Arturia Prophet V User's Manual
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ARTURIA – PROPHET V - MANUAL
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PROGRAMMING :
Fabrice Bourgeois
Jean–Michel Blanchet
Nicolas Bronnec
Gavin Burke
Xavier Oudin
Vincent Travaglini
MANUAL :
Jean–Michel Blanchet (French version)
Nicolas Bronnec (French version)
Frédéric Brun (French version)
Gavin Burke (English Version)
Houston Haynes (English version)
Mitsuru Sakaue (Japanese version)
Yuji Sano (Japanese version)
Scott Stafiej (English version)
Katsunori Ujiie (Japanese version)
DESIGN :
Yannick Bonnefoy (Beautifulscreen)
Mickael Acoca
© ARTURIA SARL – 1999-2005 – All rights reserved.
4, Chemin de Malacher
38240 Meylan
FRANCE
http://www.arturia.com
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is provided under the terms of a
license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software license agreement specifies the terms and
conditions for its lawful use. No part of this manual may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any
purpose other than purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.
The marks “Prophet” and “Sequential Circuits” are property of Yamaha Corporation. The Prophet 5
interface is also owned by Yamaha Corporation, the design and model being registered trademarks.
All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective owners.
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TThhaannkk yyoouu ffoorr ppuurrcchhaassiinngg tthhee AARRTTUURRIIAA’’ss PPRROOPPHHEETT VV!!
In this package you will find:
• This paper manual for the PROPHET V
• a CD-ROM containing the PROPHET V installer for MAC OSX and Windows XP/2000
• a USB (Syncrosoft) protection key you will need to run PROPHET V
• the Authorization Card
Carefully store your USB key and your card. The USB key will be required any time you run
PROPHET V, so your key is the real value of your product. See chapter two for more information
about how the key works.
We recommend that you register your product. By registering, you identify yourself as the
legitimate owner and will be sure to receive the latest news and updates for your product.
After registration, you will receive a user ID and password in order to access a protected area on
our site. It also puts you on our user notification list, so that you can be the first to know when
there are updates or new product offers.
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1
2
3
Introduction 7
1.1
Prophet History ......................................................................................7
1.2
TAE® ................................................................................................... 8
1.2.1 Aliasing-free oscillators ......................................................................... 9
1.2.2 A better reproduction of analog oscillator waveforms ....................................9
1.2.3 Direct Filter Circuit Modeling ................................................................ 11
Installation 13
2.1
Notes about USB key protection and the installation: ...................................... 13
2.2
Windows Installation .............................................................................. 13
2.3
Installation Mac OSX .............................................................................. 16
2.4
Registration......................................................................................... 17
Quick Start 18
3.1
Using Presets ....................................................................................... 18
3.1.1 Selecting Presets ............................................................................... 18
3.1.2 Now, lets edit the preset ..................................................................... 19
3.2
Three Interfaces in the Prophet V.............................................................. 21
3.3
Brief Tour of the « Prophet 5» .................................................................. 21
3.3.1 Prophet VS and the concept of Vector Synthesis (VS) ................................... 24
3.3.2 Quickly create evolving pad sounds with the Prophet VS:.............................. 25
3.4
The Hybrid Interface .............................................................................. 32
3.5
The Effects Section ............................................................................... 34
3.5.1 Chorus ............................................................................................ 35
3.5.2 The Delay ........................................................................................ 36
3.6
Real time Controllers and assigning them to MIDI ........................................... 37
4
5
Principal Elements of the Interface 38
4.1
Tool Bar ............................................................................................. 38
4.2
Using Presets ....................................................................................... 38
4.2.1 Choice of a bank, sub-bank, preset......................................................... 39
4.2.2 Creation of a bank, sub-bank, preset ...................................................... 41
4.2.3 Saving a user preset ........................................................................... 41
4.2.4 Import/ Export of a bank of presets ........................................................ 41
4.3
Use of controllers.................................................................................. 42
4.3.1 Knobs ............................................................................................. 42
4.3.2 Switches ......................................................................................... 43
4.3.3 Pitch Bend modulation wheel................................................................ 43
4.3.4 Virtual keyboard................................................................................ 44
4.3.5 Selection screens............................................................................... 44
4.3.6 LCD Screen ...................................................................................... 45
4.3.7 MIDI control ..................................................................................... 45
4.3.8 The Preferences Screen ....................................................................... 46
The Modules 47
5.1
PROPHET 5.......................................................................................... 47
5.1.1 OSCILLATORS.................................................................................... 48
5.1.2 MIXER ............................................................................................. 50
5.1.3 FILTER ............................................................................................ 50
5.1.4 Amplifier......................................................................................... 51
5.1.5 Envelopes ........................................................................................ 51
5.1.6 LFO ............................................................................................... 52
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5.1.7 WHEEL- MOD .................................................................................... 52
