All user reviews for the Sequential Circuits Pro-One

Unfortunately mine has the keyboard completely unplayable membrane (to be replaced by a type J-wire)
for those who already know the SH-101 digital control part (sequencer, arpeggiator) is the same, it just lacks the slide of sequencer 101

Connectivity: Stereo OUT, CV gate in and out; Filter CV in, Audio IN

UTILIZATION

The second oscillator can be turned into a second LFO (switch Lo-Freq) super complete: wave forms of stackable square with PWM ... otherwise remaining in audio frequency it can make FM (linear), the modulating audio filter, kind of Ring-modulation effects .... sounds using the Synchro VCO are truly monstrous (the specialty of Pro-5).
the filter is non-resonant type and color, but really the resonance rises twice as high as most synths it self oscillates at half the race knob, the cutoff frequency of the filter (cut-off) also rises very high, which in some cases allows him to sound like a HPF or BPF
the modulation matrix has two slots: one direct and one that involves the modulation wheel (ModWheel) but can be assayed and stack different modulations eg send two times the envelope on the filter!

Now let's review some of the flaws:
the pitch bender is still quite low design: no return to center automatically, just click in the middle.
increase the resonance of the filter lowers the volume (that is the filter topology: we can not do anything)
LFO somewhat limited: no delay (lag), no S / H LFO does not rise in the audio frequency (damage is a 3340 EMC again so it should be possible to easily convert into a 3rd VCO), but three forms of stackable waves (triangle, square, saw)!

SOUNDS

sounds cover a very wide range, I 'get it to sound like a Minimoog, sometimes as an SH-101, the treble can be crystalline as a prophet 5 or ultra aggressive, true +: speed envelopes ( there on the modular we can do better), if compared to another synth with VCF CEM3320 was added a circuit hyper resonance (a second feedback loop) there is also a change from relative to the standard mounting CEM3320 to allow the lower cutoff frequency of a lower octave.
results obtained with CEM 3340 VCOs also depend largely on how they are implemented, I was surprised to see that it is used AOP cheap enough for the time (LM348 I think) but they are the ones giving the fishing, this incredible aggression, the only mono I know that most of the RSF KOBOL potato is the only game to be equal: Minimoog and Roland SH-2

OVERALL OPINION

although the sound does not exactly match with my music (rather Roland and Korg) I n 'not get' m apart, each time I lighter bam I come across completely crazy sounds (perfect for the Drum 'n'bass dark well, the break-core ....) and then I fall directly on classy sounds (techno / electro Detroit) leads very funky and "hot" or so "cold" sounds and electronic wholesale impossible to know where we will land is what gives it its charm.

Features: Refer to section info Audiofanzine Pro-One, it is very well done and well explained.
In summary this is a mono analog 1981, mine has the serial number 7929, which means that the keyboard is good! (J-wire), knowing that the first models were equipped with up to 1500 a membrane keyboard.
This synth has a simple design but quite fragile construction.
A board on which all components are welded and all functions (pots, switches, connectors etc.).
This card is attached to a shell ABS screwed onto a metal base.
The whole is ornamented with two sides in thin wood.

UTILIZATION

As mentioned above, the configuration is simple, one button, one function as is usual on an analog of the time.
The English manual is very brief. But it is not necessary if one has mastered the use of this type of synth.
I appreciate the use of both VCO all completely independent, unlike other synths or VCO 1 is the master and the VCO 2 is align or not.
The waveforms can be combined (use a triangle with a sawtooth or square at the same time)
The utilsation filters is a treat.

SOUNDS

I use it mostly in sequence, bass line sometimes in conjunction with my little Moog Rogue.
Another use: connect to an external sequencer (Roland CSQ100) it is interesting because we can combine the sequence of CSQ100 driving the Pro-One, with the internal arpeggiator Pro-One.
I sometimes block keys hold the Pro-One in order to modify a sequence.
Example: If you create a sequence of 24 notes on CSQ100 driving the Pro-One, you simply create an arpeggio of four notes on the Pro-One, and you get a new well synchronized sequence.
The ideal would be to create a short video to explain everything ....
This function is not between internal sequencer and arpeggiator Pro-One sets.
No Midi sync, it does not, so wav recording sequences for inclusion in the compositions.

