Vintage vs Modern Synths - Prophet 5 vs Prophet 6: The definitive comparison

[@VultureCulture]

The best comparison videos in the synth space on KZbin. Thank you for your incredible content!

[@StarskyCarr]

High praise indeed :)

[@KarlSadler]

Thanks for this video, I ended up going with the prophet 5, and you did an awesome overview of the some of the precision this instrument can make, thank you. BTW Prophet 5 does have a hold switch, you just need to change the global setting of the release button on the panel. I use this quite a lot when tuning sounds.

[@uv77mc85]

Thanks. I didn't know it had a hold.

[@nabooka316]

Easy choice - the P5 has more wood!

[@gergokovacs3332]

Unless you want ti carry 14 kg

[@JOExMxPOOLE]

You broke the code

[@davids.688]

Yes ... but does the Prophet 6 GIVE you more wood?

[@RayyMusik]

I call mine ‘The Furniture‘.

[@Septeemberpain]

Haha

[@jazzjeffjazzjeff]

Just a brilliant review! You explained the inexplicable! Both beautiful instruments! My recent (2 months ago) purchase of the P6 made me nervous when the P5 appeared......I am still thrilled with the 6, and, admittedly lusting a little for her older cousin P5.

[@Blackeyedangel]

yo, me too! I bought the P6 about two months before they announced the P5.4 and my heart sank... but once the GAS wore off, I love my P6 and won't sell it. Someday I might get my hands on a P5.4.

[@jazzjeffjazzjeff]

@@Blackeyedangel I am thinking about it AGAIN! 3 months later!

[@Blackeyedangel]

@@jazzjeffjazzjeff I know m'man, it's a realllllllllllllly nice synth. but the P6 still has so much to it. I've considered buying an OB6 instead to compliment my P6. I think that's maybe a larger sonic palette? awww who am I kidding?

[@jazzjeffjazzjeff]

@@Blackeyedangel I've been considering selling off some stuff so i can add a OB6 to the P6, but am tempted to go for the P5 desktop, which is somewhat reasonable!

[@Blackeyedangel]

@@jazzjeffjazzjeff yeah I've thought the EXACT same thing. haha. but I used to own the OB6 and P6 as desktops and sold them to get a P6 full key.... I don't regret it because there is something about the machine being all tied together with a nice keyboard. but I'm definitely thinking about still going with the OB6 full keyboard and just not having a P5. I mean I LOVE the p5 sound, but it's not THAT much different than the p6. in a mix, I just don't think you could tell. The only thing that bums me out is I don't have those huge Potentiometers. I feel like that's a reason in and of it'self to get the P5.4. Those huge knobs!!!!! they must be SO fun to play.

[@chandeleerjet5637]

“Everything I’m not made me everything I am.” - Prophet 5

[@TheAstroKid]

I’m pretty proud that I have the Prophet~6, the Pro~5 is still legendary

[@Genital.Wartzenegger]

8:22 gave me goosebumps. Prophet 5 just got added to my list of things to get holy moly.

[@RayyMusik]

9:55 You can set the P5 to round robin voice alloc as well.

[@StarskyCarr]

Yeah that came out in OS2.0 later. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@jettsom]

The Prophet 6 is more capable for sure and sounds great but man the Prophet 5 has that nostalgia factor, is more lush sounding and looks way better. I vote for the P5.

[@sonicneutronic]

I will be acquiring a Prophet 5 one day in the future, but I will not let my Prophet 6 go....... I adore it. for those that think the Prophet 6 filter steps - (not you Starsky ;) ) The Self resonant "stepping" on the filter is "Quantization". It only does this when it is self resonating - in the top 10% of the resonance and its totally deliberate to lock on to quantized notes. The filter itself does not step at all. - drop the resonance to below 85% and you will not get that "quantization effect" at all.

[@StarskyCarr]

Good point... :) I wish I’d worded it better now. When I’m messing with them later using chords you can’t hear it with the resonance in around 50-60%. Maybe I should’ve pointed it out at that point.

[@MrCowfood]

Bbbut, this seems to be "feature". Was this a feature on the original p5's? I honestly want to know.

[@wurlinnawurl]

@@MrCowfood yes

[@MrCowfood]

@@wurlinnawurl I did see this thread out on gs yesterday, coincidence? Apparently yes. Run just noise with q all the way up (for max stepping) og p5, p5r4, p6 etc all have it.

[@sonicneutronic]

Turns out 2 years later that I did let my Prophet 6 go and get a Prophet 5. For me the P5 absolutely smokes the P6 sonically.

[@jasonwebster6397]

I’m relieved at watching this. I too am lusting after a P5 or P10 but already have a P6. Money is tight. I had the crazy thought of selling my P6 and my beloved Poly Evolver PEK which I rarely use to fund the P10, but after testing my PEK ready for sale I started to fall in love with it again, and the voices in my head were saying DON’T SELL!’. And now after watching this, I think I’m happy to stick with the Pro 6. (Although if I had the money, I would no doubt have all three).

