The Wavestate is the most amazing synth in my collection. It's a plastic affair, but the architecture and the possibilities are just world class. The Randomize feature is superb.. it regularly spits out real gems which you'll want to save. The presets system too is so refreshing: there are no slots, no limits.. you can keep saving new patches until you drop. The set list feature is a great way to create large groups of patches. Korg would be very wise to PUBLISH their editor file formats so that third parties can write creative utilities for the Wavestate (e.g. sequence import!).
@Chee Kean NG Haaaahhh...even my 'oldish' X-50 (plastics and so on, 'but', with brushed aluminum grips on both sides ;-}), which I use so very often, sounds as if pure gold comes dripping out of it...it's amazing what those KORG designers are able to produce throughout the decades. One never gets tired of using them, caus of their huge amounts of amazing sounds and all dedicated effects and stuff. Real value for money...always.
If i had space i would snap one of these up, i think it sounds amazing and the scope for being able to create dark, atmospheric one note evolving soundscapes and drones seems endless. I dont care about the odd bit of menu diving either, it doesnt put me off at all, patience and dedication yield reward in the end.
Evolving soundscapes and drones are easy to program on many synths with sequencers. The Waldorf Q is one of the best in this regard. And remember Dave Smith's Evolver?
Some of us MADE space. Had to slide the FIZMO and Q over a bit and elevate some CV gear over my...matrixbrute.Do the macarena and juggle too. But well worth the effort! Thank You KORG!
For those saying "no way this synth is hard to program" "oh it's got Rasberry Pi hardware" etc, you have no idea what you're talking about until you get one and start working with it. It's actually very easy to work with once you get the hang of it, just like any synth. This one is Deep but for 799$ you are getting every penny's worth! The front plate is metal and the knobs feel Solid, the screen is Bright and the synth is super responsive and quick with no loading time and yes there is a 12-sec boot-up time and it looks cool while booting!
really impressed at 9:50 but will i use that type of full sequences in a track? to me it does not look easy to program.. not a bad thing on itself. still for many buyers this will stay a presetplayer i guess; press one note and hear a complete pre-cooked song. for this the closed architecture is a miss. my wild guess is that they will become abundantly available soon as 2nd hand. btw: your argumentation goes for any not yet bought synth. leave the hyper salespitches to shops i would say. i never watch this type of exploration/orientation video's when the hardware is under my hands.
I've seen folks claim it has a Raspberry Pi inside. Does it actually have a Broadcom-based Pi, or are folks just confusing any small Linux board or MCU with a Pi?
Thank You for doing this, Nick. This kindof in-depth look into the features really helps with deciding which digital synth I am going to get. (to replace the Novation Nova Desktop module i so foolishly sold) Each of the current digital offerings has it's own niche, and I am grateful for that actually. The only wrong choice here is the uninformed one, imo. if you could do a Friday jam or something like this for the other offerings I'd be thrilled. Thanx again.
@Rik MaxSpeed Could be the beginning of such era in the synthesizer world. I think and really 'hope', actually, KORG set the first steps into this 'newish' direction. They'll surely come up with larger versions or modules and maybe even more features around. I always felt like KORG listens very carefully or let themselves being informed properly, to what excactly, 'we' want. This machine is extraordinary beautiful in sound and I guess Nick still plays on at this very moment ;-}
@@R---66---R KORG research and Development means business. Industry leaders with a solid history and the ability to influence electronic music experimentation. 4/4 beats and TV samples mixed with a recording (re-recording?) while a beautiful person chortles the praises of isolation and domination seems...so...80s.
It‘s absolutely great that Nick is not only presenting the 50th video of the Presets but his own oneS. So you can get a feeling of what you can achieve in a short timeframe (as I assume that he did not had the device for a long time). Even the presets he is presenting in a more interesting way than anybody else.
Would be a wonderful scoring tool. Accepts poly after touch but the key bed does not out put after touch. They will probably release a module/rack version. I would pay more for a 61 key version with more dedicated controls and more outputs.
It sounds so full and rich sonically, which isn't something you could say of the first wavestation. Korg have upped the sonic ante on this considerably. The patch at around the 6min mark reminds me of a lanois/ eno collaboration, a la apollo soundtrack. I'm still waiting for the 61 note version with aftertouch 🙏
Because Wavestation had memory limitations (storage capacity is 2MB ROM vs 4GB user samples, don't know how much ROM samples are in Wavestate but for sure are in GBs) and limited processing (computational) capabilities. Wavestate is complex and deep synthesizer that even synthesizer veteran as Nick Batt struggle with, because it is not as intuitive because of its complexity. You can make film soundtrack with just using Wavestate. Problem with its predecessor was lack of hands-on controlls, which was problem with M1 and many other digital synthesizers of that era, Roland got programmers for JX-8P, and JD-800 got things right as the last perfect digital synthesizer with hands-on controlls.
Holy Moly did you create some of the patches? What an incredible job!!! This synth seems to ooze musicality...though Nick Batt seems to dislike it quite a lot - but that's cool - we live in a great time for synths with soo many amazing choices! Can't wait to get my hands on one of these amazing machines.
Airwave Music wow that is cool - mine turns up Tuesday, and I picked up a hydrasynth yesterday - better tell the wife and kids I won’t be seeing them for a few months!!! Just out of interest, do you have any personal tips for programming the wavestate? I’m thinking the lane presets are a good place to start, but what’s your advice?
Simon Morton I hope there will be a software editor at some point. But ws programming is not as tedious as it seems. And the probability feature is a gem
Airwave Music yep Korg have hinted at it. Probability, when you can dial in the amount, is a great feature. I use probability on the Deluge on drums a lot -something I would never have done in the past - it’s brilliant (though takes experimentation to get it right)!
