Aphelion’s Orbit has returned with a review of Synapse Audio’s most recent software synthesizer: Proxima.
Lost in the Shuffle
Synapse Audio’s Proxima is a faithful software recreation of the classic Sequential Circuits Prophet‑600, delivering authentic vintage tones wrapped in modern functionality.
When I think of Synapse, titles like The Legend, Dune, and my Reason RE Antidote immediately come to mind. Their OB‑X emulation Obsession was another standout. Yet here in 2025, Proxima feels overlooked—overshadowed by the wave of high‑profile releases from Spectrasonics, Native Instruments, and U‑He.
First Impressions
Less really is more. Don’t underestimate this two‑oscillator synth—it packs surprising depth beyond its analog roots. Slip on a pair of headphones and check out Synapse Audio’s YouTube channel to hear the side‑by‑side comparison between Proxima and the original hardware—it’s impressive.
I’ve had the demo for a while, and I keep coming back to it. The sound sparks ideas, pushing me to write and experiment with the controls just to see where they lead. One thing I’ve consistently appreciated about Synapse Audio is their workflow design. If you’ve used any of their instruments before, Proxima will feel instantly familiar.
This retro‑inspired synth isn’t locked to the past—it spans genres old and new. And that vintage analog warmth, especially in the low end, might just edge out Dune in my book.
Key Features & Sound
Proxima zeroes in on the Prophet‑600’s tone and character at the component level, faithfully modeling its vintage analog oscillators and the iconic low‑pass filter. The filter offers switchable 12 dB and 24 dB slopes, plus an added band‑pass mode for extra flexibility.
The results speak for themselves: users describe the emulation as “scary close” to the original hardware, with a sound that feels naturally huge, forward, and unmistakably present.
- Increased polyphony: Up to 12 voices of polyphony (vs. the original’s six).
- Powerful modulation: A 10-slot modulation matrix and two dedicated LFOs offer extensive routing possibilities.
- Integrated effects: A comprehensive effects section with distortion, EQ, phaser, chorus, reverb, and delay.
- Advanced control: Support for MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), NKS (Native Kontrol Standard), and microtuning (MTS).
- Intuitive interface: Many users find the user interface well-designed and easy to use, enabling quick sound design.
Effects
Arppegiator
Sound
The sound of this synth can best be described as inviting. Whether you’re building a patch from the ground up or just browsing presets, Proxima delivers. It’s versatile enough to cover Synthwave, Funk, Rock, and just about everything in between.
The tone and spatial presence are impressive, with a richness that draws you in. And if you’re chasing something darker or more aggressive, a few tweaks under the hood quickly unlock that edge.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality.
- Ease of use.
- Faithful emulation.
- Useful additions: Modern features like the expanded mod matrix, arpeggiator/sequencer, and effects greatly enhance its versatility beyond the original hardware.
- Demo.
- Presets.
Cons
- Price.
- 20 minute demo sessions.
Final Thoughts
Proxima stands as a solid and versatile analog emulation of the Prophet‑600. It ticks all the right boxes and, most importantly, is simply fun to play. Even light programming feels natural and approachable, making it a synth that welcomes beginners while still offering plenty of depth for seasoned sound designers.
Priced €139 EUR, Proxima is available in VST3, AU and AAX plugin formats for Windows and macOS. You can download the free demo version from the Synapse Audio website to give it a try.
