(click to enlarge)

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.

20 VISITOR COMMENTS

David

January 12, 2012 @ 6:23 pm

Now that I think about it, he (Joe Zawinul) might have still used an Oberheim Xpander. I don't really know but I do know that some of his signature brass sounds were made with the T8.

Nelson Click

December 17, 2011 @ 5:20 pm

If you had a Prophet T8, Oberheim Matrix 12 and a Yamaha DX-1 then you would be a GOD to me.

David Peterson

July 28, 2011 @ 1:41 pm

If I'm not mistaken, the T8 remained in Joe Zawinul's live rig for the remainder of his career. I think it was the only analog synth left in his live rig.

plikestechno

April 27, 2011 @ 7:21 pm

If you can get over that fact that it won't be as fat as a Prophet 5 Rev 2, you'll have the best analog polyphonic "synthesizer" in the world that makes sounds the others can't even touch. Would be especially be great for melodic and jazzy players with the touch, velocity and keys. TIP: If you want to make it sound bigger and snappier have OS 3.8 installed and just use a MIDI controller or sequencer and set everything at 127. Although that will take away what makes a T8, it's nice to have that capability when you need it.

That said, would I trade it for a Jupiter 8 and TR 808? Still...no.

Carsonduke

April 21, 2011 @ 11:51 am

Excellent Vintage sounds, easy to use layout, beautiful case, excellent keybed and IT HAS MIDI!!! I love mine however, I'm selling it. I need something smaller. This thing is a BEAST!!

<4321>

 

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