The Sequential Take 5 synthesizer offers a remarkable synthesis of vintage analog warmth and cutting-edge modulation capabilities. Featuring dual SSI2130 VCOs and a 4-pole lowpass SSI2140 VCF, it delivers rich, dynamic tones reminiscent of the legendary Prophet-5. The modulation matrix with 19 sources and 54 destinations, dual LFOs, and 5-stage envelopes provide intricate sound manipulation. Its compact design, complete with a premium Fatar keybed and internal power supply, enhances usability. Significantly, its budget-friendly price of approximately $1,299 makes high-quality synthesis accessible. The Take 5’s robust community feedback and anticipated firmware updates promise even further enhancements. Discover deeper industry insights.
Key Takeaways
- Dual SSI2130 VCOs deliver rich analog tones with sine, saw, and pulse waves, plus waveshaping and analog FM.
- The 4-pole Lowpass SSI2140 VCF adds dynamic sound sculpting and harmonic shaping capabilities.
- The Mod Matrix with 19 sources and 54 destinations enables intricate and versatile modulation routing.
- A compact, lightweight design with 44 full-size keys and an internal power supply enhances portability.
- Priced at approximately $1,299, it offers premium sound quality and advanced features at a budget-friendly price.
Classic Analog Sound
When it comes to synthesizers that deliver a timeless auditory experience, the Sequential Take 5 stands out with its classic analog sound. Central to this auditory marvel are the dual SSI2130 VCOs, which generate traditional sine, saw, and pulse waves, augmented by waveshaping and analog FM for a depth of timbral richness rarely found in contemporary instruments.
These oscillators mirror the sonic characteristics of the legendary Prophet-5, guaranteeing a blend of vintage warmth and modern versatility. Much like top analog gear, the Take 5’s VCOs add harmonic richness and warmth, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the sound.
The 4-pole lowpass SSI2140 VCF further enhances the Take 5’s sound architecture. This filter is integral to shaping the harmonics, allowing for dynamic sound sculpting.
The filter drive knob introduces an additional layer of harmonic distortion, invoking the saturated textures reminiscent of classic analog synthesizers. This feature is particularly beneficial for musicians seeking that quintessential retro sound imbued with a modern edge.
Moreover, the Take 5’s five fully articulated voices contribute to its lush, full-bodied sonic output. This polyphony guarantees that each note is expressive and harmonically rich, catering to both retro and modern music styles.
In a landscape saturated with virtual instruments, the Take 5’s high-quality analog sound sets it apart, offering an unparalleled auditory experience.
Versatile Modulation
Building upon the foundation of its classic analog sound, the Sequential Take 5 enhances its sonic capabilities through an impressively versatile modulation system. At the heart of this system lies a thorough Mod Matrix, featuring 19 sources and 54 destinations, allowing for intricate modulation routing that caters to the most demanding sound design requirements.
The inclusion of two LFOs—one global and one per-voice—further expands the modulation possibilities, enabling both synchronized and individualized modulation across different voices. This modulation prowess is akin to the advanced sound design techniques highlighted in popular music production blogs, providing an edge in creating unique soundscapes.
The Take 5’s two 5-stage envelopes, supporting ADSR+delay settings, provide robust control over sound dynamics. This envelope shaping capability allows for precise sculpting of attack, decay, sustain, release, and delay parameters, resulting in finely-tuned modulation effects that can range from subtle to dramatic.
The Unison function, which stacks oscillators into a mono synth configuration, complements the modulation system by enriching the sound through thick layering, ideal for creating powerful leads and basses.
Moreover, the Chord Memory feature facilitates complex chord creation, enabling polyphonic modulation that adds depth and complexity during performance. These attributes collectively make the Sequential Take 5 a formidable tool for any synthesist seeking ample modulation capabilities and dynamic sound shaping.
