Sequential

front and left and it’s worth
spending some time using it, as it
really highlights some of the sound
design options.
The Pro 3 is physically notable
in some other aspects too. The
wide OLED screen is crisp and
clear, showing menu items
contextually, as you adjust certain
settings, making its size just right.
The knobs come in two fl avours,
none of which feel related to other
Sequential synths, with a soft
touch rubber feel. Rotary encoders
(the kind that keep on turning) are
easy to adjust, dialling in a setting
easily with good positive notched
response. The potentiometers on
the other hand feel very fi rm and
take a good twist to move. I don’t
dislike this but I think some users
might, although I imagine they will
ease up after the bedding in
period passes. Either way, all the
controls feel well seated and
accurate. The only element similar
to other Sequential hardware is
let’s cover these as though
building a patch from scratch.
Warm sound
Alongside the two VCOs, each with
variable saw, triangle and square
waves, plus shape mod, the Pro 3
has noise, an external audio input
and a fantastic wavetable
oscillator, that houses some truly
wonderful waveshapes, although
not user defi nable ones, as yet.
The VCOs are warm but
detailed, covering fi ve octaves,
the super bright LED lit buttons,
that I think are the same as used
on the Rev2. The mod and pitch
wheel feel good too, with similar
red lighting and the metal touch
strip is one of the best and most
responsive I’ve ever encountered.
All in all, then an inspiring start,
before a note is even played.
A cursory glance at the controls
offers nothing unusual, with a
standard workfl ow: LFOs, sound
course, fi lter, then envelope, with
other options scattered around, so
DIGITAL EFFECTS
The Pro 3 has dual effects, meaning you can run two at once,
with separate modulation and overall control. Often feeling like
an afterthought on synths, these are good quality and tied in
nicely, so you can modulate them as with anything else. My top
picks are the phaser and the super plate. I’m generally not a fan
of built-in reverbs on synths but this one is good, although not
overly plate-like.
Shimmery and
long-tailed is easy
with this one,
adding to the
overall versatility.
The stereo delays
are also very good
with excellent
separation. Like so
much of the Pro 3,
the last 5% is all
in controllability
and tonal
results, which
positively shine.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Arturia
MatrixBrute
£1,879
The Arturia
MatrixBrute also
offers three-voice
paraphony and an
extensive modulation
system but has a
more metallic
tone overall
arturia.com
Moog Sub 37
£1,579
Moog’s Sub 37 has
‘that’ ladder fi lter
sound, plus a great
sequencer, though
with far less ability
than the Pro 3
moogmusic.com
The sequencer could easily
be a product in its own
right. It’s simple to use but
massively useful and fun too
Reviews | Sequential Pro 3
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