I own a Moog and love it but always felt it needs something along side it!! so I pre-ordered this :) I think there is nothing wrong with digital! I always say mix it all up and create something!! never understand those who complain about stuff that don't have this or that? they can't do everything :)
Licinius Varrus yeah, some guys just want analog all the time, that’s ok but don’t bash on digital :) I still have my micro Korg from when it was first out, never going to sell it :) it’s not analog but sounds nice. Many musicians have used those, the snobs said they were toys! I remember seeing microkorgs appear on festival stages :) everyone has used them, apart from the snobs :)
I am my number 1 fan! I like Steve Roach and his massive following of a few. I call this the "DIGITAL BANJO" revolution. Sit on our virtual porches and strum out from the heart. Extra cool if someone likes it.
This is a tough nut to crack for the regular piano playing synth users depending on just presets. It easily makes fresh sounds although after a while it is easier to spot it in a mix. This needs programming and if it had a few extra keys and knobs, metal box-well worth 2 k! Speaking of presets, when the Fairlight sampling system first appeared on the music scene, Michael Jackson and Tangerine Dream BOTH grabbed one and made hits, didn't bother changing a thing either! Presets have certain limits and are easier to recognize.
I was convinced I was buying an Argon8. The Wavestate is making me rethink that. If they released a module version of this, perhaps I could get both! Any prospects of a Wavestate module?
Korg are partial to module versions to their synths, so, possibly.. The keybed does sent Velocity Off messages, which the synth engine can use as a mod source, but other than that, nothing special about the keybed. I guess it'll depend if the Wavestation keyboard version is popular, whether they would go about engineering a module version.
6581punk ha ha ha! Well, the module would be nice not only because of the space but because of the potentially lower cost. A removal sounds expensive (even if it works)!
@@WxkR Well I'd give them time to make one. But people have done horrific things to Moogs and PPG Waves to get them into a module form. At least this is modern and not rare.
I have the Wavestation for the IPad, but it is terribly difficult to program. This is a much better presentation and it sounds so good. Looks like money well spent.
I wasn’t convinced by early previews this was worth the money, it seemed a bit dear for dsp in a cost saving case.. but this review and extras has changed my mind. The 2gb S&S “rompler” aspect in addition to the Wave sequencing makes it great value in many ways, I miss my 1080. It’s a tough competitive market now though.. £699 is knocking on towards that psychological £1000 point. As it’s multitimbral with 64 voices.. I think you’ll get out of it what you put into it. If you end up just making the odd riser or rythymical loop.. you’re barely scratching the surface.
And they will degrade over time, hang onto one. If I wasn't old as the forest I would buy another new in the box ...for later....I guess this is later? sheesh! (Rubs palms gleefully chuckling like a midi maniac) I kind of admire the 20 somethings doing electronic music, was pretty lonely when MIDI was new. Lots of mall musicians with organs!
Are these sounds located already on the wavestate or did you create them if so where do I find them? Also where can I find the single sounds like the instrument part in the soundbanks like the single instrument sounds like the banjo or a piano or something like that I can't find them yet lol 😅
Wait for it.....hope you have good gear to sample or a budget for samples when this happens. It will have a twist when it arrives, some of the waveforms scanned are like .02 seconds long or less.
oh the waiting. I would prefer a module with user wave memory BUT a) i don't want to wait and B) i would be OK with an OS update and a patch editor that could send samples up the USB pipe without korg having to change any production hardware. that is something we could have in short order. All the aftertouch people can use another controller (something other than korg, they seem to be all about velocity but not aftertouch)
So the last video was 80% "no way" comments. The NEXT DAY everyone's "now I'm buying one." How fickle is everyone? It always sounded fantastic. It was always a nightmare to program. Nothing has changed but which one you focus on at any given moment.
@@Jason75913 ya, it probably does. AND, you have given me a great idea: download the wavestate user's manual now and start studying it. I recently upgraded my tired old x-50 to a krome ex and that was a breeze to learn, since the architecture is the same. this wavestate is a whole different animal for sure.
judging from the layout I believe that a module version is coming....I think that korg shoud have release that one first because the market is already full of keyboards
Damn the programming looks horrendous but it sounds so amazing! It's like an entire movie soundtracks in one patch!! After watching the OG video I was thinking no way!. But now.......I think I want one!!!! F**k !!!!!!!!!! Effective marketing there Nick! :)
Thanks nick, for demonstrating the randomize function. I was wondering what kind of patches to expect from it. Seems it doesn't generate the lush patches, arps, and wavesequences I was hoping it would. By the sound of the results I'm guessing that is because it doesn't generate the more complex multi-timbral patches or arps and wave sequences but rather simpler sounds which the more complex patches are built from. Or did I miss a demo of what I was hoping for? If not, perhaps there is an algorithmic composition or generative music app out there which will do the job.
@@AveMcree Lazy? I'm not sure what you mean. Perhaps you are saying you think I'm lazy when it comes to sound design and composition? If so, I'll have you know I'm interested in randomly generated sounds and music to break out of creative ruts. I find randomizers and algorithmic/generative composition tools to be very inspiring and help me to keep from getting bored with my musical projects. They can breathe new life into a project. It may seem like cheating to you but I think of it as like having a virtual bandmate. I prefer to work alone to avoid the negatives of collaboration but often wish I had bandmates to collaborate with to speed up the process of creation. Sometimes I just want to jam with others but can't. I mean sometimes I want to play a single instrument instead of playing all the parts (drums, bass, lead, backing, etc). Randomizers and generative/algorithmic music creation tools provide the benefits of having bandmates to collaborate with while still working alone. In fact such tools are better than a band in some ways because you don't have to worry about hurting anybody's feelings if you don't like what they come up with. LOL! You can just hit the randomize button again or whatever until you hear something more like what you want to hear and then use that as a foundation to build your song. There is nothing wrong with using randomizers and generative/algorithmic music composition tools.
