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The trend for official software versions of contemporary hardware synths is one we’re fully onboard with.

Korg has introduced modwave native, a fully-compatible software counterpart to its recently introduced modwave synthesizer keyboard. The Modwave has joined the Opsix and Wavestate as an option for your DAW.

Released in 2021, the Modwave is an all-digital synth that’s loosely based on Korg’s DW-8000, which is something of a cult classic. It offers wavetable oscillators, sumptuous filters, flexible modulation options, effects and hi-spec pattern sequencing.

Modwave Native is fully compatible with the hardware – sounds can be exchanged between the two – and also supports any third-party sound libraries that are designed for the original Modwave (or for the wavestate, for that matter).

Features:

• modwave synthesis engine
• Kaoss Physics
• Motion Sequencing 2.0
• Deeper access into the synth engine
• ‘Filters for days’
• Flexible modulation
• Wide arsenal of effects
• ‘Randomization that inspires’
• Set Lists and Smooth Sound Transitions
• Patch exchange between modwave and modwave native
• Crossgrade from hardware modwave
• Demo version available

Audio Demos:

Modwave native is available in VST3, AAX, and standalone formats, on both macOS and Windows, as well as AU on macOS. You can seamlessly exchange sounds between hardware and software.

Modwave native is available now for intro price of $149 (regular price $199) Special crossgrade pricing is also available for owners of the modwave keyboard. Find out more and download a demo on the Korg website.

Korg Modwave Wavetable Synthesizer

First look video, Adam Lee he gets a first look at what the modwave can do. We are working on a full review – watch this space. Latest foray into wavetable synthesis has landed.

Korg today announced that its Modwave wavetable synthesizer is now available.

Launched at NAMM 2021, the announcement of the Korg modwave promised a “monster synth” that boasts a powerful synthesis engine and some extensive modulation capabilities.

Based on Korg DW-8000, the modwave brings the legacy of that ‘80s cult favourite into the 21st century with the addition of Kaoss Physics and Motion Sequencing 2.0.

First impressions of the modwave are positive, with the advanced wavetable synthesis engine offering up some serious opportunity for variation – 200 wavetables each contain up to 64 waveforms, with the structure allowing for 30+ Modifiers to be used alongside 13 Morph Types for realtime processing.

Combined with the A/B Blend function, that means the modwave is capable of producing over 230 million wavetable variations, even before modulation. The addition of a Kaoss pad as a modulation source, alongside the wavestate Motion Sequencing 2.0, makes for some dazzling creative possibilities.

Korg Modwave Wavetable Synth is available now. Find out more on the Korg website.

The Korg DW-8000 has returns in the form of the Modwave hybrid wavetable synthesizer and the Kaoss pad is back with new functionality.

Korg has revived yet another classic from its illustrious history and given it the hybrid treatment, with the new Modwave wavetable synthesizer that promises to take the DW legacy and create a  synth with a little help from Motion Sequencing 2.0 and the brand new Kaoss pad modulation.

It is not mind-blowing to see that this looks like it is the third instalment of forward-thinking hybrid synths from Korg that tap into models of yesteryear with modern features, all wrapped up in a now-familiar 37-key chassis.

The Modwave seems to also take on the same ethos as the Wavestate and opsix with plenty of hands-on control and combining deep synthesis with plenty of filtering options and a whole heap of modulation options with the ability to assign four modulation signals with the Kaoss pad, utilising the new Kaoss physics function. In addition, the Modwave synthesis engine seems to be rather deep with 200 wavetables, each containing up to 64 waveforms. The structure allows you to utilise 30+ Modifiers to change the character and 13 Morph Types for realtime processing. Combined with the A/B Blend function, all of this adds up to a dizzying number of wavetable variations, over 230 million to be exact.

Modulation takes up a large part of Modwave architecture with the return of an old friend to help you get more creative results out of the synth. The Kaoss pad is back and Korg has deployed its fabled XY pad controller as a new modulation source. The pad is part of Korg’s new Kaoss Physics feature which models a ball rolling on a surface and/or bouncing off walls. Using the pad you can control the ball, or have it automatically triggered via a Gate + Damper.

If that does not blow your mind enough, you can add more by loading your own custom wavetables in Serum or WaveEdit formats via the Editor/Librarian software. Additionally, the virtual environment allows to either have the walls slow down the movement of the ball, like a cushion or bounce off the walls, accelerating the ball’s movement much like a pinball machine.

The Kaoss Physics alongside Motion Sequencing 2.0 from the Wavestate, make for some very interesting modulation possibilities, especially with a choice of four envelopes and five LFOs onboard.

For more info and full specs check out the Korg website.

The Modwave price and release date are still to be confirmed but, considering the opsix launched with a £799 price tag, we can assume this synth would not differ greatly on that score.