Modwave vs. Opsix vs. Wavestate: Korg's Digital Synth Comparison and Review
Vložit
- čas přidán 23. 06. 2024
- Today, Zach is taking a deeper look into Korg's incredible lineup of digital synthesizers-- specifically, the Modwave, Opsix, and Wavestate. These synthesizers are inspiring designs and achieve impressive cinematic sounds, take a listen to all three and let us know which is your favorite!
0:00 Intro
12:32 Digital Synth Demos
43:44 Wrapping Up
SHOP KORG: www.alamomusic.com/brands/korg
__________________________________________________________________
♪ Contact us: www.alamomusic.com/contact
♩ Call toll-free: (844)251-1922
♬ Connect:
Twitter → / alamomusic
Instagram → / alamomusic
Facebook → / 1375975579208745 - Hudba
To the Alamo Music Management Overlords: Keep this Zach guy around for videos. He is a good blend of nerd, interesting, and knowledgeable. We nerds have to stick up for each other.
Yeah, he's really good.
He’s not reading from a prompt and seems passionate about what he’s talking about. So much more interesting than an actor that doesn’t care.
We care about these things and it’s good to hear it from someone that feels the same way we do.
I have the Wavestate & Opsix, and haven't touched a VST since. But the Opsix is my favorite. I've had it for a year now, and still can't stop spending hours programming patches on it. Especially since firmware version 2.0 was released ...They added my favorite filter ...a Comb Filter.
Any tips for a noob about where to place the "FM filter", "wave folder" and "ring mod" operator types? I understand a bit more about the operator chain hierarchy now, so you can say "Algo 1 op 3" as an example
You haven't touched a VST since you got addicted to super tiny screens ? Or why ? You can use a VST with a big screen TV if you want.
@@zoned7609 You should download the VST version of it. It's much easier to see the routing on a big screen TV.
@@lucian6172 VSTs 🤮
@@zoned7609 They have the WaveState Native VSTi. And the Opsix too. I didn't see the Modwave yet. Go try the demo.
I've had a Wavestate for almost a year now and just recently got an Opsix. I'm still learning the Opsix, but it has yet to surpass the Wavestate for me, which I absolutely love for making rhythmic wave sequences.
I am in love with my Wavestate, but now I want them all..
I have a fairly sizeable synth setup and more often than not Im just firing up the wavestate on its own with the headphones and I just lose myself in the sound....Beautiful little synth.
Gentle correction: The wavestate is an evolution of VECTOR synthesis, NOT wavetable synthesis. Vector synthesis, at its heart, is nothing more than the mixing of the levels of up to 4 simultaneous samples over time. The wavestate does not use wavetables at all. The modwave uses wavetables and is an evolution of wavetable synthesis. A wavetable is a collection of related, usually evolving, single-cycle waveforms that form a kind of shape-shifting oscillator. Wavetable synthesis, at its heart, is changing the timbre of an oscillator over time by changing the position of the "playback head" within the wavetable, moving from one single-cycle waveform to another. Modern wavetable synthesizers will interpolate between the waveforms in real time to make the transition very smooth; early wavetable synthesizers did not have this smoothing and exhibited digital artifacts (that some people enjoy) as the waveforms change.
the reason people say its an evolution of wavetable synthesis is because a part of its sequencer essentially behaves as a table. its much more than mixing the levels of 4 samples , its mixing 4 "sequencers" which each have 6 independent "lanes".. that have 16 "steps". so for example.... the 3rd lane is the sample lane. 1 sample can be loaded per step and theres 16 steps.. so "layer A" can have 16 different samples, which can be manipulated by the other lanes (timing, shape, pitch etc). very similar to a wavetable albeit much more resolution at the expense of less versatility. the vector element comes into play because theres 4 instances of those lanes being summed in a mixer which can be controlled by either lfos or x/y joystick. so in a nut shell, on layer A you could load 16 simple waveform samples and make them flow into each other seamlessly using the sample lane sequencer then use the dedicated mod knob or lfo to cycle through and control the "state" of the "wave" sequencer.. the end result would be similar to a basic wavetable synth patch... but then you could simultaneously do the same thing on layer b but with complex acoustic/multivoice samples instead of single cycles. then blend the two layers using the vector mixer. its really powerful just really unconventional. i have a single bass patch that morphs from acoustic slap bass to saw bass and everything inbetween as you scrub through the table. or a string patche that's an emulated synth string and one end, a melotron in the middle and a full orchestra at the end of the table.
@@LeeOnTheTrack Great discussion; I enjoyed reading it. I would still make the minor (and maybe pedantic) point that “wavetable synthesis” is not the right descriptor.
A very good comment on your part making these clarifications. Thank you!😊
Well said!
