The Split-8 makes for a very nice programmable polyphonic analog synthesizer with complete MIDI implementation. With 8 voices and 8 oscillators (Curtis 3394 SENTE chips) the Split-8 is a heavy contender against the Roland Juno-106! However programming the synth, while straight forward and intuitive, is limited to adjusting one parameter at a time assigned to one Data knob. This limits performance ability but is no problem during studio use.

The keyboard features splits and layers, all of which can be saved with patch data. Choose between 8 voice polyphony with 1 oscillator per voice, 4 voice polyphony with dual oscillators per voice, 2 voice polyphony with a mega 4 oscillators per voice, or the unison mode which is just a fat 8-voice solo mode for trance bass and lead heaven! Similar to the Juno-106, the Split-8 uses a Chorus effect to liven up the sounds. Sonically the Split-8 sounds much 'thinner' than a Roland Juno-106, however this 'thin' sound is characteristic of Sequential and is quite nice. The wooden side panels definitely give the Split-8 that vintage flare!

Tim Cracknell

April 18, 2010 @ 6:51 am

This is a very rare synth! A lot of people have been put off by the split 8 and other Sequential non Prophet synths due to the fact that they are relatively unreliable with tuning and the overall sound appears to be rather thin due to the use of Curtis filter chips rather than the SSM filter chips as used in the Prophet 5. The Split 8 is a lot of fun to use and is capable of producing some interesting sounds although I reckon that the addition of a noise generator would have made the difference!

tech thai

October 13, 2008 @ 4:00 pm

This is my pride and joy! I have had three of these and have one now that is all amped up blue lights and panels. in mint shape as i took all the finest parts from all three and combined into one as new piece. This is a rare powerful unique synth. I have not got to really rock the recordings with it yet as i have been in the process of moving my studio,But i have messed with it for long enuff to know that it freaking kicks ass. I have owned many synths and this is by far my fav.
For bass leads alsorts of wild sounds it is truly one of a kind.

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