[@kierenmoore3236]

26:58 … this convinced me to buy a P5/10, so I can make the same sound as the ‘grenade’ button on the electronic keyring I owned as a kid … 😎👌🏼

[@StarskyCarr]

Well worth buying just for that tone 😂😂

[@brettlarson3504]

“It really makes a difference having a nice, big, chunky knob.” Couldn’t agree more!!!

[@decimal1815]

Would be curious to know thoughts about these synths from a long-term owner perspective, two years on. Did you keep them, what do you use each of them for, etc? Thanks for the excellent channel.

[@eventualinfinity3862]

I had a Prophet-6, sold it a year later. Had a Take 5, sold it a year later. I got a Prophet-10 and have no plans to sell. There’s something about the raw tone and overall experience. The interface, size of the knobs, filter modes, simplicity and ease of use make it a clear winner above the other Prophets I’ve used. Also, keep in mind I work in the box, so in my DAW I can track multiple takes for layering/spread, use a sequencer, arp and FX. If you need any of those out of the box and in a self contained unit, I’d say go for a P6. P10 is the ultimate Prophet for the studio setting IMO.

[@rubenzemog]

Trigon 6 vs Prophet 5 vs Rev 2 :) your comparisons are the best

[@danfloresmusic]

Great comparison! I’d take the P6 any day over the 5. The stereo feature on itself adds tons of width to my live set and makes chords easier to fit on the mix.

[@hammondvoodoo9555]

IMHO, the basic tone and built quality of the P5 Rev 4 appears to be superior to the P6 and adding a nice reverb with stereo outs does the trick for me. Of course, it's a matter of taste.

[@davebellamy4867]

9:56 Plus with the round robin on the same note repeated on the P6, if you put Hold on, you end up with all 6 voices playing the same note!

[@jansonrawlings8169]

If only there were some sort of like, unison button that could accomplish this

[@marcuswilespage]

I own a P6 and I’m in love with it but I played a P5 the other day and wow. Just wow. So good. Definitely a difference to my ears. That being said if I can only own one it’s still gonna be the 6. Just way more utility for less money, and it still sounds amazing! Pretty ballsy to put a mono out and no effects on a synth that costs that much, but I respect it. Definitely more of a studio tool, whereas my keyboards tend to be 50/50 live and studio work.

[@jakeward3209]

Did you copy what Matt Johnson said?lol

[@marcuswilespage]

@@jakeward3209 lol nah but that’s funny, we probably just use ours in much the same way

[@jakeward3209]

@@marcuswilespage nice!! Also question for you since you own one but I’m looking to buy my first hardware synth and I have logic so I’ve mostly been working on alchemy synth. Would you recommend the prophet 6 for a first synth

[@marcuswilespage]

@@jakeward3209 if you have the money for it then yeah, it’s very easy to get your head around and does a lot of things. But it’s not cheap. Definitely a professional level instrument. You should also look at the Rev2. Also sounds fantastic and has a lot more options in the way of modulation. If you’re used to soft synths, especially alchemy, then you may appreciate the greater modulation possibilities. I prefer the P6 sound, but the Rev2 does more for less money. I’ll end up owning one before too long.

[@jakeward3209]

@@marcuswilespage yeah I’m definitely looking for that vintage sound without breaking the bank too much and then just using alchemy for the more modulation heavy stuff. I was also looking at the udo super 6 but I haven’t heard anyone make any patches that sound as vintage as the prophet 6

[@neilloughran4437]

Let's face it... the Prophet 6 is much more capable of a wider variety of sounds than the P5... however... at least for me the P5 is the stuff of dreams and the whole look, feeling and vibe of the P5 is what its all about... there is a bit of extra mojo with the P5... After watching this I think P6 owners will be pleased that 90-95% of the main sound is there. Personally, I'm glad to be living the dream of owning a working P5. :)

[@downpatmusic]

Biggest difference is 10 voices of the P10 and ability to use the sustain pedal. After that as Carr illustrates is the low end of the P5/10 that goes lower and fuller. I agree here with what seems to be a warmer sound to the P5/10. One reviewer (JP30 I think) uses the P6 for lightweight benefit for live, and keeps the heavier P5/10 for studio use at home. I'd choose the P10 for more voices and the ability to use that sustain pedal for those clean like chord transitions of that analog sound. An analog piano effect!

[@suereed]

@Luke Thats why I sold a Prophet 12, I could never dial out the metal. Too edgy.

[@modulationmusiclibrary]

For months I ignored the Prophet 5 rev4 because I thought 'the P6 can do what it does' then I went down to Perfect Circuit and tried the Prophet 5... wow. Playing that thing is an experience. The P6 is great, the P5re4 is something else. But not for everyone. Great vid!

[@peterldelong]

I just paid my Sweetwater account to zero (first time in 11 years) and this happens. Thanks Dave.

[@majorsynthqed7374]

I feel your pain. I have the Prophet-6 and a DSI Rev2 16-voice, with money going to Sweetwater.