Thanks for explaining this you two! I was kinda confused listening because i was like... Wait I thought the ModWave was the wavetable one, I thought the Wavestate just used wave sequencing (I think that's what Korg called it)
Best comparison I have found of these 3. Now I want all of them. Thank you!
The OpSix is really a gem. Unfortunately Korg undersold it by emphasizing only the FM aspects. I would say it’s more of an operator-based synth, with a complete reimagining of what an operator can be - a cross-mod, a filter, or an effect. Oscillator Sink has shown how you can rewire the operators to build a filterbank, a Buchla, a virtual analog, and even a physical modeling engine. There is a modular playground aspect to it. Coming from an analog background, it took some time to get in the flow of sound design with it, but it has really grown on me lately and taught me a ton about additive synthesis. I just wish the build quality were a bit nicer - a bit cheap and plasticky feeling. Could do with a few more dedicated controls too - it’s not exactly menu diving, but you do spend a lot of time flipping between screens.
Agreed!!
modeswitching I totally agree with you. And after having turned my listening recently to 'modular synthesis' music / performances (which I love), I get the impression that the Opsix is very much like succeeding in putting the whole modular synth culture into one small, powerful box - saves you having to wrestle with several hundred patch leads!!
There have been more user friendly mod matrix interfaces. My aging Supernova did it very, very well...
@@Syd4510 that's a unique take on an FM synth.
Playing in a cover band, Opsix actually met with pretty much ALL my needs, the only reason why I needed another keyboard was a digital piano for realistic piano sounds. Everything else I've been able to do on the Opsix: EPs, pads, supersaws, organs, you name it.
But I think this is a trend with all 3 KORG siblings in this video: they are marketed for a specific ability they have and the on-boars controls are dedicated to that, but overall they can do like 10 other things
Thank you Zach for this wonderful video. I must say that the music examples on your videos are always very pleasurable to listen to regardless of which synthesizer you use. ⚜️x🤘🏻x⚜️
Love the historical perspectives that complement the technical explanations and real world demos. Awesome channel :)
I used Hardware in the 90s, had Yamaha DX100, Korg DW8000, Waldorf Microwave, Yamaha Motif module, Juno 106, and Roland XP-30 so this cool setup and variation was fun to use. Now in soon 2022 just VST and a midikeyboard, and there are many great VST, but that Wavestate is that kind of hardware I really would love to use. Great video as always!
Thanks for the video!!! I had to listen to it twice after your vote for the Opsix. As for listening to the comparisons my order was Wavestate, Modwave and the Opsix a close third. I can't believe you didn't give us at least 5 min. of all 3 midi synced together. Oh wait, I bet you still have all of them? Who Knows with a little spare time before Christmas? Great Vid!!! Thanks
I have the Wavestate.
It is a magical keyboard, in that it makes out of this world beautiful sounds, and I don't know how. LOL
Actually I have a pretty good idea. Steep learning curve, but super powerful, once you get your head wrapped around it.
Plenty of great presets, to get you started, and new software editor is very good too.
Nice to see explanation/demo, of the other two synths, in this line.
Thanks for the great content.
That Opsix is ridiculously good.
Dear Santa ... I need all three. 😀
These all pair very nice with something like Akai Force, Maschine Plus, MPC Live 2, MC707, Octatrack MKII etc.
Please DONT tell me that 🤣I'm a groove box freak😂😂
Excellent demos!
The greatest thing from this newest Korg releases its their budget and all new features added. The wavestate and Opsix are amazing !
For now I have just the Wavestate, which I love after some time using it. Not an instant gratification but now I really appreciate it. Of the last two I will go with the Opsix and I’m glad is your favorite also. To my ears is sound fantastic. From demo to demo I can’t really gel with the sound of the Modwave, and it share also all the samples possibilities of the Wavestate
All 3 of these boards are insanely cool. I have the Minilogue, and now, the Opsix - really thinking I want all 3 of them featured here. I LOVE that these boards have such great polyphony compared to analog boards of the same class.
Love all 3 of these synths by Korg. I will likely get the Wavestate first, then the OpSix.
I actually came here trying to find good, hipster, retro FM synth. But instead I found the future of humanity in Opsix and your playing.
I would love a rack version of each (basically the interface without a keyboard), the way the JP-8080 and MS2000r were done.
I would like a 61 note version of my Wavestate. It's just a bit short on notes, but definitely not short on sound creation.
Combined with my MODX7, there's a lot more to explore before I come anywhere close to running out of options.
I bought the opsix on a whim when it went on that super sale a little while ago. I'm so glad I did - it's fantastic.
I like the idea of the Opsix most as it opens up FM in new ways, but soundwise I'd go with the WaveState any day.