After giving it a second listen I see it does generate some wavesequencing when using the randomizer. This video also demonstrates the randomizer: ruclips.net/video/lFSW60fp5fE/видео.html But it seems the results aren't really what I'd be looking for. I'd be looking for more acoustic cinematic sounds and wavesequences. The results I'm hearing seem more like wild and crazy synth sounds. They're awesome but not what I'd need. I need patches I can use to compose more traditional sounding music. If they ever make a sofware editor it would be nice if it has a randomizer which allows you to specify some parameters to define the type of sound you are looking for such as orchestral, synth, guitars, etc then maybe some wavesequence parameters. Hopefully it allows you to adjust the amount of randomisation so instead of creating an entirely new sound it simply creates a slight variation if the current sound so when you find something you like you can create some unique variations. Also, I hope it has a way to allow you to select only certain parameters and randomize the ones you've selected all at once instead of one at a time seperately.
My desire is to Take this wavestate, wavestation a/d, wavestation vst and my yamaha sy35 and create a wall of sound. Then the left hand is Deepmind 12, volca keys, minilogue and Roland D-05. Damn that sounds like fun. All i need is this wavestate.
There is a learning curve. Try learning Cubase in 1985, 1999, 2005, 2011 and how many times did they change? A new computer EACH time , pretty much. Dog ate my last MIDI Audio breakout and I went hands on. Use the computer to organise but I will stick with my antique 448 PPQ sequencer since my Ataris all bit the big one....MIDI rocks when done right.
Like many units we tested. I once saw a talented performer kicked out of the music lab for "playing too loudly" on the DX7 . And that's a fine keyboard bed! I felt sick that he was a black person- remember
Until yesterday the delivery date in the Netherlands was counting down to 5 days, this morning it's 21 weeks :o :( I think the container is stuck in China due to the Corona virus :o
this Korg rompler or the ASM wavetable synth? what do you want out of them? what music do you do? the answers are for you, not me, then look up what's best for your music: wavetables or romplers?
Hello... Is it possible to upload my own sound samples ( leads, basses, drvms, voices, etc. ) and mix them with other layers to design new sounds ? Really thnks.
@sbmphr Yes, start and end and also while preforming. But this is not close to an Akai S 7000 which needed a synth keyboard that matched....Plus a 6-700 $ program, a 1400-2000% computer and imagination.1985-6 OMG
10:39 80s' romance flick anyone? At first I thought it was a sequence, because for a moment I wasn't paying attention. But that was Nick playing and playing well :)
good evening, I'm a little indecis to my future purchases, you are surely the right people to answer me because you know the wavestate synth and surely other synths, I'm looking at these synths: argon 8, deep mind 12, hydra synth, korg wavestate .. my musical genre is trance, it will be my first hardware synth because for many years I have only used vst. Can you describe their differences and which ones are most suitable for my trance (live) genre. thanks
its a shame they don't make this into a flag ship synth with more then 4 lanes 8-16 lanes maybe bigger keyboard bigger screen so the sequencer is more viewable even thou it works it could do with a bigger screen a better build but as it stands this is the synth of 2020 their going to sell a lot of these i don't think its that hard to program once you initally work out how to add steps and how the workflow goes i love it me but i'd wanna see this as a big full range keyboard more lanes and a bigger screen then think korg have nailed the synth market with this
Yes, I'd pay the price of the keyboard version for a Desktop module with a full editor and patch manager. Great synth, but as Nick was at pains to point out in his Review, the menu diving is deffo 'a thing' here. Korg are great at writing programs and apps, this is really crying out for one.
The effects hold their own. I also add more effects being an effect junky lately. Sample it and re synthesize. Divide and conquer worked for a few civilisations- might work for music. Mighty KORG ! Hoooooo! =)
I had a Wavestation SR as my first synth. Then added a Prophecy for extra "analog" type sounds. I got a lot of mileage from those two. I think this has a lot more potential.
They dropped the ball on design here, I know it's all about the sound, but I often eat with my eyes... When the Korg Minilogue was introduced I felt in love with it at first sight, here I don't have that same feeling, It's a bit of a dark mess... and it looks cheap....
Argon 8 is by far the better sounding and excellent on price point when compared to this. Yes this has a lot more functionality but has not the soul or that sound the Argon 8 produces and the menu diving is annoying on the Wavestate IMO.
Trololo Inc ® Umm okay, my preference on the sound generator is the A8. The Korg produces good all round sound and nothing bad about it just I prefer the A8 sound texture and I also own both of these synths, in my set up they both work well together for various reasons but the A8 IMO has a deeper richer sound. But like I said its each to their own, what you enjoy is what matters, it’s just opinions at the end of the day.
I really think is time for korg to redo the Microkorg engine and bring us some affordable VA back. The sound of this thing tells me they’re ready haha. Bring us a $200 updated microkorg!
The orchestral samples are completely useless. 4 of 6GB Sample Memory wasted for Pizzicato Strings, Church Bells, Wind and Brass Samples.... I really love the original WS, it's a magic synth, simply lacks sample upload of user samples. Korg didnt solve the central issue, simply added ROM memory. How about an editor? It's 2020 now. Korg releases an ultra complex rompler with deep menu structure and tiny screen to the Iphone generation......
Sounds great, but obnoxious to build patches on. I made that mistake when I got a Microkorg XL... It was nice for playing presets, but it got old fast because there was way too much menu diving to make new sounds worthwhile.
I think: very well. I often use a Hydrasynth, somehow similar in character to the Wavestate, together or even layered with a Subseq37 or Poly D. I like the contrast between cold digital, spaced out sounds and analog warmth.
@@TheSynthZone I ended up getting a wavestate. It better last longer than five years. LOL! I have synths that are over 30 years now (Juno-60, JX-3p and Juno-106) They all still work pretty good. My JX-3p and Juno-106 have a couple buttons that I need to clean but the Juno-60 is still flawless. It had always been kept out of dust in a case before I got it.
