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Description
Introducing the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer, a polyphonic powerhouse that marks a new pinnacle in Korg's recent analog synthesizer development. Crafted using 11,000 discrete electronic components, the Prologue 16 retains the user-friendly nature of its predecessors while delivering stunning, unparalleled sound quality.
The Prologue's sound architecture employs a 2VCO + MULTI ENGINE, 1VCF, 2EG, 1VCA, and 1LFO structure. It offers unique circuitry such as wave shaping for shaping the oscillator's overtones and a sync/ring switch. It also showcases features like a two-pole low pass filter with enhanced sharpness, powerful distortion drive, and a low cut (high pass) switch.
But the Prologue's true ingenuity extends beyond its analog design. The newly developed multi-engine, provided as VCO3, introduces digital waveforms and FM into the mix. This engine, equipped with three different sound engines, can be combined with the analog VCOs to expand the Prologue's sonic potential far beyond that of a traditional analog synthesizer.
Whether you're crafting fat basses, powerful leads, or beautiful pads, the Prologue 16 is your ticket to a vast world of analog synthesis.
Key Features:
- 16 multitimbral voices
- Structure of 2VCO + MULTI ENGINE, 1VCF, 2EG, 1VCA, and 1LFO
- Distinctive, original circuitry with wave shaping and sync/ring switch
- Two-pole low pass filter with enhanced sharpness
- Drive for adding powerful distortion
- Low cut (high pass) switch
- Newly developed multi-engine with digital waveforms and FM
- Noise generator with four types of noise
- VPM (Variable Phase Modulation) / FM oscillator
- User oscillator section for loading custom oscillator programs
- High-quality digital effects with 24-bit floating-point processing
- Two effect units (a modulation effect and delay/reverb)
- User-customization with 16 user oscillator slots and 16 user effect slots
- Analog comp/booster with exclusive VU meter (only on Prologue-16)
- Bi-timbral, allowing for two different programs to be played simultaneously
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | Prologue 16 Polyphonic 61-Key 16-Voice Analog Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black/Wood |
| Year | 2018 - 2025 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 16 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Synthesizer polyphonic?
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Yes, the Korg Prologue 16-Voice is a polyphonic synthesizer, offering 16 voices which allow for complex chordal textures and rich soundscapes.
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Does the Korg Prologue 16 have built-in effects?
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Yes, the Korg Prologue 16 features built-in digital effects including modulation effects, reverb, and delay, which can be used to enhance your sound directly from the synth.
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What type of keyboard action does the Korg Prologue 16 feature?
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The Korg Prologue 16 features a synth-action keyboard, which is designed for fast and responsive play, suitable for both traditional and experimental synthesizer techniques.
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Can the Korg Prologue 16 integrate with my DAW?
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Yes, the Korg Prologue 16 can integrate with your DAW via MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, making it compatible with most digital audio workstations.
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Does the Korg Prologue 16 support layering sounds?
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Yes, the Korg Prologue 16 supports layering sounds, allowing you to play two different programs simultaneously for richer and more complex performances.
Videos
Perfect Circuit
Korg Prologue 16 Voice Sounds
Reviews
PROS
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Unique sound with a perfect modern analog blend
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High-quality build and beautiful design that encourages play
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Wide variety of sound possibilities for full-sounding tracks
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High-quality effects comparable to more expensive synths
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Offers deep sound exploration with user oscillator and split/layer functions
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Ideal for creating both phat and light sounds
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Competitive price for its sound quality and capabilities
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Flagship VCO synth with plenty of voices
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Multi-engine oscillator adds immense depth
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Resolved tuning issue enhances reliability
CONS
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Requires warming up before tuning, approximately 20 minutes
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Limited by a single LFO, could benefit from more modulation options
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer.
Features and functionality
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The Prologue's multi-engine can be cumbersome due to limited controls, but user oscillators integrating front panel controls ease workflow.
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There is a desire for a Minilogue-style sequencer in the Prologue, as its absence limits modulation capabilities, according to some users.
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The Prologue's low comp control is specifically noted for enhancing its sound, offering a beefed-up audio presence that users appreciate.
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The sound librarian feature is highlighted as essential for managing the Prologue's extensive sound capabilities, adding to its usability.
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The Prologue includes a user-installable third digital oscillator that enhances sound diversity, making it more versatile than typical analog synths.
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The Prologue 16 can receive aftertouch from an external controller, enhancing its expressiveness despite lacking native aftertouch.
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The Prologue’s built-in compressor is frequently highlighted as a valuable feature, enhancing sound quality and versatility in live performances.
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User experience
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Despite initial tuning issues, firmware updates have rectified these problems, and users now report a stable and reliable playing experience.
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Owners appreciate the keyboard's feel and build quality, describing it as robust and well-constructed, suitable for both performance and studio use.
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Comparisons
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Users compare the Prologue favorably against the Novation Summit and Peak, citing its immediate and natural sound profile that requires less modulation.
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The Prologue's keybed is praised for its quality compared to the System 8, which feels more plasticky and has shorter keys.
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Despite limited modulation, the Prologue competes with more expensive synths like Moog One 16, offering a vintage and modern sound balance.
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Mods and upgrades
Value and pricing
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It's considered one of the best deals in the used market, often available for under $1,000, making it a strong contender against higher-priced synths.
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Owners find the Prologue 16 a strong value alternative to pricier models like the OB-6 and Prophet 6, offering comparable sound quality at a lower cost.
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Software and compatibility
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The Prologue benefits from user-created effects like the Juno chorus available from sources such as GitHub, expanding its sonic palette.
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Setup and maintenance
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Users report that firmware updates have resolved initial tuning instability issues, making the Prologue more reliable over time.
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Other
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The Prologue's filter is often compared to the MS20, praised for its grit and growl, adding a unique character to the sound profile.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings
199
Heavenly!
I got obsessed with the Prologue the day it was announced, and when I finally got my hands on one it lived up to all my expectations. It sounds amazing and is a pleasure to play. Now that Korg has resolved the tuning issue this synth is epic!
154
top notch synth
this is one tasty looking synth, extremely well built in Japan, the sounds are amazing, this is one synth I would not sell..
Artist usage
Add artist
Toro y Moi used the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer during a live performance, as shown in a Google search result.
In the video titled "Studio Tour- Piano and synths" by Jordan Rudess on YouTube, the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer is visibly seen at 4:32, confirming its presence in his setup.
In this YouTube video, Kaytranada can be seen playing to Korg Prologue at the 1:00 mark
the synth on the right in the prologue (check the shape and where the red lights are)
In an Instagram post, Paul Meany showcases the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer in his studio while announcing the release of the "Voice In The Silence" EP.
In an Instagram post by Timecop1983, the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer is clearly visible. The artist mentions, "People often ask me what gear I use. Well, here's my studio! This is where I create all my music."
In a 2019 Music Radar interview, Rou explains:
I started off, way back in the day, on the Kaoss Pad and the Electribe, and I just got the Prologue not so long ago, which is awesome.
However, it's not clear whether Rou uses the 8 or 16 voice version of the Korg Prologue.
Kishi Bashi uses the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer, as confirmed by an Instagram post by Kishi Bashi himself, where he mentions programming the synthesizer for his tour.
Kurt Ader KApro is known to use the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer. This information is supported by his Facebook profile, which highlights his involvement with this synthesizer.
in the video https://youtu.be/8M5akSGTGiY
Album Usage
The Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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