OVERALL OPINION

I have since 1988, following an exchange with a sequencer ROLAND CSQ100, against my Korg MS20 and SQ10.
PRO-ONE is better at what I'm looking for is not very attracted by sound research and semi-modular patch type that is the MS20.
I keep my PRO-One until further notice you never know.
Commissioning still requires a good quarter of an hour wait before being fully exploited, stability VCO requires.
This is an old grandpa over 30 years.
When he arrived in my set of instruments after the exchange, the brave synth was operated fairly moderate, with relatively long periods of non-use. The keyboard does not know yet serious worries, bushings (kind of rubber damping pads each key) are still suitable
I wish to know its history from its former owner.

Like most Pro one, mine has a keyboard problem: some keys are offset in height. this is a known problem due to poor qualitée Bushings beneath the keys.

To remedy this, it will be a kit Kenton Pro Solo MIDI to control https://fr.audiofanzine.com/interface-midi/kenton/PRO-solo-MK-II/, either (do?) Repair as indicated on this page: http://electrolog.free.fr/

Pro one is actually a Prophet 5 monophonic and without memory, with a slightly different grain (for better bass sounds from those who own 2 but I have not been able to verify).

UTILIZATION

Simple as a button = one function but the possibilities of modulations of the machine are very powerful (section "modulation" to the left of the control panel)

SOUNDS

I bought secondhand shortly after trying Arturia Minibrute (for 45 minutes with my headphone, store) even though it is excellent for the price, frankly the sound of one Pro has nothing to see: it is much thicker, bold and dirty!

Note that I say that without the snobbery towards Minibrute because it allows to (finally) the analog qualitée within reach of all budgets: it can only be a good thing for the music (and after all it is a matter of taste compared to my musical references).

Another point of comparison: compared to Moog Little Phatty my which also has a big and fat enough sound but without the side "dirty" and oscillators "driftent" Pro one: although a grain interresting, it is I is less alive (but I keep it, eh).

For those who want to watch the side of the virtual, there is an imitation which it seems is very good: http://www.vintagesynth.com/sci/pro1.php

But nothing for me to do, I'd rather always true imitation, even well done (ok, there is no waiting for the finding, it is not the same price and it is certainly more convenient , etc. ... it's up to you ...): anyway to use a computer to make music for me for a long time, I'm "distracting" and it is a tool work for me (all day).

To return to more interesting, I would like to say that I am really impressed by the filter, and especially its resonance envelopes that are faster than I had in a synth!

Known examples of songs using this machine - "do not go" Yazoo (1982) for most of the sounds and - "a flash in the night" Secret Service (1981): therefore he excelled especially in styles synth-pop of the early 80s since been widely used to this day.

This video shows the capabilities of the beast: https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2012/08/15/the-sequential-circuits-pro-one-synthesizer/

Listen to this site (https://www.unease.se/proone.htm) small extract the title of Yazoo recreated with the Pro one:

https://www.unease.se/mp3/Unease-Dont_Go_replica.mp3

The sounds of "Do not go," sure, that's him!

But it is certain that we can do much more titles "funky" electro or "modern" as it is versatile (largely thanks to powerful modulations).

OVERALL OPINION

My recent purchase but I'm sure I'll keep it very long (how many machines I sold to later regret such as the famous Jupiter 8 premium today? But hey, it was also for in question at the time: to buy a new machine, it was necessary to resell).

I think that the sound level (but not the making!), It is in the top three polyphonic synths, Minimoog in mind.

But unlike the Moog, he used a coast relatively reasonable (for how long? Shhh!).

This little synth is actually not that obvious to find secondhand (although 10,000 copies were made).

One word to summarize what I think?

YUM!!

It is a monophonic synth, monotimbral.
Two oscilloscope waveforms with stackable, a low pass 24dB/oct rsons. 1 3 LFO waveforms also stackable.
A 2 ADSR envelopes for filter and one for the amp.
Opportunities for modulation quite impressive for such a small machine.

