The Sequential Prophet X Sample Library

This is my first in a series of videos on the Sequential Prophet X. This particular video is a VERY long one - just over 1.5 hours - and is intended purely to demonstrate the 8DIO sample library that comes pre-installed on the synth.
Here are shortcuts to the different sample categories:
Ambience • The Sequential Prophet...
Bass • The Sequential Prophet...
Brass • The Sequential Prophet...
Choir • The Sequential Prophet...
Cinematic • The Sequential Prophet...
Drums • The Sequential Prophet...
Effects • The Sequential Prophet...
Ethnic • The Sequential Prophet...
Guitar • The Sequential Prophet...
Keyboard • The Sequential Prophet...
Percussion • The Sequential Prophet...
Tonal Percussion • The Sequential Prophet...
Piano • The Sequential Prophet...
Strings • The Sequential Prophet...
Synth • The Sequential Prophet...
Solo Voice • The Sequential Prophet...
Wind • The Sequential Prophet...
And you can find my final thoughts here: • The Sequential Prophet...

[@wedream2]

Several years ago I had the privilege of auditioning the Prophet XL when it debuted at the NAMM show. It was in a small private room with Dave Smith himself doing some demos. I was very impressed with the sound quality of the sample library (especially the orchestral sounds) and overwhelmed with all the possibilities. I gave Dave Smith one of my "Comfortable NAMM" T-shirts and he gave me a Prophet XL shot glass.

[@analoguesummingservice6575]

Try to oversample 8DIO libraries for Kontakt up to 3MHz or even more on export quality, you can hear even better sound than in hardware sampler like PrX. Superplugin Synth in an assistance.

[@clayton_jansen]

You're doing the work others couldn't do. Good job. Keep up the good work. It's a very capable synth. I own omnisphere myself. So having said that, i know this synth is very different to omnisphere. Yes i want it to combine omnis sounds as well.

[@ehsansherman4694]

One of the best reviews that i seen clear and honest

[@luciano.armani]

thanks for taking the time to make this video, it was exactly what i was looking for

[@davidmcclain3408]

As a ROMPLER, I would completely agree. But my PX arrived yesterday, and I have been watching many of these review videos. What I'm concluding is that the sounds from this beast will blow you away, but you have to consider it as an extension of VA-Synthesis from the early Roland DX50-DX100 series. Instead of just recording an initial sampled attack, plus conventional subtractive synthesis, think of it as a full sampled instrumental sample to which you should expect to layer subtractive synthesis of the Prophet-Rev2 variety. The combination appears totally beyond anything we have heard yet.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Plus you can make your own samples. It’s not a ROMpler, really. It’s an amazing sounding synthesizer, the filters are just gorgeous. It has some minor annoyances, like 8dio’s lousy support. But the sound is simply beautiful.

[@russellbutterfield1419]

Everyone has different tastes, some will dislike the PX and the PXL, however its what the user does with it which makes the difference, Dave Smith as given us the starting blocks and even tho some of the samples maybe a bit pedestrian, its what you do with it that matters. If you add some other samples to the mix like I have, then you realise how powerful the PX is and how good it can sound, remember you can have 2 different samples running parallel then the 2 osc, you can bypass the filters to get 16 voice stereo samples. You can layer that too. So in reality it is a beast of a synth and it is capable of anything and everything. I have all the 8DIO add ons except the CP70 and other samples and I still have 38GB left. And if you think about how big the Omnisphere sample library is, then you have an indication how big 35GB of samples actually is. It is single handily the most incredible piece of kit I have ever used, and each time I use it it takes me in a different direction.

[@briannicepianoworship8944]

Part of the problem with this review is that Tim Does not seem to understand that you must layer and tweak the bread and butter sounds to get the said desired “bread and butter sound” . The sounds by themselves are virtually useless by themselves but combined and tweaked they are virtually Omnisphere and Komplete in Hardware

[@666JGNotts]

Just started watching this and I’d like to thank you already because this is exactly what I’ve been looking for on KZbin :) I own a couple of DSI synths already and am still on the fence about buying this one, maybe you will be able to provide the information I require to decide. Thanks once again

[@TimShoebridge]

666JGNotts I am on that fence too and I know a lot of people are also. Hopefully after making the video series I will be able to get off on the right side!