@@spridgejuice back then there wasn't a choice. Nowadays you can have a good sized touchscreen [that Korg uses] and a good menu design. Unfortunately [but understandable as a market try-out] they decided to skip it and the AT for a 3 octave product with a tiny screen and a shit-load of menu diving [and no user samples either]. This is one of those products that really needs a flexible and user friendly interface for easy operation [like Yamaha did with their FMx engine on the Montage/Modx]
Jumping Man, the touchscreen would cost extra money, and real estate on the panel, and be made redundant as soon as the first tablet app hits the App Store. Korg did the right thing (imho) by putting performance knobs up front, and connectivity on the back.
gotta say disappointed in this synth too expensive for the features,. sample based only with no replaceable samples, no hybrid features for pure analog sound,. the sound quality leaves something to be desired to my ears, and I'm not hater of virtual synthesis or digital synths,.
@@Jason75913 Tangerine Dream used early sequencers capable of....three (3) chords or 4 if gifted. They celebrated sequencers that allowed flexibility. You should have seen the jerry rigged synths back then, no midi, no standards. Some gear was totally custom designed to connect together! Somewhere between C and D most players feel comfortable. There are programmers/designers/ and players. There are both, sometimes.
The Wavestate is the most amazing synth in my collection. It's a plastic affair, but the architecture and the possibilities are just world class. The Randomize feature is superb.. it regularly spits out real gems which you'll want to save. The presets system too is so refreshing: there are no slots, no limits.. you can keep saving new patches until you drop. The set list feature is a great way to create large groups of patches. Korg would be very wise to PUBLISH their editor file formats so that third parties can write creative utilities for the Wavestate (e.g. sequence import!).
I'm considering getting one, trying to choose between this and a hydrasynth. Either way it's going to be a massive learning curve
Love how casual the 'Extra's' pieces are, Thank you Nick and Co.
I forgot how nice a digital synth can sound. Thanks for this reminder
@Chee Kean NG Haaaahhh...even my 'oldish' X-50 (plastics and so on, 'but', with brushed aluminum grips on both sides ;-}), which I use so very often, sounds as if pure gold comes dripping out of it...it's amazing what those KORG designers are able to produce throughout the decades. One never gets tired of using them, caus of their huge amounts of amazing sounds and all dedicated effects and stuff. Real value for money...always.
@@R---66---R you are right. Korg designers on steroids
Awesome so much to look forward to! Thanks again Nick ! I love your reviews man we need more! This thing's so beautiful
Many were down on this after your last vid calling it too complex...but just listen to it - it sounds bloody good and deep.
And an owner told me it's simple.... Lol
@@RonCavagnaro Maybe they're just hitting the random button lol (something I'll certainly be doing a lot)
If i had space i would snap one of these up, i think it sounds amazing and the scope for being able to create dark, atmospheric one note evolving soundscapes and drones seems endless. I dont care about the odd bit of menu diving either, it doesnt put me off at all, patience and dedication yield reward in the end.
I made space and waiting on pre-order!!
Evolving soundscapes and drones are easy to program on many synths with sequencers. The Waldorf Q is one of the best in this regard. And remember Dave Smith's Evolver?
It's very small and light and if you just use the build in wavestate patches, sounds good. Trying to do anything else is ridiculously complex.
@@Helba00 it has no sampling and no nothing to be compared with a Nord.. no Nord can do this
Some of us MADE space. Had to slide the FIZMO and Q over a bit and elevate some CV gear over my...matrixbrute.Do the macarena and juggle too. But well worth the effort! Thank You KORG!
For those saying "no way this synth is hard to program" "oh it's got Rasberry Pi hardware" etc, you have no idea what you're talking about until you get one and start working with it. It's actually very easy to work with once you get the hang of it, just like any synth. This one is Deep but for 799$ you are getting every penny's worth!
The front plate is metal and the knobs feel Solid, the screen is Bright and the synth is super responsive and quick with no loading time and yes there is a 12-sec boot-up time and it looks cool while booting!
That's right I don't have mine yet but thanks for the confirmation
@Darkice Presents I guess you're so d*mn right!
I love the craziness of this beast! Could be happy lost in it for years.
really impressed at 9:50 but will i use that type of full sequences in a track? to me it does not look easy to program.. not a bad thing on itself. still for many buyers this will stay a presetplayer i guess; press one note and hear a complete pre-cooked song. for this the closed architecture is a miss. my wild guess is that they will become abundantly available soon as 2nd hand.
btw: your argumentation goes for any not yet bought synth. leave the hyper salespitches to shops i would say. i never watch this type of exploration/orientation video's when the hardware is under my hands.
I've seen folks claim it has a Raspberry Pi inside. Does it actually have a Broadcom-based Pi, or are folks just confusing any small Linux board or MCU with a Pi?
These patches are really great and they show off how rich and beautiful this machine can sound.
Wow! Great idea adding this little extra stuff- even more interesting than the feature run-down vid! Thx Nick!
The more I hear this synth the more I hope I can get my hands on one to demo in person. Quite intriguing.
Thank You for doing this, Nick.
This kindof in-depth look into the features really helps with deciding which digital synth I am going to get.
(to replace the Novation Nova Desktop module i so foolishly sold)
Each of the current digital offerings has it's own niche, and I am grateful for that actually.
The only wrong choice here is the uninformed one, imo.
if you could do a Friday jam or something like this for the other offerings I'd be thrilled.
Thanx again.
Seems like a dream come true for generative music and ambient soundscapes!
@Rik MaxSpeed Could be the beginning of such era in the synthesizer world. I think and really 'hope', actually, KORG set the first steps into this 'newish' direction. They'll surely come up with larger versions or modules and maybe even more features around. I always felt like KORG listens very carefully or let themselves being informed properly, to what excactly, 'we' want. This machine is extraordinary beautiful in sound and I guess Nick still plays on at this very moment ;-}
watchit I hope you’re right, this module is definitely worthy of a five octave keyboard!
Indeed it is :)
Tell me about it! It is vast and mysterious! Send backup if I don't come out in a year!