Too bad I do not own any of this handsome three...
Great job at demonstrating the opsix' weirdness. Love it.
I only read about / heard about the Opsix before I went right out and got an Opsix! But I can testify it's a fabulous synth, with extraordinarily amazing sound potential. The control knobs, faders, menus are very good. Programming is not the easiest thing, but you can learn (with patience and helpful hints from all available places on the internet) to create some totally amazing patches to use in your music.
Masterclass. So eloquent, answering logical questions that appear as he breaks down to the core of these gadgets. Regardless of the topic he is talking about, this is how smart people explain things. Thanks a lot.
This is a brilliant overview! Thank you so much, dude!! I've owned OPSIX for some years now and I love it...BUT, I am starting to lust big time over Wavestate. I was a kid in the 90's and Wavestate just has that sound that I remember (and long for) + it looks like a real deep sound design machine (especially in combination with field recording and samlpling...) and together with OPSIX = golden! Thanks again for the very interesting video :)
I just bought my Opsix yesterday, brand new from Zzounds for ....wait for it ... $329 !!! The price dropped for about a day and now Zzounds has stopped carrying them. I even called them before ordering to confirm it wasnt a typo and the rep told me that was the price set by Korg for Zzounds. Unfortunately I was a little late to the game.and by the time I ordered it went backordered so I have to wait til the end of Aug before they fulfill my order. Just a small price to pay for an Opsix with a $420 discount !!!
I got a 1990 wavestation it's a real wonder
I have one too, forgot about it, will try to connect it today and make it sing... while still lusting for the WaveState...
You remind me of a dungeon master from 1984....and that's a good thing.
I also like the no frills video format. No fancy adobe effects or social media shilling.
Thank you Zach, excellent demo's! ,, @ 37.50 i hear Vangelis with that Bladerunner sound :)
Right in the intro you talk about how Korg is responsible for the analog renaissance of late. When you consider everything, it really started with the Korg Monotron. That small device paved the way for Korg’s line of analogs by Tatsuya which showed other companies that analog was cool again. Arguably Korg’s market success brought demand to create behemoths like the PolyBrute that we see today from Arturia, a previously all digital company.
I personally have the Opsix and love it. I’ve had it for about a year now. There’s nothing like the feeling of using a real synth. You just can’t get the same experience from a software synth. The deep synthesis of the Opsix is my favorite.
I also like the feel of these synths too. I think they actually feel really great to play too. I like that they all incorporate full sized keys.
Ill second that !
Wavestate seems like the pick here, to me. FM and Wavetable are done very well/better, elsewhere, by several manufacturers. What are the alternatives for Wavetable Sequencing?! VSTs, I imagine … any other hardware, tho’?! Also, I just really like its rhythmic nature … 🥰
Opsix is the one for me.
Agreed
Modwave
Great overview thanks Korg really are doing great stuff...remembering it’s past but enhancing it for a new era! Ok I’m not a fan of little keyboards ( I really hope the make a flagship with several of these engines in one synth). Only one I think they’re missing is a modern VA - (king Korg is great but repackaged in a more radias -like format would be awesome)....
I want to see them expand on gadget! People need to get hip with that software. It’s a TRULY intuitive and incredible alternative to a standalone , or a clunky laptop by going mobile with computers. They should flesh it out to a truly” pro app “ status since Apple has dropped the ball on iOS with no Logic Pro offered! This is korgs chance to take AUM out of the running too. We still badly need a real central hub on mobile that works with third party apps and gadgets as well . On most computers Gadget opens in Logic Pro in the plugin folder. It should be the other way around! These synths too could become gadgets as well. Korg is big enough to complete a version of Gadget to do exactly that . Someone should especially with all the power offered by the m1 silicon ! What are you waiting for Korg? Peace 👽
Excellent review on this system of production. The elephant in the room has always been cost & reliability. KORG is an awesome brand. These days have been about to many cooks in the kitchen & putting off people by being to nerdy. Creation is about fun. Some folks don't have internet access, even in 2024. Hence why these tools are important. Affordability also levels the playing field. A pair of decent boots, don't make the player. My personal choice after watching this review is the Wavestate. Time to start looking for 2nd hand. Money is a problem for us simple folk.
Fantastic performance quite lovely
I own them all three and I never looked back. All are full polyphonic modular Systems on their own right. The learning curve is steep but they much more operable then a MODX or Montage because of their Software. The Sounds are gorgeous and you can do really previously unheard stuff with them. What more is there to want? Hoping for a resurrection of the physical modeling synth Prophesy, maybe Korg should team up with some Yamaha VM guys or Emillie Gilles of Mutable Instruments to do this....
I have an MODX and while I like it, I've been drawn to the Wavestate, just purchased one.