5.1.8 POLY MOD ....................................................................................... 53
5.1.9 Section modes for the keyboard............................................................. 53
5.1.10 General Parameters Section ................................................................. 54
5.1.11 The Wheels ...................................................................................... 55
5.2
PROPHET VS ........................................................................................ 55
5.2.1 Oscillators ....................................................................................... 56
5.2.2 MIXER ............................................................................................. 57
5.2.3 MIXER ............................................................................................. 58
5.2.4 Types of Filters ................................................................................. 58
5.2.5 ENVELOPE FILTER .............................................................................. 60
5.2.6 AMPLIFIER / PAN ............................................................................... 61
5.2.7 ENVELOPE AMPLIFIER .......................................................................... 62
5.2.8 Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) ............................................................. 62
5.2.9 Modulation Matrix .............................................................................. 63
5.2.10 Chorus and Delay Effects ..................................................................... 65
5.2.11 Playing controls ................................................................................ 66
5.2.12 Wheels ........................................................................................... 67
5.3
PROPHET « Hybrid » .............................................................................. 67
5.3.1 Audio Connection Matrix ...................................................................... 68
5.3.2 Modulation Matrix .............................................................................. 70
6
The basics of subtractive synthesis 72
6.1
THE THREE MAIN ELEMENTS ..................................................................... 72
6.1.1 The Oscillator or VCO ......................................................................... 72
6.1.2 The Mixer ........................................................................................ 77
6.1.3 The filter or VCF ............................................................................... 78
6.1.4 The amplifier or VCA .......................................................................... 81
6.2
Other modules ..................................................................................... 82
6.2.1 The keyboard ................................................................................... 82
6.2.2 The envelope generator ...................................................................... 82
6.2.3 The low frequency oscillator................................................................. 83
6.3
Complements to Wavetable Synthesis ......................................................... 85
6.4
Modules of Prophet V ............................................................................. 85
7
8
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A Few elements of Sound Design 86
7.1
Brass Preset with the Prophet 5 ................................................................ 86
7.2
Pad sound with the Frequency Modulation using the Prophet 5 .......................... 87
7.3
Basic Preset with the Prophet VS (Sweet Pad) ............................................... 91
7.4
Preset using the modulation matrix and the dynamic mixing ............................. 98
7.4.1 Choose the placement of the five points defining the path of the joystick ......... 98
7.4.2 Mixer envelope ................................................................................. 99
7.4.3 Modulation Matrix .............................................................................100
7.4.4 Playing mode in Unison ...................................................................... 102
7.5
Preset using the Prophet 5 and the Prophet VS .............................................102
7.5.1 Audio Matrix....................................................................................103
7.5.2 Editing sound on the Prophet VS ........................................................... 104
Modes of Operation 108
8.1
Stand-alone........................................................................................ 108
8.1.1 Launching the Stand-alone application ...................................................108
8.1.2 Preference Configuration .................................................................... 108
8.1.3 Instrument configuration: utility bar ......................................................109
8.1.4 Information on CPU usage ...................................................................110
8.1.5 Saving the configuration .....................................................................110
5
8.2
VST .................................................................................................. 110
8.2.1 Installation ..................................................................................... 110
8.2.2 Instrument use in the VST mode ........................................................... 111
8.3
Audio Unit (Max OSX only) ......................................................................112
8.3.1 Installation ..................................................................................... 112
8.3.2 Use in Logic Audio.............................................................................113
8.3.3 Use in Digital Performer ..................................................................... 114
8.4
Pro Tools ........................................................................................... 114
8.4.1 Installation ..................................................................................... 114
8.4.2 Utilization of the plug-in .................................................................... 114
8.5
DXi (Windows only)...............................................................................115
8.5.1 Installation ..................................................................................... 115
8.5.2 Opening the instrument (Sonar 2.0) ....................................................... 116
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1 Introduction
1.1 Prophet History
Prophet 5:
"In 1978 Sequential Circuits consisted of Dave Smith, former Moog clinician John Bowen, and
businesswoman Barb Fairhurst. They were a self-funded outfit that started out in the confines
of Smith's San Jose, California, garage selling a digital sequencer and a generic synth
programmer. It was that year at the winter NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants)
show that they introduced their Prophet-5, which was exactly the kind of instrument, with
exactly the kind of sound and features that musicians needed."
