SEQUENTIAL PROPHET-10 REISSUE - The Old Spirit, New Possibilities

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue is not just an ordinary synthesizer. It is the rebirth of a legend that defined the sound of the 1980s and influenced generations of musicians. Sequential decided to bring this iconic instrument back to the stage, but with modern enhancements that give it a new dimension.

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue is a ten-voice version of the famous Prophet-5, meaning even greater sonic power. Thanks to authentic analog circuits, including Curtis VCOs and filters, it delivers the classic sound that is both flexible and adaptable to modern production demands.

Sound Architecture – What Makes Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue So Unique?

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue is a polyphonic analog synthesizer that combines three different versions of the Prophet-5:

•  Rev1 and Rev2 – Equipped with 2140 low-pass filters by Dave Rossum, which emulate the
   original 2040 filters.
•  Rev3 – Uses Curtis analog VCOs and filters, delivering a rich and full sound.

Thanks to the Revision switch, you can choose between two types of filters, offering maximum flexibility in shaping the sound. Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue thus provides an authentic vintage character while maintaining modern stability.

Vintage Sound and Vintage Knob – Analog Magic

One of the greatest features of Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue is the Vintage Knob, which allows users to adjust the level of analog instability.

•  Setting "4" – Stable like Prophet-5 Rev4.
•  Setting "1" – The most organic and unpredictable sound, resembling Prophet-5 Rev1.

This element adds liveliness and character to Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue, making it true to classic analog synthesizers.

Poly Mod and Enhanced Unison – The Power of Modulation

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue includes Poly Mod, a key element of Prophet-5's sound architecture.

•  Modulation sources – Filter envelope and Oscillator B.
•  Modulation targets – Oscillator A frequency, Oscillator A pulse width, low-pass filter.

Thanks to Enhanced Unison, users can adjust the number of voices (1–10) with variable detuning and utilize Chord Memory. Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue offers incredible flexibility in sound creation.

Modern Enhancements – More Expressivity

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue brings several modern features that enhance playing expressivity:

•  Velocity – Dynamic response to key press strength.
•  Aftertouch – Ability to control the filter, LFO modulation, and volume directly from the keyboard.

These elements make Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue go beyond the original Prophet-5, turning it into a more universal instrument.

Bi-Timbral Mode – Two Sounds at Once

•  Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue is bi-timbral, meaning it can play two different programs
   simultaneously.
•  Each program has 5 voices, allowing for layered sounds for powerful pads and chord stabs.
•  Split mode lets users divide the keyboard into two sections, playing two different sounds at
   the same time.

This function makes Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue extremely flexible, suitable for both studio production and live performance.

History of Prophet-10 and Its Return as Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue

What Were the Technical Issues with the Original Prophet-10 in the 1980s?

The original Prophet-10, introduced in 1981, was a dual-manual version of Prophet-5, featuring 20 oscillators and two independent sound modules. On paper, it seemed like the perfect analog synthesizer, but reality was different.

The biggest issue was overheating. The two voice modules generated too much heat, leading to unstable oscillators and frequent failures. Sequential Circuits tried to fix this problem but ultimately decided to discontinue Prophet-10 production and focus on the more stable Prophet-5 instead.

Another issue was limited availability of components. Prophet-10 used SSM chips, which were expensive and hard to obtain. Later versions of Prophet-5 switched to Curtis chips, which were more reliable but altered the sound character.

Why Did Sequential Decide to Relaunch Prophet-10 as a Reissue?

After decades of Prophet-5 being an icon of analog synthesis, Sequential decided to bring Prophet-10 back, but this time as Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue.

Key reasons for its return:

•  Modern technology resolved the overheating issues, making Prophet-10 Reissue stable
   and reliable.
•  Preserving authentic analog sound with Curtis VCOs and filters.
•  Adding modern features like bi-timbral mode, velocity, and aftertouch to enhance expressivity.
•  High demand for vintage analog synthesizers, giving Sequential a reason to revive
   Prophet-10 in its new form.

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue bridges the past and the future, maintaining the classic sound while providing modern stability and flexibility.

How Does Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue Differ from the Original Model?

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue is not just a copy of the original Prophet-10, but an enhanced version that fixes its weaknesses and introduces new features.

Key Differences:

•  One keyboard instead of two – The original Prophet-10 had two manuals, which was
   impractical. Prophet-10 Reissue has a single 61-key keyboard.
•  Resolved overheating issues – New components are stable and reliable, meaning no
   oscillator failures.
•  Revision switch – Prophet-10 Reissue allows switching between two types of filters, which
   the original model lacked.
•  Bi-timbral mode – Prophet-10 Reissue can play two different sounds simultaneously,
   something the original version couldn’t do.
•  Velocity and aftertouch – Prophet-10 Reissue adds modern expressive elements, which were
   absent in the original Prophet-10.

