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Average Price: $425
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$500
$1501+
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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
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Is the Korg Prophecy suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What type of synthesis does the Korg Prophecy use?
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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.
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Can the Korg Prophecy be integrated with modern MIDI setups?
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Yes, the Korg Prophecy features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with modern MIDI setups for both studio and live environments.
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Is the Korg Prophecy polyphonic?
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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.
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What kind of keyboard action does the Korg Prophecy have?
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The Korg Prophecy features a synth action keyboard, which is light and fast, suitable for quick playing styles and expressive performance techniques.
Videos
Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)
Korg Prophecy | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb
Reviews
PROS
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Realistic brass, reed, and string sounds through physical modeling
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Extensive parameter options for in-depth sound customization
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Compact size suitable for limited spaces
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Unique, expressive flute sound patch available
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Versatile as a controller with numerous options
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Ideal for creating unconventional, "weird" synth sounds
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Praised for use in early internet entertainment and iconic tracks
CONS
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Monophonic, limiting polyphonic playability
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Construction feels cheap, akin to a child's toy
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Requires significant time to learn and program effectively
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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
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The Prophecy's unique modulation roller/ribbon is essential to its character, unlike typical MIDI controllers.
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Comparisons
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The Karma with EXB-MOSS card offers a more user-friendly experience compared to the Prophecy.
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The Korg Z1 is seen as a larger, more expensive version of the Prophecy, offering similar sound capabilities.
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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.
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Build quality
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The Prophecy is considered one of the cheapest feeling "professional" instruments by some users.
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Use cases and applications
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The Prophecy's sound evokes a 90s tracker techno vibe, suitable for genres like Unreal Tournament or Command and Conquer.
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Software and compatibility
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The VST version of the Prophecy is praised for its polyphonic capabilities, which the original lacks.
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Patch Base synth editor for iPads now supports Korg Prophecy, offering a practical option for programming patches.
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Ctrlr and Midi Quest 12 are viable software options for editing Korg Prophecy patches, though Midi Quest's cost-effectiveness is debatable.
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Mods and upgrades
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A unique mod was found with harmonica buttons replacing the standard keyboard on a Prophecy, although it was considered overpriced.
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Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 32 Ratings
70
The sound of Future
The most agressive mono synth of the 90s. Best use with distortion wah in combo, i love the controls.
1264
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.
1509
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!
198
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...
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
Kurt Ader KApro is associated with the Korg Prophecy synthesizer, as evidenced by his Facebook page.
the Korg Prophecy is on the Instrument List on this article
Not that Isham has entirely forsaken his 'synthetic' past — far from it, in fact. Even his beloved analogue collection — now expanded to incorporate an Oberheim Xpander, a Roland MKS80 with MPG80 programmer, and a rare Moog Model 12, one of those 'big modular Moogs' he once admired from afar — regularly gets a look in: "I just did an entire film score that used the 2600, MIDI'd via an old Roland MPU101 MIDI‑CV converter" says Isham, with a hint of bravado. Isham's studio also contains an extensive selection of more modern synths. Of his Korg Trinity Plus, Z1, Prophecy, Wavestation A/D and ubiquitous M1, Roland JD800, and newly acquired, knob‑laden Access Virus, the latter is currently proving most agreeable with the composer.
"I use mainly PCs, running Steinberg’s Cubase 6.5. My audio IO is a RME fireface. I just added a Dangerous Music D-Box to my setup so I’m finally enjoying the advantages of summoning mixing. Before the audio goes back into my DAW, I run everything through my Obsidian Compressor. It’s a simple but solid and good-sounding chain. I still use real keyboards, like the Korg MS2000, Korg Prophecy, Juno-106 and I’ve used a real CS-80 for my score on Mass Effect 3. I love the newer, more experimental synths like the OP-1 and all of the synths from Dave Smith. There are tons of other hardware gems I use, like Metasonix pedals and the Moog Froggers to name a few."
Ranging from Korg’s classic Prophecy and MS2000 to the Moog Sub 37, Timo’s synths cover most bases…
As can be seen in the official photo shoot of the Blackfield Fesitval of 2015, Ernst Horn is using a Korg Prophecy for the live performance.
Tyson Leslie, a distinguished keyboardist, is verified to include the Korg Prophecy synthesizer in his array of musical instruments. This factual detail is substantiated through an inventory list featured on BandMix.com, which catalogs Leslie's equipment.
Used for www.pitchshifter.com, as stated in a news post on Pitchshifter's website announcing its auction.
The latest of the Pitchshifter online silent auctions is not a guitar, but it is the piece of musical equipment that defined the Pitchshifter sound, and also helped to usher in the "Rocktronica Era" of British music in the 90s. It is the synthesizer, affectionately named "Genie" by the band, on which they created the lead line for the song "Genius" (along with many parts for other tracks on the "www.pitchshifter.com" album).
This is a physically synthesizer, not a virtual synth (i.e. it has a keyboard and a power supply and you can actually touch it--it won't work on your iPod).
When asked about the synth, JS said: "The Korg Prophecy Solo Synth was revolutionary in it's time. It had a very forward-facing control surface in the form of a ribbon, and some great 303 sounds to go with it.
The sound for the song "Genius" came from cranking a 303 patch to the point of harmonic distortion and then playing the filter across the ribbon to keep the tone rising after the initial note-hit.
Although we have many fond memories of this synth, as with some of the previous guitar auctions, there's only so much equipment we can physically house in PSI Studios and still close the doors. The time has come for Genie to take the long walk."
This silent auction contains:
- Pitchshifter's very own Korg Prophecy (including original Pitchshifter-programmed "Genius" patch!)
- 512 Memory Card
- Original Korg Prohpecy Manual
- Signed letter of authenticity confirming that the song "Genius," and the "www.pitchshifter.com" album, was written and performed on this exact machine
As in our prior auctions, you can bid by sending an email with the words "Silent Auction" in the subject line, also containing your bid amount, full legal name, and mailing address in the body of the email to: music [at] psirecords.com.
Bidding in this auction will close on February 22nd, 2010 unless the auction is ended early.
Album Usage
The Korg Prophecy has been featured on the following albums:
Gentō
Steve Rothery & Thorsten Quaeschning (2025)
Mass Effect: Trilogy Collection Bonus Tracks (Original Soundtrack)
Sascha Dikiciyan (2022)
Providence
Nathan Fake (2017)
Synthwaves
Ulrich Schnauss & Thorsten Quaeschning (2017)
Live In Chicago
Ween (2004)
State to State 2
808 State (2002)
Amnesiac
Radiohead (2001)
Kid A
Radiohead (2000)
www.pitchshifter.com
Pitchshifter (1998)
The Fat of the Land
The Prodigy & The Prodigy (1997)
Oxygene 7-13
Jean Michel Jarre (1997)
OK Computer
Radiohead (1997)
Older
George Michael (1996)
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.
Community setups
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