(Excerpted with permission from the book Vintage Synthesizers by Mark Vail, Copyright Miller
Freeman, Inc)
Described at the time as "5 Minimoogs in one box,” the Prophet 5 literally stole the show as the
first commercially available and viable polyphonic synthesizer. This comparison to the Minimoog
probably came about more from its physical appearance than it did from its structure (which
was closer to that of the ARP).
The Prophet-5 rocketed Smith's garage operation to stunning heights. Over the next five or six
years, Sequential Circuits (who eventually just shortened their name to Sequential) would
become the largest American manufacturer of Synths.
The Prophet 5 contained five individual voices. For its principal sound sources each voice
contained two VCOs (voltage controlled oscillators), OSC A and OSC B, and a white noise source
which could be mixed into a resonant low-pass VCF (voltage controlled filter). The filter
modified the voice timbre under control of its four-stage envelope generator. The filter could
also be driven to resonance and could serve as a sound source. Following each filter was a VCA
(voltage controlled amplifier), controlled by a four-stage envelope generator, which shaped the
voice amplitude. Supplementing the basic voices was polyphonic modulation (POLY-MOD) signal
routings within each voice that allowed OSC B and the filter envelope generator to function as
modulation sources applied to OSC A frequency/ pulse width, or the filter frequency. Finally,
there was a single LFO (low-frequency oscillator) and a pink noise source which could be mixed
in to modulate all five voices, as adjusted by the MOD wheel. The keyboard was a 5 octave
Pratt-Reid note on/note off affair with no touch response.
"The Prophet-5 sustained six revisions (or revs). Rev 1 was the original design. Rev 2 was a
refinement of the original design and largely transparent. Rev 3, however, was a vastly different
synthesizer than Revs 1 and 2. Introduced to Rev 3 were new voltage controlled IC's (CEM), an
improved ADC, DAC, and a different control voltage distribution scheme. More sophisticated
editing and tuning routines were designed, and to improve serviceability, voice trimmers were
reduced from 80 to 45. Some believe that the Rev 3 synthesizers are slightly inferior (sonically)
to their predecessors by revealing an absence in the lower frequencies. While this may be true,
the majority of the Rev 3 synthesizers are far more operationally stable than their Rev 1 and Rev
2 counterparts."
(Courtesy Matt Bassett)
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If there was a single feature that defined the Prophet sound, it was the poly-mod section, which
enabled you to use the filter envelope and osc 2 to modulate the frequency of osc 1, the pulsewidth of osc 1 and/or the filter cutoff frequency. These modulation routings, combined with osc
1's sync function, produced the trademark (and at one time hopelessly overused) oscillator
sweeping sync sound, usually variations on what was originally factory preset 33.
The original price for a Prophet 5 was in between $3,995 and $4,495. Eventually a rack mounted
conversion of a user-supplied Prophet-5 was available from Studio Electronics. Later, there was
even the release of the Prophet 10 which is essentially two Prophet 5 circuits stacked together
for 10 voices spanning two keyboard manuals.
The Prophet 5 has been notably used by Kraftwerk, Duran Duran, No Doubt, Depeche Mode,
Vince Clarke, Talking Heads, Genesis, Gary Numan, Thomas Dolby, New Order, Prodigy, INXS,
The Cars, Phil Collins, Richard Barbieri, , Jean-Michel Jarre, Steely Dan, Kitaro, Level 42, Peter
Gabriel, the Eurythmics, Pet Shop Boys, filmmaker/composer John Carpenter and many more.