Wow, you own all 3 of these Korg synths? Can you explain simply for a layman, why you think these 3 especially the Wavestate is better than the Yamaha Modx or Montage? Also, I mostly just want cinematic score, heavenly meditative spiritual ambient sounds, so will the the Korg Wavestate be enough, you think? Thank you.
@@ddean8395 the problem I have with the MODX is that it doesn’t seem to follow any logic. Especially Sequencing.
@@TechGently Ok, I guess you're right, but I do love the Super Knob on the Yamaha Modfx/Montage, haa.
I would say the open door back to analog was Bob Moog’s Voyager which I have two of!
OP6 is the the gift that keeps on giving.
Great video. Is there a good reason why the Opsix doesn't have sample memory like the Wavestate? It would have been killer to be able to experiment with operators, patches and samples.
Then how would they sell you the Wavestste?
I just want all 3, and I'm trying to figure out how to pull that off
All three are great. It would be great if they made keyboard detachable so you can make table top such as Minilogue XD module. I have originals such as Wavestation AD, Prophet VS, TX802, TX7 and must say compared to these new Korg versions all look like crusty old-timers. Cheers! S
Great video! Have you make a video on Hydrasynth?
Not yet - on the list
@@asoundlab can’t wait!
I think many do not know that in the late 80s Korg was saved by Yamaha and much of the FM synthesis of Yamaha's DX7 was ported over to Korg via technology transfer and Yamaha pulled engineers from Sequential Circuits demise. This resulted in the M1 with the help of Yamaha and it allowed Korg to become profitable enough to but back controlling interest. But that op six is a DX7 with a filter and variable waveforms in the operator.
The Wavestate looks the goods for this old school punk who wants out of the box lush! Great review.
Modwave for the win .
Absolutely great performance..I own Korg Lee Triton, KorgM50, Roland synthesizersRS-5,Amd 5 PSRs. BUT i love Korgs..You untroduced very well and natural
.I am looking for techno ,trance in this machine and you showed...Thank you to make me falling love robot machine....Thank you 🙏♥️🎹⚘maestro🙏♥️I want your advice should I get one or stay with my collection ..Please PM..I am asking you its very important for me now..I am in middle of road to choose ... Thank so much ...give me a shout
37.32 so beautiful. 42.46..amazing
“KORG is giving you a reason to use an instrument.” Not only a beautiful statement, but great marketing technique on KORG’s behalf.
it really is. It's saying a lot that I have VST versions of these but want the hardware.
I have the Opsix and I love it. I think any one of these synths is great if you're trying to move past the hipster "analogue" trend and actually make music. The Opsix can definitely do most of those classic analog sounds anyway, while being able to do so much more. The main selling point of these synths is honestly just the polyphony. Monophonic analog synths have dominated the market and, until now, there were no affordable fully polyphonic synths. The Peak, Hydrasynth, and Deepmind are great, but they still only give you 8 notes. Korg's three synths are incredibly powerful and are the types of tools that you would actually use for sound design, movie scoring, and literally any genre of music. I'd say these synths are for the actual musicians out there, and not just the gearheads.
Most of the great music that all modern synths and workstations aim to emulate came from tech with 8 voices or less. The point is fairly moot. Many can't make music on boards with ten times the features, just as they can't the old. There is also nothing in affordability. Since you can adequately build tracks with a cheap novation plugged into ableton. Opsix lacks a fair bit on build quality. Easiest entry point for power is probably hydra explorer wired to a hydra desktop for 16 voice by-tim synth. Obviously those looking for 16 wide octave now have the deluxe. Korg have products for all people but the only ones that excel are their flagships. Other than that competitor companies have them made.
Yes. Your analysis is spot on. Im a saxophone player of 35 years bringing that musicality and understandiing of melody to the synth now at this point in the game. Im glad it did it this way as opposed to the other way around.
Rev2 16-Voice has been around for ages. Summit is 16-Voice. Hydrasynth Deluxe is 16-Voice. Deepmind12 is … well … 12-Voice …
@@kierenmoore3236 @Kieren Moore I know. I said "affordable". Besides the Deepmind, those synths are all TWICE as expensive as the Opsix (Edit: 3 times as expensive!). And the Opsix STILL has more polyphony. C'mon dude. Please read what I wrote before you try to refute my point. I'm obviously aware that $2500 synths exist. The new Korg lineup is great because they're more capable than most of those "high end" synths, but at half the price.
@@pazminoproject There are loads of polyphonic digital synthesizers, and there have been for years now. And “affordable” is entirely relative … especially across time!! Polyphonic analog synths are way more affordable now, than when they emerged. Anyway, I’ll leave you to it …
Ever since i bough a Mega Drive (Genesis) in 1990 it has sold me to every great FM synth and lately the Opsix. I wish they made a 61 key version of it though.
