“An exceptionally accurate model of the original Prophet, with a clutch of incredibly useful enhancements”: GForce Prophet-5 review

The significance of the Prophet-5 synthesizer, in the evolution of commercial music and production cannot be overstated. Where the Minimoog brought pseudo-affordable synthesis to the masses, the Prophet-5 picked up the torch and single-handedly reinvented synth production, with real musicians in mind. All of this was courtesy of Dave Smith and his company Sequential Circuits Inc (now just known as Sequential).

Initially released in 1978, the Prophet provided 5-note polyphony, coupled with the ability to save and recall patches. This was a revelation for keyboard players, alongside a five-octave keyboard and the immediacy of hands-on control, thanks to the beautiful control panel. As one successful UK session keyboardist commented to us recently, “it was the only synth you needed!”. That might not be quite true today, but it certainly was back in 1978, with little choice or competition.