Sequential Take 5 Review: Prophet Heritage in a Compact Package

The Sequential Take 5 represents something rare in the synthesizer world: a genuine piece of Prophet lineage that does not require remortgaging your studio. Dave Smith and the Sequential team have distilled decades of analog synthesis expertise into a compact, five-voice polysynth that punches well above its weight class.

Quick Specifications

| Specification | Details | |--------------|---------| | Voices | 5-voice polyphonic | | Oscillators | 2 VCOs per voice (SSI2130) with sub-oscillator | | Waveforms | Sine, Saw, Pulse with waveshaping | | Filter | 4-pole lowpass VCF (SSI2140), self-oscillating | | Envelopes | 2x DADSR (5-stage) | | LFOs | 2 (1 global, 1 assignable) | | Modulation | Matrix with 19 sources, 54 destinations | | Keyboard | 44-key Fatar, semi-weighted, velocity + aftertouch | | Effects | Stereo delay, BBD delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, ring mod, rotary, distortion | | Presets | 256 factory / 256 user (with v2.0 firmware) | | Dimensions | 26 inches wide | | Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.08 kg) | | Price | ~$1,299 MSRP (street prices from $1,050) |

Prophet Heritage: More Than Marketing

When Sequential invokes the Prophet-5 name, they are not merely trading on nostalgia. The Take 5 shares its filter topology with the Prophet-5 Rev 4, utilizing the same SSI2140 4-pole analog lowpass design. This is not a watered-down approximation; it is the genuine article, delivering that characteristic Sequential warmth and harmonic richness that has defined countless records. The dual SSI2130 VCOs in each voice provide remarkably stable oscillators that still retain organic character. Unlike the original Prophet-5's sometimes temperamental tuning, the Take 5 maintains pitch stability while offering a Vintage knob to deliberately introduce analog instability when desired. This gives you the best of both worlds: reliability for live performance and studio work, with the option to embrace classic analog drift for character.

Analog Sound Quality: Warm, Present, and Mix-Ready

The Take 5's sound signature leans contemporary while maintaining Sequential's DNA. Users consistently describe it as clean and precise without the thinness associated with digital emulations. The dual oscillators with sub-oscillator deliver particularly impressive bass response, capable of thunderous low-end that sits powerfully in modern productions. Where some vintage-inspired synths can sound dated or require extensive processing to fit contemporary mixes, the Take 5 produces sounds that translate immediately. Pads are lush and dimensional, leads cut through without harshness, and bass patches have both weight and definition. The overdrive circuit adds grit when you need it, transforming polite patches into something with real teeth.

Modulation: Beyond Poly-Mod

The original Prophet-5's Poly-Mod section was revolutionary in its simplicity: two sources, three destinations, endless possibilities. The Take 5 expands on this philosophy dramatically with a modulation matrix offering 19 sources routed to 54 destinations. This is not complexity for its own sake; it is genuine sound design territory. Basic modulation remains immediately accessible through front-panel controls. You can achieve classic Prophet-style filter sweeps and oscillator modulation without touching the matrix. But when you want to venture deeper, the system rewards exploration. The v2.0 firmware added Envelope Repeat and LFO Slew functions, further expanding the palette of evolving textures and rhythmic modulation effects. Two DADSR envelopes provide more shaping options than standard ADSR designs, with the Delay stage enabling sounds that bloom after the initial attack. Paired with two LFOs (one global, one freely assignable per voice), the Take 5 can produce everything from subtle movement to aggressive, complex modulation.

Effects: Studio Quality Onboard

The onboard effects deserve more than a footnote. The stereo delays span modern digital precision to BBD-style warmth and tape-style saturation. The chorus and flanger recreate classic Sequential character, while the phaser and ring modulator push into more experimental territory. The vintage rotating speaker effect proves particularly useful for organ-style patches, and the high-pass filter effect cleans up muddy mixes without requiring external processing. While purists might prefer running entirely analog, these effects are musical and tasteful, not afterthoughts. The v2.0 firmware introduced a Lo-Fi effect for adding digital grit and character, acknowledging that modern producers sometimes want their analog warmth with a side of intentional degradation.

Compact Form Factor: Studio and Stage Ready

At just 26 inches wide and under 7 pounds, the Take 5 defies expectations for an analog polysynth. The 44-key Fatar keyboard with velocity sensitivity and channel aftertouch provides legitimate playing feel in a format that fits carry-on luggage dimensions. The semi-weighted action strikes a balance between the light touch preferred for fast passages and the resistance needed for expressive dynamics. Build quality matches instruments costing considerably more, with Sequential's characteristic attention to panel feel and control response.

The Five-Voice Question

The elephant in the room is voice count. In an era of eight and sixteen-voice polysynths, five voices might seem limiting. In practice, most users report adapting quickly, either adjusting playing technique, utilizing the built-in sequencer for layered arrangements, or simply accepting that some dense pad voicings require different approaches. For lead lines, bass, and most practical polyphonic applications, five voices prove entirely sufficient. The architectural quality of each voice compensates for quantity; you may have fewer notes, but each one carries substantial weight.

