Prophet VS

Prophet VS
Sequential Circuits Prophet VS
ManufacturerSequential Circuits
Dates1986-87
Technical specifications
Polyphony8
Timbrality2-part
Oscillator12-bit digital

4 per voice

96 preset & 32 user waveforms
LFO2
Synthesis typeVector
Sample & Synthesis (S&S)
FilterAnalog low-pass filter
Attenuator5-stage loopable envelope generator
Aftertouch expressionYes
Velocity expressionYes
Storage memoryInternal: 100 patches + 32 user waves
Cartridge: 100 patches + 32 user waves
EffectsStereo Chorus
Voice Panning
Input/output
Keyboard61-key
0 (rack version)
Left-hand controlPitch, Modulation
External controlMIDI

The Prophet VS was a hybrid 8-voice synthesizer manufactured by Sequential Circuits and released in 1986. It is notable for being the first synthesizer to use vector synthesis to structure its sound, using a joystick arranged in a "diamond" pattern for oscillator mixing. Its distinctive sound comes from mixing four 12-bit digital single-cycle waves per voice, which are then fed into analog CEM3379/3389 signal processors for filtering and amplification.