[@666JGNotts]

I've watched the whole video now and agree with your comments in the subtitles. I would want more of the 'proper instrument' sounds rather than the plethora of similar sounding one shot sound effects etc. A lot of the samples that come with this synth I would never use and I believe you can't replace them with others. Like you've said, there is 50GB user space, but that has to last forever and the one shot effects could easily be added by the users themselves. It's a shame they haven't released 'editions' of the Prophet X, things like a 'Vintage Synth Edition' where a lot of the sound effects are replaced by vintage synth instruments or a 'Keys Edition' with more pianos and organs. I would be willing to pay a little more for a special edition where there's less sound effects in the factory presets. I know on the DSI forums there are people providing samples of other synths now and extra packs are becoming available but once again a lot of these will cost more money and take up more of your 50GB user space

[@Scrougniougniou]

Tim, your videos are fantastic... thank you! About this machine... I watched this whole hour-and-half long video and I'm still trying to make my mind up about getting it (the XL version) as a main controller and basic 'rompler' for my setup. There's all sorts of information online about problems with clicking, 8Dio not living up to its promises, etc. Did you finally keep it? Do you recommend it? Perhaps you don't want to get involved...

[@666JGNotts]

@@Scrougniougniou If memory serves me correctly, Tim had problems with his Prophet XL which rendered the machine unusable so he ended up not keeping it. Tim, please correct me if I'm wrong and I will delete this :-)

[@EverettDudgeon138]

The PX actually replaced my Kronos, FA08 and Kurzweil 2600. I’ve scored about 4 films with it thus far. Never had any difficulty with bugs or sampling at all. I installed Fairlight, Synclavier and D50 patches into it as well as some dialogue from movies. In fact, I’m strongly considering getting a PXL to accompany it.

[@edasoundgod871]

I'd love to see one of the movies you scored with the Prophet X...can you post a link

[@TheAceReviews]

Did you need to sample those D50 patches or did it accept sysex?

[@Lagspike99]

How do you get started in film scoring? Is it something that can be done as a side gig on evenings and weekends?

[@futurebeats898]

I see you on tons of synth videos comments

[@namenaim1560]

XL now discontinued

[@yehudarothschild]

What workstation keyboard and standalone professional software sample library are you referring to for comparison here?

[@markquavertune2003]

Thank you for posting the video .It is certainly not wasting time .More synth manufacturers need to post more of this material .I am considering getting one of these after ticking off other synths not to be getting .This is because of specific application .Some of the clicks bother me .I did like the strings .I have NI session strings pro 2 .A little high on the CPU .Thinking hardware for strings is there a good workstation synth ? I agree with your final estimation .Perhaps sequential will see this and go back to the drawing board with the samples .It can be done because it is samples .Why could have they not put a 2 TB in the instrument for the money ? Thank you again .

[@citrusui]

01:08 - funny you mention this, as Brian Eno articulated the same sentiment in a similar fashion back in 1983 -- for BBC's "Riverside"!

[@andyflowerchild92]

Are you able to adjust the ADSR of the samples to avoid that “clicking” heard in the keyboard section of the video??

[@russellbutterfield1419]

Yes

[@WilfredFumbly]

Do the black keys have their own unique samples assigned? Or does each one produce the same sound as an adjacent white key?

[@TonzOfWattz]

The horns doesn't sound like horns, but they're meant to be building blocks is what Ive heard. BUt how does owners feel this synth is holding up in 2024? Would you buy it used today?

[@steelcitysi]

fantastic thanks for doing this. is there a slop parameter for the sample oscillators like there usually is for the classic analog waveform oscillators of DSI synths? What does it sound like, like wow & flutter?

[@TimShoebridge]

Sorry for the delay in replying. I lost track of the comments I needed to answer :( The answer is no unfortunately, there is a slop parameter but it relates to the two digital oscillators. You can however detune the "instrument" oscillators and also modulate their pitch.

[@RayyMusik]

Wait a minute - there are even 4 slop generators: #1&2 with fixed routing to the ‘classic’ OSCs plus #3 plus #4. You can freely route any of those to the sample pitch or other params in the mod matrix. That being said, IMO it doesn‘t make sense for many samples because they are already recorded with ‘natural slop’ from the source instrument. For instance, most P5 and OB-X add-on samples represent complete patches of those synths with ‘sloppy’ VCOs.

