Celebrating over a decade of influence in the global bass scene, UZ, an influential tastemaker, emerged on SoundCloud in 2012 with his Trap Shit series. Known for genre-defining trap classics and a Billboard charting debut album, he’s collaborated with major artists like T-Pain, Ice Cube, and more. Internationally touring, UZ graces stages worldwide, from Coachella to EDC Las Vegas. His label, Quality Goods Records, founded in 2016, continues to champion breakout artists. Today, UZ remains a force, leaving a lasting impact through his dynamic live sets and groundbreaking contributions to the music industry.
We chatted with UZ on how he uses the Prophet-6 in his music.
What made you choose the Prophet-6?
I typically work with digital tools, but my studio setup includes a mix of hardware and VST plugins. Analog gear has its charm. I once owned a Sequential Circuits DrumTraks, and its punch and dynamic qualities were impressive. The ability to swap out the EPROM for different drum samples added a layer of creative flexibility. There’s something tactile and visually engaging about working with physical gear. Unfortunately, I sold the DrumTraks, a decision I now regret. Recently, in my search for a polyphonic synth, Sequential stood out. I was seeking something versatile, powerful, and with limitless possibilities. After trying several options, I settled on the Prophet-6. The presets serve as a convenient starting point for creating rich sounds, and aesthetically, it’s quite appealing. No regrets sticking with the Prophet-6; it’s now a central component in my setup.
How are you using it?
Yeah, it varies, but I often kick things off by browsing presets. Once I find a sound I vibe with, I start tweaking it – that becomes my starting point for crafting a melody and building the track. The setup involves a USB connection, with Ableton taking the reins for a smooth workflow, ensuring my creative flow isn’t disrupted. Sometimes, I route the audio through different effect pedals using a patch bay before it hits my audio interface. I enjoy recording MIDI melodies, tweaking filters, and experimenting with effects while recording the audio into my DAW for a closer look and further manipulations.
The ease of use is a major plus for me. Everything’s right there at the touch of a button, allowing me to effortlessly create a wide range of sounds from basic waveforms to warm pads and intricate arpeggiated sounds with effects. It’s both user-friendly and versatile, which makes the whole creative process a breeze.
What does it give you that other synths might not?
The standout feature for me is definitely the SOUND. There’s something about the lush, warm, and naturally analog quality that makes Sequential synths, especially the Prophet-6, some of the best in the world. It’s a unique sonic character that’s hard to beat.
Any interesting Prophet-6 tricks or techniques you would like to share?
Though it may seem basic, my go-to technique involves tweaking filters and experimenting with effects while recording into my DAW. This hands-on approach consistently delivers the best results, uncovering unique nuances that shape the character of my compositions in real time.
Prophet-6 keyboard in UZ’s studio.
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