Wavestate is a great synthesizer. Literally my only complaint is the housing and keybed which they're planning on fixing with the Wavestate SE, but that was announced over a year ago with no updates. At this point I'll just assume it's lost to time...but they did finally officially announce the Drumlogue so who knows?
Looking to buy. What are the complaints?
Thanks
J
SOON COME..
Very good comparison. For completing the litlle history : wave sequencing was the precursor of it... And thereby also mentionning the Korg Volca Keys, Monotribe, Monologue, Minilogue and the great brothers (with different keyboards, number of keys) : Prologue...
And all build around a wave sequencer as heart of this kind of sounddesign building... Then the wavestate was introduced... with in the maintime also (and already as precursors) the Volca FM and the Opsix... And finally the Modwave... Korg has a very logic vision for developing new synthesizers based on a philosophy and a kind of 'mission'.
Which one has the better presets?
I currently own a Kronos 2 SE and a Wavestate MK II, I also have the OpSix Native VST but I am definitely leaning toward getting the new ModWave MK II when it starts shipping.
Any thoughts on whether Korg may ever release these in desktop version?
🤷♂️
It would have made more sense in light of cost and the pandemic. Easily made and people have even been doing it themselves (chopping the keys off). However, in light of their past promises to release Wavestate SE and wider octave editions - it remains to be seen what marketing thinks will make them bank. Demand on modules (global net) isn't actually that large. Behringer stated this several times. Which of course, is bad enough from a budget company as a statement. Korg (if true) wouldn't want to invest vs a sure return. As such - people like the idea of more keys and aftertouch more; because they are trying to fend off sales of Osmose and Hydra.
Is the piano patch around 16min-18mins a stock patch/preset?
Three fantastic designs; nice overview and demos. The decision to sell them as VSTs was smart; hopefully modwave will join the other 2 there soon possibly for a bundle price? The keybeds are junk which is understandable at the price point. Maybe they are selling "too well" to release the SE versions (wavestate shown at NAMM '21) along with the module versions? A well done granular (highly focused like these) with cutting edge delays (think Other Desert Cities) is something Korg could pull off at roughly this price as well I think and would be a perfect addition.
can you import your own recorded samples into the KORG MODWAVE?
Yes. You can import samples and wavetables into the Modwave.
Some advice please - which is the best one for a beginner that wants to get into it, and why isn't the minilogue XD part of this discussion?
I have been a keyboard performer for 54 years. First about you: 1) are you a beginner in synthesizers but a master at the keyboards? 2) or are you a beginner at both synthesis and the keyboard? 3) Today you can make music without the skill of being a keyboardist, using machines to perform the synths, do you wish to make music this way?. Are you 1, 2, or 3? AND, then, if you answer #2....do wish to be a keyboard master and sound designer?
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene GREAT way to frame the question! I am #3 myself and a huge Kraftwerk fan--how would you answer to that?
@@seancraig5373 The Korg Minilogue (original not the XD) is by far the best way to begin. The Minilogue is a great beginner synth as well as a great synth for a pro. I just purchased a new Minilogue just last year and I have a studio full of gear and 54 years experience. Why? Because it is a great synth. The 4 voices give you a introduction into polysynths and allows you to blend notes using long envelopes, something a mono synth cannot do. But you can use the 4 voice as a monosynth by stacking (unison) all 4. This 4 voice poly is crucial for any ambient work. The Minilogue is at a price that is incredible and has a keyboard for you fiddle with if you want. The biggest reason is all the tactile control you have with the knobs, you don't need the menu for much until you go beyond the front panel synthesis, which is extensive with those wave folding options. It is important not to buy the XD version for learning because it is missing the full ADSR envelope for filter modulation. You will be missing the next important feature for sound design on the Minilogue, effects. But if you have a computer these can be added for no cost with free DAWs like Reaper.
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene Terrific advice-thanks VERY much!
Great trifecta of sound sources. How could anyone choose?
I'll take one of each please!
I was very pleased to hear your comments as you covered the lineage correctly, which is precisely what makes these things so relevant as digital hardware in an age of software.
The Wavestate was an irresistible move when it landed. And I adore it. After watching smdizens of review and programming videos I recently also bought both the Opsix and then, two days later, the Modwave. For precisely the reasons you outlined.
These are three very different, very relevant and very powerful beasts, each pushing the envelope in their own synthesis type.
i have the opsix. not crazy about some of the presets... gonna explore users soon. i have the novation mini nova. nothing will ever replace that! but they can do great things together.
I am not sure but the way that the wavestate sounds is way better than the other 2.