UTILIZATION

Little we know a minimum synthse subtractive, we do what we wants, leads to the low violent shrill through the Fx the most space and most kitsch.
No memory then ct random image I love the sounds.
The manual ... ? What manual??

SOUNDS

a sound that thing alone, attention, ct rustic surprised me a little to beginners, but in a mix has returned alone. Prvoire some effects nanmoins for leads.

there are no effects section, no VLOC no aftertouch, and sounds of the fire god.
The sound is big, fat with potato phnomnale. Especially in a mix.

OVERALL OPINION

was going to do a month since I use it and whether in soul / funk, house, teak, and even jazz, he has never taken into default. This is my new friend ... and the first analog!

A beautiful analog synth! sounds psyche, darks, ... Criar without being dirty or like a Korg MS20.
Heard in all parts of John Carpenter (the big sounds scary!)
For purists of the Tech-minimalist, the pure sound of Steve Stoll because he has always used
Without hsitation my best machine! a real gem!

UTILIZATION

Hack, Bidouilage, Hack has not because of NO Memory blanckpatch but part of the charm of the old analog!

SOUNDS

Trs trs sound box, a grain innimitable, especially trs!
leads to the incredibly beautiful!

OVERALL OPINION

The nice big bb in my home studio. I do not spare.! ever!

I think everyone knows ...

UTILIZATION

Subtractive synthesis

SOUNDS

Ben that's an interesting part ... I started in music and composition there is only one year (so I am far from a virtuoso of the keyboard), and there I came across the one pro in my discovery of the analog.
And actually when you have this at home, it was (in part) from where the sounds j'écoutent in this famous psychedelic trance. The bass sounds and leads are huge! Filters are extremely efficient, it really gives IWHM hell!

OVERALL OPINION

Ben here! I think I got a Christmas gift that I'll pass on my will ...
I bought € 850, I know it will seem expensive to some, but it is like new, it is a second hand (held by lovers of analog before), and it was very clean Midif .. .
Qd I lit for the first time I wondered if I replay the old Yazoo ... and yeah ben! and that makes it to death!
and after twenty minutes I was like mad tweaking knobs all over the place!
Really a little champion, or a little monster ... it is capable of kouiner as to scold, and all that in a very powerful sound.
When I know the play I would regret even more the € 850.

miouzikalement

cifluid

Monophonic analog synth (but gnrateur 2 oscillators + white noise) from the Prophet 5.

UTILIZATION

I have a Pro-one since it came out in 1981. I had put ct as and when I bought other instruments (and Polysix DX7, M1, FS1R and some synths) and I even failed to sell r recently ... and I could not rsoudre me: I reconnected I bought a box Kenton Pro-Solo (starting 200 euros, not more expensive than doing it in midifier Dierstein rue de Rome, o the era did) to connect my Systm noon, and it go again. Advantage to do so by your drive squenceur prfr twelve o'clock: you have both hands free to activate switches and pots, so to evolve the sound you want. We find pleasure in "impossible to do twice the same decision."

In fact, some of this dclic "typez back to this machine" when I got to try all the Korg M3. First test of M3: incredible, fabulous, what power, etc.. And the second test, boom, everything is power prprogrammer, when you want it then call back the base sounds and arrangements. After all, when you Listen to Pink Floyd, U2 or Police, there are rarely more than four instruments playing at the same time ...

SOUNDS

You can not just ask him either, but once you have recorded your audio connection via the gate / CV - noon, you can overlay one second squence, one is still the troisime ... find the pleasure of polyphony, points and points against home-made and not prfabriqus.

OVERALL OPINION

Why sell? If you have it, it's gnral you also have other synths, and with 600 900 euros you will learn, you will not go far at your local pr fr.

