Korg wavestate (2020)
A digital wave-sequencing synthesizer with 37 full-size synth-action keys and intelligent sound randomization
Overview
The Korg wavestate is a digital wave-sequencing synthesizer released in 2020, designed by KORG R&D in California. It features 37 full-size synth-action keys, 64-voice polyphony in stereo, and builds on Korg’s legacy of Wave Sequencing first introduced with the WAVESTATION. Unlike a nostalgic reissue, the wavestate was developed from the ground up for modern musicians, offering real-time sound manipulation through an integrated vector joystick, eight programmable mod knobs, and a unique “dice” button for intelligent randomization of sounds. It supports piano and real-world sampled sounds, all of which are editable, and includes extensive sample content from the WAVESTATION, NAUTILUS, KRONOS, KROME, and new KORG and Plugin Guru libraries.
Specifications
| Number of Keys | 37 |
| Key Weight | Synth action |
| Key Size | Full-size |
| Touch Sensitive | yes |
| Aftertouch | no |
| Number of Voices | 64 |
| Polyphony | 64 voices (stereo) |
| Sound Generation | Wave Sequencing 2.0 |
| Piano Sounds | yes |
| Real World Sounds | yes |
| Sounds Editable | yes |
| Accompaniments | no |
| Recorder/Sequencer | no |
| Tutorials | no |
| MIDI | yes |
| USB | yes |
| Tablet Connectivity | no |
| AC Power | yes |
| Batteries | no |
| Speakers | no |
| Audio Out | yes |
| Audio In | no |
| Sustain Pedal | yes |
| Soft Pedal | no |
| Expression Pedal | no (optional via assignable jack) |
| RRP | $799.99 USD |
| 4 Layers with Vector control | yes |
| 14 simultaneous effects | yes |
| Dimensions (w × d × h) | 565 × 338 × 92 mm / 22.24" × 13.31" × 3.62" |
| Weight | 2.9 kg / 6.93 lbs |
| Included items | ac adapter, precautions, quick start guide |
Design
The wavestate features Wave Sequencing 2.0, which separates timing, sample sequence, and melody into independent “Lanes” for dynamic sound design. It includes a vector joystick, pitch bend and modulation wheels, eight programmable mod knobs, and mod processors that allow quantization, smoothing, and curvature of modulation signals. Each layer has three dedicated effects, with a master reverb and parametric EQ for the overall performance. The synth offers MS-20 and Polysix filter emulations and a multi-mode filter for blended, modulatable tones. A front-panel “dice” button enables intelligent randomization of sounds. The sample library totals in the gigabytes and includes content from the WAVESTATION, NAUTILUS, KRONOS, KROME, Plugin Guru, and new KORG samples.
Context
The wavestate continues Korg’s innovation in wave sequencing, a technology first introduced with the 1990 WAVESTATION and further developed in the OASYS and KRONOS. Released in 2020, the wavestate brings this powerful synthesis method into a compact, modern format. It is fully compatible with sounds and samples from the wavestate SE and wavestate native software, with ongoing updates available for all versions.
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