Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Rack Synthesizer

The Sequential Circuits Prophet VS Rack, released in 1986, is the rackmount version of the innovative Prophet VS keyboard. It features the same pioneering vector synthesis engine, allowing dynamic blending of four digital oscillators using joystick or automated control. The Prophet VS Rack retained the distinctive hybrid architecture: digital wavetable oscillators paired with analog Curtis filters. It offered all the sonic flexibility of the keyboard version but without the 61-key keyboard, making it ideal for MIDI-based studio setups. Its influence can be seen later in instruments like the Korg Wavestation.

The Prophet VS Rack includes 8-voice polyphony, four digital oscillators per voice with 96 factory waveforms (plus user waveforms), and vector joystick control (available via MIDI CC). Sounds pass through an analog 24dB/octave low-pass CEM3379 filter and stereo outputs are enhanced by onboard chorus effects. Full MIDI implementation allows remote control of vector mixing, patch changes, and modulation. It offers 100 memory slots for patches and 32 slots for user waveforms. Editing is menu-driven, accessed through a front panel display and button interface.