Sequential Circuits • Prophet T8
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A monstrous 8 voice polysynth from SCI! The T8 has a very fat Prophet-5-like tone. This synth adds many illustrious new features (for its time) such as full MIDI implementation, 76 full size weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch, split/layer double/unison keyboard modes, and a simple but useful real-time sequencer. The new keyboard features many dynamics enhancements, ie: aftertouch can affect pitch, level, filter or the LFO. It was Sequential's finest analog synthesizer. Digital control of analog sound with an extremely flexible, intuitive and beautiful design - right down to the wood panels!
Unfortunately the T8 suffered from the popularity of the much cheaper Yamaha DX7 back in 1983 when they were released. Although it still sounds great, the weighted keyboard is the T8's best feature making it the Rolls Royce of analog synthesizers. Generally these beasts are hard to find today and still very expensive. It has been used by Howard Jones, the Thompson Twins and Steve Levine.
A few days ago, I had a great idea: to write a song with those exact chords played--on a synthesizer--at the end. There are two problems with this. Not major ones, but still--problems.
First of all, I've only been able to find out the first four chords (G, A minor, G, F major seventh. I think . . .), and secondly, out of politeness, I need to ask whoever played (and/or wrote) those chords for permis-sion to use them. At least there's a link . . .
It hasnt got the same voice structure as a prophet 5, and it sounds more like a beefed up prophet 600, i swapped it for a vgc jupiter 8 and mint TR808 and never looked back. I wouldnt have another given to me. The keyboard made a lovely master controller though.
A rare synth, but seriously overated, The layering features are cool though and make it capable of some impressive pads and such like.