Comments on: Sequential Circuits Prophet VS

By: RetroSound

RetroSound — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:09:27 +0000

The sound of the Wavestation and the Prophet VS is very different.
The VS sounded like a mix between a PPG Wave and a Prophet 5. The sound is hard, digital but you can also make awesome Prophet-5 like string sounds.
I agree with St.B the Wavestation is a typical 90`s synth , with a complex hifi sound.
Both synths are great.

By: St. B from DEAD PANDA

St. B from DEAD PANDA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:49:17 +0000

I believe either the Wavestation or the Prophet would be best…
The Wavestation definitely has a more ‘modern’ sound, very complex
textures. A “90’s” type of style. The VS is absolutely ‘retro’ sounding, more of the old school style. A VS is also a collectible classic, and will hold it’s value over time. A used VS might break the bank, though. Dave Smith also makes a new VS, but I have not played one. It is styled after the original Prophet.
Check http://www.roguemusic.com for used Wavestations, they get them occasionally. You can get a 90 day warranty on it too.

By: synthhead

synthhead — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:13:38 +0000

I’d still love to get my hands on a Korg Wavestation.

What do you think is the best implementation of vector synthesis?

By: St. B from DEAD PANDA

St. B from DEAD PANDA — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:09:32 +0000

That’s right…. The “SY” series! I remember the Yamaha board had it’s
own sound, a giant knob in the middle and of course a joystick.
I think the VSS was a small sampling keyboard. Hazy memories.
You don’t see many SY-22’s around, I don’t see many Wavestations either, which is surprising.

By: RetroSound

RetroSound — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:44:50 +0000

Yamaha`s vector synths are the SY-22, SY-35 and the synthesizer module TG-33.

By: grfx303

grfx303 — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:27:03 +0000

That era had a lot of manufacturers exploring the sonic landscape of digital/analog hybrids. The VS really stood out from the pack and carved its own niche among heavyweights as St.B from DEAD PANDA mentioned.

Nice to hear the PVS again!

By: St. B from DEAD PANDA

St. B from DEAD PANDA — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:15:57 +0000

An absolute classic. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend some time playing a Prophet VS, I highly recommend it! It has some of the same aspects as the Wavestation, but of course the older technology gives the Prophet a fat retro sound. Yamaha also released a Vector Synth, The VSS-20 I believe, & it had a few unique features unto itself, but ultimately fell short compared to the Wave and the VS.
If you have a chance to get one of these at a reasonable price (good luck) it’s a great addition to any studio.