TRIBUTE TO DAVE SMITH: Synth Pioneer Who Shaped Modern Music

Dave Smith

The world of music lost a titan in 2022 when Dave Smith, the visionary behind Sequential Circuits and a key architect of MIDI, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 72. Known as the "Father of MIDI" and the creator of some of the most iconic synthesizers in history, Smith’s contributions transformed the soundscape of pop, rock, electronic, and film music. His legacy lives on in the lush pads, biting leads, and pulsating basses that continue to inspire musicians worldwide. Beyond his technical brilliance, Smith was a warm, approachable figure who loved connecting with fans and musicians, often seen at NAMM shows enthusiastically demoing his latest creations. This tribute celebrates his groundbreaking innovations, his resilience in reviving Sequential, and the human touch that made him a beloved figure in the music community.

The Birth of a Legend: Sequential Circuits and the Prophet-5

Dave Smith founded Sequential Circuits in 1974, a time when synthesizers were bulky, expensive, and often monophonic. His first major breakthrough came in 1977 with the Prophet-5, the world’s first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer and the first musical instrument with an embedded microprocessor. With five voices, two oscillators per voice, and a rich, warm sound shaped by its SSM2040 low-pass filter, the Prophet-5 was a game-changer. It allowed musicians to store and recall patches instantly—a revolutionary feature at the time. Artists like Madonna, David Bowie, Talking Heads, and countless others used its distinctive tone to define the sound of the late ‘70s and ‘80s.

The Prophet-5’s success was followed by other innovative instruments. The Prophet-10 (1981), a dual-keyboard beast with ten voices, offered unprecedented polyphonic power. The Pro-One (1981), a monophonic synth derived from the Prophet-5’s architecture, became a favorite for its gritty basses and leads, gracing countless recordings. The Six-Trak (1984) introduced multitimbral capabilities and MIDI, while the Prophet VS (1986) pioneered vector synthesis, blending digital waveforms with analog filters. These instruments showcased Smith’s ability to push boundaries while maintaining a signature sound that was both versatile and instantly recognizable.

The MIDI Revolution

Perhaps Smith’s most enduring contribution to music was his role in developing MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). In 1981, frustrated by the lack of compatibility between synthesizers from different manufacturers, Smith proposed the Universal Synthesizer Interface (USI) at the Audio Engineering Society convention. Working with Roland, Yamaha, Korg, and Kawai, he refined the concept into MIDI, which was first demonstrated at NAMM 1983 when a Sequential Prophet-600 was connected to a Roland Jupiter-6. MIDI allowed instruments to communicate seamlessly, revolutionizing music production and performance. Remarkably, Smith and his collaborators gave MIDI to the world for free, a selfless act that enabled countless innovations in electronic music. Today, MIDI remains a cornerstone of music technology, still at version 1.0—a testament to its robust design.

The Fall of Sequential in the 1980s

Despite its groundbreaking products, Sequential Circuits faced challenges in the mid-1980s. The release of Yamaha’s DX7 in 1983, a digital FM synthesizer that was more affordable and reliable than analog polysynths, shifted the market dramatically. Analog synthesizers, once the pinnacle of innovation, were suddenly seen as outdated. Sequential’s Prophet-600 (1982), the first MIDI-equipped synth, and the Prophet T8 (1983), with its velocity-sensitive wooden keyboard, were critically acclaimed but struggled to compete with the DX7’s dominance.

Sequential also invested heavily in new ventures, including computer music and sound chips for arcade games, which strained its finances. By 1987, the company faced insurmountable financial difficulties, exacerbated by competition from Japanese manufacturers producing high-quality digital synths at lower prices. Sequential Circuits folded, and Yamaha acquired its assets, leaving Smith to pursue other ventures, including stints at Yamaha and Korg, where he contributed to the Wavestation.

The Comeback: Dave Smith Instruments and Sequential’s Revival

Smith’s passion for synthesis never waned. In 2002, he founded Dave Smith Instruments (DSI), marking his return to hardware with the Evolver, a hybrid analog/digital synth. The Prophet ’08 (2007) reignited interest in the Prophet name, offering eight voices of analog polyphony with modern reliability. In 2015, in a remarkable gesture, Yamaha returned the Sequential brand name to Smith, allowing him to rebrand DSI as Sequential in 2018.

The Prophet-6, released in 2015, was a triumphant tribute to the Prophet-5. A six-voice analog polysynth with true voltage-controlled oscillators, filters, and amplifiers, it combined vintage tone with modern enhancements like a polyphonic step sequencer, arpeggiator, and studio-quality effects. Artists like Thom Yorke, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, and Diplo embraced its rich, versatile sound. The Prophet-6 was not a mere reissue but a reimagining, proving Smith’s ability to honor his legacy while pushing forward.

In 2016, Smith collaborated with his longtime friend and rival Tom Oberheim on the OB-6, a six-voice analog polysynth inspired by Oberheim’s SEM-based 4-voice and 8-voice synths. Featuring two VCOs per voice, a state-variable filter, and digital effects like reverbs and delays, the OB-6 delivered the bold, cinematic Oberheim sound with modern stability. Its aggressive basses, glassy pads, and punchy leads made it a favorite for electronic, film, and pop music. The collaboration was a dream come true for synth fans, uniting two legends who had once competed in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Sequential continued to innovate with the Prophet Rev2 (2018), an enhanced version of the Prophet ’08, and the rebooted Prophet-5 (2020), which faithfully recreated the original’s sound with modern reliability. In 2021, Focusrite acquired Sequential, ensuring the brand’s future while allowing Smith to focus on design. Most recently, Smith contributed to the Oberheim OB-X8, the first new synth from the rebooted Oberheim brand, cementing his role as a bridge between analog’s past and future.

A Man of Warmth and Passion

Beyond his technical achievements, Dave Smith was known for his genuine warmth and accessibility. At NAMM shows, he was a fixture at the Sequential booth, eagerly demoing synths and chatting with customers, from bedroom producers to industry veterans. His infectious enthusiasm and sense of humor—often punctuated by a love for margaritas—made him a beloved figure. Smith’s interactions were never about self-promotion; he was driven by a passion for music and a desire to share his creations with the world. As one X user noted, “He was an absolute gentleman and personality like no other… always ready for a joke.”

Smith’s humility was evident in his collaborations. His work with Tom Oberheim on the OB-6 was not just a technical partnership but a celebration of their decades-long friendship. His generosity in making MIDI freely available reflected a belief that music technology should unite, not divide, the creative community.

A Lasting Legacy

Dave Smith’s impact on music is immeasurable. The Prophet-5 and its successors gave musicians new tools to express themselves, shaping genres from synth-pop to ambient. MIDI opened the door to a world of interconnected instruments and software, fundamentally changing how music is made. The revival of Sequential and the success of modern classics like the Prophet-6 and OB-6 proved that analog synthesis remains vibrant and relevant.

Smith’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and heart. He navigated the collapse of Sequential in the ‘80s, adapted to a digital era, and returned to lead an analog renaissance. His creations continue to inspire, from the studios of chart-topping artists to the bedrooms of aspiring producers. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a man who not only built instruments but also built a community—one note, one patch, one conversation at a time. Rest in peace, Dave Smith. Your music lives on.

Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!

©July 2025 by Mark King, It's NOT ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.

You've been reading about DAVE SMITH, for your own health, turn off the internet and GO play with some synthesizers, create some space music 8-)

Prophet-6 featuring oscillators built from discrete components, similar to Oberheim SEM