Sequential Circuits Prophet-5

The Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, introduced in 1978, was the first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer, allowing musicians to store and recall patches for the first time. Its five voices of Curtis CEM chips produce rich, warm analog tones with a distinctive filter sweep that defined the sound of late-1970s and 1980s electronic music. Depeche Mode's Martin Gore used the Prophet-5 for lush pad textures and biting lead sounds throughout the band's classic period. Talking Heads incorporated its synthetic textures into their post-punk arrangements, blending electronic and organic sounds.