[@dannyanalog4423]

P5 is the shit i'm proude to be a owner. The next synth is definitiv not the p6(but he's very cool too), my next sequential is the ob 6

[@rok_koritnik]

P5 sounds punchier due to voice allocation. Wile P5 starts with a defined attack, the P6 starts with a ZZZ. If P6 didn't have round-robin voice allocation it would sound quite close to P5 probably. I have to say, that I'm surprised at how good P5 sounds. Dry, no fx and it sounds wow. Not much EQ needed. Just add a good delay/reverb and it's probably heaven, what to speak about a good analog stereo chorus! It's expensive, but I'd say that even if it's severely limited, the sound is worth it. Lately I've been thinking that it's worth spending a couple thousand bucks for two great sounding, complimentary analogs, and use software for complex digital stuff. I might buy P5 one day. Thanks for the great comparison.

[@bbiyikoglu]

Regarding "round robin": If you press the same key again (while it was in release stage) on the Prophet 5, the same "voice" is allocated again.

[@tobyb8511]

Very thoughtful and detailed comparisons without playing to spec's and 'scope's or invoking magic and mojo ... learned lots ... for me the pendulum swung heavily towards all the P6 has "additionally" ... but this is informed rather than speculative ... and I can maybe get why some might swing the other way. Great stuff!

[@communitycraft3187]

Absolutely bonkers to think they sound the same, I've had a Prophet-6 for years, and the second I heard the New Reissues, I literally almost cried at the sound.. My Prophet-10 is just unreal, it's the best sounding instrument that I have ever owned... Go ahead and close your eyes, do a "taste test".. if you can't hear the right one, you probably should still with VSTs

[@rhye999]

Hey Mr Starsky, I was curious about your comment on the capability of the P6 vs P5 polymod. I have been testing extensively and noticed that on the P6, osc 2 does indeed alter the pitch of osc1 as much as the P5 IF you go to negative values (I know it doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense...). You tried it in the video without success but I promise it is doing it on my P6. Maybe something changed after the last update or maybe you need to go through the calibration routine? Perhaps that also explains why you were having issues with the patch at 50:00 The Filter Env can’t indeed go as high in the P6 as the P5 (gets to 70% exactly) but it somewhat makes up to it by being able to do negative and go in the opposite direction

[@arizzoschettino]

Thanks for this video: very detailed and exactly what I was looking for. I am working on a commission project that is using a lot of Prophet-inspired sounds (it's awesome when the project manager strictly points to sounds that make yo go: aaaaaah Prophet!) and I told myself: "why not waste part of the budget with a real Prophet?". I know that now one has to take into account that they added the "vintage" knob thing on the Prophet-6 via OS update.. I think I cannot live without the feature of the P-6 because I grew up with records and references in soundtracks that used "software" versions of the Prophets, which basically had what the P-6 implements on hardware. So I couldn't actually do what I wanna do on a P-5 (lack of HP, no arpeggiator, no morphing oscillators, no sub). Can't thank you enough for this!

[@audioartisan]

I know it might sound like a simple feature, but I prefer the voice allocation of the Prophet 6. It gives you more of an organic feel for playing evolving Arp textures IMO. But the Piano response pedal feature of the Prophet 5 is equally as good. Tough choice in the end. I want them both :D ...Excellent comparison, your in depth attention to detail is stunning to behold ...thank you!

[@ncapone87]

They've since updated the Prophet 5 to be able to switch between normal voice allocation and round robin allocation like on the Prophet 6. I haven't used it yet

[@iaamusic1121]

That was a really great review Starsky - the detail was exactly what I wanted - from your tests I'd say there is a depth to the P5 - which you noted a couple of times - which I think was down to the filter rather than the core oscillators - not sure but that's what I wondered. I also felt the P6 filter was brighter from the off and I think that would affect tone too if you didn't modulate the P5 one further. Either way I think the two sound different enough to justify keeping both.....or even buying both!

[@MickaLuna]

Such well thought comparison, thanks. Overall I find the P5 having more body, presence, and slightly bigger bottom and and rich tone. The P6 is great, but tone wise I think the P5 still got it.

[@snuppssynthchannel]

I am in general impressed with how well the Prophet 6 stands on its own against what is one of the all-time top 5 polys.

[@wurlinnawurl]

I think the prophet 6 will be remembered as one of the best in this time period.. it still holds is own with anything and I still haven't found a synth I like more. It is very special..

[@snuppssynthchannel]

@@wurlinnawurl I agree!

[@bcbcbcbcbc]

In your voice allocation section I think what we're hearing is the way the P6 voices are not all set to exactly the same values from the front panel controls. The best way to hear it is to initialize a patch, hold one key, then move OSC1 shape to all the way to the left to triangle so there are very few harmonics. Then move OSC1 shape slowly until you start to hear harmonics. If you stop as soon as you hear higher harmonics, then play the same key repeatedly, you will hear that not all voices are set to the same waveshape - and it repeats every six notes, so you can hear it's the oscillator waveshape having the effect. To make is really obvious, hit record on the sequencer and record one note. Then hit play. You can hear a rhythm as the note repeats. You may have to turn up the amp attack a little as the "clickiness" of the envelopes is also inconsistent between the voices. If amp attack is at zero you can hear a different amount of click if you hit the same note repeatedly.

