don't really feel like it's a compromise, so much as a similar wall-of-sound synth with a different sound.

[@tedmuss]

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

[@maisonvague]

As a long time Prophet fan, that was very enjoyable! If you ever need any Prophet-10 footage, just let me know. I'd be happy to make some for you. There are a number of videos on my KZbin channel featuring a P-10 if you would like to see them.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Maison, that would be awesome. Prophet 10 is a pretty special thing to own! Very kind of you to offer.

[@franciscomsosa]

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!

[@Anamnesia]

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

[@julesrace2217]

The start of this video was so nicely made

[@danwentz]

Excellent documentary, 15:13 however I have it on good authority that Moog Music never shut down... THANK GOD "Moog Music of the 1970s/80s never filed bankruptcy. By the 80s, parent company Norlin was bleeding money. By 1983 the DX7 killed almost all analog synths, including the SL8. When Moog approached the banks for funding, they stipulated NO SYNTH MANUFACTURE. Norlin dropped all their brands by mid-80s. Moog Music was acquired by EJE Electronics. They continued warranty repairs for Moog products. The only musical product EJE/Moog made was the "Rocky" guitar amp. EJE folded by 1993 and Moog Music was left to rot. Trademarks expired by 1995, which were snatched up by Don Martin intending to reissue Moog products. The only "Moog Music" that was in bankruptcy was the Don Martin "Moog Music", who was involuntary liquidated by the courts. That's when Bob Moog got his namesake trademark back" -Michael Caloroso

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for clarifying, that's interesting! It gets cloudy because some got incorporated into other things, some got taken over and some went under. You get situations like the "Oberheim OB12" that has nothing to do with Tom Oberheim other than in name. So easy to get lost in what happened. Appreciate the clarification!

[@TheZooropaBaby]

Dan Wentz Norlin also owned Gibson guitar and coincidentally sold it in 1986, and it took like 5 years for Gibson to float back up (except that very president who floated Gibson back up drove it to the ground but let's not talk about it)

[@djdigital3806]

I own a Krog Wavestation🎹and used to own a DX7🎹 Need I say more.

[@hardcorehouse]

During the second half of the 80s, when analogs were being tossed aside for peanuts, I was fortunate to visit Moog/Norlin. Bought their last few Memorymoogs and last Mini; even took a tour of their operation. Vintage sounds from Moog, Sequential, Oberheim, Yamaha haven’t been matched when it comes to mainstream music-almost all of today’s emulations are there because they’re more flexible, cheaper, lighter, not because the sound is comparable.

[@josephwright5921]

I seem to remember reading something in the book, Vintage Synthesizers, about someone within or related to Moog music doing some unethical things that also contributed to running it into the ground. I believe it was Norlin . . .

[@steadfastcoward]

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

[@intheblink]

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]

Thanks. Hopefully the film does the story some justice.

[@JonMurray]

First rewatch since Dave’s passing. Again, lovely video mate. An unintentional and quite moving tribute. One of these wooden wonders will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine. One day…

[@SynthsandSounds]

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

[@moabt.frican7163]

Haha!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I've done worse in my lofi film productions. 😉

[@MikeStryk]

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.

[@joshuadramsey]

In the late 90s, I bought a Prophet, Jupiter, and Casio CZ5000 all for $50 at a yard sale. Now later in my life, I feel bad about that because more than likely a serious keyboardist died and the family didn't know what the deal with these synths were. For what it's worth, I didn't know much about them at the time, either-certainly not that two of them were among the most legendary synths ever made (though strangely, the surprisingly amazing CZ 5000 sees more use today than the other two, especially live).

[@stephenhookings1985]

Well my children have no idea of the value (real and sentimental) of my gear. I would love for someone to utilize them when I am gone to do something creative and above all.have some fun - if you used them in that spirit I don't think you got much to worry about - they continued the be used and loved and in that way the previous owner lives on a little - that's how I look at it.

[@aretard7995]

you got the greatest deal of all time.

Came for the name, stayed for the background music. Amazing!

[@jimvandersteege]

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.

[@moognificat]

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

[@belovedconsole]

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

[@v1o]

This was captivating to watch and very informative. Hopefully you will make this into a series and do other docs on the CS80, DX7, Waldorf, Elka Synthex and Juno/Jupiter synths.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks. I've got others planned, enjoyed doing this one.

[@davebellamy4867]

22:00 I love the sound at the start and end, so simple, so just gorgeous.

[@kieranniemand2939]

19:30 .. goosebumps! Feels like I should be landing on the moon or winning the olympics

[@MarkJPerry]

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..

[@adamabele785]

The Prophet was extreme expensive in those days. The sound of synthesizers was brand new in those days and people soaked it up like a sponge.

[@Nethanel773]

11:43 - 12:50 :O Wow, all that from that one instrument. Quintessential 80s, yet not over the top. Amazing!

[@thebreathalyzer]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

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

[@jwgreen6]

Back in the early 1980's, I installed a factory MIDI kit into a friend's Prophet 5. Cutting traces, soldering jumpers and drilling holes in the case while following instructions that were copies of copies, was quite intimidating. In the end, and much to my joy and amazement, it worked. 37 years later, MIDI might become v2.0.

[@phayzyre1052]

Long live the music of the 1980's!!

[@zhiracs]

8:32 the guy in the white shirt is Jim Mothersbaugh, brother of Mark Mothersbaugh and the original drummer for Devo. Ten years before this photo was taken he built one of the first electronic drum kits on the planet.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Checked that out and you're absolutely right - thanks for the info. The guy from Roland on the other side is Yukio Tamada who also designed the microprocessor system for the MC-8 a few years prior. He was obviously quite a key guy in the transition to digital control if he was there for the midi launch too.

[@jasonmcgary]

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

[@WORDDDD1999]

glad this guy isnt corny with his playing. he actually adds more to this with the style he plays. much love! great video

[@dimitrisarnaoutoglou5178]

I dream of synths. Always my favorite.

[@jontrout2010]

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

[@steadytube]

I've just watched ever 80s action movie just by watching this

[@SamsGameRoom]

Fantastic documentary. I keep coming back just for 3:56.

[@LifeofCharlie19]

Great video. Really enjoyable. 22:12 love that sound! On it's own at 00:12 but at 22:12 it sounds so good with the other instruments - foot tappingly good. Dave has been such a great innovator and he just keeps on going, always moving forward. He is gonna be in the music history books as one of the greats in the entire world history of music and an inspiring man and role model.

[@zehn7747]

Totally agree with you, I love that synth sound and those drums sound awesome - also love the time signature. Keep up the great work, excellent documentary.

[@eviertelify]

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

[@DaveG207]

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]

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

[@TommyHelgevold]

I was only a kid when the T-8 launched, but - you made me totally want one now. That thing can (with you, obviously) perform like it was a synth of our times today. Well done!

[@Arperture]

Man. That riff at 3:58 kicks all sorts of ass..along with the LinnDrum sequence.

[@ouethojlkjn]

A very enjoyable entertaining and informative documentary, reminding me a little of the rollercoaster the likes of Commodore were on in the 80s - also fabulous innovators but ultimately ahead of their time.