@@R---66---R KORG research and Development means business. Industry leaders with a solid history and the ability to influence electronic music experimentation. 4/4 beats and TV samples mixed with a recording (re-recording?) while a beautiful person chortles the praises of isolation and domination seems...so...80s.
Excellent video on this synth. I pre-ordered mine, I hope to have it by March 6th! It will pair nicely with my Deepmind 6.
You got the Midas touch Nick. This thing sounds bloody gorgeous
It‘s absolutely great that Nick is not only presenting the 50th video of the Presets but his own oneS. So you can get a feeling of what you can achieve in a short timeframe (as I assume that he did not had the device for a long time).
Even the presets he is presenting in a more interesting way than anybody else.
Would be a wonderful scoring tool. Accepts poly after touch but the key bed does not out put after touch. They will probably release a module/rack version. I would pay more for a 61 key version with more dedicated controls and more outputs.
Lovely machine! really hope they make a keyboardless version... that one is for me!
I feel the same!
I second this.
Yes with a bigger screen and facility to import your own samples.
Or an iwavestate software version, with a clean interface like the iwavestation....
That will not happen. The last time Korg did that was with the X3. The Wavestation Keyboard was really a different creature than the SR or AD.
It sounds so full and rich sonically, which isn't something you could say of the first wavestation. Korg have upped the sonic ante on this considerably.
The patch at around the 6min mark reminds me of a lanois/ eno collaboration, a la apollo soundtrack.
I'm still waiting for the 61 note version with aftertouch 🙏
Because Wavestation had memory limitations (storage capacity is 2MB ROM vs 4GB user samples, don't know how much ROM samples are in Wavestate but for sure are in GBs) and limited processing (computational) capabilities. Wavestate is complex and deep synthesizer that even synthesizer veteran as Nick Batt struggle with, because it is not as intuitive because of its complexity. You can make film soundtrack with just using Wavestate. Problem with its predecessor was lack of hands-on controlls, which was problem with M1 and many other digital synthesizers of that era, Roland got programmers for JX-8P, and JD-800 got things right as the last perfect digital synthesizer with hands-on controlls.
Thanks for featuring some of my performances nick!
Holy Moly did you create some of the patches? What an incredible job!!! This synth seems to ooze musicality...though Nick Batt seems to dislike it quite a lot - but that's cool - we live in a great time for synths with soo many amazing choices! Can't wait to get my hands on one of these amazing machines.
Simon Morton I did indeed, and unlike nick I’m still waiting for my own copy 😊 thanks!
Airwave Music wow that is cool - mine turns up Tuesday, and I picked up a hydrasynth yesterday - better tell the wife and kids I won’t be seeing them for a few months!!! Just out of interest, do you have any personal tips for programming the wavestate? I’m thinking the lane presets are a good place to start, but what’s your advice?
Simon Morton I hope there will be a software editor at some point. But ws programming is not as tedious as it seems. And the probability feature is a gem
Airwave Music yep Korg have hinted at it. Probability, when you can dial in the amount, is a great feature. I use probability on the Deluge on drums a lot -something I would never have done in the past - it’s brilliant (though takes experimentation to get it right)!
Fantastic synth, nice playing!
On its way... wonderful machine
‘this will work in your house lights epic break down scene’ ... lol dude you just made me laugh born slippy out my nose.
LIPSTICK BOY
I own a Moog and love it but always felt it needs something along side it!! so I pre-ordered this :) I think there is nothing wrong with digital! I always say mix it all up and create something!! never understand those who complain about stuff that don't have this or that? they can't do everything :)
analogue cultists are madmen, feel free to ignore the loons ;)
Licinius Varrus yeah, some guys just want analog all the time, that’s ok but don’t bash on digital :) I still have my micro Korg from when it was first out, never going to sell it :) it’s not analog but sounds nice. Many musicians have used those, the snobs said they were toys! I remember seeing microkorgs appear on festival stages :) everyone has used them, apart from the snobs :)
Digital by itself doesn’t work for me, but a nice Moog bass sound underneath and a digital synth on top sounds great (to my ears)
@@BluffWilliams I'm thinking of this with my Moog Grandmother. :)
I recently saw complaints that the mother 32 was just to smooth. Got two, I agree. When I want dirt and grunge I watch FOX.
i love how casual this is! more of this
"These are perhaps a bit less useful"
Unless you're James Ferraro
Oh my word, now that’s yet another synth I simply must own. At this rate I’ll be a one person orchestra, and no bad thing perhaps!
I am my number 1 fan! I like Steve Roach and his massive following of a few. I call this the "DIGITAL BANJO" revolution. Sit on our virtual porches and strum out from the heart. Extra cool if someone likes it.
This is a tough nut to crack for the regular piano playing synth users depending on just presets. It easily makes fresh sounds although after a while it is easier to spot it in a mix. This needs programming and if it had a few extra keys and knobs, metal box-well worth 2 k!
Speaking of presets, when the Fairlight sampling system first appeared on the music scene, Michael Jackson and Tangerine Dream BOTH grabbed one and made hits, didn't bother changing a thing either! Presets have certain limits and are easier to recognize.
I was convinced I was buying an Argon8. The Wavestate is making me rethink that. If they released a module version of this, perhaps I could get both! Any prospects of a Wavestate module?
Korg are partial to module versions to their synths, so, possibly.. The keybed does sent Velocity Off messages, which the synth engine can use as a mod source, but other than that, nothing special about the keybed. I guess it'll depend if the Wavestation keyboard version is popular, whether they would go about engineering a module version.
Get someone a bit handy to remove the keybed and cut the case up :)
6581punk ha ha ha! Well, the module would be nice not only because of the space but because of the potentially lower cost. A removal sounds expensive (even if it works)!
@@WxkR Well I'd give them time to make one. But people have done horrific things to Moogs and PPG Waves to get them into a module form. At least this is modern and not rare.
I'm holding out for a module, like they did for the Minilogue XD. Don't really have room for it otherwise.
I have the Wavestation for the IPad, but it is terribly difficult to program. This is a much better presentation and it sounds so good. Looks like money well spent.