[@StarskyCarr]

That’s exactly right. It’s easy to hear when turning the resonance up as well, the filter is often tuned slightly differently per voice

[@marcuswilespage]

@@StarskyCarr do you think this was done intentionally?

[@StarskyCarr]

@@marcuswilespage no, calibration gets them closer. But this is an inevitable effect of having analog boards where tolerances are ever so slightly different on each voice - hence the 'analog' sound and endless discussions re: VCO vs DCO vs VA vs digital vs hybrid etc etc :)

[@marcuswilespage]

@@StarskyCarr yes of course. When I commented this I was watching the patch comparison with the self oscillating filter with FM and how it was out of tune on the P6. But I guess the reason why it wasn’t out on the P5 is because of the voice allocation right?

[@StarskyCarr]

@@marcuswilespage aaah... got you. That was so hard to match. The P6 just kept on drifting, and trying to tune the filter was really hard as the pot on the P6 didn't want to stop on the correct position. As the filter pot is stepped to semitones it kept on detuning. As far as I recall it wasn't voice allocation, but the filter control that was the problem... oh and the slightly different voices on the P6 that I couldn't control as well (maybe just because its a few years older than the P5).

[@balajirao8426]

Follow up thoughts needed!

[@htenza]

Nice one ! And the unboxing was great 👍 thx

[@GNeuman]

@49:13 reminds me of a patch used in the film "Scanners"

[@thesrabbit]

I can’t really see what wave shape you’re using, but at 32:34, try setting VCO 2 to a square wave and then see if you can get it all the way up to where it’s in tune with VCO 1. That worked on my OB-6.

[@fuenstock]

You speak about the prophet 10 keyboard interface and controls playing into your feelings between the 2. I wonder if you’d feel the same if it was the prophet 6 desktop vs prophet 5/10 desktop?

[@StarskyCarr]

I wonder...🤔

[@elle.w.p]

Would be interesting to see how similar the circuits are between them. Does the P5 have discrete voice circuits? I also wonder if they are near identical bar the vintage / rev knob & selector. ? Quite a premium to pay if that’s the case ?

[@MadelnMachines]

It would be really good to see a comparison now the Prophet 6 has vintage mode.

[@StarskyCarr]

I think I made a demo of the P6 vintage mode. It can now act the same as the P5 but it doesn’t change anything else. In other words the video would be the same. Except it would have more similar vintage modes :) . kzbin.info/www/bejne/goq7n6CBf9N4gac

[@Iofflight78]

I can see why people are keeping both even though they are close. I had the same reaction to the moog voyager mini D though they don't sound as close to one another as the p5/6 do.

[@budfoon]

I got the slew rate mod for my voyager - which took its tone to the model D for me. No regrets. Now i've got a Model D with memory and many more bells & whistles.

[@Iofflight78]

@@budfoon did you have that done in the states? At the time I looked at having it done it had to be shipped to the UK I think.

[@budfoon]

@@Iofflight78 Yes - i had it done by Moog in Ashville, NC.

[@DaraM73]

Omg clash of the Titans! Mr Carr outdoes himself again!

[@intheblink]

I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for a comparison like this between the P5 and P6... or, actually I guess it’s just been since the P6 came out 😂 I owned a P6 for some time and enjoyed it, but always longed for a 5 and it’s nice to see this and confirm it wasn’t all in my head. Feel like I would miss certain features of the 6, but the 5 is just a set instrument and I love that. Hope to get one soon!

[@idobabayoff]

Both of them great. 6 have lot more options. But as i said both of them sound like a dream. Great review.

[@ElektronicCricket]

I think … if they make the prophet6 like the 5 ( big knobs, wood, … ) it’s gone be a difficult choice. Between those two, it’s all about what you prefer as a musician

[@rhye999]

Have you tried the new Vintage knob update for the Prophet 6? You should do a new comparison between 5 and 6 😊

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks, no I didn't realise there was an update. I'll check it out.

[@tommyg5095]

@@StarskyCarr The update turns the slop knob, into the vintage knob, this update is applicable to both the P6 and the OB-6.

[@BeanyBeanyBeanster]

Great comparison! REALLY useful (for me at least) Ther P5 sounds richer & smoother with more body. But I think I'll stick with my P6, for now... :)

[@emptyfame7141]

@Luke I agree, but I tried Loopop's blind test and consistently got them wrong. Lmao, perfect wrong score, so I guess I should stick with the P6. Congrats to all the lucky P5 owners though!!!

[@Septeemberpain]

Impeccable comparison

[@soundseven2514]

That self osc FM sound on the P5 at 00:50:06 😍

[@wurlinnawurl]

I'm not sure if it helps, but I have found when you fm the oscillator in the negative while fm it from the lfo as well you can get the fm ratio up to a full octave on the prophet 6. I'm sure it still doesn't have the range of the prophet 5, which I guess is by design, but still useful I think.

[@StarskyCarr]

Yeah thanks… I’ve noticed that too. I tried the same on the OB6 but it doesn’t seem to do it the same.

