Korg Wavestate MK2 - Wave Sequencing Synthesizer

KORG’s legendary WAVESTATION introduced the world to Wave Sequencing, transforming raw samples into sounds that no-one had ever heard before. The flagship OASYS and KRONOS keyboards developed Wave Sequencing even further, expanding on its unique palette of lush, evolving pads and driving rhythms.

In 2020, the acclaimed wavestate brought Wave Sequencing to the next level. Featuring the radically re-imagined Wave Sequencing 2.0, the wavestate delivers astonishing, ever-changing sounds with extensive hands-on control. Far from a nostalgic reissue, the wavestate was designed from the ground up for a new generation of musicians, producers, and composers, taking cues from sources as diverse as modular synths, groove boxes, and algorithmic composition.

The wavestate also introduced another ground-breaking concept: wavestate native software (*sold separately, wavestate users can purchase at a discount) makes it available inside your DAW, with full compatibility and without compromise. It’s perfect for moving seamlessly between software and hardware workflows.

Now, KORG is proud to present the new wavestate mkII, with improved polyphony (96 stereo voices) and a fresh look.It’s completely compatible with sounds and samples for both the original wavestate, wavestate SE and wavestate native software, including many excellent third-party libraries. Updated sounds and software keep it fresh (and these are available for the original wavestate, too). The compact form-factor, with 37 full-size keys, still transports easily and fits neatly into any stage, studio, or desktop setup.

• Wave Sequencing 2.0

• Extensive modulation with hands-on control

• Gigabytes of samples - and import up to 4GB of your own

• Modeled filters, including MS-20 and Polysix

• 96 stereo voices

• 4 Layers with Vector control

• 14 simultaneous effects

• Set Lists and Smooth Sound Transitions

• Randomization

• Free Editor/Librarian and Sample Builder software for Mac and Windows

• Compact. Great design. 37 full-size keys.

• Designed by KORG R&D in California

Wave Sequencing 2.0

The original WAVESTATION gave each step of a wave sequence a duration, a sample and a pitch. This created ear-catching repetitive patterns, giving rise to entirely new approaches to sound design. But what if the sounds could evolve in organic and unexpected ways, instead of just repeating?

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

Keyboard

37 keys (velocity and release-velocity sensitive)

Sound generating system

Wave Sequencing 2.0

Maximum Polyphony

96 stereo voices

Sounds

Ships with 261 Performances, 799 Programs, and 1,042 Wave Sequences

Storage for tens of thousands of user Performances

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

5 W

Dimensions (W x D x H)

565 x 338 x 92 mm/22.24” x 13.31” x 3.62”