With NAMM incoming next week companies are gearing up their new releases. One to get excited about is Korg’s Wavestate – a reimagination of the Wavestation that takes Wave Sequencing a step further.
The 90’s revival across tech and music continues. Despite the ongoing trend for analogue emulations/clones Korg have kept it close to home and reimagined a highly popular but shortlived synth from their own arsenal the Korg Wavestation now reimagined as the Wavestate. Inspired by, rather than an exact replica, the Wavestate, a digital synth, promises much more than just a nostalgic throwback.
This new step in digital synthesis is a 37-keys, 64-voice, four-layer digital synth with Wave Sequencing 2.0. We’ll have a full review in due course but whereas with traditional wave sequencing the timing, sequence and pitch of each sample could be defined, Wave Sequencing 2.0, harnesses the individual power and characteristics of these individually. The result is far more unpredictable and this is furthermore enhanced by the Randomize feature available from the front panel. You can see a full breakdown of Wave Sequencing 2.0 below.
The California based team assembled for the Wavestate consisted of three of the Wavestation original designers, John Bowen, John “Skippy” Lehmkuhl, and Peter “Ski” Schwartz, joined by Belgian artist Airwave and the renowned Korg voicing team to create the new and humongous sound library. Whereas the original dealt in megabytes (yup) the latest version comes packed with gigabytes of sound. Having briefly used it recently you can expect plenty of deep dive menus, sound design options and ultimately chaos at the fingertips. It’s a unique offering in today’s hardware synth market.
Despite having analogue modelled filters including the MS-20 and Polysix the sound is still ultimately digital. There is also no aftertouch on the built-in keyboard but the Wavestate can receive polyphonic aftertouch via external MIDI.
If one throwback is not enough for you, it’s not the only 90’s revival announcement this week as Korg has also unveiled the Triton, is now available as software and part of the Korg Collection. If you are looking to remake TLC’s No Scrubs anytime soon then here’s your chance! The Triton is an evergreen classic synth and welcome addition to anyone’s collection of soft synths.
At a glance
- Wave Sequencing 2.0
- Extensive modulation with hands-on control
- Gigabytes of samples
- Modeled filters, including MS-20 and Polysix
- 64 stereo voices
- 4 Layers with Vector control
- 14 simultaneous effects
- Set Lists and Smooth Sound Transitions
- Randomization
- Compact. Great design. 37 full-size keys.
- Designed by Korg R&D in California
The Wavestate is expected to start shipping soon after NAMM which ends Jan 19th and priced at £699. Find out more over on the Korg website.