StarskyCarr Takes on the Prophet 5 – Does It Hold Up Against the Expanse 5?

Intro and Initial Tone Comparison

The video kicks off with StarskyCarr introducing his trusty Prophet 5, a reissue of the iconic synthesizer, and the software challenger, Acustica’s Expanse 5. He immediately dives into the quirks of analogue synths, like tuning issues, portraying it as part of the charm. While the Prophet 5 might go a bit wonky due to environmental conditions, the Expanse 5 is based on the same model and offers stability. Starsky notes that despite some variance in tuning, there is a shared warmth when both tones are compared. The enveloping sound of the Prophet 5 is meticulously matched by the Expanse, pushing the idea that software can indeed emulate the old school vibe. The comparison is thorough, examining envelopes, oscillators, and unforeseen nuances that highlight differences in sound reproduction.

"The Prophet 5 is really difficult to do comparisons with again software."

Navigating Oscillator Land

"That's part of the charm, as I say, of analog synths."

StarskyCarr takes us on a tour of oscillator land, where everything’s either slightly off or spot on – typical of a live gig. He wrestles with slight detuning on the Prophet 5, acknowledging the nostalgic charm, while the Expanse 5 offers polished stability. The oscillator types—sawtooth, square, and triangle—showcase the Prophet’s character. Starsky observes how the Prophet’s tuning issues might lend this charm, but when compared to the Expanse’s digital clarity, the differences are minimal to the untrained ear. He notes how the Expanse seems to round off higher frequencies, giving a feel that’s different yet eerily similar to the Prophet’s timeless analogue sound. Starsky does not shy away from pointing out minor deviations in tone and quality between the two, particularly how the Prophet’s square has a unique texture that the digital sibling struggles to mimic precisely.

Sync and Poly Mod Synergy

Next up, Starsky delves into sync and poly mod features. It’s a deep dive, akin to searching for bass at a noisy punk gig. The Prophet 5’s sync capabilities surprise with their analogue warmth, and the Expanse does a stand-up job echoing this depth. Starsky demonstrates the flexibility of the Expanse, with its broader range allowing adjustments that are both subtle and significant. He tweaks the modulation settings on both synths, aiming for identical output, and discovers the Expanse not only competes but sometimes surpasses the hardware in modulation depth. The small differences stand out during detailed scrutiny, yet the overall sound remains authentic on both ends. Starsky’s tweaks and knob-turning showcase technical prowess, making even the nuanced details accessible to viewers immersed in the thrill of synth intricacies.

"That's minor differences, and if we try the triangle, let's have a play with that."

Filtering the Magic

Filtering sound is where the subtle magic happens, and StarskyCarr ensures we don’t miss this musical sorcery. He plays around with the Prophet’s filter, teasing out its resonant richness. The Expanse 5 is no slouch either, mirroring the filter’s behaviour but with the occasional digital giveaway. Starsky is like a chef tasting his dish—tweaking resonance, cutoff, and modulation with finesse. The classic Prophet filter carries a smoothness that the Expanse bravely tries to replicate, sometimes succeeding, other times offering its own unique interpretation. The nuances of analogue warmth versus digital precision are apparent, and Starsky’s enthusiasm is contagious as he explores these subtleties. He relishes in the riches of resonance, filtering each note to perfection, making even the tech-shy feel the allure of these synth juggernauts.

Modulation and Extras Galore

StarskyCarr heads into the modulation section, akin to a punk band’s encore — essential and full of surprises. He experiments with the LFOs, finding that the Expanse has a touch more range than the Prophet. While the Prophet 5 sticks to its analogue guns, the Expanse offers more modern twists. Notably, the Expanse provides functionality such as unipolar adjustments, though Starsky finds it only halfway useful, echoing typical analogue expectations. He then showcases extras in the Expanse, like an arpeggiator and additional effects. These appendages make the Expanse particularly appealing, offering versatility and sonic variety. The digital environment allows for exploration with options unavailable in pure analogue setups, providing fresh avenues for sound exploration and manipulation.

CPU Crunch and Conclusion

In the final act, Starsky ponders on the CPU consumption of Expanse 5, demonstrating its appetite on an M1 Mac. It’s like asking a mod synth to do dubstep—it can, but not without a cost. The comparison stretches the M1’s capabilities, pushing its threads to the brink. Meanwhile, Starsky emphasises the CPU’s limits are similar to comparing analogue’s visceral impact to digital’s headroom. The Expanse’s effects section, rich with options, is a point of comparison Starsky explores, highlighting the plugin’s modern advantages. Still, some classic elements are missing, but the digital advantages are clear. Starsky wraps up with a well-balanced overview: the software provides a largely faithful emulation of the Prophet 5, though not perfect, and certainly not intended to replace the timeless classic. The ability to load additional Prophet 5 tones and explore beyond them showcases the plugin’s strengths making it a synth worth exploring.