Korg modwave mkII Wavetable Synthesizer

Korg MODWAVEMK2 Overview

Now with more voices and tons of enhancements, the Korg modwave mkII is a remarkable wavetable synthesizer powerhouse with distinctive wavetable timbres, Kaoss Physics, and Motion Sequencing 2.0. Building upon the legacy of the original DW-8000, the modwave mkIII is an advanced performance instrument featuring deep wavetable oscillators, gorgeous filters, flexible modulation, and comprehensive pattern sequencing and satisfying hands-on control. The modwave mkII features 60 voices of polyphony, free running LFOs, and several other enhancements, delivering unique, powerful, and easily customizable sounds and phrases.

The modwave features Motion Sequencing 2.0 and Kaoss Physics. 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. Kaoss Physics combines an X/Y Kaoss pad with modulatable game physics to create responsive, interactive control that is not only powerful, but heaps of fun to explore. For even more power, layer two programs to play up to four simultaneous wavetables per voice in a single Program. The 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O jacks allow for the connection to external equipment and sequencers, while the class-compliant USB MIDI (USB-B) port can connect to Windows and Mac computers. A dedicated modwave editor/librarian is available for free at the Korg website. The Korg modwave ships with a power adapter.

At a Glance

• Massive wavetable library and shaping features for completely unique sounds
• Physics-based KAOSS modulation delivers nonstatic, evolving modulations
• Motion Sequencing 2.0 provides new levels of control over recording and editing phrases, along with fantastic randomization to spur more ideas
• Over 200 wavetables to explore with up to 64 waveforms each more than any wavetable synth and over 230 million wavetable variations via modwave`s modifier and morph features
• Gigabytes of samples onboard blend with wavetables for even more possibilities
• Two-oscillator structure
• Two-part multitimbral with key zoning for splitting/layering
• 60-note polyphony
• Sequencing with timing, pitch, shape, variable loop points, randomization, and more
• Dual arpeggiators
• Three effects per layer, master EQ, and reverb
• Free software bundle, downloadable free editor

modwave Synthesis Engine

• With over 200 wavetables, each containing up to 64 waveforms from thousands of individual waves, the modwave synthesizer is deep. Use the 30+ Modifiers to change their basic character, and the 13 Morph Types to process them in real-time. Create new hybrids from any two wavetables using the unique, realtime A/B Blend. Quick math: that`s over 230 million wavetable variations out of the box, and that`s before you even add modulation.
• Expand your palette even more by importing new wavetables using the Editor/Librarian software. Try the many free and commercial wavetable libraries in the standard Serum format, or create your own using the free cross-platform WaveEdit, available in a custom version for the modwave. Layer wavetables with samples from the built-in, multigigabyte PCM library, or import up to 4GB of your own samples using Korg`s Sample Builder software.
• Each Program has two full-featured wavetable oscillators, a sub oscillator/noise generator, and any of a dozen stereo filter types, including the aggressive MS-20, sweet Polysix, and the newly enhanced Multi Filter. Animate almost any parameter using the massively flexible modulation system, with four triggerable envelopes, five LFOs, dual mod processors, and two key-track generators plus multilane Motion Sequencing and Kaoss Physics.
• Even with all that synthesis power, playing up to four simultaneous wavetables per voice in a single Program, the modwave mkII achieves 60-voice polyphony, incredible for a wavetable synth. Layer two Programs together for double the possibilities.

Kaoss Physics

• Kaoss Physics models a ball rolling on a surface and bouncing off of walls. The surface can tilt in any direction. A bump with variable height/depth and location attracts or repels the ball. Adjustable friction slows the ball`s travel, and adjustable time controls the speed of the entire model. All of these characteristics are modulatable, so you can change them in real time.
• Start the ball by flicking a finger on the x/y pad, or launch the ball automatically using another modulation source. You can also directly control the ball by holding your finger on the pad. The position of the ball produces eight modulation signals, which can be used to control any modulation destination: the X and Y locations, the distance from the center, the angle relative to the X axis, and finally separate signals for +/- X and +/- Y.
• Walls can slow down the ball, as if they were padded, or accelerate the ball, like bumpers in a pinball machine. The walls can also be removed entirely, so that the surface wraps around to the opposite edges like a vintage arcade game.
• The modeled environment can create specific modulation effects. For instance, use a centered bump with negative height, so the modulation values always eventually return to 0. Or, position a bump with positive height on a side or a corner, to push modulation values away from that zone.
• The result is an interactive controller that amplifies your physical gestures, transforming them into complex musical results.

Motion Sequencing 2.0

• Motion Sequencing 2.0 is evolved from the Wavestate`s Wave Sequencing 2.0. Timing, Pitch, Shape, and four sets of Step Sequence values are separated into Lanes, each with its own loop start and loop end, adding a deeper, more customizable level of phrase and modulation recording.
• Every time the sequence moves forward, the individual Lanes are combined to create the output. For instance, a step sequence value may be matched with a different duration, pitch, and shape every time that it plays. You can modulate each Lane`s loop points separately for every note, using velocity, LFOs, envelopes, Mod Knobs, or other controllers. Each note in a chord can be playing something different!
• Lanes can also randomize the step order every time they play. 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 dual onboard arpeggiators can interact with Motion Sequences for even more possibilities.

Deep Synthesis Engine

• Wavetables are sets of single-cycle digital waveforms arranged in a specific order. The wavetable`s Position determines which waveform is played. Moving the Position with an envelope, LFO, or other modulation source creates subtle or dramatic changes in timbre. Some wavetable systems switch abruptly from one waveform to another; others crossfade smoothly between them. The modwave can do either one.
• Modifiers: Use over 30 Modifiers to alter the character of any wavetable at load time. For instance, isolate the odd or even harmonics, add weight through anti-aliased quantization or saturation, or revisit the gritty character of old-school wavetable synths with the Vintage 8 and 12 options.
• Morph: The 13 Morph Types let you stretch, squeeze, reflect, and otherwise alter the wavetables in real time, changing their timbre and creating additional motion in the sound when modulated. Sync creates classic swept-sync timbres, using only a single oscillator. Three special Morph Types FM, AM, and Ring Mod modulate Osc 2 with Osc 1, and even apply to samples.
• A/B Blend: Using the unique A/B mode, oscillators can blend any two wavetables with phase-synchronous precision different from simply layering voices opening up a dimension of intermediate waveforms.