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Average Price: $385

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Description

Unveiling the Korg Prophecy, a legendary analog modeling synth from the 90s era that still holds a special place in the heart of musicians. Redefining the fusion of vintage and modern, it boasts fat sounding oscillators and realistically modeled filters. With the addition of digital patch storage, it effortlessly blends a classic touch with contemporary convenience. Not to mention, its capacity for physical modeling and FM synthesis which opens up avenues for a wide spectrum of sound explorations.

Key Features:

  • Analog modeling synth from the mid-90s
  • Fat sounding oscillators for robust sound generation
  • Realistically modeled filters for authentic sound shaping
  • Digital patch storage for modern convenience
  • Capable of physical modeling and FM synthesis for sound variety
  • 37 keys for extensive playability
  • Monophonic polyphony for focused sound design
  • Audio and MIDI I/O for versatile connectivity

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Prophecy
Finish Silver
Year 1990s
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 37 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Korg Prophecy suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Prophecy is designed for live use with its compact 37-key format and expressive controls, making it a great choice for musicians who need portability and versatility in sound for live performances.

What type of synthesis does the Korg Prophecy use?

The Korg Prophecy utilizes digital synthesis with virtual analog and physical modeling capabilities, allowing it to produce a wide range of unique and complex sounds.

Can the Korg Prophecy be integrated with modern MIDI setups?

Yes, the Korg Prophecy features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with modern MIDI setups for both studio and live environments.

Is the Korg Prophecy polyphonic?

No, the Korg Prophecy is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for lead sounds and expressive solos.

What kind of keyboard action does the Korg Prophecy have?

The Korg Prophecy features a synth action keyboard, which is light and fast, suitable for quick playing styles and expressive performance techniques.

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Korg Prophecy | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb

Video thumbnail for Korg Prophecy | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb by Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Korg Prophecy | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Video thumbnail for Korg prophecy Demo  I  No Talking by Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks

Korg prophecy Demo I No Talking

Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks

Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Korg Prophecy by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Korg Prophecy

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for KORG PROPHECY Synthesizer 1995 | NEW PATCHES | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

KORG PROPHECY Synthesizer 1995 | NEW PATCHES | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Korg Prophecy Demo (Part 1) by Perfect Circuit

Korg Prophecy Demo (Part 1)

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for From the Vault: Korg Prophecy Product Overview by Korg

From the Vault: Korg Prophecy Product Overview

Korg

Korg

Video thumbnail for Korg Prophecy In 2020 by Musician Paradise

Korg Prophecy In 2020

Musician Paradise

Musician Paradise

Video thumbnail for Korg Prophecy: The sounds by Gearfacts

Korg Prophecy: The sounds

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Korg Prophecy Demo by Panu M Savolainen

Korg Prophecy Demo

Panu M Savolainen

Panu M Savolainen

Reviews

PROS

  • Realistic brass, reed, and string sounds through physical modeling

  • Extensive parameter options for in-depth sound customization

  • Compact size suitable for limited spaces

  • Unique, expressive flute sound patch available

  • Versatile as a controller with numerous options

  • Ideal for creating unconventional, "weird" synth sounds

  • Praised for use in early internet entertainment and iconic tracks

CONS

  • Monophonic, limiting polyphonic playability

  • Construction feels cheap, akin to a child's toy

  • Requires significant time to learn and program effectively

  • Some users find it difficult to integrate into music projects

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Prophecy.

Features and functionality

  • The Prophecy's unique modulation roller/ribbon is essential to its character, unlike typical MIDI controllers.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Karma with EXB-MOSS card offers a more user-friendly experience compared to the Prophecy.

    Source
  • The Korg Z1 is seen as a larger, more expensive version of the Prophecy, offering similar sound capabilities.

    Source
  • Korg Triton with the MOSS board is an alternative that offers the Prophecy's DSP board functionality, but the MOSS board alone can cost around $400.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Prophecy is considered one of the cheapest feeling "professional" instruments by some users.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Prophecy's sound evokes a 90s tracker techno vibe, suitable for genres like Unreal Tournament or Command and Conquer.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The VST version of the Prophecy is praised for its polyphonic capabilities, which the original lacks.