Perhaps you didn't go deep enough on the other 2... I am still trying to decide what to buy is either the wavestate or the mv
Yeah, on the opsix it sounded like he played the same patch over and over again. I know he played several but they all sounded the same. The opsix is capable of so much more... Even with firmware version 1.x, let alone 2.x which probably makes it the most amazing synth engine so far.
Having seen how powerful the opsix is, I'm looking for a reason to buy the modwave or the wavestate now, but honestly I'd rather buy a bigger version of the opsix with more advanced envelopes, more modulation (including more wheels/knobs!) and multitimbrality.
There aren't any rumours here (Japan) of a Opsix SE. I'd expect those to stay with the Wavestate range (Korg USA). If anything I'd look more to the coming new flagships. Which we expect to hear more about in the future, post recovery from the pandemic.
@@ErraticFaith 👍🏻
I have the wavestate. Ill just say the possibilités are endless BEFORE wave séquences even enter the conversation.
Wavestate sounds really good
I am thinking to add a Wavestate to my MPC live 2.
My goal is to make ambient music, chill out, down beat, ank funk, live. Creating and jamming from scratch.
But it have no hold button...
It's a must for me to make drones and twist them manualy, or with multiples automations. Create layers, mix them, mute them, apply effects, warp the sound, etc...
Do you think the Wavestate will be good for that ? Better than the Modwave ? Would there be a better choice under 1000$ (not bigger size) ?
The Modwave aggressively switches between waveforms. It's not chill, it's mental. The Opsix is the most chill and retro of the bunch, it does great ambient pads. The wavestate is basically a modern WaveStation if that's your thing.
@@Harzurner
Thanks for your reply. I finaly decided to use the mpc to sample my modular. Then added a microlab keyboard.
@@danielbarbieri8199 Good choice! These Korg units do not have the best keyboards and they are basically just a raspberry pie. But that's all 1k buys you these days unless you go modular or build / fix gear.
Im sitting right now , and ACTUALLY program (sliding knobs) a FM synthesizer, the OPsix is SO Nice, - now pair it with a Hydra Explore , and ... 🤪
I find it disappointing and weird that Kord discontinued the Opsix so quickly. Any insight on that?
The sounds at around 14:20 are so cool and perfect for intro music or background music for YT videos or streaming! #KORGWAVESTATE
I hawe wavestation
I am very satisfied,
modwave reminds me a lot of dx7
I have the wavestate about a year and some and there is STILL so much i have yet to discover or do on it as of this writing. It was a toss up between it and the opsix which i have decided im going to purchase as well BEFORE seeing this video which really gives a good account of all 3 synths. All that being said , upon hearing the sonic pallette of the MODWAVE it thinks its a combination of the OPSIX and the WAVESTATE in its abilities and i probably would have gone with the MOD in retrospect if I had seen this comparison today.
Still like the ms2000 a little more but still pretty cool
Correct title should be Korg Modwave vs Opsix vs Wavestate. I clicked wondering why the Modwave and Opsix were being compared to the Wavestation from 1990/1991. Probably a simple mistake.
Fixed. Thanks for catching
I think you are confusing folks with your architecture descriptions. First, the OpSix is FM synthesis with a new easier interface with a few additions like a filter, but mostly FM sound and control from the past. Second, the Mod and Wav States are conventional subtractive synthesis with little change from past digital subtractive...but what is new with the MOD and WAV is....massive amounts of modulation control, plus and integration of using sequencing/arps/layers as part of modulation beyond motion control.
lovely and I don't even really like modern stuff, but these are pretty tough to dump on. Control surface based FM and wavetable synthesis are amazing and quite cheap, feels so hands on, 'mind blown! they say and I'll join in! And I know everyone seems to say that about every synth now (in unison) but it really is 'Mind Blown', this time esp. with FM stuff. There's a massive amount to be said for any knob per function non-subtractive Synth, just opens so many doors. Sure the underlying synth needs to be good too, but these days they often are!
Controls are so huge in defining usability in every way right? but years back I'd be far more easily be persuaded: 'So! who cares, I'll struggle by on this little menu system and unreadable font... stop moaning I'd threaten myself'. Then I gave up on FM for ages man, dull as dishwater but good for little jingle bells n stuff, Spector and all that tripping his box off inviting you to Christmas parties. ring a ling a ding dong ding, yeh now you're talkin Philip. But weren't they real bells anyway?
So fortuitously, the time eventually arrived when lately I bought that Digital Electrons MEGA FM. You know that little 4-OP, FM Yamaha Genesis synth-on-a-chip, in-a-box, x2, thinger. And I was like Woot! I mean I don't even know why the hell I bought it for, I guess for sane hands on FMing and i was hoping to stumble across the odd semi decent 'used in such and such a game' patch.