Compact Design
The Sequential Take 5 synthesizer excels in its compact design, offering 44 full-size keys that strike a balance between functionality and portability. This makes it an ideal choice for both small studios and live performances. The lightweight build enhances portability benefits, allowing musicians to transport the unit with ease compared to bulkier counterparts. Its sleek charcoal casing exudes professional design aesthetics and integrates seamlessly into any setup, contributing to its compact footprint.
| Feature | Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 44 Full-Size Keys | Full playability | Suitable for performance |
| Lightweight Build | Easy transportation | On-the-go usability |
| Internal Power Supply | No external adapters required | Simplified setup |
The internal power supply is a thoughtful addition, eliminating the need for cumbersome external adapters and reducing clutter during performances. This feature enhances the overall user experience by simplifying setup and teardown processes. The ergonomic layout of knobs and controls is meticulously designed to promote an intuitive interaction, ensuring real-time adjustments are both accessible and efficient. Despite its compact nature, the layout does not feel cramped, thereby maintaining a high level of usability. Through these design choices, the Sequential Take 5 provides significant portability benefits and a streamlined, aesthetically pleasing design, catering to both professional and amateur musicians alike.
High-Quality Build
Exemplifying meticulous craftsmanship, the Sequential Take 5 synthesizer boasts a high-quality build that stands out in its category. The unit is constructed with durable materials, guaranteeing longevity and resilience during extensive use, which is particularly critical for professionals who rely on their gear for both studio work and live performances.
The sturdy knobs and buttons provide exceptional tactile feedback, allowing precise control over sound parameters, a feature that synthesists and sound designers will certainly appreciate. This level of build quality is akin to the precision and balance achieved during audio mastering, ensuring every component contributes to an ideal user experience.
At the heart of its design is the premium Fatar keybed, known for its superior responsiveness and playability. This high-caliber keybed enhances the tactile experience, making it a joy to play whether layering complex sounds or performing intricate solos.
Complementing this is the sleek charcoal case, which not only adds a professional aesthetic but also contributes to the synthesizer’s robust construction. This guarantees that the Take 5 remains visually and functionally impressive, even under the rigors of frequent transport and setup.
Additionally, the inclusion of a crisp LED screen augments the user experience by offering clear visibility of parameters, thereby facilitating smoother sound design processes and guaranteeing that the Take 5 remains an indispensable tool in any musician’s arsenal.
User-Friendly Interface
The Sequential Take 5 excels in user-friendly interface design, featuring an extensive knob layout that facilitates real-time parameter adjustments, thereby bolstering intuitive sound design for both novices and seasoned professionals.
The inclusion of a crisp LED screen guarantees that parameter readability remains uncompromised, even in low-light environments, enhancing usability during live performances.
Additionally, the mod-matrix with 16 channels and supplementary modulation options provides a thorough toolkit for intricate sound manipulation, cementing the Take 5 as a versatile instrument in any studio or stage setting.
The design also incorporates dynamic panning capabilities, allowing for creative spatial effects that add movement and depth to your sound.
With features like these, the Take 5 proves to be an indispensable tool for achieving professional-quality mixes.
Intuitive Control Layout
Promoting a seamless user experience, the Sequential Take 5 synthesizer excels in its intuitive control layout, designed with real-time sound design in mind. This device features an extensive knob layout that prioritizes parameter accessibility, allowing users to tweak settings on-the-fly without delving into complex menus.
The ergonomic design of the control panel guarantees that each knob and slider is within easy reach, facilitating an efficient and enjoyable workflow.
Central to its intuitive interface is the 44-key semi-weighted Fatar keyboard, which includes aftertouch for enhanced playability and expressiveness. The keyboard split functionality further augments creative possibilities by allowing musicians to divide the keyboard into two performance zones, enabling the creation of layered sounds and complex musical arrangements with ease.
The mod-matrix, featuring 16 channels for modulation, offers a visually clear and organized layout, streamlining the process of managing modulation sources and destinations. This thorough approach to modulation greatly enhances the user’s ability to sculpt intricate soundscapes.
