Support

The best way is a direct USB connection.

Using a MIDI interface will kinda work as well, but the connection speed is much lower and thus the app will feel slower and more sluggish as well. Please use USB.

Recommended connection:
Wired USB connection

What about MIDI?
A 2-way MIDI connection will kinda work as well, but it’s really slow. Please use USB.

And Wireless?
Wireless MIDI of any kind is currently not supported. I’m looking into it, though.

Most mobile devices nowadays have USB-C type connectors, the synthesizers are equipped with USB 2.0 type B connectors (also known as “the printer plug”).

This means that to connect the synthesizer to your mobile device, you’ll need a USB-C to USB 2.0 type B cable. Make sure to keep the length at 3 meters or lower, there have been reported issues with longer cables.

If you connect the synthesizer via a MIDI interface (not recommended!), you need to connect BOTH – IN and OUT of the synthesizer to establish two-way communication.

Make sure to cross-wire the connection:
Synth IN -> Interface OUT
Synth OUT -> Interface IN

Please keep in mind, that USB is recommended over MIDI.

If using USB, try to keep the cable length at 3 meters or less. Theoretically, USB 2.0 should support up to 5 meters, but I have experienced issues with longer cables while testing.

With 5-pin MIDI cables, 5 meters should still be OK. Theoretically, even higher lengths (up to 15 meters) should be possible, but you might start to run into connection issues.

When you first launch the app, there is an assistant that will help you set up the connection and adjust the necessary settings.

For reference, here’s an overview of what’s necessary:
On the Prophet-6, you need to make sure that the GLOBALS settings for sending SysEx and MIDI data match your connection type and that your synth is set to send and receive parameters in NRPN format.

These are the GLOBALS settings and their required values:

Steps to change settings
– Press GLOBALS
– Select the corresponding settings parameter by pressing a number key, e.g. “8” for “MIDI Sysex”
– Now select the desired value using the “Increment” and “Decrement” buttons (the ones next to the display).
– Press GLOBALS twice to exit.

You can also change multiple parameters while GLOBALS is active and exit afterwards.

Yes, the app supports both devices.

If the Prophet-6 companion app is well received, I will certainly have a look at building similar apps for other synthesizers.

Potential candidates within the Sequential® family include the OB-6, Trigon-6, and Prophet-5/10, with the OB-X8 also being a possibility. While there are interesting options from other manufacturers, my primary focus will likely remain on Sequential® devices for now.

This can happen when your USB cable is too long. Especially iPads seem to be picky when it comes to cable lengths. Make sure to stay at 3 meters max.

On the Prophet-6, you need to make sure that the GLOBALS setting for sending SysEx data matches your connection type.

– Press GLOBALS
– Select “MIDI Sysex” by pressing “8”
– Now select “USb” or “nId” (5-pin MIDI) depending on your connection type
– Press GLOBALS twice to exit.

You can also use the connection assistant on the settings page to get up and running.

Check out the section about required settings on the synth. This is most likely caused by MIDI Out not being set to the correct port (USB vs MIDI).

There’s also a connection assistant on the settings page that will help you make the reuired changes.

You need to enable sending NRPN data in the GLOBALS settings on your synth. See the section on required settings on the synth.

There’s also a connection assistant on the settings page that will help you make the reuired changes.

You’re most likely using an old version of the app. Make sure to update via AppStore, Google PlayStore or Windows Store.

If you cannot update at the moment, check the Param Xmit/Rcv. settings in the GLOBALS section of your synth. They both need to be “nr” (NRPN). There was also a bug in the very first versions (up until 1.0.1) of the app, where you need to set the MidiChannel to ALL for this to work as well. This is fixed with the 1.0.2 update.

Actually, it’s neither.

The app is designed as a second screen, providing additional functionality while allowing you to continue using your synthesizer’s knobs and buttons to program sounds. I’m considering expanding its features in one or both directions, but only if it makes sense in terms of usability and interface design.

This is particularly critical on mobile devices, where thoughtful design is essential. I’ve always prioritized simplicity and intuitiveness in interfaces—I have no intention of turning the app into an overcomplicated, unwieldy tool.

 The Prophet-6 Companion app is meant to be used WHILE you’re creative and programming sounds. It’s meant to be an extension to the actual instrument. It mostly offers features that Sequential could have added to the synth itself if it had a display and/or some more buttons. Other apps, like Soundtower, are there to manage a database of sounds, to integrate with DAWs and to allow full sound editing via software.

Yes, I will provide you with a free license if your usually covered topics are related. Just shoot me an email: support@synthcompanionapps.com