Korg debuted its original wavestate synth to widespread acclaim, garnering accolades for its ability to build on the company’s legendary 1990 Wavestation synth while introducing cutting-edge, real-time sample manipulation and synthesis tools. With the wavestate MKII, you can traverse even greater artistic vistas. Combining elements of subtractive synthesis, groove boxes, drum machines, and algorithmic composition, Korg’s wavestate MKII offers sonic capabilities you won’t find anywhere else. Presets can be saved as a Set List for fast recall, and Smooth Sound Transitions that allow a sound to finish ringing out even after you’ve changed patches. Synthesists at Music Experience are elated by the welcome additions that accompany the wavestate MKII. These include an increase of the polyphony from 64 to 96 voices, 15 new performances, 43 more presets, and a comprehensive update to each of the 246 Performance choices, as well as more than half of the other presets onboardr.

Wave Sequencing 2.0

With its ability to take raw samples and transform them into never-before-heard sounds, the original Korg Wavestation became a favorite for its rich, evocative pads and pulsating, rhythmic sounds. Wave Sequencing returned in Korg's OASYS and KRONOS keyboards to the delight of music producers, sound designers, and composers alike. And with the wavestate MKII synthesizer, Wave Sequencing 2.0 gives you more creative potential to manipulate sounds. In the original Wavestation keyboard, a wave sequence is comprised of individual steps, each with its own duration, sample, and pitch. The results could be incredibly animated and rhythmic, but with unchanging repetition. Wave Sequencing 2.0 allows you to manipulate sample sequence, timing, and pitch independently to create complex, evolving patches with a nonlinear vibe. Each of these parameters (and many more) are assigned their own "Lane," and each Lane can have a different number of steps, with control over their start, end, and loop points. Lanes can even randomize their step order every time they are played, for a completely unpredictable and non-inear playing experience.

Get hands-on with your sound

With its unique sound engine and practically limitless modulation capabilities, it's clear the Korg wavestate MKII is ideal for producers, composers, and sound designers. And with its generous set of hands-on controls (much more than the original Wavestation offered!) you have everything you need for expressive real-time performance too. Fans of the original at Music Experience were pleased to see the return of the Vector Joystick, giving you XY control over four layers of sound. You also have easy access to envelopes and LFOs, filters, modulation lanes, and sequence steps. Not only does the wavestate MKII give you ample hands-on control, but the vast majority of knobs and on-screen parameters can be modulated. You'll even be able to modulate the settings of individual wave sequence steps, if you want to fine-tune your sounds to that extent. And while we're talking modulation, the wavestate MKII offers built-in modulation signal transformation to get even more creative with your patches. Modulation signals can be quantized, smoothed out, or even have their curvature manipulated, rivaling the modulation capabilities of certain modular synthesizer components for unmatched rhythmic control.

Now featuring 96 stereo voices with a huge sample library

With gigabytes of samples to explore, the wavestate MKII features thousands of times more raw samples than the original Wavestation. And in addition to completely new samples from Korg, you'll also find a range of samples from Korg's KRONOS and KROME libraries, as well as a cool bank of sounds from Plugin Guru. However you decide to combine them, you'll be able to play up to 96 stereo voices simultaneously, with amazingly pristine sound quality thanks to Korg's anti-aliasing sample playback technology, far surpassing the 64-voice limit of its predecessor. Experience the defining characteristics that made the original Wavestation so popular with a whole new level of sound quality and sonic precision. Spend some time with the wavestate MKII and you'll soon love the ability to control four layers of sound at a time. Use the Vector Joystick to morph between the layers in real time. Each layer has its own arpeggiator, and layers can have up to three dedicated effects like tape echo, reverb, guitar amp modeling, and much more. With the ability to smoothly morph from an intriguing soundscape into a vibrant lead tone and back again, the wavestate MKII may be the performance synthesizer you've been waiting for.

Shape your sounds with MS-20 and Polysix filters

While Wave Sequencing offers sonic possibilities far beyond typical subtractive synthesis, it's hard to beat the creative potential of a good filter. The wavestate MKII synthesizer packs lowpass and highpass filters modeled after those found on the classic MS-20 synthesizer, as well as a lowpass filter model based on the Polysix synthesizer. You'll also find an array of 2- and 4-pole lowpass, highpass, bandpass, and band-reject filters. And of course, you'll also find Korg's beloved multimode filter, which can morph and modulate between multiple filter modes.

Performance-ready Set List and transition tools

Contrasting the depth of its synthesis architecture, the wavestate MKII is optimized for live performance, complete with a handy way to manage sounds on tage — Set Lists. These allow you to organize your sounds based on the songs you'll be performing, giving you fast access to your sounds and eliminating the need for menu diving to find the right patch. And speaking of changing sounds on the fly, the wavestate MKII’s smooth transitions will appeal to anyone that's ever played a keyboard live. Smooth transitions mean that when you change sound patches, the previous patch will decay naturally (based on its envelope and effects settings) instead of being cut off abruptly. And you can immediately begin playing the patch you've just selected as the previous patch fades out.

What KORG Says...

Legendary synthesis, radically re-imagined. Extended polyphony, extended possibilities. 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

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.

