Classic Sequential sound in a portable, modern polysynth
Classic Sequential sound in a portable, modern polysynth
Our Rating: ★ 9.2 /10
Best for: Analog pads, leads, bass, live performance, classic synth sounds
Not ideal for: Large polyphony needs, digital/wavetable sound design
Design and Build Quality
The Take 5 features a compact 44-key keyboard with a semi-weighted feel, designed to be expressive while remaining portable. The chassis is solid and well-built, with a premium feel that reflects Sequential’s reputation for quality.
The interface follows a knob-per-function layout, giving immediate access to oscillators, filter, envelopes, LFO, and modulation controls. This makes sound design intuitive and fast, especially for users familiar with subtractive synthesis.
Performance controls include pitch bend, modulation wheel, and aftertouch support, adding expressive depth. The layout is clean, logical, and clearly inspired by classic Sequential designs, but adapted for modern workflows.
Sound Engine
The Take 5 is a true analog polysynth, featuring a classic subtractive architecture with modern enhancements.
Each voice includes:
- 2 analog oscillators
- Sub oscillator
- Analog low-pass filter (Prophet-style)
- Analog VCA
- Envelopes and LFO
- Modulation routing
The sound is unmistakably Sequential — warm, punchy, and musical. It excels at:
- Pads
- Leads
- Bass
- Brass
- Classic analog textures
- Expressive performance sounds
The filter delivers smooth resonance and musical saturation, while the oscillators provide rich harmonic content. A Vintage control introduces subtle instability and drift, emulating the behavior of classic analog synths.
Despite having only 5 voices, the synth feels full and powerful thanks to voice allocation and unison options.
Modulation and Effects
Take 5 includes a flexible modulation system with:
- Multiple envelopes
- LFO
- Modulation matrix
- Aftertouch routing
- Mod wheel assignments
While not overly complex, it offers enough depth for evolving sounds and expressive patches without overwhelming the user.
The synth also includes built-in digital effects, which complement the analog sound:
- Reverb
- Delay
- Chorus
- Modulation effects
These effects enhance pads and leads significantly, allowing the Take 5 to produce polished, production-ready sounds without external gear.
Features and Connectivity
The Take 5 is designed for both studio and stage use, with modern connectivity and performance features.
Key features include:
- 5-voice analog polyphony
- Knob-per-function interface
- Built-in effects
- Arpeggiator and sequencer
- Aftertouch-enabled keyboard
- Vintage mode for analog drift
Connectivity includes:
- MIDI In/Out/Thru
- USB MIDI
- Audio outputs
- Headphone output
- Pedal inputs
The synth integrates easily into DAW setups and live rigs, while maintaining a fully hardware-based workflow.
Advantages
- True analog polyphonic sound
- Classic Sequential tone and character
- Knob-per-function interface
- Built-in effects
- Compact and portable design
- Expressive keyboard with aftertouch
- Vintage control adds analog realism
- Strong balance between simplicity and depth
Limitations
- True analog polyphonic sound
- Classic Sequential tone and character
- Knob-per-function interface
- Built-in effects
- Compact and portable design
- Expressive keyboard with aftertouch
- Vintage control adds analog realism
- Strong balance between simplicity and depth
Verdict
The Sequential Take 5 is a highly musical and inspiring analog polysynth that successfully brings classic Sequential sound into a compact, modern format. It offers the warmth, depth, and immediacy of vintage analog synthesis while adding just enough modern features to fit today’s workflows.
While the 5-voice limitation may not suit every use case, the quality of the sound and the hands-on experience more than compensate. It is particularly strong for musicians who value playability, tone, and simplicity over complexity.
For anyone looking for an authentic analog poly synth with modern convenience and portability, the Take 5 stands out as one of the best options in its class.