Korg has introduced the modwave mkII – an update to the wavetable synth that offers nearly double the polyphony, expanded free-running LFOs, and more.
The modwave mkII provides 60 voices of polyphony – almost double the original modwave’s 32, – and all LFOs now have options for free running, delayed start, and retriggering. They’ve also added a pre/post switch for reverb sends, new modulation sources, and more.
In 1985, Korg introduced the DW-8000, a hybrid synthesizer that combined digital wavetables with analog filters. Korg says that the modwave builds on the DW legacy, featuring “deep wavetable oscillators, gorgeous filters, wildly flexible modulation, unmatched polyphony, comprehensive pattern sequencing, and immediately satisfying hands-on control”.
modwave also introduces two unique new tools for creating dynamic motion:
Kaoss Physics combines an x/y Kaoss pad with modulatable game physics to create a responsive, interactive controller.
Motion Sequencing 2.0 brings the organic, continuously evolving patterns of the wavestate’s Wave Sequencing 2.0 into the world of motion sequencing, including multiple lanes and real-time recording to help you create complex and evolving phrases.
Like the wavestate and opsix, the modwave synth engine offers a modern take on classic digital synthesis capabilities.
Korg modwave Audio Demos:
Features:
modwave synthesis engine
Kaoss Physics
Motion Sequencing 2.0
Deep synth engine, with a wide range of filter options, extensive modulation options, effects, randomization and more.
Lambda Synthetics has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of the PolyPulse, a five-track algorithmic performance workstation.
The 5 tracks each have an algorithmic sequencer, a polyphonic sound engine of your choice, a customizable audio effects chain and morphing touch pad. The algorithmic sequencer allows you to create long evolving rhythms and melodies. With the touchpads you can morph between four presets per track, to create expressive and dynamic changes in sound and texture.
The PolyPulse has four audio inputs which can be sampled, and has eight audio outputs, allowing for various routings including individual outputs per track or spatialized multi-speaker setups.
PolyPulse can be synced using MIDI, sample accurate clock signals and Open Sound Control. MIDI can be used to control sequence synthesizers and CC messages to morph sounds on your favourite synthesizer modules.
On each track you can select a sound engine, with up to eight voices of polyphony:
An ‘analog-style’ synthesized drumkit with a kick, snare, clap and hi-hat.
A (stereo) sample player which play sequences of samples so you can quickly create complex drum patterns.
A subtractive synthesizer with four oscillators, noise source, harmonic ring modulation, and a 24dB lowpass filter or 12dB morphing filter.
A four operator FM synthesizer with modulation matrix, so you can create custom FM algorithms, and morph between different algorithms.
An additive synthesizer with up to 32 sine waves per voice.
A physical modelling synthesizer ,with noise and samples as excitation source and two feedback loops to blend between positive and negative feedback.
Features:
5 track standalone performance workstation
Intuitive interface to create complex (poly) rhythms and melodies
Sound morphing interface controlled by touchpads
Multiple polyphonic synthesis/sampling engines
Multichannel audio effects
Lambda Synthetics PolyPulse Overview:
The PolyPulse is available to Kickstarter backers for €1,999 (about $2,120).
*Note: Crowdfunded projects can involve risk. See the project website for details.
Korg Keystage, Korg’s first MIDI 2.0 keyboard controller, with polyphonic aftertouch, audio out and official integration with Ableton Live.
Korg today introduced Keystage, its first and new MIDI keyboard controller that features MIDI 2.0 and Polyphonic Aftertouch.
Korg Keystage features unparalleled DAW integration, plus powerful arpeggiator and chord functionality.
Coming in both 49 and 61 key variants, the controller is equipped with a semi-weighted keybed that can muster polyphonic and channel aftertouch as well as MPE, which has been developed with Ashun Sound Machines of Hydrasynth fame.
As for DAW integration, a huge number of digital audio workstations are covered, but currently, it’s only Ableton Live that has official integration, alongside Korg’s own Gadget 2.0. Both of these will have limited editions bundled with the keyboard. Check the full list of supported DAWs below…
Ableton Live (Official Integration)
Korg Gadget (Official Integration)
Cakewalk
Cubase
Digital Performer
FL Studio
GarageBand
Logic Pro X
Pro Tools
Studio One
The promise with MIDI 2.0 is that you won’t have to worry about running scripts or mapping MIDI just to get your DAW to talk to your controller, which is exactly what Keystage promises – seamless plug-and-play compatibility.
Aside from the the new keybed, other tactile control comes in the form of your standard pitch bend and modulation wheels. While parameters are tweaked via eight control knobs, with each rotary sitting above an OLED screen for visual parameter feedback.
Playback options are aplenty with an arpeggiator that comes with a ton of patterns and includes aftertouch-triggered ratchets, randomization and gating, while the chord mode is rammed to the gills with a suite of 32 chord sets and a further 32 slots to save your own.
In the I/O department, you are treated to USB-B, MIDI, expression and damper ports which are also joined by two unbalanced 1/4″ TS outputs and a stereo headphone output. There are no audio inputs, so this will be purely for monitoring purposes with audio being handled at 44.1 kHz, 16-bit.
What they say about it:
“As the first keyboard to adopt the MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange, Keystage puts unparalleled integration and control at your fingertips, taking your music-making experience to a whole new level.
Featuring a new keybed design with outstanding touch response, Polyphonic / Channel Aftertouch and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatibility, Keystage offers hands-on control and instant visual feedback through its parameter-dedicated OLED screens. It features a powerful arpeggiator, an array of chord modes, integrated audio outputs, and official integration with Ableton Live.”
Korg Keystage is available now, priced at $599.99 for the 49-key model and $699.99 for the 61-key model.
