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Average Price: $483

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Step into the world of analog synthesis with the Moog Prodigy, a renowned monophonic synthesizer that has stood the test of time. From the late ‘70s to the early ‘80s and beyond, its distinctive soundscapes continue to mesmerize musicians and listeners alike. With an array of waveforms at your disposal, this synth offers the ability to craft everything from the smoothest flutes to the grittiest electronic tones. Its Voltage Controlled Filter and Voltage Controlled Amplifier with a three-stage (ADR) envelope are key elements to its iconic sound.

Key Features:

  • Monophonic analog synthesizer
  • Two VCOs offering sawtooth, triangle, and square waves, and a pulse waveform
  • Voltage Controlled Filter
  • Voltage Controlled Amplifier with a three-stage (ADR) envelope
  • Capable of producing a wide range of sounds from soft flutes to aggressive electronic tones.

Product specs

Brand Moog
Model Prodigy 32-Key Monophonic Analog Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1979 - 1984
Made In United States
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 32 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Moog Prodigy synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Moog Prodigy is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead melodies.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Moog Prodigy's analog engine?

The Moog Prodigy's analog engine delivers classic warm and rich tones, known for its powerful bass and vibrant leads, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres.

How many keys does the Moog Prodigy have and what is the key size?

The Moog Prodigy features 32 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience.

What are the standout features of the Moog Prodigy's sound design?

The Moog Prodigy is renowned for its dual oscillator design, which allows for a wide range of sound modulation and creative possibilities, including classic Moog filter sweeps.

Is the Moog Prodigy suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Moog Prodigy is well-suited for live performances due to its intuitive interface and robust build, allowing musicians to easily tweak and shape sounds on stage.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Moog Prodigy Analog Synthesizer (1979) sound demo

Video thumbnail for Moog Prodigy Analog Synthesizer (1979) sound demo by RetroSound

Moog Prodigy Analog Synthesizer (1979) sound demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Moog Prodigy synthesizer demo by Envelope Generator

Moog Prodigy synthesizer demo

Envelope Generator

Envelope Generator

Video thumbnail for MOOG PRODIGY Analog Synthesizer 1979 | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

MOOG PRODIGY Analog Synthesizer 1979 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Moog Prodigy Analog Synthesizer (1979) Retro Sounds by RetroSound

Moog Prodigy Analog Synthesizer (1979) Retro Sounds

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Moog Prodigy // It's One Huge Sweet Spot by Starsky Carr

Moog Prodigy // It's One Huge Sweet Spot

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Video thumbnail for Why I LOVE the Moog Prodigy by Fuzz City Records

Why I LOVE the Moog Prodigy

Fuzz City Records

Fuzz City Records

Video thumbnail for Moog Prodigy Analog Synthesizer (1979) The PURE Sound! by RetroSound

Moog Prodigy Analog Synthesizer (1979) The PURE Sound!

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Best of Moog Prodigy Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo by RetroSound

Best of Moog Prodigy Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for learning analog synthesis basics

  • Warm, fat sound at a fraction of the MiniMoog price

  • Versatile sound palette for bass and lead

  • Maintains tune better than a MiniMoog

  • Less finicky than a MiniMoog, suitable for studio/home use

  • Rich tone for pads and leads beyond bass capabilities

  • Offers deep lows and screeching highs, including bleeps and boops

CONS

  • Finicky and temperamental, not ideal for gigging

  • Hard to tune across the whole keyboard range

  • Some find the oscillator sound thin compared to expectations

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Early models lack standard CV/gate inputs, but these can be modified with mini jacks for compatibility with modern setups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The keyboard action tends to degrade over decades, and replacing the keyboard bushings can improve playability.

    Source
  • Installing 3.5mm sockets for mods instead of 1/4" can simplify patching with modern sequencers and modular setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some models feature fragile controls and rare panel parts, making maintenance a potential challenge.

    Source
  • Users highlight the need for a Prodigy-like synth with modern features such as presets, arpeggiators, and MIDI, emphasizing the importance of these in live settings.

    Source
  • The Prodigy Mk1's 0 volts pitch is an F note rather than the typical C, which can be adjusted using a CV converter or modern sequencer settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite limitations, the Prodigy's raw tone is often preferred over modern Moogs for its warmth and richness, particularly in bass and lead applications.

    Source
  • The Moog Matriarch is noted for having a tighter low-end than other modern Moogs, with MIDI capabilities that make it a viable alternative to the Prodigy.

    Source
  • The Moog Little Phatty is considered better than the Sub Phatty in terms of low-end tightness, though it still falls short of the Prodigy's performance.

    Source
  • Users find the Prodigy to have more character than the Moog Little Phatty Stage II, particularly for lead sounds and modulation effects.

    Source

User experience

  • The Prodigy requires a warm-up period and doesn’t achieve perfect tuning, yet it delivers iconic Moog sound once stabilized.

    Source
  • The Prodigy is acknowledged as being fragile and not ideal for touring, prompting the search for more robust alternatives with similar sound qualities.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often seek out models with CV/gate and external audio modifications for enhanced integration with other synths.

    Source
  • To ensure compatibility with modern sequencers, it’s recommended to add CV pitch and S-trig gate inputs, considering converting S-trig for easier integration.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Prodigy's bass response is praised for its speed and consistency, making it ideal for live performances where precise low-end control is crucial.

