The Rocktron Prophesy 2 (also written Prophesy II) is a rackmount guitar preamp and DSP effects processor from Rocktron. It combines a four-channel preamp with digital effects in one 2U-style rack unit, intended to serve as the front end of a rig: amp voicings, tone shaping and effects in a single box1.
The preamp: four channels
Rocktron describes the preamp section as having four channels, each with its own distinct "voicings" to cover a range of amp styles. Of the first channel, Rocktron's page says1:
"replicates some of the most sought-after clean vintage tweed amps of the late 50's and 60's"
Each channel has its own basic gain and master controls, with bass, mid, treble and presence controls on the front panel, all directly accessible rather than buried in menus1.
Front-panel controls:
Connections and MIDI
On the rear panel the Prophesy 2 offers stereo XLR outputs and a true stereo effect loop, so stereo effects can be run in and a stereo signal sent to a power amp or PA1.
The Prophesy 2 is a guitar preamp and DSP effects processor, and its channel structure is where its amp-style control lives. Channel 1, called Clean American, replicates some of the most sought-after clean vintage tweed amps of the late 50's and 60's, giving players a dedicated clean channel voiced for that era of amp1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Guitar preamp and DSP effects processor1 |
| Channel 1 | Clean American, replicates clean vintage tweed amps of the late 50's and 60's1 |
Power and impedance
The power requirement is 9VAC at 3.4 amps1. That is an AC supply with a substantial current draw, well beyond what a typical pedal adapter or daisy chain provides, so it runs from its own dedicated supply.
The Prophesy 2 needs 9VAC, not the 9V DC center-negative supply common on pedals. It also draws 3.4 amps, so it cannot share power with other gear.
On the audio side, Rocktron lists an input impedance of 470K ohms and an output impedance of under 150 ohms1.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 9VAC at 3.4 amps1 |
| Input impedance | 470K ohms1 |
| Output impedance | Under 150 ohms1 |
| Dimensions | 19" x 3.5" x 8"1 |
| Approvals | UL, CSA and CE approved operation1 |
Presets and endorsee involvement
The unit ships with a preset set that includes sounds programmed by Rocktron endorsers, according to Rocktron's product page1:
- Dave Mustaine
- Gary Hoey
- Rusty Cooley
- Jimi Bell
- And more
Size
The chassis measures 19" x 3.5" x 8", the standard 19-inch rack width with a 3.5-inch panel height, and Rocktron notes UL, CSA and CE approved operation1.
Related units
The Prophesy 2 sits in Rocktron's rack line alongside the original Rocktron Prophesy, the Rocktron Prophesy II, the tube-driven Rocktron Voodu Valve On-Line preamp and the Rocktron Chameleon On-Line. Players who want effects only, without the preamp, can look at the Rocktron Replifex, and floor-based alternatives include the Rocktron Utopia G300. For a wider view of the category, see Multi-effects Pedals1.
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Questions
What is the Rocktron Prophesy 2?
It is a rackmount guitar preamp and DSP effects processor made by Rocktron. The preamp section has four channels, each with its own distinct voicings, and each channel carries its own gain and master controls with bass, mid, treble and presence on the front panel. It has stereo XLR outputs and a true stereo effects loop, and its presets include ones programmed by Rocktron endorsers such as Dave Mustaine and Gary Hoey.
Which artists programmed presets for the Prophesy 2?
Rocktron's product page says the unit contains presets programmed by Rocktron endorsers Dave Mustaine, Gary Hoey, Rusty Cooley and Jimi Bell, among others.
What kind of MIDI connection does the Prophesy 2 use?
The MIDI input is a 7-pin DIN connector. Rocktron's page also lists a MIDI out/thru on a 5-pin DIN connector, so the input and the out/thru use different DIN sizes.
What power supply does the Prophesy 2 need?
Rocktron lists the power requirements as 9VAC at 3.4 amps. That is an AC supply with a fairly high current draw, so it needs the supply intended for it rather than a standard pedal-style DC adapter or a daisy chain.
Does the Prophesy 2 have a stereo effects loop?
Yes. Rocktron's page describes stereo XLR outputs and a true stereo effect loop.
How big is the Prophesy 2 rack unit?
Rocktron lists the dimensions as 19 inches by 3.5 inches by 8 inches, which is a standard 2U rack width and height, with UL, CSA and CE approved operation.
Sources (1)
- Rocktron, Rocktron (www.rocktron.com), 2024-09-24