Prophet VS:
The Prophet VS was made by Sequential Circuits Inc. between 1986 and 1987. It was an
innovation in the sense that it was one of the first 'sample and synthesis' synthesizers. At the
same time, it was the first synthesizer to bring two-dimensional cross-fading between
waveforms into the mainstream. This interesting concept became known as vector synthesis.
The Prophet VS was primarily the invention of three people - Chris Meyer, Josh Jeffe, and Tony
Dean. Chris Meyer came up with the basic algorithm of cross-fading between 4 oscillators (in
essence, a 2-dimensional fade between timbres) and running that through the usual VCF/VCA
chain. It was an extension of the instruments like the PPG and Fairlight that could scan in one
dimension along a table of wave shapes or between two different wave shapes.
Another peculiarity that contributed to the success of this instrument was its modulation matrix.
This allowed it to largely surpass the limitations of classic modulation (the envelopes attached
to the filter and the amplifier, for example) by offering connection from all the modulation
sources available in the machine (envelopes, LFO, etc..) to any modifiable parameter one might
choose (oscillator frequencies, filter cut-off, amplifiers, panoramic, etc...).
The envelopes were also new to the scene because they were not structured like the usual ADSR
envelopes. They were made up of 5 points (from 0 – initial level – to 4 – corresponding to the
Release). Each of these points was associated to a parameter level and time; a loop function
could even be added between two points. These special features allowed for modulations styles
a lot more complex and creative than those of the classic ADSR envelopes.
In 1987, Sequential was sold to Yamaha, who introduced their vector-synthesis based SY22 in
1990. Other vector synthesizers were also to follow in later years, but the Prophet VS was then
and is still today a sought after instrument due to its incredible range of sounds. You will hear it
in recordings by Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, Apollo 440, Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke, Kraftwerk,
Erasure and filmmaker/composer John Carpenter, among others.
1.2 TAE®
TAE®, True Analog Emulation, is Arturia's outstanding technology dedicated to the digital
reproduction of analog circuits used in vintage synthesizers.
When implemented in software code, TAE®’s algorithms guarantee authentic emulation of
hardware specifications. This is why the Prophet V offers an unparalleled quality of sound.
TAE® combines four major advances in the domain of synthesis:
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1.2.1 Aliasing-free oscillators
Aliasing
Standard digital synthesizers produce aliasing in high frequencies, and also when using Pulse
Width Modulation or FM.
TAE® allows the production of totally aliasing-free oscillators in all contexts (PWM, FM…), and at
no extra CPU cost.
Linear frequency spectrum of an existing well-known software synthesizer
Linear frequency spectrum of the Prophet V oscillator made with TAE
1.2.2 A better reproduction of analog oscillator waveforms
The waveforms produced by the oscillators in analog synthesizers are marked by the presence of
a capacitor in the circuits. The discharge of the capacitor results in a light bend in the original
waveform (notably for saw tooth, triangular and square waveforms). TAE® allows the
reproduction of this capacitor discharge. This is the analysis of a waveform from the original
Prophet 5, and that of the Prophet V. They are both equally deformed by the Prophet V lowpass and high—pass filtering.
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Temporal representation of a “saw tooth” waveform of the original Prophet 5
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Temporal representation of a Prophet V “saw tooth” waveform reproduced by TAE
What’s more, the original analog oscillators were unstable. In fact, their waveform varied
slightly from one period to another. If we add to this the fact that the starting point for each
period (in Trigger mode) can vary with the temperature and other environmental conditions, we
find one of the characteristics that contributed to the typical sound of vintage synthesizers.
TAE® reproduces the instability of oscillators, bringing a fatter and “bigger” sound.
1.2.3 Direct Filter Circuit Modeling
Due to advances in computer processing power, the Prophet V can now employ direct filter
modeling techniques to achieve unprecedented accuracy in the emulation of the
original's analog 4 pole low pass filter. By modeling the operation of the individual hardware
components of the filter circuit, the warm nuances synonymous with the original's analog sounds
are recreated. This graph is a frequency domain plot as just a single example of direct circuit
modeling in action; it shows the generation of harmonics at multiples of the resonant frequency
when the filter is in self oscillation mode, for both the virtual (blue) and original (red). These
harmonics are characteristic of the Prophet 5's filter and are due to the non-linear behavior
inherent in its analog circuitry. The harmonics generated add to the richness and warmth of the
sound produced by the filter. As a result of the direct recreation of the analog circuitry in the
Prophet V, the same characteristics of the sound are present, thus giving the user a truly analog
sound.