[@steelcitysi]

@@RayyMusik thanks! Oh yes slop makes sense for me. I grew up sampling vinyl and DJing, so I love the sound of slight pitch warble, compression, noise, and crackle on everything like butter on toast

[@RayyMusik]

steelcitysi For some wobble/flutter I suggest to also route a flop generator to the “center’ param (loop area) of the sample, which Tim very well explained.

[@Jauly]

Great effort! Could you please link the categories in the description? It would help very much finding specific kind of samples in your video.

[@TimShoebridge]

Thanks. FYI description now updated.

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I love this synth...I would not need another synth if I had it. I may even sell something in order to get it. But I won’t sell the Sirin...going to sample the Sirin and play it though the PX.

[@jamesmeeker6933]

You always need another synth! I'd at least recommend a monosynth and an analog poly to compliment it. Of course, this depends on what your ultimate goals are musically.

[@digitaldiezel5870]

James Meeker Yes it feels like we always want something new whether we need it or not. I have two small mono synths, a Force, a 6 voice poly and a PC with Ableton and VSTs....lol so it would not be my only synth but I want to move away from PC based instruments so this would basically replace that part of my set up. Still your words are wise because also owning the Summit... 😍😉 would be dynamite!!

[@dirkkeersmaekers4343]

If i compare to your final thoughts and my opinion(i have one)is not so very different.i had like to have more synth sounds,pads,elektric guitar,church organ,...I hope 8dio comes with that in the future add-ones. Overall i like this synth,The sounds are apart,different than other synths.

[@christophertodman8254]

Tim, what is the workstation that you reference, at least, a couple of times in the video?

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi, I have used a few over the years, the one I currently use is a Korg Kronos 2. Very nice selection of sampled instruments plus you have physical modelling for ultra realistic pianos etc. But everything is a compromise, I am not keen on the user interface for synth voices.

[@TheAceReviews]

How many samples patches are there? The spec sheet says 150GB but how many patches does that equivalate to? Sounds great! Thanks!

[@fahadahmadkeyboardist792]

Sequential Prophet X vs Waldorf Quantum pls ?

[@digitaldiezel5870]

Lol I have say after watching and reading the whole post...I disagree with some of the opinions expressed. It’s cool though, we all have different takes on it that’s what makes it great imo.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Yeah, this synth is killing, especially if you use your own samples with it.

[@bobrobertson9547]

The best demo so far. Can you apply ADSR to all those samples?

[@johnrichardson3297]

Is sysex a hard thing to overlook?

[@TeleporterM11]

Does it have CV gate in and out

[@pfmmodule5144]

No

[@EulogyfortheAngels]

Is it weird that I’ll work on projects or artwork and just have this running in the background? 😆 Question: in terms of ROMpler+synth keyboards, what’s the competitor to this? The Waldorf Quantum? I’m still learning the keyboard landscape and terminology.

[@Bananskuden]

I generally agree with the verdict, but do you really need synth samples in a synth that is already doing synth stuff better than most other synths? I'm somewhat disappointed to see 8DIO dish out the tropes of vintage gear sample libraries instead of more ethnic instruments for example.

[@chavezding62]

I'm trying so hard to really like this synth because I have always liked Prophet since the 80s. To be honest, I'm not impress with the sounds of the X sound bank to justify it's price. Deep inside I know this synth can do a lot more than all videos I've seen so far.

[@fantomofsilence9640]

Hi, you make it very good for that Stuff, thanks, realy! But - i was readin also your comments and final thinking about that. Can i tell you what - listn.. i think a other wise, let me explain. Im close with you mainly, whats the concept build in sample, art, quality and types - but i see this set in a fully other light. Its an Sample set to mangle in or with a classical Synth Engine, not the new Sampling based Top Keyboard ever made. Its the same with the Samples like a Roland VP770 or maybe rudimentary in a Korg Kingkorg, Roland JD-XA. Clavia goes more in that Way you want better to have in it, more focused on Sampling play effectivities. I hope you understood, im not a english men, right. Maybe it can help you, if you are testing, what can came out of these mashine, using more than the raw oscillator stuff. A complete Sound is more than a beginnig point of view... If you think to the parts from a synth, you was only hearing/showing the Saw´s and Waveforms.... Over that, thanks for that good Video, i was realy interested in it. I think, thats an great Synth, yes.. Greetings

[@stevemccourt9390]

The shortcuts don't work, each one just takes me back to the beginning of the video.