Every time I use it I think 'this is so F-ing cool though. Soooooo....then why the F didn't they build the DX7 like this (i.e with controls. - not changing the original DX itself including noise and aliasing and 'shit-brown' colour scheme which l adore, F that...just the controller part yeah?)'. Well, god knows, they must have tried being all Spacey Trancer and Trancy Spacer, it was the 80s after all.
It's not like Yamaha couldn't implement those controls well (at least on this kinky Genesis 4 OPer), the control 'ports' are all there and correct and have great implementation and were sat there for all those years just waiting to be controlled properly. It's just Yamaha couldn't afford knobs. Now, some game programmers at the time had some crappy Software-based implementation that sucked but worked OK for Yuzo and that but it was obv limited to one synth. This was because yamahaa could not afford knobs, or Ayano's Karaoke monthly expenditure.
But they should have made this back in the day cause turns out this synth was all this time a monster. Turns out this MEGA FM MOFO let's you do stuff dead easy you maybe didn't even think was possible on FM synths: Make a 4 OSC supersaw? and unison/detune it? OK, sensei, this can be done. Make indescribably beautiful tines, which become pianos which become pads, by morphing....sure, master, not that hard.
Not only that but did I mention this synth sounds GOOD, and by good I mean GOD, It sounds like God in the machine.....Or I mean one of the best early gen FM synths. So by by good I mean better than Toejam and Earl produced by Phil Spector, by good I mean better than Yuzo Koshiro on an average day...
You see it's all about outputs. You see it's outputs distort. Like mad zippy trippy distortion that sounds something like the old SSL zipper effect but in Quad, sometimes you want that, sometimes you don't, and for games you seldom care either way. But that's why when we aren't making Games I have a trick just for you. Here is the trick: You turns that main volume knob down to 64 and most any distortion drops off there. Then you send the synth through a little art Tube MP and return the synth to a prosumer level nicely thickened and saturated by tha tube n dat innit. well not tube n DAT, you could do that, but mostly just tube is enough. Then add back as much or as little Zippy dist as you want but this way you got something akin to a distorta-bell TX81Z.
So I'm like....This sucker is godlike and k=can make you weep, so Alamo Soundlab should review it to prove they just don't sidle up to Behringer but need a bit more in this vein, so what's next folks help me out? don't say DX1 please, yes of course I want one, but need space. Also I wants handsoners only please, help a brother out. TA. OPSixer? Well in my old school days one wouldn't venture far from Yamaha for FM sounds but that might be cool now? fresh n that. Get fresh for the weekend showin out! Anyone got that one secret FM synth or wavetable that's heavy controllable?
I have only Opsix, Bass Station2 and rd 8 and rd 9. I really dont need anything else.
i just saw a video where a person used a red-hot carving knife to melt-cut the wavestate chassis and completely remove the keyboard.
it was clean and there are only 2 small ribbon connectors on the keyboard, so the left over wiring is minimal. I mention this because i can't fathom how i could position all 3 of those so i could both play AND operate them. cant be done imo. they need to be modules, controlled from a larger, more complex keyboard, preferrably with aftertouch vs only velocity which is just asking to break those cheesy keyboards doing velocity stuff. ps. there is a box for microfreaks for people who want to lose that garbage keybed too.
Form factor complaints in synths like these don't make sense to me, these are not what most keyboard performers would have as a one and only synth. These are synths that are added to a rig. So if you need more keys, add a controller and simply plug a MIDI cable between the two.
They are very clearly engine tests. Likely for combination or variation later. A few octaves, no AT, short lasting build. Commands a low tag - and a certain type of audience. Not the usual workstation or flagship demographic that many passers by try and compare with. They are essentially 'toys' but not in the childish kind. Simply not to be pinned as competitors to the real heavy hitting instrumentation.
@@ErraticFaith If you are referring to stage synths/keyboards, then no, these small synths are for studios with specific tasks in mind. The price is miles away from any stage synth too. The choice in your stage (do it all) keyboard would depend on genre and band needs. I have never purchased a flagship or workstation keyboard, because combinations of synths like the Minilogue do much better in a studio, if you have the space. But these small synths are not toys, layered and orchestrated with other synths they are pro quality additions.
I have the Opsix and the Wavestate, the only thing I hate is that they made them so small, better than the miniature synths of course but give me 61 keys at least lol.
Get a 61 key midi controller.
After vst, waiting for ipad version
19:40 Wow
The Opsix is the best one imho
As for me, it's the Wavestate all the way!
Wavestate for the win
Very nice synths
But imo too much presets .
Very good video for people like me
Who never want to buy one .