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Comparison of Harmonics generated by the filter circuits of the Prophet V and Prophet 5 when in self
oscillation
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2 Installation
2.1 Notes about USB key protection and the installation:
The Prophet V application is delivered with a USB key, also called <<dongle>>. This key contains
your PROPHET V license and authorizes the software to function. To use the software on a
different machine, simply install the software on that computer and then plug in the USB key.
In this way, you can use this system key to install licenses of other Arturia products, or other
products that use Syncrosoft technology, and carry the license from computer to computer as
you wish.
In order to function correctly, the USB key driver must be already installed on your system.
The installation program for the Syncrosoft License Control Center is available on CD-Rom and
will be launched automatically when the installation of the Prophet V is complete.
You can also download the latest version at this address: http://syncrosoft.com/downloads/
Once you have installed the driver, an application called <<License Control Center>> allows you
to manage the installed licenses on your key.
On Windows, this application and its documentation are available via the menu Start->
Programs -> Syncrosoft.
On Macintosh, this application is installed in the Application folder of your system and the
documentation is available from the Help menu of this particular application.
Important Note:
Your license number, and thus the dongle on which it is installed, represents the true value of
your software. To lose the USB key is to lose the use of the software on which the licenses are
installed. Take special care of this USB key.
2.2 Windows Installation
Insert the CD-ROM into the drive. Explore the contents of the CD-ROM and double click on
the icon called <<Prophet V Setup.exe >>.
After having accepted the license agreement, you can choose the folder in which the
Prophet V will be installed
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Choose the Installation Folder
Next, select the protocol(s) that you wish to install. The available options are:
• The VST plug-in
• The DXi plug-in
• The RTAS plug-in
Choose your protocol
For more information on those protocols, please see to chapter 8 of this manual.
For the installation of the VST and RTAS protocols, you should select the installation folder
of these plug-ins to allow the host application to use them. If you don’t know how to do
this, go to the Protocol Chapter (Ch. 8).
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Select installation folder for plug-ins
A dialogue box will ask you if you wish to have a shortcut on your desktop. This will give
you access to the standalone application.
Shortcut to your desktop
The installation program will then ask to install the Syncrosoft drivers. These drivers are
necessary for the USB protection key; for the PROPHET V to function properly the latest
version of Syncrosoft must be installed. If you are sure that your system possesses the
most recent Syncrosoft drivers, you can click on the “Cancel” button. Otherwise, click
“OK”.
Syncrosoft Installation Dialogue box
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Next, the installation program proceeds with installation of the Syncrosoft USB key driver
and License Control Center. In order to do this, it will execute the available Syncrosoft
installer of the CD-Rom. Follow the instructions of the installer.
Syncrosoft Installation
The installation program now has enough information to finish. In a few seconds you will be
able to use Prophet V.
2.3 Installation Mac OSX
Insert the CD-ROM into the drive. Explore the contents of the CD-ROM, and double click
on the icon called <<Prophet V.mpkg>>.
The installation program, requiring administrative rights, may have the system ask you to
enter the login of an administrative user of the system. In this case, enter your login and
administrative password, and click on OK to continue the installation.
After the software license has been validated, the installation program will select the
system disc as target by default. It’s not possible to install Prophet V on another disc.
Click on continue to proceed with the installation.
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Choice of installation disc
Prophet V will automatically install as a standalone application (functioning independently and
apart from any sequencer host). In the same way, all the available protocols (VST, Audio Unit
and RTAS/HTDM) will be installed. For more information on those protocols, go to chapter 8.
Next, the installation program proceeds with installation of the Syncrosoft USB key driver and
License Control Center. In order to do this, it will execute the available Syncrosoft installer of
the CD-Rom. Follow the instructions of the installer.
The standalone application will be installed in the applications folder, and the different plug-ins
will be installed in folders reserved to each type of plug-in.
