Sequential Take 5, the latest Poly Chain OS update, turns two 5-voice instruments into a Take 10 analog polysynth and adds new features.
In the summer, Sequential released the Take 5 as a desktop version with the same features but without the keyboard.
According to Sequential, since the release of the desktop version, there have been inquiries about the possibility of chaining the Take 5 keyboard with the Take 5 desktop to increase polyphony.
This was impossible in the Summer, however, now it’s possible with the poly chain OS update, plus it has some neat extras.
Poly Chain OS Update
Sequential has today released the poly chain OS update for the Take 5 analog polyphonic Synthesizer. It’s a free update for all Take 5 owners.
The highlight of this new update is the Poly Chain function, which allows you to link two Take 5s into a fully integrated 10-voice Synthesizer. This means players can perform bigger chords and more complex arrangements without worrying about voice stealing.
Clever, all front-panel controls are mirrored from one unit to the other for seamless sound tweaking, as if they were a single, expanded synth. That’s not all that the new OS update includes.
The new firmware introduces a new violet noise generator, which emphasizes high frequencies while reducing low-end content, opening up new possibilities for sound design.
Alongside this, the fresh OS also boosts the built-in arpeggiator with 10 new play modes designed to inspire fresh rhythmic and melodic ideas. Modes like Spiral and Leapfrog introduce surprising new musical elements, creating parts that feel alive.
According to Sequential, these patterns go beyond simple up-and-down motion, using virtual “playheads” to weave intricate note paths, adding new flavor to your compositions.
Also new is the Whiplash, a new timing mode that keeps each arpeggiator cycle the same length regardless of how many notes you hold.
The result? Notes bunch together or spread apart dynamically, producing rhythmic tension and release that stay in step with the overall bar length of your composition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kUEveCGMLM
A great update that will surely delight Take 5 users
The new Poly Chain OS update is now available as a free update for existing users. Sequential Take 5 is out now.
More information here: Sequential
Available from my partners
Update from April 6, 2023
Sequential’s Take 5, their most affordable polyphonic analog synthesizer since its return under its original name, has been on the market for almost two years. Now, a significant update makes the synth even more exciting.
Update 2.0 is out now, adding envelope repeats, LFO slew, and an all-new Lo-Fi tape-style effect for vintage character. It also doubles patch memory and expands factory presets, offering more depth and flexibility for sound design.
Update from October 14, 2022
Good news for Take 5 customers. Sequential has just released firmware 1.0.0.10, expanding its synth engine and patch capacity.
The update adds envelope repeat (pseudo-LFOs), oscillator 2 filter bypass, modulatable vintage knob, LFO slew control with rate display, and sequencer foot-pedal start/stop.
It also introduces eight new patch banks (9–G), significantly increasing storage.
Article from August 23, 2021
What already leaked over the weekend is now official. Sequential has released Take 5. It’s a new 5-voice polyphonic analog Synthesizer made for the masses. It bundles many familiar features packed in a portable and affordable poly analog instrument.
For $1299, you get two classic VCOs, a sub-oscillator per voice, an SSM 4-pole analog filter (Prophet-5 Rev4), modulators, a rich effects section, and more.
Sequential Take 5
Take 5 is a very hands-on poly analog Synthesizer. Most of the features have front-panel controls, making the synth very quick and intuitive to use. Sequential’s mission here is clear: to offer an affordable poly analog synth with solid features set.
The FATAR keybed is positive here, indicating that the developer has not saved it at this point. But the engine has got some major downgrades in direct comparison to the Pro-3 to achieve this lower price: no digital oscillator, fewer sequencer features, a single SSM filter…
Features Highlights
- 44 full-size “premium” FATAR keybed with velocity & aftertouch
- two continuously variable wave shaping VCOs + sub-oscillator per voice incl. hard sync & front-panel FM
- white noise generator
- Prophet-5 rev4 4-pole analog SSM filter, with drive, and self-oscillation at high resonance
- dual digital effects (reverb. + stereo delay, BBD delay, tape delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, ring mod, vintage rotating speaker, distortion, high-pass filter)
- dedicated overdrive
- two LFOs (1 global, 1 assignable to a voice)
- two 5-stage envelope generators (ADSR + delay)
- vintage knob (adds variations to the oscillator, filter, envelope)
- 64-step sequencer with ties & resets
- multimode arpeggiator
- key splits with up to two performance zones
- MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB port, sustain/footswitch and expression pedal inputs
- Weight: 17 lbs (7.7 kg)
There is also an introductory video, but it’s different than usual. Instead of Dave Smith, some musicians introduce the new Sequential synth. The first noticeable change since Focusrite took over Sequential.
In addition to the official video, the sound designer INHALT has made a complete sound demo of his programmed patches.
Sequential is joining the budget poly analog synth market with its new Take 5 Synthesizer. At $ 1299, it is not super affordable, but it’s definitely a great-sounding Dave Smith-developed synth at a fair price. It’s the new Mopho X4.
Sequential Take will be available soon for $1299 USD.
More information here: Sequential
Cheap for a Sequential synth.
Instead of selling almost identical instruments, I wish Sequential had created a single synth with two selectable filter types. I can’t see many people buying two identical synths just to poly-chain. They’re expensive.