( because ….want all but no no no ) 😀😃
Wavestate has some nice sounds but I just don’t feel it all the way. The modwave and the opsix are the way to go for me.
No, but really. Korg should make a modern version of the Korg DSS-1. The original is HUGE. It’s literally a small table. I need a smaller, better version of it that still resembles its original self in sound and somewhat with the design too. Since they are basically remastering the dw6000 and dw8000 with these three synths, they’re on track with doing the same with the DSS-1. They’re all digital synths too. Unfortunately we’ll never see something like what I speak of though…
Wavestate is a master u can use 4 different samples
From a playability standpoint, the Opsix is hampered by having only 12 slots in its mod matrix (for some reasons called "virtual patch").
On the other hand, both the wavestate and the modwave have a practically unlimited mod matrix: the only limitation is having max 31 (!) different sources for *each* single destination, but you can have hundreds, if not thousands, of destinations at the same time.
This is awesome, but unfortunately neither implements what would be a very interesting usage of such a feature: the MPE standard for expressive controllers. A huge missed opportunity there. 😞
I hope they make a sampler again
The Wavestate is already an sampler at the core, they have given us import/export tools now that makes it silly easy to just drag and drop your samples into the synth itself. Just sample all the sounds you want in for example Audigy, just open up the Wavestate importer/exporter and add all the samples, it's that easy.
Not only that, on the Wavestate you can operate live with all of your favorite samples in a way that you can't even fathom on an regular sampling keyboard, the possibilities with Wavesequencing is endless, not to mention the addition of synthesis and filters abundance, you will go crazy with cool options, and the best part - most of it is LIVE, there are 18 knobs that lets you mangle most variations with your samples - not only that - but 8 of them are directly USER customizable, so if you have some parameters you want to adjust on the fly while you are performing your music - you can assign these to ANY variables you want.
That's not even all - It's a complex MIDI beast too - you can assign various control functions to MIDI COMMANDS meaning you can set up the Wavestate to send / receive Midi messages to communicate with whatever gear you have!
@@joonglegamer9898I keep hearing that is paint to use without a computer. I'm about to buy one of this three. I'm still not sure. I want the wavestate if I can use most of it's features without being theethered to a pc. Do you use it on its own or with with a pc?
@@oldschoolebm666 You need a computer to load new samples, but other than that you don't need the computer at all. And it's not a pain to use, in fact - it's very easy to use. I don't use it with a computer. Korg has made a different workflow than most synths today, and thats a good thing because it made it easier for us to make new sounds fast. But there's an "adaption curve", meaning you need to first unlearn what you know about programming regular synths, it doesn't work the same way, but there is LESS menu diving as the controls are button/knob sensitive. Meaning, if you twist one of the knobs, the settings for that particular feature will immediately show up on the screen, no need for tons of menu diving. You can even assign custom buttons on various settings to EACH of your own sounds, so you can do "analog-like" adjustments on the fly while playing live, this is very practical.
@@joonglegamer9898 fantastic! Thanks for the detailed response. I will for sure get the wavestate before the other two. I always wanted a vector type synthesizer since I played with the wavestation years ago... endless possibilities.
@@oldschoolebm666 Good luck with it, you'll enjoy it for decades. Remember to watch youtube tutorials how to program your own sounds before you try to make them, because the workflow is different (this is why it got such a false reputation for being notoriously hard), I did the mistake of trying (since I've been using synths for 30 years) and I was daunted for a week, until I watched a tutorial, and got the Ah-haaaa experience and facepalmed myself for not watching youtubers first. Its stupid easy once you know the work rountine. I've also written a short tutorial in reddits Wavestate section, you will find it easy as theres not a ton of talk in there yet, I got feedback from users saying it was easy to understand thanks to the writeup. In fact - the entire instructions to make a new sound from scratch only fills a small letter (one page), it's that easy :)
KORG ; OPSIX ; MODWAVE ; WAVESTATE ; NEW MODEL ;
DIGITAL ; TOP ; SINTESYZER ;
PARAMETER ; CONTROLLER ;
MEMORY ; ( 40 GB ) ; interno ;
Programming ; Sensor ; Pad ; varierables ; Ritmos ; Effectos ;
Software ; interface ; ( Midi ) ;
Korg ; Manufacture : in. JAPAN....
15:35 arp sounds a little mid -80s Kraftwerkian, nice
if the Opsix had a sampler I would buy one and never want another synth ever (yeah, that's possible...)
Get a Korg Dss-1 for $600 bucks
@@bullet0657 too limited
Yeah… they completely dropped the ball by making them 37 key. If it’s a poly synth, the bare minimum should be 49, if not 61. Any less than that, just make it a desktop module. I’d buy all three if they put them out as cheaper modules 🤷🏻♂️