2.4 Registration
Once your software has been installed, we recommend to you to register online as a licensed
Prophet V user. This registry isn’t obligatory, but it is highly advised. It gives you the access to
reserved resources for new presets and will make you the first to know when updates are made
available.
There is a product registry card in your software box, which contains your Arturia license. This
license permits you to register and identify yourself as an Arturia customer. It will be asked for
when you are registering.
You will find this registry form at this address:
http://www.arturia.com/en/userzone.php
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3 Quick Start
This chapter will familiarize you with the general principles of the Prophet V and how it works.
In this chapter you will find basic examples of the different interfaces of the synthesizer meant
for first time users. A precise and detailed description of all the parameters and controllers
visible on the screen will be given in the following chapters.
Chapter 7, “A Few Elements of Sound Design,” is particularly useful for those who have not yet
worked with a subtractive synthesizer and who wish to acquire a basic knowledge.
Complete View of the Prophet V
3.1 Using Presets
3.1.1 Selecting Presets
Like on the original the Prophet 5 and the Prophet VS, the presets allow you to save all the
synthesis parameters as well as the player settings (“Unison” mode on the Prophet 5 or Midi
configuration on the Prophet VS).
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In the Prophet V, a preset contains all the parameter settings of the synthesizer and various
real-time controllers (ex: velocity, aftertouch, pitch-bend) as well as the effects (delay, chorus)
necessary to reproduce the sound.
To become more familiar with the various sounds offered in the Prophet V, we are going to
select the preset “Full_Pad” in the bank “Prophet 5/ Pads”.
To do this, click on the selection screen situated above the interface labeled “BANK” (this
screen represents the name of the bank being used). By clicking, you will see the drop
down menu indicating the available banks appear. Choose the bank “Prophet 5” (the
name of the preset is checked).
When the menu is open, the sub menus are accessible. These submenus will allow you to
access the “SUB BANK” and the “PRESETS” of a sound designer in a single click.
Choose the “SUB BANK” “Pads” then select ““Full_Pad”” among the “PRESETS”. This
sound is a very simple pad played with the Prophet 5 emulation.
Select the preset
The Prophet V is delivered with 400 presets that allow you to become acquainted with the
sounds of the synthesizer. A bank named « User/ Temp » offers a selection of presets giving the
possibility to use a template to begin programming a sound. (The sound “1_Osc”, for example,
is presented with: an oscillator connected to the low pass filter, this signal then being routed to
the VCA).
It is also possible to view all the presets corresponding to a type of sub-bank by choosing the « ALL » option in the
bank. For example, to see the ensemble of Bass presets, click « ALL » in the selection of the bank then on “Pads”.
3.1.2 Now, lets edit the preset
To edit a preset, we are going to start really simply.
Edit the brightness of the “Full_Pad” sound with a “CUTOFF” knob of the filter. To do
this, turn the knob to the right or the left. The timbre of the sound will become more or
less bright. Change the knob to your liking.
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Change the brightness of the sound
In the same way, you can increase the range of the oscillator A by an octave by turning
“Frequency” knob to the right. Choose the +12 value.
Setting the Range of the oscillator (« Frequency»)
By making just a few modifications, you have already edited the preset « "Full_ Pad ». You will
now be able to save the sound that you just created.
To choose another destination for the sound, simply click the « Save As » icon then choose
its location. For example, select “new bank” among the choices. New bank and sub bank
locations are immediately created along with the new preset. The names “new bank”,
“new sub bank” and “new presets” appear in their perspective places.
Click on each of the names to rename them as you wish in the three sections.
Save a preset
To save a « User » preset, click on the « Save » icon in the tools bar: the new settings will
be saved in the preset currently selected without changing the name (if the preset being
edited is part of the factory presets, the factory settings will not be deleted).
Attention! It is important to realize that changing the name of a preset does not create a new one! Only the name of
the preset being edited will be modified.
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3.2 Three Interfaces in the Prophet V
The Prophet V offers three principal interfaces:
In the first interface, the Prophet 5, you can find all the features of the original Prophet 5. The
second interface is the Prophet VS interface: as with the first interface, you will find all the
features of the original synthesizer. The third interface is special because it offers both
synthesizers in a single interface stacked one on top of the other.