[@hammondvoodoo9555]

Hi there, thanks for this very elaborate video. The P5 is the better instrument. Not only does it sound better but it has a keyboard of proper size and the haptics are just superior. When DS got the name "sequential" back from Yamaha I thought that it would only be a matter of time before we see the reintroduction of the P5. IMHO, the P10 Rev4 and the Moog One are currently the biggest rivals for the crown of best polyphonic synth.

[@kierenmoore3236]

This comment must have been just before the OB-X8 came out … ?! 😉

[@DerekPower]

I remember it was pondered that with this version, there would be an option to upgrade it by adding a second voice card and thus you get 10 voices inside something labelled Prophet-5. But I’m not sure if that is available and how it could be achieved, especially since you are in the UK.

[@DerekPower]

Personally, if I had access to a nice revenue stream, I would get the Prophet 10 and a Prophet 6 in a module form. Actually, I would get a lot more but I also want to be a little bit sensible 😉

[@sound4label]

Hello @StarskyCarr, it is possible to get the same 3D space and width using FX pedals versus a stereo OB6 or P6 please ? P5 seems ticker but it's mono so I can't decide which way to go thanks :)

[@АндрейОстапенко-н4ч]

Prophet 5 sounds perfect and makes you feel admired! Prophet 6 sounds like he has drawbacks in comparison and causes love ❤️

[@richardharrow1946]

What???

[@alfiedotwtf]

Starsky reviews the synth end game, Where viewers cheered and wallets cried out in pain

[@Geepstar]

It is so often that you have exactly what I am looking for. Thanks again!! What I am wondering, the click knobs sound very cheap plastic clicky. Is that the fact? Or just sounding like it on the vid?

[@StarskyCarr]

I've never noticed anything feeling cheap. The mic does tend to pick these things up, especially as the vocal track get compressed, so they sound more obtrusive in the video than in reality.

[@oriomenoni7651]

All people comparing the P5 with the P6 or Rev2 motivate their preference for P5 with sentences like "there is something special in the P5, I don't know what it is"... Couldn't it simply be suggestion? The awesomeness of the myth? In other words, psychological factor? To me, the sound of the more recent synths feels about the same, but the more recent synths have more modulation capabilities, and those are far more measurable and far more important than the "impression of turning valves"... just my opinion.

[@barrnycharlton8951]

i completely agree there are very few patches which seem to actually be different when you close your eyes it’s hard to tell. The only one i noticed was the patch comparison where he mentioned the round robin mode.

[@vybore9494]

20:46 you almost recreated the superpower pickup sound from Super Mario World

[@MC-kp1hw]

I can tell you right now that the P5 has a much bigger and more powerful sound than the P6. Im listening through ATH-M50x headphones. It's an unreal synth. Its a shame about no FX section on the P5 but I can live with that due to its sound. Amazing

[@kierenmoore3236]

No loss - FX on Synths tend to suck (and Sequential/DSI are generally no exception) … … … the Summit’s reverb, in particular, is the exception that proves the rule …

[@owenkitto27]

For the money I would get a p6 and the 6 desk top and link together for 12 voice…. I have my 6 today and it’s unreal

[@DuaLeaD]

@Starsky Carr Fantastic video! I have to admit I'm a sucker for vintage reissue gear (hence my Gibson Custom Shop 1965 Firebird VII Reissue seen in my avatar LOL). I think I may get the Prophet-10 but it is very hard to give up some of those Prophet-6 features. I was gonna replace my Prophet '08 with a Prophet '08 Rev2 but now I'm thinking the Prophet-6 or Prophet-10 would be a better upgrade due to having rich VOLTAGE-controlled oscillators. I've heard so many professional live musicians swear by the Prophet-6 saying it would be their "Desert Island Synth" if they could only live with one. Any thoughts?

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks. I’m keeping both ... for now and seeing what I’d miss most :)

[@kierenmoore3236]

Rev2 is a good upgrade on the old ‘08 … but you need the 16-voice … Then you ‘need’ the P10, as well … 😉

[@mauricelabbe518]

I got a prophet 5 and a prophet 08 they sound like a dream together ones I get the voice expansion on my 5 it should sound even better

[@kiko1935]

Great video Starsky. The 5 sounds incredible, no doubt, but the decision to make it mono is very disappointing. P6 unison detune with stereo spread is just insanely phat. I guess they left it out of the P5 for "purity's" sake but if it's an optional feature what's the harm in including it? $4k for a mono output synth in 2020?

[@StarskyCarr]

Its odd isn't it - how things are done for purity's sake. Could they have added a HP and not affected the sound if it's not in use? How about some FX? ... they certainly have them ready to go.. If you don't use them, its a P5... if you do its a P5 with FX. I think they just decided to stop at anything an original didn't have... the vintage knob is an addition but it takes the sound back to older unstable revisions, and it can only sound like a p5... not an enhanced P5... is that a P6?

[@urh8523]

I think that Dave Smith decided that his new prophet 5 should be as the same like the old one like the rev3. I think it is a good decision. It seems that he also focused on the real prophet 5 sound with it's original features. Just like in the old days with it's big nobs hard to find on other modern synth' s.