    Source
  • Patch Base synth editor for iPads now supports Korg Prophecy, offering a practical option for programming patches.

    Source
  • Ctrlr and Midi Quest 12 are viable software options for editing Korg Prophecy patches, though Midi Quest's cost-effectiveness is debatable.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A unique mod was found with harmonica buttons replacing the standard keyboard on a Prophecy, although it was considered overpriced.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prophecies are available on eBay from Japan for under $500, but require an adapter for use.

    Source
  • Some Korg Triton models are priced lower than certain Prophecy listings, but ensure they include the MOSS board for comparable features.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Memory cards in the Prophecy function similarly to DX7 carts, primarily for patch storage and retrieval.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Prophecy

soundonsound.com

Korg's Prophecy synthesizer is a groundbreaking blend of analog, FM, and physical modeling synthesis, all packed into a surprisingly affordable package. Its sheer synthesis power, including nine oscillator types and extensive real-time control, opens vast creative possibilities, making it a synthesizer in a league of its own. However, its complexity can be daunting, with an initially impenetrable interface that lacks a graphical display, potentially hindering ease of use. Despite minor limitations like its three-octave keyboard and challenging control navigation, the Prophecy's sonic capabilities and expressive depth set a new standard for synthesizers. Ideal for those seeking an instrument with unrivaled versatility and sound quality, this synth is a must-explore for serious musicians.

positive

Korg Prophecy

soundonsound.com

Korg's Prophecy synthesizer is an impressive monophonic solo instrument that balances affordability with a wide range of sound capabilities, including analogue, VPM, and physical modelling synthesis. Its compact size belies its powerful sound, offering searing leads and convincing wind and plucked instrument emulations. With real-time articulation through control wheels and a ribbon controller, it's versatile in performance. However, the lack of a built-in breath controller might limit some users. Overall, the Prophecy is a well-rounded, cost-effective synth poised to be a hit among musicians looking for diverse sound options without breaking the bank.

positive

Blast from the past: Korg Prophecy | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Korg Prophecy is a nostalgic blast from the past, celebrated for its pioneering role in the virtual analogue revolution. This single-voice synth is packed with performance-focused features, including a unique keyboard and expressive control options. However, its tacky '90s design and complex programming interface may deter some users. Despite these quirks, the Prophecy remains a beloved tool for artists seeking diverse sound possibilities, making it a noteworthy choice on the secondhand market.

positive
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 32 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
C

The sound of Future

The most agressive mono synth of the 90s. Best use with distortion wah in combo, i love the controls.

ecco_aqua

weird masterpiece

this is the weirdest sounding synth ever and in a great way. if only it wasnt monophonic and wasnt built like a kids playroom toy. the flute sound that comes stock on this is one of the most expressive synth patches ever made

mikefiction

Weird but cool

I had one for about 6 months and didn't super gel with it. I kinda wish I had one again to see what I would think of it now. I enjoyed playing it but it never made it into any track. Traded it plus a Micro Q for a Jupiter 6 and didn't regret it.

shok
shok

1464

A unique instrument with a bevy of expressive control

I picked this up second hand in 97 and it was utilized during the Lavender Hill Mob / newgrounds.com and FDA era of early internet entertainment. As a controller, it came before most in terms of the amount of options possible. The sounds are like dreams if you dive deep, which you can!

P

It's a BEAST...!!!

I fell in love with this synth back in the 90's during the rave movement... It's still a beast of a synth. If you are into riding the outer edge of insanity (much like one might do with any of 'the Access Virus' machines), then this synth might give you what your appetite has been craving...

deepsignalstudios

Should explore more

It is very hard to program but I should explore mine more now that there is an editor http://ctrlr.org/710 It has the most realistic sax and trumpet type sounds short of using samples. Famously used by The Prodigy for most of the synth sounds on Firestarter and Smack My Bitch Up.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Korg Prophecy

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via YouTube

Jonny used the Korg Prophecy in the studio version of "Lift", he also used it in the live concerts, as shown in the source, you can see Jonny playing the Korg Prophecy at minute 2:23.

