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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

Is the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Korg Prologue 16-Voice is a polyphonic synthesizer, offering 16 voices which allow for complex chordal textures and rich soundscapes.

Does the Korg Prologue 16 have built-in effects?

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.

What type of keyboard action does the Korg Prologue 16 feature?

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.

Can the Korg Prologue 16 integrate with my DAW?

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.

Does the Korg Prologue 16 support layering sounds?

Yes, the Korg Prologue 16 supports layering sounds, allowing you to play two different programs simultaneously for richer and more complex performances.

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Korg Prologue 16 Voice Sounds

Video thumbnail for Korg Prologue 16 Voice Sounds by Perfect Circuit

Korg Prologue 16 Voice Sounds

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Synths That Time Forgot: Korg Prologue 16 Voice by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Synths That Time Forgot: Korg Prologue 16 Voice

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for Synth Stuff Ep. 52 - Korg Prologue 16 by tritonrecordings

Synth Stuff Ep. 52 - Korg Prologue 16

tritonrecordings

tritonrecordings

Video thumbnail for Korg Prologue 16 Polyphonic Analog Synth - Overview & Demo by PMTVUK

Korg Prologue 16 Polyphonic Analog Synth - Overview & Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Let's play | Korg Prologue 16 | Analogue Synthesizer | Thomann by Thomann's Guitars & Basses

Let's play | Korg Prologue 16 | Analogue Synthesizer | Thomann

Thomann's Guitars & Basses

Thomann's Guitars & Basses

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique sound with a perfect modern analog blend

  • High-quality build and beautiful design that encourages play

  • Wide variety of sound possibilities for full-sounding tracks

  • High-quality effects comparable to more expensive synths

  • Offers deep sound exploration with user oscillator and split/layer functions

  • Ideal for creating both phat and light sounds

  • Competitive price for its sound quality and capabilities

  • Flagship VCO synth with plenty of voices

  • Multi-engine oscillator adds immense depth

  • Resolved tuning issue enhances reliability

CONS

  • Requires warming up before tuning, approximately 20 minutes

  • 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

  • The Prologue's multi-engine can be cumbersome due to limited controls, but user oscillators integrating front panel controls ease workflow.

    Source
  • There is a desire for a Minilogue-style sequencer in the Prologue, as its absence limits modulation capabilities, according to some users.

    Source
  • The Prologue's low comp control is specifically noted for enhancing its sound, offering a beefed-up audio presence that users appreciate.

    Source
  • The sound librarian feature is highlighted as essential for managing the Prologue's extensive sound capabilities, adding to its usability.

    Source
  • The Prologue includes a user-installable third digital oscillator that enhances sound diversity, making it more versatile than typical analog synths.

    Source
  • The Prologue 16 can receive aftertouch from an external controller, enhancing its expressiveness despite lacking native aftertouch.

    Source
  • The Prologue’s built-in compressor is frequently highlighted as a valuable feature, enhancing sound quality and versatility in live performances.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite initial tuning issues, firmware updates have rectified these problems, and users now report a stable and reliable playing experience.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the keyboard's feel and build quality, describing it as robust and well-constructed, suitable for both performance and studio use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users compare the Prologue favorably against the Novation Summit and Peak, citing its immediate and natural sound profile that requires less modulation.

    Source
  • The Prologue's keybed is praised for its quality compared to the System 8, which feels more plasticky and has shorter keys.

    Source
  • Despite limited modulation, the Prologue competes with more expensive synths like Moog One 16, offering a vintage and modern sound balance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend exploring third-party oscillators like those from Tim Shoebridge to significantly expand the Prologue's sound palette.

    Source
  • Users recommend using an expression pedal for dynamic control, suggesting it compensates for the absence of aftertouch.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Prologue benefits from user-created effects like the Juno chorus available from sources such as GitHub, expanding its sonic palette.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users report that firmware updates have resolved initial tuning instability issues, making the Prologue more reliable over time.

    Source

Other

  • The Prologue's filter is often compared to the MS20, praised for its grit and growl, adding a unique character to the sound profile.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Many users utilize the Prologue for its ability to produce massive mono synth sounds, leveraging its split and layer functionality for dynamic performances.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Prologue

soundonsound.com

Korg’s Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer offers an appealing blend of vintage analog charm and modern digital versatility. While its hybrid nature might not satisfy purists, the Prologue excels with its impressive sound quality, thanks to its unique combination of analog VCOs and digital oscillators. The build is solid and stylish, and the range of onboard effects is commendable. However, its simplicity could be seen as a limitation, especially with a non-standard MIDI CC map and lack of aftertouch. Despite these drawbacks, the Prologue stands out as a robust and characterful polysynth, deserving of its flagship status.

positive

Review: Korg Prologue 16 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

Korg's Prologue 16 synthesizer impresses with 16-voice polyphony, superb sound, and solid build quality. The inclusion of a digital Multi-Engine oscillator adds versatility, making it a powerhouse for both classic and modern tones. However, it lacks a modulation matrix and aftertouch, which may limit its appeal for some. Despite these downsides, the Prologue 16 shines as a live performance synth, offering a rich, warm sound palette and robust features that will likely make it a favorite among synth enthusiasts. Its high polyphony and quality construction position it as a modern classic in the making.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
finetales

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!

thedarklands

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
S

Sólveig Matthildur

Singer, Drummer

Kælan Mikla

...
Verified via YouTube

We can see the gear at 24:01

See how Billy Chuchat uses Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer

Billy Chuchat

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tilly Birds

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video by Boy59’s Shop, Billy Chuchat is shown using the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer as his main synth during the show, although it has since been replaced by the Arturia Keylab.

See how Jon Deas uses Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer

Jon Deas

Keyboardist

The Kill Tony Band

...
Verified via Photo

Jon Deas has confirmed the use of the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer by stating, "Been building some crazy patches on my @korgofficial prologue and it’s friggin snappin… shout out to the homies you know who you are," on his Instagram account.

See how Louis Futon uses Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer

Louis Futon

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, Louis takes a tour through his home studio. At 1:28, he shows his Korg Prologue. He doesn't explicitly state it, but based on the number of keys and the layout of the controls, I've confirmed it's the 16.

J

Jesse Blum

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Twenty One Pilots

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "Rig Tour: Twenty One Pilots Multi-instrumentalist Dr. Jesse Blum" by Sweetwater, Jesse Blum is seen using the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer at the 1:02 mark.

See how Thaddeus Dixon uses Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer

Thaddeus Dixon

Drummer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Prologue Sessions with Thaddeus Dixon - Sound Creation Process" on YouTube, Thaddeus Dixon is shown using the Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer as he explores different sounds to inspire new music. This video is provided by Korg.

R

Roy Medhurst

Keyboardist

HENGE

...
Verified via Photo

The bigger Prologue version is often part of the gear set with Henge .

See how Ryan Elder uses Korg Prologue 16-Voice Analog Keyboard Synthesizer

Ryan Elder

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Mentioned and pictured in this May 2019 Sound on Sound interview.

As it turned out, the variety that a commercial music house offered was a good training ground for the diversity of music that Rick And Morty would demand. It also put him in Hollywood's post-production milieu where, in 2006, he met Justin Roiland, who, with partner Dan Harmon, was developing various animation series. One of those, Dog World, needed a theme song, and Elder concocted one, using his growing collection of synths, including a Korg Prologue and Microkorg, Moog Rogue and Yamaha DX7 and DX100, as well as Native Instruments Kontakt libraries.

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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