Lead A1 vs Korg Prologue 16?

[Mrniceguy76]

Hi! I am seriously debating between these 2 models.. Is there anyone here who tried both instruments (or any other synth near this price category) and can make a verdict?
61 key is definitely a plus for me on the Korg but my main concern is the quality of the sounds. Does anyone have any thoughts on it?

Thanks!

[neomad]

Don't believe you can really compare them. Prologue is real analog vs. Lead A1 is virtual analogue. Another difference: korg midi implementation in the Prologue (and Minilogue and Monologue and....logue) is terrible, not really suitable to control external gear.

[RafalSC]

I had both.
Korg has a better keyboard and is more versatile. But I prefer the A1 sound.
If you care about the NORD sound, then A1. If you need a more versatile synthesizer then the Prologue.

[Elias]

If you need a more versatile synthesizer then the Prologue.

Never tried a Prologue, but its not that simple. I understand what you mean though, since one Prologue voice has more versatility to it in a certain way.

Versatility advantages of the A1:
- 4 part multi-timbrality: can get you both huge sound, and nuanced sound. You can make each part a distinct element of a customisable E-piano for example.

- More various filters on the A1, including the lovely MiniMoog low-pass emulation, which is lovely and creamy. I think you only get a 12 dB/oct filter on the Prologue.

- Also the absolutely lovely Nord pitch bend.

- I don't know about the Prologue, but the A1 is easily made very expressive, because of velocity morph in essence, almost any parameter can respond to velocity in a specified way. LFO and Envelope modulation is quite simplistic and restricted, but straight forward.

[soulgolem]

I can only compare the Prologue to the Nord Lead 2X or Wave and right off the bat can tell you they both serve different needs.

Nord synths are versatile and have a large sound palette, the Prologue isn't but it's a really good and unique sounding machine if you like that character.

[danielwolk]

Hi,

I have both.
- totally different sound! Both are great but not to compare - simple real analog vs virtual analog with some other options...
- a completely different philosophy for creating sounds - eg. Prologue has user OSC + 2 analog OSC and You can combine 2 voices with use them all, A1 has 1 OSC but You can combine 1-4 voices...
- Prologue has ASDR, A1 has ASR but better LFO (with more option)
- Effects are different - in Prologue You can use reverbs or delay, in A1 both bu Prologue effects are unique for some 'sounds space'

If you like grainy sounds like OB6, Propheta like saw synth / brass, deep pads, deep leads or basses etc choose Prologue, if you like beautiful arpeggios, pads, synthetic strings, DX pianos etc. choose A1. If you combine them both, you will have the fullness of heaven;)

regards
Daniel

[Elias]

has 1 OSC but You can combine 1-4 voices...

Well that 1 OSC can essentially be 2 OSCs in all kinds of different ways, + you have (fake?)unison (= does not eat up voices) in addition to layering 1-4 individual patches. So in essence you can't really call it a single oscillator.

Check the manual, or a demo to see the different OSC configurations.

[danielwolk]

has 1 OSC but You can combine 1-4 voices...

Well that 1 OSC can essentially be 2 OSCs in all kinds of different ways, + you have (fake?)unison (= does not eat up voices) in addition to layering 1-4 individual patches. So in essence you can't really call it a single oscillator.

Check the manual, or a demo to see the different OSC configurations.

I know that... On Prologue You can also detune OSC so can have 2 or even 4 in unison, poly or mono mode I spoke about 'real' OSC.

[Elias]

I know that... On Prologue You can also detune OSC so can have 2 or even 4 in unison, poly or mono mode I spoke about 'real' OSC.

Right, exactly.