To access the different interfaces:
Click one of the three shortcut buttons “Prophet 5” , “Prophet VS”, or “Hybrid” located
in the tool bar:
• The “Prophet 5” shortcut gives you access to just the Prophet 5 synthesizer.
• The “Prophet VS” shortcut gives you access to the just the Prophet VS.
• The “Hybrid” shortcut gives you access to both synthesizers at the same time.
3.3 Brief Tour of the « Prophet 5»
The Prophet 5 interface consists of 54 synthesis parameters as well as preset selection buttons
that allow you to quickly find 44 presets that were found on the original machine. With the
knobs and switches associated to these parameters, you will be able to create an infinite
number of sounds.
These parameters are distributed as follows:
• 2 oscillators (VCO) that delivers the base audio signal with various wave forms
(triangle, saw tooth, and square) and that allow you to control the pitch of the
sound (frequency).
• A mixer which permits you to mix the signals coming from the oscillators and
from the white noise module.
• 1 low pass filter with 24 dB/octave slope.
• 1 amplifier (VCA) that amplifies the output signal of the filter in order to direct
it to the stereo output.
• Two envelopes (ADSR) modulating the low pass filter and the amplifier.
Prophet 5 synthesis Parameters
Here we will briefly see how to create a polyphonic sound with the Prophet 5:
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In order to understand the principal programming of the Prophet V, we will start with a
very simple sound. Select the preset “1_Osc” in the sub bank “Template/ Temp_Synth”.
The synthesis structure of the sound is relatively simple: the square wave form of the
oscillator 1 is active and the signal is directed through the low pass filter while passing by
an intermediate mixer, then in the output of the amplifier. An ADSR envelope modulates
the cut-off frequency of the filter and a second ADSR envelope modulates the volume of
the amplifier.
Finally, the following synopsis resumes our example sound creation:
The sound path of a preset « 1_Osc »
Begin by lowering the cut frequency of the low pass filter. This will slowly lower the sound.
For this, set the “Cutoff” knob. (For an exact setting, right-click with the mouse in PC or
shift+click in Mac)
Note that the cut-off frequency is modulated by an ADSR envelope (attack, decay, sustain,
and release).
Lower the filter cut-off frequency
To better hear the effect that the ADSR envelope has on the cut frequency of the filter,
increase the resonance value. This will amplify the cut-off point of the filtering effect
and the sound will begin to whistle, also known as self-oscillation, and is an important
feature in analog filter emulation.
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Increase the resonance value
Change the attack time of this envelope so that the brightness of the sound will increase
as you press each note.
Decrease the attack width
In the same way, change the decay time value. This too will diminish rather rapidly as you
hold the note on the keyboard.
The « decay time » parameter of the filter envelope
Now, let’s test a short modification in the second « ADSR » envelope editing the amplification.
Increase the attack time of this envelope so that the sound volume increases
progressively.
Increase the Attack time of the Amplifier Envelope
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Don’t forget to save your work.
3.3.1 Prophet VS and the concept of Vector Synthesis (VS)
With the « Prophet VS » section, you have access to a wave-table synthesizer which offers
several diverse functions extending the playing and synthesis possibilities. The functions in this
section are all identical to the mythic synthesizer of the 80’s.
The Prophet VS interface can be accessed by clicking on the icon “Prophet VS”, which opens the
VS interface alone. By clicking “Hybrid” you will be able to use both synthesizers at the same
time. You can also select any of these modes by starting with one of three bank selections:
“Pro5”, “Hybrid”, and “ProVS”, respectively in the bank selection menu. For now we will work
in Prophet VS mode.
The Parameters of the Prophet VS are as follows:
• 4 oscillators that are chosen in a bank of 96 wave-form samples.
• A mixer to mix the signals coming from the 4 oscillators.
• A multi-mode resonant filter with 24 dB/octave slope.
• Two LFOs allowing 5 wave-forms
• 1 VCA amplifier
• Three 5 point envelopes for modulating the mixer, the filter and the amplifier.
A loop function is available on each of the envelopes.
• Modulation Matrix
Prophet VS synthesis Parameters
Wave-table synthesis offers sonic possibilities that have been little explored in a software
format. It permits you to create sounds that are very different from the classic analogic
synthesizer due to a bank of 96 samples. The Prophet VS can use up to 4 oscillators
simultaneously. These oscillators can be mixed in real time with a joystick or 5 point envelope.