Additionally, the crisp LED screen provides easy readability of parameters and settings, guaranteeing that users can quickly access crucial information during both live performances and studio sessions.
To conclude, the Sequential Take 5’s intuitive control layout is a demonstration of its user-centric design philosophy.
Real-Time Adjustments
Building upon its intuitive control layout, the Sequential Take 5 synthesizer excels in facilitating real-time adjustments, a feature highly valued by both live performers and studio musicians. The extensive knob layout allows users to deftly tweak parameters, enabling precise sound manipulation without the need to navigate complex menus. This immediate access to essential controls is not merely a convenience but a critical aspect of live performances, where timing and fluidity are paramount.
The Take 5’s compact and ergonomic design guarantees all controls are within easy reach, optimizing the user experience for both newcomers and seasoned synthesists. This design philosophy underscores Sequential’s commitment to user-friendly interfaces, making sound manipulation an intuitive process.
The crisp LED screen further enhances this experience by providing clear visibility of settings and adjustments, even in low-light environments often encountered during gigs.
An additional standout feature is the keyboard’s split functionality, which allows for creative layering of sounds. This enables performers to play multiple parts simultaneously, greatly enhancing the instrument’s versatility.
Budget-Friendly Option
The Sequential Take 5 stands out as an affordable entry point into the Sequential brand, priced considerably lower than flagship models like the Prophet 5 Rev4 and OB-6.
Despite its cost-effective positioning, it delivers high-quality sound through its five-voice polyphony, dual VCOs, and a 4-pole resonant analog filter, mirroring the sonic richness of more expensive alternatives.
Additionally, its compact form factor and advanced modulation capabilities offer both versatility and convenience, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious musicians seeking professional-grade performance.
Affordable Sequential Entry
Affordability often dictates accessibility in the domain of high-quality analog synthesizers, and the Sequential Take 5 stands out as a paragon of value within its class. Priced at approximately $1,299, this model offers an exceptional value comparison to higher-end Sequential counterparts like the Prophet 5 and OB-6, which are priced at $3,599 and $3,099, respectively.
This budget-friendly pricing makes the Take 5 an attractive entry-level option for beginners while still offering features that appeal to more experienced users.
The Take 5 is equipped with five fully articulated voices, each powered by dual VCOs and a 4-pole resonant analog filter. This configuration guarantees that users receive a high-quality sound experience without the premium price tag.
Its compact size and internal power supply enhance portability, making it ideal for small studios and live performances. The deep modulation capabilities and digital effects further contribute to its robust sound design potential, catering to both novice and seasoned musicians.
Financing options, such as $42.50/month for 36 months, make the Take 5 even more accessible. Overall, its professional-grade features at an affordable price make it an exceptional entry-point into the world of analog synthesis.
High-Quality Sound
While affordability plays a significant role in the appeal of the Sequential Take 5, its high-quality sound profile is what truly sets it apart in its price range. The synth’s dual Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) and 4-pole lowpass filter lay the foundation for a rich and versatile analog sound palette. This architecture, reminiscent of classic Prophet models, guarantees that the Take 5 provides a tonal range that can cater to both traditional analog enthusiasts and those exploring experimental ambient sounds.
The high-quality analog filter and oscillators are integral in delivering a sound that is both rich and dynamic, allowing for an extensive tonal range. Despite some users describing the sound as sterile, the majority acknowledge the sophisticated sound quality that the Take 5 offers, especially given its price point.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual VCOs | Provides rich and versatile analog sound palette |
| 4-pole Lowpass Filter | Guarantees dynamic and high-quality sound |
| Sound Versatility | Suitable for traditional and experimental sounds |
| User Feedback | Mixed, but generally positive regarding sound quality |
| Affordability | Priced at approximately $1,299 |
In essence, the Sequential Take 5 stands out for offering a premium sound experience, often associated with higher-end models, at a budget-friendly price.