Easily expressive, Exceptionally deep

Bursting with knobs and controllers, the wavestate invites you to explore. All of the basics–filter, envelopes, LFOs, effects–are at your fingertips with dedicated front-panel controls. Eight programmable Mod Knobs are customized to bring out the most in every sound, often taking them in entirely new directions. Use the knobs in realtime performance, and also save the results as new sounds. Add in the Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels and the unique Vector Joystick, and you’ll always have multiple dimensions of realtime expression. Want to dig deeper? Almost all front-panel knobs, and most on-screen parameters, can be modulated. You can even modulate settings for individual Wave Sequence steps! Mod Processors let you transform modulation signals using quantization, smoothing, curvature, and more.

Randomization that inspires

Looking for even more inspiration? A dedicated front-panel button, marked by a “dice” icon, generates new sounds via intelligent randomization. Randomize the entire sound or just a part of it, such as the filter, the Sample Lane, or the effects. Use the results directly, or as a jumping-off point for your own creations.

An arsenal of effects

The wavestate SE’s superb effects deliver production-ready sounds. Each layer has three dedicated effects; additionally, the Performance has a master reverb and parametric EQ. Along with standards such as compressors, EQs, choruses, flangers, phasers, and stereo delays, you’ll find distinctive processors such as the Wave Shaper, Talking Modulator, Reverse Delay, Multiband Mod Delay, and Overb (from the OASYS), plus modeled effects including VOX guitar amps, VOX wah, multi-head tape echo, and a collection of classic guitar pedals.

Choose your filter

Add vintage character to your sounds with the aggressive MS-20 Lowpass or Highpass filters, or the strong, sweet Polysix Lowpass. Shape and refine with a full collection of resonant 2-pole and 4-pole Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, and Band Reject filters. Or, step outside the box with KORG’s unique Multi Filter, which creates modulatable blends of multiple modes simultaneously.

Gigabytes of samples. 96 stereo voices.

Totaling in the gigabytes, the wavestate’s sample library is more than a thousand times larger than that of the original WAVESTATION. That’s a lot of great-sounding raw material for Wave Sequences. There’s a bank of samples from Plugin Guru, brand-new samples from KORG, and a selection from the NAUTILUS, KRONOS and KROME libraries. Of course, KORG also provides all of the WAVESTATION’s samples (including all options), plus a huge library of WAVESTATION Wave Sequences. Play up to 96 stereo voices with pristine clarity, using KORG’s proprietary anti-aliasing sample playback technology.

4GB of User Samples

Express yourself in your own unique voice. Import up to 4 GB of your own Multisamples into the wavestate via the free Sample Builder application for Mac and Windows. Many third-party libraries are available, too! Use your new samples in Wave Sequences or as single Multisamples, just like the factory Multisamples.

Multiply by four.

With all of that synthesis power, you might think the wavestate would play only one sound at a time. Not a chance. For even more rich and complex results, layer up to four Programs together in a Performance–each with their own effects and arpeggiator. The Vector Envelope and Joystick mix the individual voices of the four Layers, and can also modulate any other parameters.

Set Lists and Smooth Sound Transitions.

Set Lists offer effortless organization of your wavestate Performances, and deliver instant access at the gig or in rehearsal. Smooth Sound Transitions allow previously-played voices and effects to continue to ring out naturally, even once a new sound has been selected.

Plays well with others.

Balanced stereo outputs connect to any recording or monitoring system, and a stereo headphone output is provided for private playing or onstage cueing. Din-style MIDI jacks ensure connection to other MIDI-equipped instruments and audio gear. The wavestate supports class-compliant USB MIDI connections to Windows and Mac computers, and the wavestate Editor/Librarian and Sample Builder programs are available as free downloads from KORG.

Editor/Librarian.

The Editor/Librarian acts as a second front panel for the wavestate. Realtime display of modulated parameter values and Wave Sequences gives you instant feedback on your creations. Copy and paste sounds, envelopes, LFOs, filter settings, and more. Dive deep into Effects with access to all internal parameters and create your own Effects Presets.

Designed by KORG R&D in California.

KORG R&D created the original WAVESTATION, co-created the OASYS and KRONOS, and has developed fundamental technologies behind many other KORG instruments. The wavestate reflects their unique aesthetic, delivering stunning sound and deep flexibility via cutting-edge technologies. Three of the key sound designers from the original WAVESTATION, John Bowen, John “Skippy” Lehmkuhl (Plugin Guru), and Peter “Ski” Schwartz, joined Belgian artist Airwave and the renowned KORG voicing team to create the incredible wavestate sound library.

Free bundle of music software

Designed by KORG R&D in California. KORG R&D creathe wavestate comes with a diverse variety of music software from Izotope including “Ozone Elements” which lets you not only create songs but also master them using AI, “Skoove” which will help you improve your keyboard playing skills, as well as software synths from KORG and other brands. In other words, the moment you get your hands on this synthesizer you'll have a variety of tools to help you take your music to the next level.

Special crossgrade to wavestate native software.

Owners of any version of the hardware wavestate are eligible for a crossgrade license to wavestate native at the special price of US $49.99, via a coupon code tied to the wavestate hardware’s unique ID. Using the hardware and software versions together, you can have the best of both worlds: a physical instrument that responds to your touch, and complete DAW integration. To generate the coupon:

1. For owners of wavestate mkII and wavestate SE: download and install the latest version of the wavestate Editor/Librarian. For owners of the original wavestate make sure that you’re using wavestate system version 2.1.0 or later and wavestate Editor/Librarian 1.1 or later. If necessary, update your wavestate hardware, and install the new Editor/Librarian.

2. In the Editor/Librarian, open the File menu and select "Get Plug-in Coupon…"

3. A dialog will appear, with the coupon code; follow the on-screen instructions to use the coupon in the KORG Shop

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