Have you seen the Evolverfx iPad app which is basically a wavestate
I compared my Wavestation and ws SR with the program, no comparison if you really have an ear. Hech, even they sound a bit different.
I wasn’t convinced by early previews this was worth the money, it seemed a bit dear for dsp in a cost saving case.. but this review and extras has changed my mind.
The 2gb S&S “rompler” aspect in addition to the Wave sequencing makes it great value in many ways, I miss my 1080.
It’s a tough competitive market now though.. £699 is knocking on towards that psychological £1000 point.
As it’s multitimbral with 64 voices.. I think you’ll get out of it what you put into it.
If you end up just making the odd riser or rythymical loop.. you’re barely scratching the surface.
Agreed Andrew, I kept dropping hints on how good this synth was in Doug’s room and I think I convinced him too. I’m getting one for sure PTMM!
Newborn classic for sure!
And they will degrade over time, hang onto one. If I wasn't old as the forest I would buy another new in the box ...for later....I guess this is later? sheesh! (Rubs palms gleefully chuckling like a midi maniac) I kind of admire the 20 somethings doing electronic music, was pretty lonely when MIDI was new. Lots of mall musicians with organs!
Electronic organs, I heard that thought!
Are these sounds located already on the wavestate or did you create them if so where do I find them? Also where can I find the single sounds like the instrument part in the soundbanks like the single instrument sounds like the banjo or a piano or something like that I can't find them yet lol 😅
Roughly, how much time it took you, Nick, to program these?
I cant wait to get one and saw the keyboard off!
lol
It’s a pity you can’t import your own sounds. Other than that it looks really good. Korg keep putting out great stuff.
ruclips.net/video/4TJMCqreFqM/видео.html&t=512
Wait for it.....hope you have good gear to sample or a budget for samples when this happens. It will have a twist when it arrives, some of the waveforms scanned are like .02 seconds long or less.
Damn! I need that second patch 🤩
... and the guitarish one at 5:40
Like the sounds! - Does the volume knob affect both line and phones signal?
I hear Nicks extras, and get convinced to buy the gear he is using. Then I buy it. And then I see how much I suck...
oh the waiting. I would prefer a module with user wave memory BUT a) i don't want to wait and B) i would be OK with an OS update and a patch editor that could send samples up the USB pipe without korg having to change any production hardware. that is something we could have in short order. All the aftertouch people can use another controller (something other than korg, they seem to be all about velocity but not aftertouch)
Inspiring instrument . Did you keep it Nick
Nope. Went back
So the last video was 80% "no way" comments. The NEXT DAY everyone's "now I'm buying one." How fickle is everyone? It always sounded fantastic. It was always a nightmare to program. Nothing has changed but which one you focus on at any given moment.
Today's generation in a nutshell.
Nick, did you suffer from the bends after the wavestate dive? I'm immune. Korg already broke me (in) with that insane X-50 menu system.
pretty sure this outdoes the X50 =x
@@Jason75913 ya, it probably does. AND, you have given me a great idea: download the wavestate user's manual now and start studying it. I recently upgraded my tired old x-50 to a krome ex and that was a breeze to learn, since the architecture is the same. this wavestate is a whole different animal for sure.
I find this follow up a bit strange. As if Korg complained about the 1st video.
addedunum?
Nick you just nailed it! Wow!
I dunno what to think of it to be honest. Need to try before i buy. And rack would be my preferred choice.
judging from the layout I believe that a module version is coming....I think that korg shoud have release that one first because the market is already full of keyboards
They are doing good for COVID days and nights. Soon, more. More and more!
5:35× gorgeous sound. Is this bitimbral then?
There are 4 “layers” per performance that can be split or layered. Each layer has its own patch, arp and effects
Like dozens of voices in a packet of 4, Assign MIDI chane=nels and over dub I guess. I do!
Just bought one this week, I wanted something a little different!
Damn the programming looks horrendous but it sounds so amazing! It's like an entire movie soundtracks in one patch!! After watching the OG video I was thinking no way!. But now.......I think I want one!!!! F**k !!!!!!!!!!
Effective marketing there Nick! :)
Nick says a lot about gear he approves of. This gets the velvet glove treatment.
Thanks nick, for demonstrating the randomize function. I was wondering what kind of patches to expect from it. Seems it doesn't generate the lush patches, arps, and wavesequences I was hoping it would. By the sound of the results I'm guessing that is because it doesn't generate the more complex multi-timbral patches or arps and wave sequences but rather simpler sounds which the more complex patches are built from. Or did I miss a demo of what I was hoping for? If not, perhaps there is an algorithmic composition or generative music app out there which will do the job.
Ryan B lazy
@@AveMcree Lazy? I'm not sure what you mean. Perhaps you are saying you think I'm lazy when it comes to sound design and composition? If so, I'll have you know I'm interested in randomly generated sounds and music to break out of creative ruts. I find randomizers and algorithmic/generative composition tools to be very inspiring and help me to keep from getting bored with my musical projects. They can breathe new life into a project. It may seem like cheating to you but I think of it as like having a virtual bandmate. I prefer to work alone to avoid the negatives of collaboration but often wish I had bandmates to collaborate with to speed up the process of creation. Sometimes I just want to jam with others but can't. I mean sometimes I want to play a single instrument instead of playing all the parts (drums, bass, lead, backing, etc). Randomizers and generative/algorithmic music creation tools provide the benefits of having bandmates to collaborate with while still working alone. In fact such tools are better than a band in some ways because you don't have to worry about hurting anybody's feelings if you don't like what they come up with. LOL! You can just hit the randomize button again or whatever until you hear something more like what you want to hear and then use that as a foundation to build your song. There is nothing wrong with using randomizers and generative/algorithmic music composition tools.