Analog Synth 80s, with 2 oscillators, filters, modulation, little arpeggiator and a sequencer top
mono sound and no MIDI except using a box that will transmit the analog signal as the midi box Kenton Pro-Solo

UTILIZATION

Super easy to use, it immediately made the typical pro-one, arpege simple up or up / down, simple sequencer, EXCELLENT, the manual in English for English pro readable and clear

SOUNDS

Sounds beautiful typical 80, a synth bass in EXCELLENT very thick with a large grain
we are in the 80's New Wave undergrond
I am delighted

OVERALL OPINION

Superb machine, I had Taisco F60 and F110, use Moog, and the price is a good extra vieu synth with its typical sound that I love
it's a beautiful toy

Analog synth ... two ... three octaves oscilloscope
audio in mono but the possibility midifier
no memory .. But who cares right? sharp layers

UTILIZATION

very
very

SOUNDS

perfect ... I wondered how these sounds typical, I am John Carpenter ...
heavy bass lines ... a ... well fat slice ca is grainy, sweet ... mhmhm <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="biggrin" />

OVERALL OPINION

two weeks

the chance that the former owner have been some more testing various synths in places
Resale usual

and although the grain, these sub bass, this little random image of the oscilloscope and filters ... couraging not with vst
or even a VA.

when comparing the price and output for two and now ... it kills the oscilloscope larfeuille but hey

absolutely

Everything t said ...

UTILIZATION

ditto

SOUNDS

Okay so I'll be the clear: although a tilt less than the mini, it is equally formidable bass and leads. But this is not the same sound for that: the mini is round and copper pro onesonne "fat" and drooling, adgouline across ... There's that R cost "do not go" to be convinced or first kim wilde ... We can also make sounds impossible to do with the mini because its modulation possibilities are tendues.Niveau possibility, it is close to the doncplus gnial odyssey (but did not see the issue).

OVERALL OPINION

His only weakness is its construction cheap and horrible keyboard (it's not a prophet 600!). Everything else is at the top. Unless 1000 is THE single secondhand vintage possder. Why does Dave Smith remade it not real pro one? His Mopho is far from being a pro one (like his prophet 08 is far from being a "5 ")... Looking back I do it again this choice without hsiter especially since it works well with a trs kenton pro solo. For fun, put it any analog formulation ct (same virus C) and compare poilade ... guaranteed!

Monophonic synthesizer released in 1981 and supposed to be placed on the market for small cheap synths available to the general public. -2 Oscillators: VCO1 sawtooth, square VCO2 sawtooth, triangle, square, white noise generator -1 &#39;Noise&#39;-LFO: 1 LFO triangle, sawtooth, square-envelopes: 2 ADSR, modulation amplifier and filtreBloc Sequencer: 2 sequences of 40 marks in total. Very simple and daunting. -Original Price: 6000 FF-Argus Price: from € 700 / 900-Number of copies sold: + or - 10,000.

UTILIZATION

Simple configuration, everything is under the eyes. The direct and unadorned. the manual is available on the net and remains attractive for operations tunings (to from time to time) and to understand the operation of the Pro One in depth. Obviously this bike no memory, all in the snap and precision of the knobs. But like its rival the Moog Prodigy, when we turned off the camera settings can be found there or they were left, practice anyway. The J-Wire keyboard is a disaster (though it seems that the worst are those with serial numbers less than 1500 ... I can just imagine!) Little bit but it really playable to troubleshoot the internal sequencer. Its sound is terrible and deplorable quality (the keys get stuck, sometimes hard and long may no longer respond). Difficult to change (nearly 28 years of age) the only solution is replacing the bushings (rubber dampers inside the key) it will re-rejuvenated (I did it and it changes everything) . Obviously, it is preferable to Moisten the Pro One or more of them stick a Kenton Pro Solo kit (200 €) there are at least somewhat enjoy the qualities of the synth. It takes between 20/30mn to heat but it has never caused any problems. The sequencer is a good find and is very convenient to work with an idea or a sound. Easy to use and sync with an external module via the CV / GATE. It has a dynamic rather impressive. The arpeggiator is basic and not very interesting, for my part I do have never been used.