Powerful Effects
Among the standout features of the Sequential Take 5, the incorporation of a dual digital effects processor greatly enhances its sonic capabilities. This processor offers an extensive range of effects, including dynamic processing and atmospheric depth, allowing users to sculpt intricate and immersive soundscapes.
Effects such as Chorus and Tape 2 broaden the synthesizer’s tonal palette, while the High Pass Filter provides added versatility and precision in sound design, greatly impacting the overall audio quality. The inclusion of a Plate reverb, although occasionally debated, injects a layer of depth and atmosphere into the synthesized sounds, making them more vivid and engaging.
Plate reverb, one of the earliest artificial types, is well-loved for its smooth and lush effects, making it ideal for vocals and drums. Additionally, the arpeggiator, equipped with a note-repeat option, enables complex rhythmic patterns, thereby elevating the instrument’s performance and creative potential.
Additional effects such as ring modulation and rotary speaker effects offer unique avenues for sound exploration, inviting users to push the boundaries of traditional synthesis.
These features collectively contribute to the Take 5’s robust and versatile sound engine, positioning it as a powerful tool for both live performance and studio production. This sophisticated effects architecture underscores Sequential’s commitment to delivering high-quality, expressive instruments for modern musicians.
Community Feedback
Community reception of the Sequential Take 5 synthesizer has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring its impact within the music production domain. With an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, 88% of users have awarded it the full 5 stars, highlighting a high level of satisfaction that is hard to ignore.
User experiences frequently emphasize the synthesizer’s intuitive sound design capabilities and robust effects section, which make it both a fun and engaging instrument for a broad spectrum of synthesists—from novices to seasoned professionals. The high-quality equipment used in its production further contributes to its acclaim, ensuring sound clarity and depth.
In terms of sound quality, the Take 5 is often praised for its rich character and sonic depth, frequently being compared favorably to virtual instruments and samples. This has been a focal point in community engagement, with musicians and producers alike lauding its ability to deliver a robust analog experience.
However, some community discussions have flagged tuning issues, particularly with the pitch wheel functionality. Despite this, many users report that customer support has been effective in resolving these concerns, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to user satisfaction.
Future Prospects
The Sequential Take 5 synthesizer’s positive community feedback underscores its potential for future enhancements and developments. Anticipation surrounds forthcoming firmware updates, which are expected to boost the modulation and effects capabilities, aligning with user demands for increased functionality. These updates could incorporate more extensive LFO routing options and advanced envelope tweaking, pushing the Take 5’s sound design possibilities further.
Module speculation is rife, with enthusiasts predicting a rack-mountable version that retains the five-voice polyphony. Such a variant would be a boon for modular setups, offering flexibility while preserving the core sonic architecture. This aligns with Sequential’s history of diversifying their product lines to cater to different studio configurations.
Integration with software like Spectrasonics Omnisphere is another area of user interest. This could greatly expand the Take 5’s palette by leveraging Omnisphere’s vast array of sounds and deep synthesis capabilities.
In addition, the demand for a dedicated software editor is palpable. A robust editor would streamline patch management and sound design, akin to the tools available for other Sequential models, thereby enhancing user experience.
Historical trends in synthesizer development suggest that these enhancements and expansions are not just possible but probable, ensuring the Sequential Take 5 remains at the forefront of analog synthesis innovation.
Professional Soundsets
The Ultimate Patches soundset for Sequential’s Take 5 synthesizer, distributed across three detailed volumes, exemplifies a meticulously curated collection designed to elicit profound emotional responses through its diverse sonic textures.
Leveraging the Take 5 editor/librarian demo, users can efficiently manage and audition these patches, integrating seamlessly into their workflow while traversing the extensive library.
However, the prevalence of chorus effects in certain patches underscores the subjective nature of auditory preferences, prompting rigorous community discourse and the continuous evolution of sound design standards.
