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Sequential today introduced OS version 2.0, a free firmware update for the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 synthesizers.

You can now turn your Prophet-5 synth into a Prophet-10

The update adds Stack and Split capability, a new feature not covered in the main User’s Guide. This promises to be an “easy-to-install” add-on, and is designed to to enable full compatibility with the new version (2.0) of the Prophet-5/10 OS, which adds bi-timbral, stack and split capabilities to the synths.

With this installed on either an upgraded Prophet-5 or a Prophet-10, you can stack two different programs together to create more complex sounds. Each program is allocated five voices of polyphony, enabling five-note bi-timbral operation.

OS 2.0 also includes new voice management commands that you can access through an additional “3rd row” of Global commands.

If you would rather, you can split the keyboard into two separate performance zones, each with a different program. So, you could play a bass sound with your left hand and a lead part with your right, for example.

“We’re excited to bring stack and split capability to 10-voice Prophets,” said Sequential founder Dave Smith. “It gives even more musical versatility to an already awesome-sounding instrument. Musicians are going to love the sound design possibilities of bi-timbral stacks. And players will be able to make good use of splits in live performance.”

The OS update is available now as a free download. If you are a Prophet-5 owner who’s tempted by the upgrade, you can buy the voice expansion card directly from Sequential for $899. This comes with full installation instructions, and is compatible with both keyboard and desktop models of the Prophet-5 .

The RK008 beginings: Showing the basic of the RK008: real-time, multitrack and complete midi recording.

Ahead of Superbooth 2021, Dutch MIDI tool developer Retrokits shared this sneak preview of their new RK008, a compact MIDI sequencer that looks like an old-school calculator, but provides a compact solution for recording and sequencing MIDI.

Details are to come. Check out the video and share your thoughts on the RK008 in the comments!

Knobcon Number Nine kicks off this Friday, September 10 at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, with two full days of synthesizer and pro-audio exhibits, informative lectures and workshops and live music throughout the weekend.

There will be special precautions this year, to align with state guidelines and to make the event as safe as possible for attendees. Changes include mandatory masks, larger rooms to allow for social distancing and eliminating the Saturday synth banquet.

Knobcon 2021 will offer three days of events and a chance to connect with synthesist from around the country and around the world.

Organizer Suit & Tie Guy of STG Soundlabs let us know some of the highlights planned for this year’s event:

Two Days of Informative Workshops

• The Littoral Myth: Dismantling a Coastal Metaphor with Marc Doty.
• Sampling, Re-Sampling, and Generative Sequences with Circuit Rhythm & Tracks with Novation Technology Evangelist, Enrique Martinez.
• Presenting Electronic Sound Naturally with synthpop polymath, Jon Sonnenberg.
• Additive Synthesis with Synergy presented by long-time Synergist, Fred Becker.
• Simplifying Complexity: Live Rig Breakdown, a show and tell by Suit & Tie Guy.
• Learn the basics of Synth DIY and soldering with build workshops where you can build an EasyEi8ht Step Sequencer with Modular for the Masses, or a 2hp MiniAtt 2hp Utility module with Zlob Modular.
• New this year is the Lecture Luncheon, an informal get together on Sunday afternoon where attendees can further interrogate any of our presenters about their ideas.

Door Prize Giveaway

• On Sunday, attendees can enter the drawing for a chance to win one of over twenty door prizes including Nu:Tekt NTS-1 synthesizers from Korg USA, an Uno Drum from IK Multimedia and a gift box full of patch cables and accessories from Hosa Technology.

Live Music Friday and Saturday

• Welcome Reception (Friday Night) – Kri Samadhi, Moot Booxlé vs Cory Flanigan, Suit & Tie Guy vs Alexis Rogers, Also Special Guests
• Knobcon Big Room (Saturday Night) – Trovarsi vs Nasty Nachos, Scott Danesi, Glacial 23, North Coast Modular Collective Relay Performance
• Knobcon Chill-Out Room (Saturday Night) – Dysonant, Valcove, Meridian Alpha, Aaron Higgins, Witchbutter, R. Mann

Knobcon Number Nine is September 10th through to 12th, 2021, at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg in Chicagoland. Tickets are $60 and are available for purchase at the event site.