Focusrite Acquires Legendary Synth Company Sequential

Focusrite Group—the global audio powerhouse behind not just Focusrite but Novation, Martin Audio, ADAM Audio, and other brands—has just added a legendary company to its roster: Sequential.

Originally launched by Dave Smith in '70s as Sequential Circuits, Sequential (along with its founder) has created some of the best and best-known synthesizers of all time: the Prophet-5, Pro 3, OB-6, and others.

Just recently, Sequential released the Prophet-5 Rev4 reissue, which combines features found in all three of the classic versions, as well as the first-ever desktop modules of the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10. Should fans of the storied synth maker expect big changes to the lineup?


Sequential on Reverb

The press release today stresses that Sequential will remain as its own subsidiary and continue to make its own synths. Moreso, the company's structure will stay in place, with Dave Smith continuing to lead engineering and product development.

Read the full press release below:

We're extremely excited to welcome Sequential to the Focusrite Group family of audio brands, following the acquisition of Dave Smith's legendary synthesizer brand by our parent company Focusrite plc.

Sequential's synths have made a huge impact in music for decades, and continue to inspire music makers all over the world. Instruments such as the classic Prophet® 5 — the world's first fully programmable polysynth, designed by Dave Smith and launched in 1977 — and the futuristic Pro 3® hybrid monosynth, which combines analogue and digital in a powerful paraphonic instrument, show Sequential's dedication to the craft of synthesizer design.

Sequential will operate as a separate entity to the other brands in Focusrite Group, and will continue business as usual. Operationally, Sequential will retain its existing company structure, with Dave Smith leading engineering, product development and mentorship of Sequential's new breed of designers.

Commenting on the news, Focusrite's Executive Chairman Phil Dudderidge said, "We're excited and pleased to add Sequential's instruments and pedigree to Focusrite Group's portfolio of world-class audio and music production tools. Dave Smith's history as an innovator speaks for itself. From his creation of the world's first fully programmable polysynth (the Prophet 5) to his co-invention of MIDI, Dave Smith has literally changed the world of music several times. We're looking forward to continuing his history of innovation and expanding the global market for Sequential's instruments."

Tim Carroll, CEO of Focusrite Group, remarked, "Sequential is a premium analogue synth brand with a big stake in music creation. The products are exceptional and the company is run extremely well, and the passion of the people at Sequential aligns perfectly with our Focusrite Group ethos. It's tremendously exciting to be able to bring Sequential into the Focusrite family, further the incredible journey that Dave Smith started, and keep growing together."

Sequential's Dave Smith commented, "With Focusrite, we've found an ideal home and a perfect cultural and technological fit. Phil Dudderidge and his team have a long history of quality, vision, and focus on what musicians and audio professionals really want. We're excited to join such an industry powerhouse and contribute to our mutual success. I expect great things."

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