Diverse Patch Collection
Exploring the diverse patch collection within the Ultimate Patches soundset for the Take 5 reveals an extensive range of meticulously crafted sounds that cater to a variety of musical styles and emotional landscapes.
The patch versatility inherent in these three volumes allows users to engage in profound sound exploration, making the most of the Take 5’s synthesis capabilities.
Despite some critiques regarding the excessive use of chorus effects on certain patches, the overarching quality and flexibility of the soundset remain undisputed.
The Take 5 editor/librarian demo is instrumental in maneuvering through these extensive collections, facilitating a streamlined process for users to test and select patches that resonate with their creative vision.
This feature underscores the Take 5’s potential as a powerful tool for both traditional and experimental sound design.
Community feedback often highlights the difficulty in picking standout patches, a reflection of the richness and variety within the Ultimate Patches soundset.
Such professional soundsets provide musicians with an invaluable opportunity to expand their sonic palette, further enhancing the Take 5’s appeal as a versatile and inspirational synthesizer for both studio and live performances.
Emotional Sound Design
Within the domain of emotional sound design, professional soundsets like Ultimate Patches for the Take 5 synthesizer enhance the creative process by offering a meticulously curated collection of sounds that evoke nuanced emotional responses. Spanning three volumes, this soundset provides a diverse array of patches tailored to various musical styles, enabling users to engage in profound sound exploration.
Despite the richness of these patches, some users have noted that excessive chorus effects can detract from the intended emotional resonance. This critique underscores the significance of balanced sound design in achieving authentic emotional impact. The Take 5 editor/librarian demo serves as an essential tool, facilitating testing and experimentation, thereby allowing users to curate their favorite patches from extensive collections effectively.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Diverse soundset volumes | Cater to various musical styles |
| Take 5 editor/librarian demo | Facilitates sound exploration |
| Industry Q&A sessions | Enhance sound design techniques |
Community discussions often highlight the challenge of selecting standout patches from such rich soundsets, emphasizing the depth and complexity available. Additionally, Q&A sessions with industry professionals provide invaluable insights, enabling users to refine their techniques and craft emotionally resonant music with the Take 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Polyphony on the Sequential Take 5?
The Sequential Take 5 synthesizer boasts a maximum polyphony of five voices. Its polyphonic capabilities greatly enhance sound design potential, offering depth and complexity in musical compositions, thereby making it a versatile tool for professionals in the industry.
Does the Sequential Take 5 Have Aftertouch on Its Keyboard?
The Sequential Take 5 synthesizer features aftertouch functionality, enhancing expressive performance capabilities. Its keyboard sensitivity allows nuanced control over modulation and dynamics, making it a versatile tool for professional musicians seeking detailed sound articulation and advanced playability.
Can the Sequential Take 5 Be Integrated With a DAW Setup?
The Sequential Take 5 offers robust DAW compatibility and seamless MIDI integration, making it an excellent choice for professional studio setups. Its advanced features facilitate smooth synchronization and control, ensuring an efficient and versatile workflow for music production.
What Is the Weight of the Sequential Take 5?
The Sequential Take 5 weighs approximately 16 pounds, making it a portable yet robust option for sound design and performance capabilities. Its manageable weight guarantees ease of transport without compromising its advanced technical features and industry-leading functionality.
Are There Any Built-In Presets on the Sequential Take 5?
Yes, the Sequential Take 5 features numerous built-in presets, enhancing sound design capabilities. The user interface is designed to facilitate easy navigation and customization, enabling both novice and seasoned professionals to achieve intricate, high-quality soundscapes efficiently.
Conclusion
The Sequential Take 5 synthesizer exemplifies a harmonious blend of classic analog sound and modern versatility. Its compact design and robust build quality are complemented by an intuitive user interface and sophisticated modulation capabilities. Enhanced by powerful effects and supported by a thriving community, the Take 5 shows promising future prospects. The availability of professional soundsets further bolsters its appeal, making it an indispensable tool for both novice and seasoned music producers.