The Prophet V can create strongly evolving sounds that are both independent from and
complementary to those that you would create with the Prophet 5.
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The Prophet VS oscillators and the mixing joystick
3.3.2 Quickly create evolving pad sounds with the Prophet VS:
Click on the « ProVS » icon to load the Prophet VS interface
Click on the Pro.VS icon
Begin by choosing a different wave-form for each of the 4 oscillators. To do this, click on
the selection screen found on each of the oscillators then scroll the mouse up or down to
choose a wave form. You can also scroll down more precisely by right clicking with the
mouse (or “shift/click” on Mac)
Choosing a different wave-form
Once the wave-forms are chosen, progressively move the joystick between four points (A,
B, C, and D). You can hear the timbre changes in the sound in real-time.
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move the joystick
Let’s see how to apply an envelope to automate the movements of the joystick.
Start by clicking on the “Envelopes” option in the LCD screen found on the right-hand side
of the Prophet VS. Then, click on the “MIXER” option to open the editing interface of the
mixer and its envelope.
Click on the “Envelopes” option
Click on the “MIXER” option
Before editing the four times of the mixing envelope of the oscillators, begin by placing the 5
positions that the joystick will move to at the moment of automation (points 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4):
Place the joystick at point “A” corresponding to the A oscillator. This constitutes the
starting point for the automation, called position “0”. Point “A” should be at the 100
value, and the other points (B, C, and D) should be at the 0 value.
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Place the joystick at point “A”
In the same way, place the joystick to the “1” position. To do this, move it to point “B”
corresponding to the B oscillator. Point “B” should be at the 100 value, and the other
points (A, C, and D) should be at the 0 value.
place the joystick to the “1” position
Next, move the joystick to the position “2”. Move it to point “C” corresponding to the C
oscillator. Point “C” should be at the 100 value, and the other points (A, B, and D) should
be at the 0 value.
Move the joystick to the position “2”
Now place the joystick at its third position (position “3”). Move it to point “D”
corresponding to the D oscillator. You should have a value of 100 for point “D”, and a
value of “0” for points “A”, “B”, and “C”.
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Place the joystick at its position“3”
Finally, place the joystick in its position “4”. Move it, for example, to the central point
corresponding to the mix of the 4 oscillators.
Place the joystick in its position “4”
The following section explains the settings corresponding to the four parameters of the mixing
envelope of the 4 oscillators:
Click on the “OFF/ON” panel found above the knob envelopes to put it in the “ON”
position. This activates the envelope on the mixer.
Click on the “OFF/ON” panel
Turn the “1” knob to control the time between the “0” point and the “1” point. Choose a
value around 3000 ms, for example; for more precision, use the right click with the mouse
or “Shift/Click” on Mac.
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Turn the “1” knob
Turn the “2” knob to control the time between the “1” and the “2” points. Choose, for
example, a value around 1500 ms.
Turn the “2” knob
Turn the “3” knob of the envelope to control the time between the “2” point and the “3”
point. Choose a value around 2000ms for example.
Turn the “3” knob
Turn the “4” knob to control the time between the “3”point and the “4” point. Choose a
value around 800 ms. This path of the joystick will not be taking into account until after
the note release.
Turn the “4” knob
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When you play a note, you can hear the effect that the automation has on the mixing of the four
oscillators.
It is also possible to add a loop between the “0” point and the “3” point and to choose the
number of repetitions between the different points.
To do this, click on the zone “Loop” to choose the type of loop and the zone “repeat” to
choose the number of repetitions.
Click on the zone “Loop”
Choose the type of loop and the zone “repeat”
Complete editing of the preset by setting the cutoff filter, the amplitude envelope, and a
modulating the cut frequency of the filter by an LFO.
Turn the cut frequency knob of the filter, “CUTOFF”. Choose a value that gives the
amount of brightness in the sound that you would like.
Turn the cut frequency knob
Proceed to the settings of the amplitude envelope:
By clicking on the “Envelopes” button on the screen on the right of the Prophet VS.
Choose the option “Amp” to make the envelope appear.
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