Proxima
by Synapse Audio · Synth · Vintage analog polysynth model
Not rated yet
Proxima is Synapse Audio's model of a 1982 six-voice analog polysynth with Curtis chips, the first synth sold with MIDI.
It adds 12-voice polyphony, an 8x oversampled engine, MPE and microtuning, for €139 (about $158).
Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Ambient & Cinematic.
Keywords: polyphonic, 80s, analog, arpeggiator, modulation matrix, MPE support, oversampling, hardware emulation, modern, sequencer, vintage, basses, brass, FM, pads, retro, subtractive, virtual analog, warm.
What it does
Proxima models the 1982 Sequential Prophet-600, the six-voice polysynth with Curtis chips that was the first synth with MIDI in and out. Synapse sums it up as "Retro sound. Modern features."
- Engine: two VA oscillators per voice, up to 12 voices (double the original), and an 8x oversampled engine.
- Poly-mod: the Prophet-style polymod section for FM-type tones.
- Filter: low-pass and band-pass types, switchable between 12 and 24 dB.
- Modulation: three ADSR envelopes, two LFOs and a 10-slot modulation matrix.
- Arpeggiator and sequencer: an arpeggiator/sequencer with its own five modulation slots.
- Effects: distortion, EQ, phaser, chorus, reverb and delay.
- Expression: velocity, aftertouch, MPE, MTS microtuning and NKS support.
It was released in October 2025. A free demo is available, limited to 20-minute sessions.
Source: Synapse Audio product page
When to use it
Proxima is the pick for the specific Prophet-600 sound: the slightly rougher early-MIDI cousin of the Prophet-5, with modern polyphony, effects and modulation added. Compared with u-he Repro and Arturia Prophet-5 V it models a different, later and simpler Sequential synth. Next to Arturia Pigments 7 or Serum 2 it is far narrower in scope, but quicker for classic poly patches. Compared with Synapse's own DUNE 3 it trades the huge oscillator stacks for a focused two-oscillator voice.
- Best for: 80s polysynth pads, brass, poly-mod basses, stabs and arpeggios.
- Genres: synthwave, funk, pop, rock, electronic and soundtrack work.
- Look elsewhere if: you want the Prophet-5 sound itself (Repro or Prophet-5 V) or a cheaper vintage poly; reviewers found the price a little high.
- Tip: start from the presets to learn its palette, then use the mod matrix for deeper changes.
What producers say
Early reviews praise the sound and feel, with the price the main reservation.
- Rekkerd.org (2026) called it "scary close to the original hardware" and "simply fun to play", praising its warm, present sound and easy workflow, but criticised the price and the 20-minute demo limit.
- Synth Anatomy called it "a very successful emulation of the Prophet-600" but would have preferred a lower price.
Where to buy
- PluginFox: $139
- AudioDeluxe: $139
- Synapse Audio: $157.83 (Listed at €139; converted at €1 = $1.1355 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))
Tutorials and reviews
- Synapse Audio - PROXIMA Overview & Sound Demo
- Proxima by Synapse Audio
- Proxima Synthesizer by Synapse Audio (No Talking)
- Synapse Audio Proxima (Prophet-600) - Presets Preview
- Proxima Factory Presets Demo
Similar plugins
- Sequential Prophet~5 by GForce Software · Prophet-5 polysynth emulation · $89.99
- Prophet-5 V by Arturia · Polyphonic analog synth emulation · $149
- P-10 by Cherry Audio · Prophet-10-style analog polysynth · $69
- Repro by u-he · Vintage mono/poly synth · $149
- Obsession by Synapse Audio · Vintage analog polysynth model · $99
- Jup-8 V by Arturia · Polyphonic analog synth emulation · $149
- Mercury-8 by Cherry Audio · Jupiter-8-style analog polysynth · $69
- OB-Xf by Surge Synth Team · Oberheim-inspired analog polysynth · Free
- OP-Xa V by Arturia · Virtual analog polysynth · $149
- OB-Xd by discoDSP · Oberheim OB-X-style polysynth · $69.30
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