Korg has announced updates to its wavestate wave sequencing synthesiser with the launch of the wavestate mkII, the wavestate SE and the limited edition wavestate SE Platinum. Here we take a look at what you can expect from the new instruments and how they enhance the original wavestate.
wavestate mkII
Korg continues its journey of Wave Sequencing—which allows the transformation of raw samples into complex, evolving sounds—with the launch of the wavestate mkII synth.
Originally found on the WAVESTATION and then further honed on the OASYS and KRONOS keyboards, in 2020 the wavestate featured Wave Sequencing 2.0, offering up astonishing, ever-changing sounds with extensive hands-on control.
The mkII builds on this wavestate with improved polyphony and a fresh look, yet having full compatibility with sounds and samples for the original wavestate, the wavestate SE, and wavestate native software.
It features 37 full-size keys with velocity, a huge set of samples including the ability for the user to import up to 4GB, modelled filters including MS-20 and Polysix, 96 stereo voice polyphony, 4 layers with vector control, 14 simultaneous effects, set lists and smooth sound transitions, randomisation, and overall compact form for easy transportability.
wavestate SE and SE Platinum
The wavestate SE takes things up another level, featuring 61 natural-touch keys with aftertouch, metal body, 120 stereo voices of polyphony, hundreds of sounds updated specially for use with aftertouch, and then the same level of control as per the wavestate mkII.
There’s also a limited edition Platinum version which has exactly the same specifications as the SE but is constructed with a premium silver aluminium panel and stainless steel side panels, for an added “wow” factor.
Both models come with a hard case making it easy to transport the instruments without damaging them.
Wave Sequencing 2.0
At the heart of the wavestate instruments is the concept of having immense control over individual samples and waves. Korg describes it thus:
Wave Sequencing 2.0 separates the timing, the sequence of samples, and the melody, so that each can be manipulated independently. It also adds new characteristics, including shapes, gate times, and step sequencer values. Each of these is a “Lane”, and each Lane can have a different number of steps, and its own start, end and loop points.
Every time the sequence moves forward, the individual Lanes are combined to create the output. For instance, a sample may be matched with a different duration, pitch, shape, gate length, and step sequence value every time that it plays. You can modulate each Lane’s start, end, and loop points separately for every note, using velocity, LFOs, envelopes, Mod Knobs, or other controllers. Each note in a chord can even be playing something different!
Lanes can also randomize the step order every time they play, with realtime control over the range of included steps. Finally, individual steps can be randomly skipped, with a modulatable probability from 0 to 100%. The result is organic, ever-changing sounds that respond to your control. The four onboard arpeggiators can interact with Wave Sequences for even more possibilities.
Specifications comparison
Here’s a look at the main specifications for the new models and how they compare to the original wavestate. As can be seen, the majority of the underlying technology and the Wave Sequencing 2.0 system remain thew same across all models, with the main differences being an upgrade in polyphony, storage and samples, plus the extended keyboard and aftertouch capability on the SE.
|
|
wavestate |
wavestate mkII |
wavestate SE/SE Platinum |
|
|
Number of keys |
37 |
37 |
61 |
|
|
Key size |
Full |
Full |
Full |
|
|
Keyboard type |
Synth |
Synth |
Natural touch keyboard |
|
|
Velocity sensitive |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
|
Release velocity sensitive |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
|
Aftertouch |
N |
N |
Y |
|
|
Sound generating system |
Wave Sequencing 2.0 |
|||
|
Polyphony (stereo voices) |
64 |
96 |
120 |
|
|
Sounds |
Performances |
240 |
261 |
261 |
|
Programs |
740 |
799 |
799 |
|
|
Wave Sequences |
1000 |
1042 |
1042 |
|
|
|
User |
10000 |
10000 |
10000 |
|
Structure |
Performance |
4 Layers, Reverb, EQ; all edits are stored in the Performance, DAW-style (saving as separate Programs, Wave Sequences etc. is supported but not required) |
||
|
Layer |
Program, Arpeggiator, Key and Velocity Zones |
|||
|
Program |
Wave Sequence, Filter, Amp, Pre FX, Mod FX, Delay |
|||
|
Filters |
2-pole LPF, 2-pole HPF, 2-pole BPF, 2-pole Band Reject, 4-pole LPF, 4-pole HPF, 4-pole BPF, 4-pole Band Reject, Multi Filter, MS-20 LPF, MS-20 HPF, Polysix |
|||
|
Modulation |
Controllers |
Mod Wheel, Pitch Wheel, Vector Joystick X/Y, 8x Program/Performance Mod Knobs |
||
|
Other sources |
3x Envelopes, Vector Envelope, 3x LFOs, 2x Mod Processors, 2x Key Track, Step Sequencer Lane, Step Pulse, Tempo, Program/Performance Note Count, Program/Performance Voice Count, Poly Legato, Velocity, Exponential Velocity, Release Velocity, Gate/Gate+Damper, Note-On Trigger/Note-On Trigger+Damper, Note Number, Aftertouch/Poly Aftertouch (external MIDI only), MIDI CCs +/-, MIDI CCs + |
|||
|
Destinations |
Most parameters can be modulated, including parameters of individual Wave Sequence Steps. Depending on Wave Sequence length, there can be more than 1,000 potential modulation targets per Program. |
|||
|
Effects |
Pre FX |
Decimator, Graphic EQ, Guitar Amp, Modern Compressor, Parametric EQ, Red Compressor, Ring Modulator, Tremolo, Wave Shaper |
||
|
Mod FX |
Black Chorus/Flanger, Black Phase, CX-3 Vibrato Chorus, EP Chorus, Harmonic Chorus, Modern Chorus, Modern Phaser, Orange Phase, Polysix Ensemble, Small Phase, Talking Modulator, Vintage Chorus, Vintage Flanger, Vintage/Custom Wah, Vox Wah |
|||
|
Delay |
L/C/R Delay, Multiband Mod Delay, Reverse Delay, Stereo/Cross Delay, Tape Echo |
|||
|
Reverb |
Early Reflections, Overb |
|||
|
Performance EQ |
4-band parametric EQ |
|||
|
Inputs/Outputs |
Headphone (6.3 mm stereo phone jack) |
|||
|
OUTPUT L/MONO and R (impedance-balanced 6.3 mm TRS phone jacks) |
||||
|
DAMPER (6.3 mm phone jack) |
||||
|
MIDI IN and OUT connectors |
||||
|
USB B port |
||||
|
Power supply |
AC adapter (DC12V, 2500mA) |
|||
|
Power consumption |
5W |
|||
|
Dimensions (WxDxH) |
565 × 338 × 92 mm/22.24” × 13.31” × 3.62” |
1,014 x 344 x 110 mm/39.92” x 13.54” x 4.33” |
||
|
Weight |
2.9 kg/6.93 lbs. |
8.6 kg/18.96 lb. |
||
|
Included Items |
AC adapter, Precautions, Quick Start Guide |
AC adapter |
AC adapter, Hardcase |
|
|
Accessories (sold separately) |
DS-1H damper pedal, PS-1 pedal switch, PS-3 pedal switch |
|||
All new models are available immediately, pricing to be confirmed.
