Sequential Take 5 desktop module, polyphonic analog Synthesizer now without keys

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Sequential Take 5 desktop module is the “key-less”, compact version of its 5-voice polyphonic analog Synthesizer. 

After the discontinuation of the Mopho and Tetra synthesizers, Sequential didn’t have any “budget” synthesizers for a long time. That changed in 2021 with the release of the Take 5 analog polyphonic at a starting price of $ 1,299/€1,299.

Thanks to inflation, etc., the price jumped to $ 1,699.99/€1,499. As Oberheim with the TEO-5, they have now taken the same direction and removed the keys of its analog polysynth. Sequential has today released the Take 5 desktop module.

Sequential Take 5 desktop module

Sequential Take 5 desktop module

Building on the design of the Sequential Take 5, the desktop module offers the same flexible analog oscillators and filters that capture the iconic warmth and depth of the Prophet-5, enhanced with modern features. 

The desktop module version offers the same features as the keyboard version, except for the keybed, pitch bend, and modulation wheel. Yes, the Take 5 was one of Dave Smith’s last synthesizers before his unexpected passing in 2022.

Sequential CEO David Gibbons says:

“Ever since we launched the Take 5 keyboard, we’ve gotten repeated requests for a desktop module version. And more recently, it seems that modules have really shot up in popularity.

So, we’re very excited to offer the Take 5 sound in a format that everyone seems to want.”

Feature Highlights

  • two analog VCOs per voice with continuously variable wave shape
  • square wave sub-oscillator per voice 
  • hard sync, keyboard tracking for each oscillator, PWM, and front-panel FM
  • 4-pole resonant, low-pass filter per voice, based on Prophet-5 Rev 4 design + self-oscillation capable
  • Two 5-stage envelope generators (ADSR + delay) with variable routing (filter, amplifier, auxiliary) and velocity
  • Envelopes freely assignable to multiple modulation destinations
  • 2 multi-wave LFOs with sync (1x global + 1 per voice) 
  • vintage knob

Sequential Take 5 desktop module

  • a one-slot multi-FX (stereo delay, BBD delay, tape delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, ring mod…)
  • dedicated overdrive effect
  • dedicated reverb with damping, pre-delay, decay, and tone
  • multimode arpeggiator with re-latching 
  • polyphonic sequencer with up to 64 steps with ties and rests
  • polyphonic glide (portamento) 
  • Unison (monophonic) mode with configurable voice count, from one to all five voices, and key modes

Connectivity

Also on the connection side, the Sequential Take 5 desktop module has the same inputs and outputs as the keyboard version: L/R audio outputs (2 x 1/4” jack), stereo headphone socket, 5-pin MIDI interface (in/out/thru), and USB for bi-directional MIDI communication.

USB host is not available, which is a shame. Further, you have a volume expression pedal input and a sustain footswitch input.

Sequential Take-5 desktop module first impression

Same first impression as the Oberheim TEO-5 desktop module. Sequential is taking a logical step here. It’s a shame, however, that the new desktop module doesn’t come with a USB host connection. It’s so handy to connect MIDI controllers.

There’s also no information on whether it’s possible to poly-chain two TEOs. Price-wise, we’ll have to wait and see where the Take-5 desktop module settles. Currently, the difference in Europe is minimal, but it is hoped that it will become more significant. The same applies to the US.

Sequential Take-5 desktop module is available now with a US MAP price of $1399

More information here: Sequential 

Available at my partners

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6 Comments

  1. Roll on Behringer pro-16.
    Guaranteed it will be cheaper than this, same voice architecture, probably bi-timbral too.

    • Voice architecture is completely different. This is way more luxurious in terms of modulations, much more complex, and offers far more capabilities.
      Additionally, the build quality is in a completely different league.
      Not comparable.

  2. Now they finally come up with it, one week after I have re-bought a Polyend Medusa. Well, it obviously wasn’t meant to be and I have soft eyes for the Medusa anyway.

    • his last synth was the Sequential Trigon-6 from 2022. Get it right 😉 Take 5 was released in 2021 and I wrote: one of his last not the last. So it’s correct anyway.

  3. It really disappoints me that Sequential lost their 19″ ruler after the Prophet 12 and Prophet ’08 desktop AND rack modules

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