SOUNDS

As part come from the Prophet 5, sending it altogether. Although at first the Pro One gives an impression a little rough around the edges it is very pretty quickly end and full of nuances. The filters are falling and the 2 VCO&#39;s provide an incomparable richness in sound. We can let go out of deep bass, structured, very present in a mix. For leads it pretty hard and passes all I could hear in VA or VST, incomparable. For scalable layers and sounds more &#39;soft&#39; I do not think that this is his forte but few draw quite varied moods and powerful. And then the sound of Prohet One is not a legend, we find his inimitable grain very quickly. Obviously for a synth this time there is no effect, therefore, have a rack annex is more than recommended. Needless to say he is unable to produce a realistic sound, but it is not really made for that course.

OVERALL OPINION

Regular use for several years I foolishly failed to resell it on a whim and now I do not think even he is there and it will remain there forever. Revised bought and refurbished I never regretted the purchase as the sound it makes is unique and special. It was used by a large number of groups in the early 80&#39;s: Bronski Beat (Age of Consent), New Order (Blue Monday), Nitzer Ebb (That Total Age) and of course the one who made it a separate tool whole, Vince Clark with his band at the time Yazoo (Upstair&#39;a at Eric&#39;s first album was made almost entirely with the Pro One). However, contrary to popular belief it was never used by Depeche Mode Speak and Spell, they preferred him rival the Moog Prodigy. The price is very high argus (sometimes a bit absurd when it flirted with more than 1000 €) and must have some idea of ​​what we wanted him to do before embarking on such a purchase. Some points, however, for those who want to acquire: 1-test before anything else and check that all functions are responsive (no knobs or hard crachouillies signs of imminent repair). If you can not buy the test from a trusted person. 2-Avoid sending because the heart of the synthesizer is based on a card attached under the hood and extremely sensitive to movement. at best it will shift and cause connection problems with the controls. At worst it can crack or break. (Thus removing and repairing allerdirect at Mr Welding & co). On the other hand, in contrast to his appearance is a cheap synth 80&#39;s whose body lies on a lightweight alloy and therefore delicate. A fall and your Pro One may not recover. Now if the shipment is required make sure it is wrapped like a Ming vase. 3 - Do not buy it for him to do concerts, tours and adventures of all kinds. Other more modern keyboards you will ensure a much better strength, less investment and a record sufficient (see the side of his direct descendant Evolver Key or Clavia Nord Lead with sounds that can make them closer to or for scholarships more sensitive Korg, Roland & co).
He is single, without memory, can tune from time to time (temperature), not very portable (super fragile) and difficult to repair. But at the same time it is unique and its creator is Dave Smith moved on since then (very good Evolver, Prophet 8, Tetra, but with a different philosophy of course). So it&#39;s a rare instrument, from another era, remarkable in many ways and become a true legend. In short, a wonderful synth and of course unique!

Probably the best part of this synth is its modulation matrix, allowing you to assign LFO, Filter Envelope and OSC B to OSC A Freq, OS A PW, OSC B Freq, OSC B PW and filter freq. For a vintage analoge synth this is pretty damn good. This allows you to make many different sorts of sounds with it, but it will still always sound like a pro-one tho, its no chameleon. Also got an audio in, which is brilliant for adding analogue warmth or even distortion to digitally produced sounds.

325 UKP

UTILIZATION

Well theres no presets or anything like that, so you have to program your own patches from scratch. I found this pretty hard work to start with coming from a softsynth background, but after a while i got the hang of it. However, its still easy to find sounds that are great....but finding a sound that u have in your head takes practice. The keyboard verges on useless so its essential to have a midi conversion. luckily my synth does so this hasnt really bothered me.

build quality is pretty shabby, nasty plastic mostly - its not a pretty old girl, but they do seem to survive the years so it cant be all bad i guess

SOUNDS

The sound quality is ridiculously warm and fat, this is an extremely powerful synth. Its very noisy tho (even with the noise osc switched off) but this is normal for a synth of its age (20 years). The general tone of the synth is extremely musical and is suprisingly forgiving when slightly out of tune due to the large harmonic content.

OVERALL OPINION

Well its vintage, its real analoge, and it sounds like no other synth. Personally i love it to bits and would keep it over all my digital gear...its unique nature wont appeal to everyone tho, so make sure you have a listen before buying one!

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Dakuan ( 8-, 2005)