Renowned for its rich analog tones and unparalleled versatility, the Prophet-6 isn’t merely another instrument in a producer’s arsenal. It’s a source of inspiration, a catalyst for creativity.
In a candid interview with Solique, the electronic duo making waves with their debut on LIFEFORMS with the ‘Temporary’ EP, we get an insider’s view of their first encounter with the Prophet-6. They share insights on the synth’s hidden capabilities, only discovered through extensive use, and how these features have profoundly influenced their creative process.
The discussion also reveals the role of the Prophet-6 in crafting the standout track “Safe With You” from their EP. This article isn’t just about a synth; it’s about the intersection of technology and artistry, and how instruments like the Prophet-6 continue redefining the boundaries of electronic music.
Can you describe your first impression of using the Sequential Prophet-6 Module in your studio?
The Prophet-6 was the first synth we bought, driven by a genuine fascination with its sound that we’d often come across on several videos or through artists we admire. The Prophet-6 rich analog tones.
From the moment we first played it, the analog sound was what we had looked for. Its captivating warmth and depth infuse them with a vintage authenticity.
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What hidden secrets does the Prophet 6 have that you’ve only discovered after using it extensively?
While not exactly a well-kept secret, one discovery significantly impacted our workflow, thanks to the plug-in developer Soundtower, it was the late realization that the Prophet-6 could function as a plug-in. This revelation was a game-changer for us, mainly as we prioritize efficiency in our current work processes. Seamlessly integrating the Prophet-6 as a plug-in allowed us to maintain a swift and streamlined production pace.
Despite being considered somewhat essential by contemporary standards, it stands apart from other so-called “modern” synths. The journey begins with its exceptional filters and effects, characteristics that distinguish the Prophet-6 and contribute to its unique sonic identity in a landscape filled with more technologically advanced synthesizers.
Share a moment with the Prophet 6 in the studio where you knew the sound it created was going to be a necessary part of the Temporary EP
I remember that we built the lead sound for “Safe With You,” the second track of the EP, together with Paul Brenning with the Prophet. When we had built the melody, we knew we had something we wanted to finish.
It took a few months until we showed this sketch to Tim Engelhardt and he really liked it and suggested trying some vocals. That was the moment when we asked Paul if he wanted to be a part of this project we were really happy with the result. Besides that, we let the Prophet rest for a bit 🙂
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How does the ease of programming on the Prophet-6 help you when you’re in a creative flow?
You always know when you put the Prophet-6 on, there will always be parts to take from every session. It’s hard to get it to sound bad.
It has intuitive modulation setups. The modulation matrix, for instance, offers a visual and straightforward source to destinations, providing a level of flexibility that is both powerful and easy to grasp.
Finally, can you discuss a feature on the Prophet-6 Module that you can’t find anywhere else?
Certainly, the Polymod function stands out. It makes the Prophet-6 a special synth. Polymodulation allows dynamic modulation of one sound source parameter with another, resulting in complex and evolving sound textures. Using the LFO is just enjoyable. Recently, we’ve also grown fond of the Slope function, which allows you to play tones off-pitch, creating a very nice sound character.
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Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