[@SamuelLaflamme]

@@StarskyCarr I can't wait for a P6 Rev 2 with 5 octaves keyboard, Vintage Knob, P5 Rev1-2 and rev 3 filters, and big knobs! You might think I'm a dreamer, but I'm certainly not the only one! ;)

[@johnnybegood2693]

@@StarskyCarr That is a really good question I ask myself now.. wasn't the P6 designed as a beefed up P5?? The P6 has discrete oscillators and filters.. maybe there is a higher resolution to them because of that (more high and low end in general?) compared to the "chip"-sound of the P5 (more midrangey, 'compressed')... my understanding was that discrete designs are more sophisticated and better servicable - is there a contradiction in this case now, I wonder..? When you switch both on do you always recognize instant/more magic in the P5?? That concerns me as a P6 player... :)))

[@alpao74]

@ghost mall I agree. Features are nothing compared to the sound. And yes, for some reason it sounds a lot better.

[@eightysboy4]

to me the biggest difference is the envelope on the P5...it bites harder. You can hear it at 3.30...hell all over this video. Its like the attack is shorter on the p5. Im not sure if he had the p6 attack at zero. But the p6 continuously just sounds smoother/more lame at the start of the keypresses....id sure love to know why. Especially if this P5 now has digital envelopes as well?

[@korkyk6901]

Nice of Sequential to place a nice piece of wood for you to put the text on........ great video thanks.

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha... it’s always a challenge!

[@oriomenoni7651]

Regarding 12:06 I think even without that button you could have bought the 10 and simply make a split patch to have only 5 voices assigned to that patch you want to use...

[@StarskyCarr]

Not at the time. It’s a recent update

[@eikarumba429]

Great review and compare - thanks

[@evildead2002]

Excellent! Ugh I still really want one lol. If you got the Prophet 5 - 10 voice. Is there a way to cap it at 5 polyphony?

[@DerekPower]

Just play five notes at any one time 😉

[@evildead2002]

Derek Power would it still voice steal like the 5 though?

[@DerekPower]

@@evildead2002 Not sure. Again, I am not sure if the option to add a second voice card is even there.

[@SPAZZOID100]

@@evildead2002 why would you want it to???

[@evildead2002]

Spazzoid Studio it’s explained in both Starsky’s videos about the prophet 5. Voice stealing. Even though it’s a limitation it also has advantages with sound and can give a synth it’s entire quality. The 10 would be nice as no one has ever really had 10 voices on a P5 before, just a select few who could afford it back in the day. So it’s kind of new territory which is fun. But it’s nice to have the option for both, the P5 was good enough for bands like Radiohead, Grace Jones and Talking Heads, so maybe 5 is enough 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@larsuk9578]

Great video and detailed comparison. Just got a P6 and love it. As much as i’d love a P5, I think 5 voices is a bit limiting (and the 10 beyond budget). Didn’t like the 4 octaves keyboard on the P6 so took the module and paired with a 76keys keyboard. To me the P6 has enough Prophet 5 spirit with a few added bonuses. @Starsky Carr: which one did you keep in the end?

[@StarskyCarr]

Thanks… I’ve kept both!! Haha… still making a decision. But the P6 is the more practical so likely to be the most long lived here

[@kierenmoore3236]

Agreed. I’m getting P10 … and if I pick up a P6 as well, then it will be the module version.

[@fromcodex]

Unbiased opinion here, I did notice whenever I personally liked the P5 more it was due to louder volume hahaha. But then again I don’t know much about synths, Im just here for fun.

[@tommyfeinstoff]

So this was shot before the the prophet 6 got the vintage Mode Update right? Does it react in the same way as the prophet 5 by now?

[@StarskyCarr]

I think I’ve got a video demoing it :)

[@johnpaulpatton9786]

Could some of the differences in sound come down to the single vs left & right outputs? The P5 seems more direct and focused to me, almost like a mono synth.

[@StarskyCarr]

I have them both mono only so I wouldn’t think so. I made the patches from initial tones, so the spread function hasn’t been used. Good point though.

[@johnpaulpatton9786]

@@StarskyCarr as always, you're thinking ahead!

[@StarskyCarr]

@@johnpaulpatton9786 haha either that or I wondered why the sounds where changing volumes when I was prepping the vid!!

[@marko1790]

Any chance of an addendum video now that "vintage mode" is released for P6, or do you have any comments if you've tried it out?

[@marko1790]

Oh crap, didn't have comments sorted by date and missed that this was already asked.

[@Emilio-HLZ]

is awesome, completely different behaviour compared to the slop function

[@peterfletcher2931]

Is the out of tune/chorusy sound you have on the P6 in voice allocation due to having the 'vintage' knob turned up? Can you really not make all the voices in tune like the P5?

[@StarskyCarr]

I made this a couple of years ago so can’t remember what I said and in what context. If you send me the timestamp I’ll take a look.

[@Howdy606]

To my ears the Prophet 5 has 'that' mojo. The Prophet 6 doesn't. You generally buy a Prophet for 'that' sound, not features. (well at least that's how I see it). Prophet 6 is a cool synth, but its not a Prophet 5.