[@Donetur]

Personally I don’t like 8dio too much, I prefer other companies like Spitfire or Orchestral tools, Flufly Audio, Virharmonic. Even East West which I think it would have been a better pairing with Dave Smith for this synth. There are good moments on this synth anyway, I like the concept specially because it sounds better than most of romplers in several orchestral sounds, proving that it is possible to do such thing, that’s to say getting the sound of a computer on a hardware without extreme loading time, which was the limitation years ago, so companies may need to improve their samples as this may be the standard in the future. From this perspective, this synth is revolutionary. I think it is a good sounding synth anyway which worth to have, and the synth part has a dark character.

[@sumchi3690]

I’ve fallen off the fence now! Tending to Quantum, Peak or Dsi pro 12. Crap sounds! And i mean it!

[@jazzjeffjazzjeff]

The more I listen to this instrument, the more I am reminded of my 1990’s Kurzweil K 2000, which was a constant disappointment.

[@kicksNCY]

Too bad the different ambiance samples are already keymapped... make them impossible to play them in poly mode, so in tune with a tuned synth or instrument

[@manny7662]

You can if you select the sample you wish to play and then press the sample stretch. That will allow you to play it chromatically.

[@kicksNCY]

@@manny7662 thanks for explaining!! good news

[@JT-jd5xs]

I am trying to justify this board because I think the samples through an analog signal path idea is really on point. Bottom line. I am just not sold on the sound. I think going with those bogus 8dio samples was a weird unforced error. They just leave a bad taste in my mouth for some reason. They are just not in sync with what a Prophet is supposed to "be" I think. I guess their not....... "valuable" is the word I am looking for. Here's the solution. I say just remake the Prophet VS exactly like the original but expand the memory to accept big libraries of samples or waves before the analog signal path. Maybe an effects section and a simple sequencer. Done. The original Prophet VS was a masterpiece. Looked/sounded absolutely awesome. Case closed. For what it's worth I am however happy with the new Prophet 5. That passes the sniff test. Worth three grand in my eyes.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Add your own samples. Case closed.

[@pfmmodule5144]

Turn some knobs and abuse the mod matrix, that’s where the magic really happens

[@briann5001]

These sounds are useless by themselves … the magic in the presets

[@dancarter5595]

I'm completely underwhelmed.

[@bigdaddy4302]

did you buy a prophet x 😲

[@TimShoebridge]

Big Daddy At this precise moment it’s not a purchase, I have some time to decide whether to lose a kidney or not ;)

[@bigdaddy4302]

@@TimShoebridge haha.. Its one hell of a synth.. I have my eye on a Roland V synth GT.

[@Art-zs6sl]

@@TimShoebridge Thanks for doing this!! Did you keep it?

[@nathanbell6962]

Sounds no better than omnisphere in my humble opinion.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

omnishiphere of course gets super deep. This is about having that filter PER VOICE, plus in stereo. Theres never been such a piece of hardware.

[@TruthTube777]

I wondered this too but a friend got a PX and we compared the two and found that the Prophet X is completely in another league sonically. I love Omnisphere for what it is (even though it is getting dated), but comparing them side by side really made me realize how much better the PX sounds. So much so that I ended up buying a PX and it has replaced several of my hardware synths that I didn't think I'd ever get rid of. It's really a next-level machine once you dive into it. It continually blows my mind.

[@mrautomatech2329]

@@TruthTube777 Please, tell me more man! Are you still enjoying it? I’m really torn whether or not I should grab one myself.

[@EarthnikNews]

Gee Tim you could have saved all an hour and a half if you had just come out and told us you think the synth is shit from the beginning. Forgive me, but I completely disagree with you!

[@keithbarnhart6952]

So in other words, an inferior version of Omnisphere in a keyboard form. I cant say I like how sounds are demonstrated in this video.( I am being VERY kind) Also, I fail to see the point of demoing one-shot sounds.Anyone can sample a sound and play it back. Most of the presets I hear in this video are pretty lame and old-school. ID much rather here how these sounds can be layered, cross modulated, granulated and morphed, and with the synthesizer section.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

once you get what the synth can do, then whats left to find out about it, other then to own one and make music? Hearing what the samples sound like. Thats all this is, just a way for us to hear what the samples are like. Others have explained what the sample mangling possibilities are, or what the filters sound like. This is useful in its own way. I, for example, want to to hear how lively are the samples, are they single sample, cheezy, or are many of the sounds truly multi sampled and alive sounding?