    Source
  • The Prodigy is favored for its modulation to the second oscillator pitch, enhancing lead sounds significantly.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Moog Prodigy | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Moog Prodigy is a charmingly straightforward entry-level monosynth that has managed to capture the hearts of techno and electronic musicians alike. Its dual-oscillator setup with classic waveforms and a genuine Moog lowpass filter deliver a sound quality that belies its modest design. While it lacks advanced modulation options and on-board sequencers, the Prodigy is perfect for those new to analog synthesis or those seeking a budget-friendly alternative to the Minimoog. Its aesthetic appeal, including a delightful wood casing, adds to its allure. However, the simplicity might not satisfy those looking for extensive features.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 32 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chuck_cohen

A good extra add-on mono-synth, but not great

In the '80s, I was able to pick up one of these used for under $100. Multi-timbral sounds and layering hadn't seen the light of day yet, so I wanted a small monophonic synthesizer to play lead lines and other sounds that were different (a second sound) other than what I was playing on my polyphonic synth. The Prodigy ended up being that synth for me, but truthfully, it wasn't that great. It did the job, but it really lacked the fat oscillator sound (sounded thin), aside from the fact that I was never a big fan of the Moog oscillator sound anyway.

digitl

Really great sync

I cannot give it 5 stars since too hard to tune across whole range of keyboard. A classic, though, and so easy to use.

What can it do? Listen to this!

https://youtu.be/aL6hAgW-S4E

Roles:
Genres:
the_last_factory

More than a bass synth

The Moog Prodigy is usually meant as a bass synth. But I use it for more than a bass synth. It's got a great tone for Pads and Leads that no one seems to explore all that much. This synth has such a rich unique tone that you just can't help explore the beautiful, subtractive, monophonic synth that it is.

andy_budge

I am a lucky b******d

Yup. Keeps tune better than a MiniMoog. Less fussy than a MiniMoog.

the_last_factory

It's supposed to be a step above the Rogue and a step below the Model D. So I would imagine that it'd be more sonically stable than the Minimoog.

augustoacuna

Amazing basses and synced sounds.

Love the sound of it. In the bass department is a monster. Also nice leads and synced sounds

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nic Endo uses Moog Prodigy

Nic Endo

Music Producer

Atari Teenage Riot

...
Verified via Discogs

Atari Teenage Riot “Live At Brixton Academy 1999” credits: Synthesizer [SH-101], Effects [Moog Filter, Ring Modulator], Sampler [Yamaha A-3000, 2x Yamaha SU-10], Synthesizer [Moog Prodigy] – Nic Endo

See how Jacco Gardner uses Moog Prodigy

Jacco Gardner

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Jacco Gardner, he is seen playing a Moog Prodigy, possibly in his home studio, while working on new music for Bruxas with Nic.

See how Mika Vainio uses Moog Prodigy

Mika Vainio

Composer, Music Producer

Pan Sonic

...
Verified via Photo

A Moog Prodigy can be seen in this studio photo

See how Alex Newport uses Moog Prodigy

Alex Newport

Singer, Guitarist

Nailbomb

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post Alex describes his Moog Prodigy

See how Larissa Iceglass uses Moog Prodigy

Larissa Iceglass

Singer, Guitarist

Lebanon Hanover

...
Verified via Photo

Larissa Iceglass is shown using a Moog Prodigy synthesizer in a user-uploaded photo from the Lebanon Hanover studio.

See how James William Hatcher uses Moog Prodigy

James William Hatcher

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Honne

...
Verified via Photo

In the foreground of this photo you can see the Moog Prodigy set up.

See how Paul Wilson uses Moog Prodigy

Paul Wilson

Bassist, Composer

Snow Patrol

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Moog Prodigy Synthesizer is visible in the top right corner.

See how Ryo Okumoto uses Moog Prodigy

Ryo Okumoto

Keyboardist

Spock's Beard

...
Verified via Spocksbeard

Showed up in a list of Ryo Okumoto’s gear on the Spock’s Beard official website.

See how Session Victim uses Moog Prodigy

Session Victim

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

there is moog prodigy in their studio.

See how Benge uses Moog Prodigy

Benge

Keyboardist

Wrangler

...
Verified via Electricity-club

What was your first synth and is it still part of your armoury?

The first synth I ever bought was an Octave Cat mono synth for £30. I sold it for £40 to buy a Moog Prodigy which I sold for £60 to buy something else, I think it was a Yamaha CS40M. That was pretty much the last synth I sold.

See how Dj spinna uses Moog Prodigy

Dj spinna

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured at 2:25 in this video tour of DJ Spinna's studio, released August 5, 2009 on High Water Music's YouTube channel. The liner notes of Intergalacic Soul specify its use on "Outta Time", "Butterfly Girl", "Show Us How You Fly" and "Living My Life".

On the floor over here, if you look down here, I got the Moog Prodigy which I use every once in a while, y'know, to get the Moogy synth sounds that I love so much.

See how Überzone uses Moog Prodigy

Überzone

Music Producer

...
Verified via Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

the Moog Prodigy is listed on the Instrument List on this article

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 Moog Prodigy, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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