[@wolfpackpresets]

Proud owner of a Prophet 6 🐺

[@tommyg5095]

Same

[@Andre_Kolodziej]

Forgot that the P5 is Mono ? and the P6 Stereo ?

[@StarskyCarr]

No, that’s obvious and anyone listening can hear that. Also it’s listed in the specs. I don’t reiterate every specification, that would take hours of boring monotonous monologues reading lists of technical details. In these videos I demo what you’d listen to or try yourself if you had them next to each other. The differences you can’t read, the things you need to hear.

[@Gamervidsman2000]

Prophet-5 still sounds like it has nicer tonalities to it. The sounds sound the same and similar. But where they're separated, is in the quality. P6 sounds 10-15% worse than the P5.

[@decimal1815]

Always curious to hear differences when playing chords rather than single notes. But everyone likes a big chunky knob.

[@DestroyER82]

Out of curiousity... isnt there any macro / "secret" button to change voice allocation method from cycle to hold on P6, maybe worth even asking Sequential support?

[@DestroyER82]

@Luke I do fully understand, it changes way of performing quite a lot. On my old trusty Oberheim Matrix you can choose voice allocation method for every patch/preset (so somewhere I have cycle and somewhere hold as needed for used patch). That should definitly be industry standard in 2020, no doubt.

[@MusicZtorm]

Hi, thanks for the video ! Any plan for an update of this review with the new "vintage knob"/slop/detune of the firmware update 1.6.4 for the P6/OB6 ? Have a good day :)

[@StarskyCarr]

I’ve made a quick demo of the fu cation in the P6 - not gone into too much depth though.

[@MusicZtorm]

@@StarskyCarr Yes ! thank you :) have a nice day and see you on the next vidéo ;)

[@MusicZtorm]

@@StarskyCarr btw, nice outfit ! ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKO2l5ari7Opm80

[@barrnycharlton8951]

To me the only difference is the polymod which is a proper bummer i think it’s worth upgrading purely for the extra range.

[@iguisard]

P6 has more options, but having more options doesn't make it better or worse. I tend to agree when you have fewer options you focus more on creating. Also, the P5 can achieve all the extra options with effects and other controllers, the P6 can never achieve the voicing of a P5. I'd say grab one before it is out of production again, for good.

[@Paulie1978100]

Long time subber to the channel , man can you give me some advice on this please , I have the mini v about 2 weeks, good little VST. I checked my bank account today and got an income tax rebate a few grand! happy days. Question is . I originally wanted the Kord minilogue xd, now I can afford it, Obviously I won't have midi editing since its audio. Should I buy one or stick with the Mini v? Any help appreciated.

[@StarskyCarr]

Hi, the Minilogue XD is great. You get 2 analog oscillators plus the digital one, as well as a rally dirty analog filter. You should also be able to use it to control the Mini V, which will open that up as well! The digital osc is great for playing with wavetable stuff like Plaits so that gives an extra dimension. I think it’s great. Highly recommended. You could, of course also go for another VA but there’s something about a standalone synth that entices you to experiment and to develop your programming skills. ... there is a 3rd party MIdI editor, for about €7 .. but once you start playing with the hardware you soon drop playing with them anyway.

[@Paulie1978100]

@@StarskyCarr Thanks very much Mr Carr, writing music 20 years, I miss the hardware, I think I'll pull the plug on the Korg, thanks man!! really appreciate your reply.

[@downpatmusic]

Yea I like that 5 note chord "crisp" chord transition and can see why you preferred the Prophet 5 over the 10 which wouldn't give you that sound. Good point. Oh Release/Hold and sustain pedal gives you that effect. Okay, yea get the 10 voice if you're going to blow the money.

[@DuaLeaD]

@Starsky Carr One more question, what is that beautiful oscilloscope app you are using?

[@StarskyCarr]

It’s part of Meldaproductions freeware app collection. Well worth picking up.

[@alm5966]

Need to watch these as quick as poss.

[@cygnusalpha5575]

Looks like you may the dark filter that got released by mistake on the P5?

[@fuenstock]

You mention the prophet 6 is more versatile. Is that because the prophet 6 is more capable of producing a wider range of sounds? Or is it more versatile just because it has added features like the sequencer, arp and effects? I do most my composing in a daw so a synths onboard effects, arp, seq are not so important to me because I do all that within my daw. I’m looking at the prophet 6 and 10 but would get the one that has a wider range of sounds.

[@StarskyCarr]

The P6 is more versatile for both those reasons. There’s a wider palette of sounds you can make with it… although not massively different. Plus the sequencer and FX are very useful.

[@fuenstock]

@@StarskyCarr Thanks! Appreciate the reply.

[@audiolego]

I’m a proud owner of the Prophet 5. Um plug-in by U-he. Am I in?

[@lukehunnable]

Im a musician and producer and seriously, they sound practically the same come on. People here saying the p6 sounds cheap in comparison either have alien ears or are bullshitting on an intergalactic level

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha.. I could live with the P6 without a P5... and surprisingly have for many happy years :)

[@vincentmccormack3629]

Sound wise, I give a very slight edge to the P5. But, I think the decision comes down to mod cons vs nostalgia, and price. The nostalgia encompassing the look and feel of the instrument. The video was great as usual, but I’m still no wiser!

