Sequential Prophet XL

Sequential’s sample-powered synth gets a souped-up XL version

Sequential have unveiled an enhanced and enlarged version of the Prophet X, their sample-based polysynth that scored an Platinum Award when it hit our test bench back in issue 336.

The Prophet XL is a 76-key version of the original, featuring a premium-quality Fatar keybed, the XL now adds a semi-weighted action, which would most likely be appealing to live performers.

This new version adds a new ‘performance mode’ too, which increases polyphony to 32 voices when using a single sampled instrument and a single oscillator. When in standard mode, the instrument gives you the option of either bi-timbral, 8-voice-stereo, or 16-voice mono operation.

Sequential main man Dave Smith explained: “We designed the Prophet XL for musicians who wanted more of a good thing. By adding an extended, semi-weighted action keyboard and enabling 32-voice performance mode, we’ve made it even more satisfying to play the acoustic and electric pianos and other instruments where increased polyphony is crucial. We’re making 32-voice mode available on the Prophet X, as well, so that all of our users will benefit.”

Both hybrid Prophets provide 50GB of internal storage for importing additional samples and support for user-created sample content is still on the cards, likely arriving in December, 2018. The Prophet XL is available now for $4,399.