PRO ONE vs. PRO 12 analog vs. digital Prophet 5 - Harlem Nights

An analog vs a digital voice of the Sequential Prophet 5 (rev 3) synthesizer (1978):
- L channel = Sequential Pro One synth (1981)
- R channel = Creamware Pro 12 synth module (2006), in single voice mode

Mostly focusing on basic sonic quality, not features. Envelopes and filter levels were matched to eachother by ear (the number settings differ). It appeared to me that the Pro 12 has linear potmeters whereas in the Pro One the change rate increases when you turn the knobs. The Pro 12 was played with an EMU Xboard 61. No added fx or EQ. Both were recorded through the same mixer and soundcard.

There's quite a lack of proper Pro 12 demos on internet, hence I made this one for others deciding about it... A HQ mp3 of the test can be found at: www.harlemnightsmusic.com/PRO_ONE_VS_PRO_12.mp3

To my ears, the Pro 12 held up surprisingly well in this test against a famous analog bass synth, on just a single voice. Main sonic differences were in the filter and pulse width range, and the Pro One has a slightly rawer 'alive' feel esp in pulse wave sounds. But for most sounds mixed in in a track this all may not matter that much. Also, the Pro 12's unison can make up for much of it, with its added controls for number of unison voices / polyphony and voice detuning.

Next time: more music!

Enjoy
Harlem Nights

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[indyginc]

not close enough :( digital glich cheese



[maccagrabme]

Even the diehard fans would have to agree that there is little difference between the two, its at least 90% close. To my ears its a remarkable achievement and also the fact that the pro12 is polyphonic and a fraction of the price with midi. No doubt the Pro one excels in some minor areas but honestly, if you wanted the sound of the Pro one or Pro 5 you can't go wrong with the emulation.

[glenstegner]

Honestly, in a mix no one would know the difference. Use what works for you. I used to own a Pro One but had to sell it a few years ago, later bought an Alesis ION as my new lead synth, and haven't looked back. Gained patch memory, stable tuning, ring modulation, and 3rd oscillator (and an extra octave of keys) while making money off the Pro One in the process. A win-win for me.

[cprostudio]

pro one more musical and low fi depth and grit, smoother resonance. Pro 12 sounds good but there is no denying it sounds like an imitation, The pro 12 will work well with other digital synths, but if you where working with other analog synths it will get lost. I have a prophet 5 and prophet 8, The prophet 8 can replicate can of the p5 sounds but there not as big are defined, the P8 could easily replicate and sound fuller than the pro12. The pro12 sounds digital crap at the end of this vid

[SPAZZOID100]

@phreon1

The pro-8 isn't that warm in my opinion

[SamDelil]

the p-one is more fat

[fherrgott]

thank you. Very interesting.Creamware is close of the pro one but still not as warm as the pro one

[musicroman]

Excellent demo, thank you

[123taban]

wooow nice!

[audiotrax2000]

I actually thought the Pro12 had a more pleasing voice.