Considerations and Compromises

No instrument is perfect, and the Take 5 has its quirks. Some users report initial tuning issues requiring unit replacement, though Sequential's customer support handles these effectively. The cutoff potentiometer on some units exhibits minor squeakiness. Factory presets cannot be deleted, limiting user storage unless you overwrite them. The signal path converts to digital before the output stage, with high-frequency rolloff beginning around 18 kHz. For most production scenarios this is inaudible, but extreme audiophile applications might notice the difference. The velocity curve can feel aggressive at higher velocities, requiring adjustment to playing dynamics. And while the effects are capable, producers with established outboard chains may prefer using the Take 5's analog outputs and processing externally.

Performance and Live Applications

The Take 5 excels in live performance contexts. The compact form factor enables mobile setups, while the sequencer and arpeggiator provide rhythmic foundation for live sets. The Fatar keyboard offers responsive playing feel suitable for expressive performances across diverse musical styles. The modulation matrix allows real-time parameter tweaking, enabling dynamic, evolving sounds that respond to performance input. Many electronic musicians use the Take 5 as the centerpiece of their live rig, controlling external gear through the sequencer or triggering sounds via MIDI input.

Connectivity and Integration

The Take 5 integrates smoothly into larger hardware setups. The MIDI In/Out/Thru implementation enables clock synchronization with other gear, DAW sequencing, and control of external synthesizers. The balanced audio outputs integrate seamlessly with mixing consoles and audio interfaces. USB connectivity enables firmware updates and future feature additions, ensuring the instrument remains current as Sequential releases improvements. The company's commitment to regular firmware updates (v2.0 significantly expanded modulation capabilities) demonstrates ongoing development support.

Pros

Genuine Prophet-5 filter topology at a fraction of the cost

Exceptional sound quality that sits well in modern mixes

Comprehensive modulation matrix with intuitive basic controls

Premium Fatar keybed with aftertouch

Remarkably portable for an analog polysynth

Built-in sequencer and arpeggiator

Onboard effects that sound genuinely good

Strong firmware support with meaningful updates

Beautiful industrial design that looks professional

Stable tuning combined with vintage analog character

Cons

Five-voice polyphony limits dense chord voicings

Some units experience tuning or hardware issues

Factory presets cannot be deleted

Velocity curve may require adjustment to playing style

No free sound librarian software from Sequential

High-frequency rolloff at 18 kHz audible to some audiophiles

Initial learning curve for modulation matrix

Who Should Buy the Take 5

The Take 5 suits producers and performers who want authentic analog character without the premium pricing or logistical challenges of flagship instruments. If you have longed for Prophet-family sounds but found the Prophet-5 or Prophet-6 beyond reach, this is your entry point. It excels for electronic producers working in genres where analog warmth and presence matter: synthwave, ambient, cinematic scoring, and bass-driven electronic music. The compact form factor makes it ideal for touring musicians or project studios where space is limited. Beginners will appreciate the intuitive layout and quality presets, while experienced synthesists will find depth in the modulation matrix and sound design possibilities.

Alternatives to Consider

Novation Peak (~$1,299): Eight-voice hybrid with Oxford oscillators, more voices but different tonal character. Better for those wanting digital flexibility with analog filters. Korg Prologue 8 (~$1,299): Eight analog voices with digital multi-engine, different filter character, excellent for strings and evolving pads. ASM Hydrasynth (~$1,299): Wavetable-based with exceptional poly aftertouch and ribbon controller. More modulation depth, completely different synthesis approach. Sequential Prophet Rev2 (~$1,499-1,999): More voices and deeper programming, but higher price and different sonic character.

Long-Term Value

The Take 5 holds its value exceptionally well on the used market, with units from 2022 still commanding 70-80% of original retail price. This stability reflects the instrument's enduring appeal and the strong community surrounding it. Sequential's commitment to firmware updates ensures the Take 5 will gain capabilities over time rather than becoming obsolete. The company has historically supported instruments for decades, providing confidence in long-term investment.

Final Verdict

The Sequential Take 5 achieves something difficult: making premium analog synthesis genuinely accessible without compromising on sound quality or build integrity. It carries the Prophet legacy forward while establishing its own identity, balancing vintage warmth with contemporary functionality. At its price point, there is no closer path to authentic Sequential sound. The five-voice limitation matters less than expected, the effects are legitimately useful, and the modulation options provide room to grow. For many producers, this will be the synthesizer that finally brings hardware analog into their workflow and proves that the real thing is worth the investment. Rating: 4.5/5 The Take 5 earns its place through sound quality, build integrity, and thoughtful design. Minor hardware inconsistencies and the voice count prevent a perfect score, but for its intended purpose, this is a remarkable achievement in accessible analog synthesis.