[@kierenmoore3236]

No - the decision always comes down to sound (subject to finances, lol) … or, at least - it ‘should’ … !!

[@blindianajones]

I would have liked to see a vintage p5 vs the rev4. Seems like everyone with a vintage synth talks about how there is something that makes their vintage sound amazing. A rev3 P5 vs a rev5 P5 would be a more fair compare. I can get a P6 desktop under 2k. Totally understand vibe and aesthetic, but the only way I can justify the rev4 price is if I were after a vintage P5 and wanted to save the money.

[@StarskyCarr]

The problem with comparing with any vintage is that they'll all sound a bit different. Hundreds of 40 year old components all degrading at varying rates is bound to create differences in tone. I suppose the nest anyone can hope for is that it sounds like an 'as new' out of the box 1981 synth. They've put the vintage knob and detune on this as well, but again, as I mentioned in the video - what's the vintage based on? an individual synth, or a general degradation..? I suspect anyone putting this up against a specific synth would hear differences - but hopefully the overall tone is there !! I'm planning on putting it up against U-Hes Repro5 at some point just out of interest. That was modelled on a specific synth they have. I reckon if I compared their original synth against my rev 4 I'd definitely hear a difference.

[@blindianajones]

@@StarskyCarr Makes total sense about the compare to a 40 year old synth. I dont own any synth that old due to cost and maintenance. And, to be honest, I'm not sure the difference, if there is one, would come through on youtube. Ive heard sounds from 70s minimoogs, which people tout as the best or their fav, and I cannot hear the difference. As you said, there is vibe and that is not going to translate in a video. Now that you are in eurorack, how about compare videos between keyboard synths, Prophet and Moog, to modules? I've got a Worng Parallax, based on the Pro 1 filter, and love it.

[@ShaunCymruDS8]

I have always wanted a P5 and wanted this test to show the newer P6 was as good or better as it’s much cheaper and more affordable. The new P5 is sadly much more rich and I didn’t want it to be:) Christ, how the hell am I going to afford one! Good test Starsky, if I where you and one was to go in the future, your money is safe in a P5 so hang onto it with both hands.

[@jamesmeeker6933]

The trick to getting the best sonics from the P6 is carefully balancing the mixer levels and VCA amount. The sound fattens when you push the VCA, but pushing the oscillators into the mixer a bit too hard, when combined with a maxed out VCA, can sound a bit harsh.

[@davidritter3740]

Did you receive one of the early ones with the extra capacitors soldered on? That would definitely explain why the P6 sounds brighter in some places...

[@StarskyCarr]

No I’ve a later model. I think it’s just the way the filter works.. the higher frequencies are there, you just have to find them :)

[@paulosergiodossantos2100]

​@@StarskyCarrI REALLY don't think so. Please, verify it with Sequential, it's very unlikely that the filter cannot open more than you showed. Maybe some later unit may have been shipped with the capacitor... who knows?

[@auxorion]

The P6 is just crazy bright. The P5 is definitely mellower.

[@auxorion]

@@paulosergiodossantos2100 There is one significant difference I noticed (on the Prophet 5) is that you need to also raise the "ENV amount" to open up the filter fully. Whereas most synths you can just turn up the cutoff to 100% to access the full range. On the P5 you need to raise both.

[@StarskyCarr]

@@paulosergiodossantos2100 REALLY is just as I show it :)To open the filter further you need to open the envelope, as I demo. A bit like the early OB synths.

[@horder2344]

The Prophet 6 knobs go all wobbly after a while( like the Ob6). For the price you'd expect better build quality 😢

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

Does your Prophet-5 already have that repair that fixes the lower frequency response issue that Dave Smith talked about?

[@StarskyCarr]

A many people have asked this so I’ve emailed Sequential to check

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

@@StarskyCarr I think the thing that makes the 5/10 so great is that the Vintage knob not only randomly changes oscillator tuning (as on the 6), but it also affects the filter and envelopes on a per-voice basis. When I hear that used - in a tasteful way - it begins to remind me of the type of magical sounds I get from older vintage synths like my OB-8 or Memorymoog. Is it worth that kind of $$ for me to have that in a modern synth? I'm not sure. I had a 6, and am planning to get the module version soon when finances permit. I loved the sound and functionality, but if it's not gonna be a 5 octave board, I'd rather just have the module.

[@peterldelong]

If it’s serial number 196 and beyond, the filter is fixed. Straight from Dave himself.

[@hristiangeorgiev5236]

This got me a bit nervous - the tweaking on the P5 lasted much longer, comparing filter revs, it was more like a testing of P5.

[@klontart]

Wasn’t there a problem with the brightness of the first batch of P5/P10s?

[@StarskyCarr]

Yeah, but not this one. It’s just a different style of filter and control.

[@klontart]

@@StarskyCarr Ah, good to hear! Totally fine with the P5 base sound.

[@Saintlumen1]

Now, I've only spent a little time with the new Prophet 5, but I noticed it went out of tune v easily. Anyone else noticed this?

[@StarskyCarr]

Yes me!!