Sequential has announced that its now shipping the Prophet XL — a 76-key version of their flagship Prophet X samples-plus-synthesis hybrid synth.
The instrument debuts a 2.0 version of the OS for both the Prophet XL and Prophet X that adds a 32-voice performance mode, forward/backward sample looping, new modulation destinations (Hack, Decimate, and instrument playback delay), a new Ring Mod effect, and several other enhancements.
The Prophet XL boasts the same powerful combination of high-fidelity samples from 8Dio and full synthesis capabilities as its 5-octave sibling, the Prophet X — but adds a semi-weighted-action, 76-key, premium-quality Fatar keybed.
At the heart of both the Prophet XL and the Prophet X is a sound engine that powers two simultaneous 16-bit, 48kHz sample-based instruments ,plus two high-resolution digital oscillators with waveshape modulation — all processed through analog filters.
In standard performance mode, the instrument provides bi-timbral, 8-voice stereo, or 16-voice mono operation. 32-voice performance mode, which is a feature of the new 2.0 OS, allows paraphonic filter operation when using a single sampled instrument and oscillator.
“By adding an extended, semi-weighted action keyboard and enabling 32-voice performance mode, we’ve made it even more satisfying to play the acoustic and electric pianos and other instruments where increased polyphony is crucial,” notes Dave Smith. “Of course, 32-voice mode is also enabled on the Prophet X with OS 2.0, so all of our users benefit.”
Pricing and Availability:
The Prophet XL is available now with a MAP of $4,399.
Sequential (Dave Smith) boards sound good and are good quality builds, they are way over-priced for the average Jo.
I understand they’re assembled in America but I bet the semiconductor components are from Asian countries.
Sequential should follow Korg, Yamaha or Roland and have their gear made in Asia, to bring the price down by at least 50%
… my 2 cents worth …
Sequential has the most complete line of synths available, from any company in the world.
They don’t need to cut corners or make cheaper synths or make synths for the ‘average Jo’ – they are successful at selling synths to people that are willing to save their money to buy a high-quality keyboard.
It’s also sort of ridiculous to suggest that the ‘average Jo’ is going to drop thousands of dollars on a high-end 76-key instrument. There’s not sense in buying a keyboard like this unless you can play and know what you’re doing.
How about you save your 2 cents the next few hundred thousand times and you can afford a nice Sequential synth!
I think Sequential know how to run the company and what to charge. They don’t want to happen what happened last time. Hundreds and thousands of folks are buying their hardware and their business is thriving, from a business perspective they are doing great.
50% less in price = 50% less quality, or perhaps more.
DSI’s keybeds are made in China and if one key breaks, the whole keybed needs to be replaced, as everything sits on a single component frame, made of flimsy plastic.
The DX7 keybeds are indestructible still after 35-years. I’d like to see any DSI keybeds still in good shape 35-years from now.
I love and use a lot of Korg instruments and workstations for my professional shows (backing recording artists, etc.) I love the Kronos but I will say that they have dialed back their quality control quite a bit over the last few years. I think the Gen 2 Kronos is a bit better made, but I had numerous issues with my 73 key classic model, as have several of my peers (my 61 key HAS been really good). I wish they still made stuff as well as, say, the Triton series, or Z1, etc. from back in the day.
I say this because I would like to see more manufacturers NOT cut corners in this way. That is why I applaud companies like Sequential, Nord, and Moog – in general I feel they try to build up to a quality rather than down to a price. For me, as a live performer, build quality, reliability and feel are nearly as important as sound quality. Most new gear sounds pretty good, but I’d rather pay a LITTLE more and know that the thing is going to work once I pull it out of the case and get it on stage night after night.
I’ve owned a lot of DSI/Sequential gear over the years and their build quality has consistently been improving. I’ve had to get the odd repair or contact cleaning done, but otherwise they’ve been solid. I’m reluctant to take my Kronos 73 out unless absolutely necessary because I’m not sure how well the (recently replaced) keybed will behave after I’ve moved the unit. That sucks because I love that board and I’ve invested a lot in it. I hope Sequential continues on their trajectory because it differentiates them from most of the bigger manufacturers in a positive way.
Well said Peter. My Prophet 6 has been gigged 100s of times rained on thrown 6 feet off a keyboard stand sliding across a floor into a wedge, had stuff stacked on it in a soft case 10+ hour drives. I’ve only had to remove a key and rub debris out it once to get key working and its been rock solid since(besides the wobbly cutoff freq nob) 😉 That along with my Yamaha Motif xs8 has stood more abuse than any other keyboard should have to take ever, and besides some repairs on My Motif, they are still my main stage and bar rig boards…. unless i need a lighter bread and butter board quick for a rehearsal or tight stage.
Cheers!
Always need to smile that many folks minds are still locked in the old paradigm that assembled in the USA is better than in Asia.
Always need to smile when people whine about the prices of pro gear, because it reveals who the hobbyists are.
Well it’s usually still true to be fair?
I like this thread because it talks about the value of a well-built keyboard. Folks have been making some useful points about their priorities, and what Sequential brings to the table.
Paying twice the price of other workstations doesn’t seem unreasonable at all, when I consider the care that goes into the design & build. If I needed a high-end keyboard, this would probably be the one for me.
Yeah!!! Lets get some cheap Ferrari’s made!!! Some low quality BMW’s!! So everybody can have one.
Makes no sense.
Apple builds in China AND overcharges…and their products are pretty amazing..
Seems to me that there is a huge range of synths for every budget. Usually you get what you pay for.
It does seem to me the Dave Smith line could offer some better value for money but its their business model, and I appreciate the quality of them. I have one the Prophet 12 and I appreciate how solid it is, how good it sounds, and how well thought out the front panel is…
I am also a huge fan of Korg and their lower cost synths… lots of creative fun and they have their own unique sound…
and there are some really strong value for money synths out there, although many of them have mini keys
One thing I Don’t know about the DaveSmith brand…how is their customer service??
I do think premium pricing demands premium customer service..
Moog is amazing…they just fixed mine …they talked me through it while on the bench…. it got power zapped and an oscillator failed…
FYI DSI/Sequential’s customer service is sterling IMO. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them if you’re having issues.
This is not the right DSI synth for me at this point in time, but I do like the company and look forward to buying one of their synths in the future.
I think all synths should offer a version with semi-weighted keys. If I’m investing a lot of money in an instrument, to me it’s worth paying extra for one which is more of a pleasure to play.
I like semi-weighted keys, too. And 73 keys is my preferred main controller size.
However, for specialized sounds, I’d rather either smaller keyboards, or tabletop style modules. I don’t need more than one 73-key.
For a rig as versatile as this one promised to be, I’d be delighted to have it as my main controller and sound source.
Does anyone know if this would have some ability to transmit zones/layers to external channels within the performance mode? I.e., play local sounds in these ranges, play external sounds in these ranges and on these channels.