Jonny's Korg Prophecy was the band's "secret weapon" during the "Ok Computer" sessions between 1995-1998. Besides using the Prophecy on "Lift", it was also used on the studio version of "Airbag" and "Climbing Up The Walls", on these tracks he used it as an attempt to emulate an Ondes Martenot (that's why when he got a real Ondes Martenot he got rid of the Prophecy before the Kid A/Amnesiac sessions). You can also see the Prophecy in action in live performances of the tracks "Talk Show Host", "Planet Telex", and "Paranoid Android" (the latter he only used it once live) between 1996 and 1998.

See how Autechre uses Korg Prophecy

Autechre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the November 1997 issue of Sound on Sound magazine, Autechre discusses using the Korg Prophecy synthesizer.

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Korg Prophecy

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Free

Quote from album "Oxygene 7-13" by Jean-Michel Jarre (1997 release):

"Jean Michel Jarre played the following Instruments: 2600 ARP Synthesizer, VCS3 synthesizer, AKS, Eminent, Mellotron, Theremin, CS80, Quasimidi Raven, Digisequencer, Logic Audio, Akai MPC3000, Nordlead, JV 90, K2000, RMI, Prophecy, TR808, DJ70."

See how The Prodigy uses Korg Prophecy

The Prodigy

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"The Prophecy is one of the few things that produces big distortion as far as a ready-to-run synth goes. It's at its best on stage, though I've used it on just about every track on the new album [The Fat of the Land] so far. The programming is so open, it's great for resonant sweeps, and the ribbon is quite handy. You can also record filter changes over MIDI onto the Mac. There are so many different things you can do with it. It's not the type of keyboard I'd go to to start a song with -- it's better for distortion and feedback sounds. It's a shame it's only monophonic -- it's got some good string sounds."

See how Alessandro Cortini uses Korg Prophecy

Alessandro Cortini

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via reverb.com

In an interview on reverb.com, Alessandro Cortini of Nine Inch Nails expresses his admiration for several synthesizers, including the Korg Prophecy.

See how Ryuichi Sakamoto uses Korg Prophecy

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen playing Korg Prophecy in this video.

See how Rick Wakeman uses Korg Prophecy

Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Archive

On Wakeman's official site, it is stated that he uses a Korg Prophecy. Its June 2020 Reverb.com listing dates it to 1990.

See how Liam Howlett uses Korg Prophecy

Liam Howlett

Music Producer

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Photo

"The Prophecy is one of the few things that produces big distortion as far as a ready-to-run synth goes. It's at its best on stage, though I've used it on just about every track on the new album so far. The programming is so open, it's great for resonant sweeps, and the ribbon is quite handy. You can also record filter changes over MIDI onto the Mac. There are so many different things you can do with it. It's not the type of keyboard I'd go to to start a song with -- it's better for distortion and feedback sounds. It's a shame it's only monophonic -- it's got some good string sounds." – Liam Howlett in a 1996 interview with Sound On Sound.

See how The Crystal Method uses Korg Prophecy

The Crystal Method

Music Producer

The Crystal Method & Bubba Sparxxx

...
Verified via YouTube

at 4:10 Scott talks about the Prophecy

See how Akira Yamaoka uses Korg Prophecy

Akira Yamaoka

Guitarist, Composer

Konami Kukeiha Club

...
Verified via Silenthillmemories

Mentioned in a "studio gear" list in a 2001 interview with Rocket Baby.

See how Rob Swire uses Korg Prophecy

Rob Swire

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Pendulum

...
Verified via Dt7v1i9vyp3mf

Can be made out on the keyboard stand in the back of the room.

See how George Clanton uses Korg Prophecy

George Clanton

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via reddit

In this Reddit AMA, George mentions using a Prophecy on his song Livin' Loose.

"the distorted bass synthesizer at the end of living loose is korg prophecy."

"i really like my korg prophecy but also sometimes i hate it."

It can also be seen in this video at 9:35: https://youtu.be/BqqjOefczqg?t=575

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 Prophecy, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
C

christopher_steller

Gear IQ 72

wintersunproject

wintersunproject

Gear IQ 230

A

alex1234

Gear IQ 65

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