Preview: Prophet X Polysynth - Samples Plus Synthesis

We've been sent the new Prophet X from Sequential/ Dave Smith Instruments. Its a combination of REV 2 style polysynth combined with a large multi-sampled library from 8DIO stored on a 256GB internal SSD. This is a preview, we will be working on the full review over the next week or two.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and we'll try and answer them in the main review.

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[stationstation]

Nick, The P-X has a "decimate" function - can we possibly get that Emulator I or II feel with the analog filters over a 12-bit Choir (bit reduced) Violator or Black Celebration era sound? We all want that old emulator I, ii, iii thing - ever since we learned that the Prophet X is equipped with analog filters.

[cardoman]

Nick, if you came out with an album, just fiddling around with all the cool stuff you've played with over the past 2 years, I'd buy it in a second.

[dereverberatedambient]

This is like a modern version of the Ensoniq ESQ1, very cool!

[asynchronicity]

Please detail any mod matrix capabilities, especially regarding keytracking, bipolarity of envelopes, etc.

Thanks, Nick!

[obviouscreature]

Thanks for this Nick. I'd probably replace my Nord Stage with this beast, just a few questions..
- Is it possible to split the osc/samples across the keyboard, so for example the bottom half has a different sound?
- Could you see this being used as a solid gigging instrument (build quality, ease of use etc)?
- Is it possible to change the samples? Do you think there is there room for potential sample pack releases in the future?

Look forward to the full review!

[solaryzer]

Quick make your next album !! A patch called Batt Cave hhmm

[steelcitysi]

Nick, it seems to have 32 oscillators, 32 instrument voices, and 16 filters. Could you please ask if a 32 voice mode might be possible in the future if we were to just use one instrument (e.g. piano) and either bypass or paraphonically share the filters? Great mode for gigging keyboardists and puts it in direct competition with Nord Stage.

[Shred_The_Weapon]

Hello SonicState (Nick et al),

Can anybody say if there is any type of correlation between this model and the Evolver series? The difference here is the amount of polyphonic voices – unless I’m mistaken.
It does look like a killer beast though. Only thing I think is missing (with four oscillators) is the vector joystick control.

[Wagoo]

If you take a very recognisable instrument sample as a starting point for a patch, how far can you go completely mangling it until it sounds like something not heard outside of an alien bar on a ൠsday night 25 light years away?

[johnomarlarnelladams]

How many different keyboard instruments are on the Prophet X?

[mattsynth]

I have been layering sample instruments like Omnisphere & Kontakt over my Prophet 12 for years with wonderful results. This type layering can also can be done completely in the box with my Roland VSynth GT. It is refreshing to see an "all in one" professional analog keyboard that will accomplish this task. I have been using DS instruments forever so the big question for me would be the sample part of this instrument. I have never heard of 8DIO until this instrument and was wondering what type of library they supply with the Prophet X. I see they plan on allowing importing of user samples but how big a drive and will there be any sample editing onboard. Is there a way to expand the 8DIO sample library as new libraries become available?

[mephistovonfaust]

How does it compare to a Nord Stage? And is there a way to get it with a 90% discount or something? xD So far I love it but it's sadly way out of my budget. Maybe one day but then there's still the choice between a Nord Stage and this.

[Iredidv]

Can it sample? Or "only" load libraries?

[matsh]

Actually, I would rather have wished for a Rev 2, 16 voices with an extra Wavetable oscillator and extra effect slot. All demos on the "X" sounds like "movie soundtrack" (too much reverb?), although I guess there are lots of stuff to accomplish if you're into deep programming. Not complaining though, as I already have the Rev 2 and not want to be tempted into buying more gear.

[HH-Thorsten]

Wow what a Monster. Great sounds. I am sure Hans Zimmer get one.

[AlexSage]

better have a midi controller connected to a PC...

[mattdelany]

Boring. Like all digital synths, this is boring now, and 6 years later it's still boring. Nothing will ever beat the cs80.