Description

Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer: A Revolutionary Synth for Modern Music Production

The Prophet-5, the classic analog synthesizer from the late 1970s, is back in a new form – the Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer. This new compact version is designed to bring the sounds and workflow of the original Prophet-5 synth to modern music production. This article explores the features, specs, and usability of the Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer.

Overview:

The Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer is a 5-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer module that comes packed with all the legendary sounds that made the original Prophet-5 synth such a game-changer. The synth features two multi-waveform oscillators, a white/pink noise generator, a resonant low-pass filter, and independent ADSR envelopes per voice. The Prophet-5 also has a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) with a dedicated envelope generator, and polyphonic modulation capabilities.

Features:

The Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer has several features that make it a powerful and intuitive synth. The first feature is the Poly Chain functionality that allows users to connect up to five Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizers to create a 25-voice polyphonic synth. The synth also features a true-analog signal path that preserves the warmth and character of the original Prophet-5 synth. The Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer also boasts a velocity-sensitive, 49-note Fatar keybed that offers a responsive and natural playing experience.

The synth has a seamless integration into modern music production workflows with MIDI and USB connectivity. The synth can also be controlled through software, such as the Arturia Analog Lab V and Prophet-5 V softsynths. Moreover, DAW users can also use the Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer as a standalone instrument or as a VST, AU, or AAX plugin.

Sound:

The Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer’s sound is unmistakably reminiscent of its predecessor, the Prophet-5. The synth generates warm, fat, and complex analog tones that are perfect for creating vintage-style synth leads, basses, pads, and sound effects. The synth can also be used to produce modern and complex sounds that are perfect for electronic dance music, ambient, and experimental genres.

The Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer can also easily emulate sounds from classic songs and albums from the ’70s and ’80s, such as Prince’s When Doves Cry and New Order’s Blue Monday.

Usability:

The Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer is user-friendly, and the controls are easy to access and tweak. The synth’s front panel is well organized with intuitive knobs, buttons, and LEDs that allow users to navigate through the synth’s parameters with ease. The synth’s presets offer a great starting point, and users can also save their own sounds using the 500 onboard presets.

Conclusion:

The Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer is a remarkable synth that delivers the iconic sounds of the original Prophet-5 in a compact and modern form factor. The synth’s features, specs, and usability make it an excellent choice for music producers and synth enthusiasts, both new and experienced. The Prophet-5 Desktop Synthesizer’s affordable price point ($1,499) and its ability to integrate seamlessly into modern music production workflows make it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a classic, warm-sounding analog synth.

Prophet-5 Desktop properties