After giving it a second listen I see it does generate some wavesequencing when using the randomizer. This video also demonstrates the randomizer: ruclips.net/video/lFSW60fp5fE/видео.html But it seems the results aren't really what I'd be looking for. I'd be looking for more acoustic cinematic sounds and wavesequences. The results I'm hearing seem more like wild and crazy synth sounds. They're awesome but not what I'd need. I need patches I can use to compose more traditional sounding music.
If they ever make a sofware editor it would be nice if it has a randomizer which allows you to specify some parameters to define the type of sound you are looking for such as orchestral, synth, guitars, etc then maybe some wavesequence parameters. Hopefully it allows you to adjust the amount of randomisation so instead of creating an entirely new sound it simply creates a slight variation if the current sound so when you find something you like you can create some unique variations. Also, I hope it has a way to allow you to select only certain parameters and randomize the ones you've selected all at once instead of one at a time seperately.
That’s the word I was looking for ......EPIC 😎✌️
My desire is to
Take this wavestate, wavestation a/d, wavestation vst and my yamaha sy35 and create a wall of sound.
Then the left hand is Deepmind 12, volca keys, minilogue and Roland D-05.
Damn that sounds like fun.
All i need is this wavestate.
Hope you get one! You are going to need some hardware sequences too!
It's certainly impressive, I just know I wouldn't put the time in to learn it all.
You think this is bad? Try the original WS. I still have my manuals - full of yellow highlighter marks. hehe
@@BlackMan614 I bet! haha
It does sound lovely. Think I'd opt for the Argon8 61, but maybe I'm good with synths for now
There is a learning curve. Try learning Cubase in 1985, 1999, 2005, 2011 and how many times did they change? A new computer EACH time , pretty much. Dog ate my last MIDI Audio breakout and I went hands on. Use the computer to organise but I will stick with my antique 448 PPQ sequencer since my Ataris all bit the big one....MIDI rocks when done right.
6:00 instant This Mortal Coil.
Thanks!
I can just feel myself trying to press the keys in further! - this badly needs either a module version or a proper kb with at
Like many units we tested. I once saw a talented performer kicked out of the music lab for "playing too loudly" on the DX7 . And that's a fine keyboard bed! I felt sick that he was a black person- remember
When do they come out? I want one right now! I would love to score my short films with this baby!
End of this month (in the UK)
Sweet,you do such a great job with the tutorials. Any chance on you doing one for beginners?
It really does sound perfect for cinematic sounds
Surely you meant to score babes with your short films? 😄
Until yesterday the delivery date in the Netherlands was counting down to 5 days, this morning it's 21 weeks :o :( I think the container is stuck in China due to the Corona virus :o
This synth seems suited to soundtrack and film, I like the Roland XM tones better for my music though it's twice the price.
Everything has its good side and bad. look at infinity.
@@TheSynthZone Personal taste not good vs bad, unless of course it's obviously crap.
So this or the ASM Hydrasynth? Or sod it and just get both....
this Korg rompler or the ASM wavetable synth?
what do you want out of them? what music do you do? the answers are for you, not me, then look up what's best for your music: wavetables or romplers?
Both. Definitely.
now pre ordering only - when will it be available? tnx.
i have one on order from Sweetwater and their current delivery estimate is early march, FWIW, HTH
If korg put this into a little box , with just the random button for 50 quid id buy ...
lol
iWavestation on iPad will do that.
Hello... Is it possible to upload my own sound samples ( leads, basses, drvms, voices, etc. ) and mix them with other layers to design new sounds ? Really thnks.
No. You cannot import your own samples.
Can you timestretch the samples and do other trickery with them, like reverse/loop points?
No
@sbmphr Yes, start and end and also while preforming. But this is not close to an Akai S 7000 which needed a synth keyboard that matched....Plus a 6-700 $ program, a 1400-2000% computer and imagination.1985-6 OMG
10:39 80s' romance flick anyone? At first I thought it was a sequence, because for a moment I wasn't paying attention. But that was Nick playing and playing well :)
good evening, I'm a little indecis to my future purchases, you are surely the right people to answer me because you know the wavestate synth and surely other synths, I'm looking at these synths: argon 8, deep mind 12, hydra synth, korg wavestate .. my musical genre is trance, it will be my first hardware synth because for many years I have only used vst. Can you describe their differences and which ones are most suitable for my trance (live) genre. thanks
its a shame they don't make this into a flag ship synth with more then 4 lanes 8-16 lanes maybe bigger keyboard bigger screen so the sequencer is more viewable even thou it works it could do with a bigger screen a better build but as it stands this is the synth of 2020 their going to sell a lot of these i don't think its that hard to program once you initally work out how to add steps and how the workflow goes i love it me but i'd wanna see this as a big full range keyboard more lanes and a bigger screen then think korg have nailed the synth market with this
Pretty nice synth
I'm hope they release a desktop version, and a companion app
Yes, I'd pay the price of the keyboard version for a Desktop module with a full editor and patch manager. Great synth, but as Nick was at pains to point out in his Review, the menu diving is deffo 'a thing' here. Korg are great at writing programs and apps, this is really crying out for one.
As consumers we should be demanding plugins for remote control with every new hardware synth.
@@DannoBoston The Modal Skulpt comes with a plugin.
ok ok i'll buy one geeze.... ; )
Love mine🚀🚀 only 3 days
All sounds in this review with reverb?
Korg reverb
The effects hold their own. I also add more effects being an effect junky lately. Sample it and re synthesize. Divide and conquer worked for a few civilisations- might work for music. Mighty KORG ! Hoooooo! =)
Are these the pre installed patches?
Yes!
My dilemma is that though I
I've got about 34 synths. About 7 are permanently set up. It's not a good idea to impulse buy :)
you're right! I just purchased one and it is absolutely EPIC! I'm afraid I'm never going to use any of my other synths!
I had a Wavestation SR as my first synth. Then added a Prophecy for extra "analog" type sounds. I got a lot of mileage from those two. I think this has a lot more potential.
reminds me of my R3 but more knobs, and definitely deeper sound designing capabilities (samples)
Rackmount version please Korg , common get with the program.