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue is not just a reissue but an evolution of the original Prophet-10, preserving its character while bringing modern enhancements.

What Are the Differences Between Curtis Filters and Rossum Filters?

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue offers two types of filters, each with distinct sound characteristics:

Curtis Filters (Rev3 Mode)

•  Uses CEM3320 chips, popular in 1980s analog synthesizers.
•  Has a sharper, more aggressive tone, ideal for punchy basses and leads.
•  More stable, meaning less analog variability between voices.

Rossum Filters (Rev1/Rev2 Mode)

•  Emulates original SSM2040 filters, used in early Prophet-5 versions.
•  Produces warmer, more organic tones, great for smooth pads and atmospheric textures.
•  Less stable, adding more analog character and imperfections to the sound.

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue lets users choose between two sonic worlds, making it a huge advantage over the original Prophet-10.

Lack of Built-in Effects

•  Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue does not include onboard effects, meaning users must rely
   on external processors.
•  No built-in reverb, delay, or chorus, which could have expanded its sound design possibilities.

MIDI and Digital Integration

•  Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue has basic MIDI functionality, but does not offer deep digital
   integration like some modern synthesizers.
•  Lacks complex MIDI CC mapping, which could be a limitation for studio production.

Technical Issues in Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue

Problems with the Mainboards

•  Some units experienced faulty mainboards, leading to unstable oscillators and requiring
   replacement.
•  Reports indicate certain Prophet-10 Reissue units struggled to maintain tuning, which
   couldn’t be fixed via software updates alone.
•  Sequential had to provide new mainboards to customers to resolve these issues.

Oscillator Tuning and Calibration Issues

•  Some Prophet-10 Reissue units had calibration errors, causing inaccurate tuning upon
   startup.
•  Even after resetting the tuning, oscillators failed to return to the correct pitch, possibly
   due to miscalibrated mainboards.

Software Bugs

•  Some OS versions had global tuning issues, affecting overall sound stability.
•  Software updates fixed some of these problems, but hardware faults required
   part replacements.

Potential Pitch Wheel Calibration Issues

•  Certain Prophet-10 Reissue units exhibited instability in pitch wheel response, leading
   to inaccurate tuning changes.
•  Even after calibration, pitch variations could still impact live performance.

How Did Sequential Handle Prophet-10 Reissue Repairs?

Sequential acknowledged technical issues and provided solutions, but the repair process could be lengthy.

Steps Taken by Sequential:

•  Software updates helped fix tuning issues, but some units required mainboard replacements.
•  Replacement parts were offered, but users had to wait for repairs.
•  Support was active, but some musicians had to ship the entire synthesizer for servicing,
   resulting in longer wait times.

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue in the Context of the Modern Market

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue is often compared to other modern analog synthesizers, such as Moog One and Oberheim OB-X8. Each of these instruments has unique characteristics, which can be advantages or disadvantages depending on musical styles and user preferences.

Compared to Moog One, Prophet-10 Reissue has a more classic Prophet sound, while Moog One offers more voices (8 or 16) and built-in effects, which Prophet-10 Reissue lacks. Musicians looking for experimental modulation options may prefer Moog One, but Prophet-10 Reissue is more affordable and stays true to the Prophet legacy.

Looking at Oberheim OB-X8, it has eight voices, which is less than Prophet-10 Reissue, but its SEM and Curtis filters provide a warmer, wider sound, whereas Prophet-10 Reissue delivers a more punchy and aggressive tone. Prophet-10 Reissue also has bi-timbral capabilities, which OB-X8 lacks, giving musicians more flexibility in sound design.

Overall, Prophet-10 Reissue offers a unique blend of vintage Prophet sound and modern features. If someone seeks a pure analog Prophet with high polyphony, Prophet-10 Reissue is an excellent choice, but for more experimental options, built-in effects, or a different sonic character, Moog One or Oberheim OB-X8 might be better alternatives.

Conclusion

Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue is not just a reissue. It is an evolution of the classic Prophet-5, bridging the past and the future. With authentic analog circuitry, modern enhancements, and bi-timbral capabilities, it stands out as one of the most remarkable analog synthesizers available today.

If someone is considering buying Sequential Prophet-10 Reissue, they should verify if their unit has any known issues and ensure that necessary repairs have been performed.