Cant tell the program with out the players. I would expect more of this RD team, much more, saving up already!
Do the arpeggiators output midi?
I like that Bond-like one :)
Korg finally have their own Korg Karma synth ;)
Korg Karma never did it for me. It is a culmination of years of work from KORG .Now we got some more, the 6op looks like a gift from heaven!
So basically every preset is a movie score on this keyboard.
na, just a few and they will be laughed at in a year in professional studios. Program the baby!
Thank you..
want a desktop version of it
idiot
@@stevenburns989 what does your idiocy have to do with a desktop version of this monster synth?
They dropped the ball on design here, I know it's all about the sound, but I often eat with my eyes... When the Korg Minilogue was introduced I felt in love with it at first sight, here I don't have that same feeling, It's a bit of a dark mess... and it looks cheap....
Korg RD excelled at creating a new format to explore. Take a compass?
Nick, why do yo do that, that?! I don’t want to buy this massivdeepkomplexfidly synth! No! Never! Ok?🤒
When this beast is coming to the stores? 😫
Argon 8 is by far the better sounding and excellent on price point when compared to this. Yes this has a lot more functionality but has not the soul or that sound the Argon 8 produces and the menu diving is annoying on the Wavestate IMO.
you like the wavetable synth much better than this rompler?
can't blame you ;p
Trololo Inc ® They are two completely different type synths? But anyway each to their own. Also not sure what the last half of your comment means.
Trololo Inc ® Umm okay, my preference on the sound generator is the A8. The Korg produces good all round sound and nothing bad about it just I prefer the A8 sound texture and I also own both of these synths, in my set up they both work well together for various reasons but the A8 IMO has a deeper richer sound. But like I said its each to their own, what you enjoy is what matters, it’s just opinions at the end of the day.
Trololo Inc ® Oh good grief boy, whatever....🙄
@@Jason75913 comparing apples to ataris was refreshing for 4 years.
I wish you would do a hardware interview with somebody who can explain how RazPI does all this. Looks like crap but it does sound pretty good.
There isn't a Raspberry Pi in there, Nick posted a video where they looked inside and prove it.
The RazPi thing was a meme; don't believe in memes, lad, very bad thing for anyone to do to themselves
but we like pie!
I really think is time for korg to redo the Microkorg engine and bring us some affordable VA back. The sound of this thing tells me they’re ready haha. Bring us a $200 updated microkorg!
I expect a surprise, going to save faster.
The orchestral samples are completely useless. 4 of 6GB Sample Memory wasted for Pizzicato Strings, Church Bells, Wind and Brass Samples.... I really love the original WS, it's a magic synth, simply lacks sample upload of user samples. Korg didnt solve the central issue, simply added ROM memory. How about an editor? It's 2020 now. Korg releases an ultra complex rompler with deep menu structure and tiny screen to the Iphone generation......
How are they useless? You can do all sorts of interesting things with those orchestral samples and the wave sequencing engine.
Sounds great, but obnoxious to build patches on. I made that mistake when I got a Microkorg XL... It was nice for playing presets, but it got old fast because there was way too much menu diving to make new sounds worthwhile.
Try fitting a FIZMO into a mix sometimes, needs a shoehorn sometimes.
How well would a Moog Grandmother play with this?
I think: very well. I often use a Hydrasynth, somehow similar in character to the Wavestate, together or even layered with a Subseq37 or Poly D. I like the contrast between cold digital, spaced out sounds and analog warmth.
Like my mother 32 s only better? Might get one of those Grandmothers, now they in black.
The Goat on synths
Pink Floyd Bells
Since this thing is so deep using those buttons that often will become problematic in the future. Needs an editor.
If mine lasts 5 years I am satisfied. If I last five years....
@@TheSynthZone I ended up getting a wavestate. It better last longer than five years. LOL! I have synths that are over 30 years now (Juno-60, JX-3p and Juno-106) They all still work pretty good. My JX-3p and Juno-106 have a couple buttons that I need to clean but the Juno-60 is still flawless. It had always been kept out of dust in a case before I got it.
I got the impression that Nick isn’t particularly fond of the Wavestate ...
he's right
I agree and while it sounds good it also looks a nightmare to program
I used to have an original ws - you got used to programming it because it really was worth the effort.
@@spridgejuice back then there wasn't a choice. Nowadays you can have a good sized touchscreen [that Korg uses] and a good menu design. Unfortunately [but understandable as a market try-out] they decided to skip it and the AT for a 3 octave product with a tiny screen and a shit-load of menu diving [and no user samples either]. This is one of those products that really needs a flexible and user friendly interface for easy operation [like Yamaha did with their FMx engine on the Montage/Modx]
Jumping Man, the touchscreen would cost extra money, and real estate on the panel, and be made redundant as soon as the first tablet app hits the App Store. Korg did the right thing (imho) by putting performance knobs up front, and connectivity on the back.
gotta say disappointed in this synth too expensive for the features,. sample based only with no replaceable samples, no hybrid features for pure analog sound,. the sound quality leaves something to be desired to my ears, and I'm not hater of virtual synthesis or digital synths,.
This is not for the feint hearted I guess. I screwed up my courage and got one for fun. Dang, it fun!
Shit. Here's me falling in love again at 5:35...
Arrmygard it's got no GUI
Someone likes the key of D... ☺️
gravitating towards "simpler" keys like D maj or D Dorian is all too common among synthesists
@@Jason75913 Tangerine Dream used early sequencers capable of....three (3) chords or 4 if gifted. They celebrated sequencers that allowed flexibility. You should have seen the jerry rigged synths back then, no midi, no standards. Some gear was totally custom designed to connect together! Somewhere between C and D most players feel comfortable. There are programmers/designers/ and players. There are both, sometimes.
6:23 AC/DC - Hells Bells
10:44 odd
UP Lol Digital odd
That's jazz, Nick. 😁
12:30 sounds like early BT