The Korg Wavestation, introduced in 1990, stands as a unique and innovative synthesizer with an architecture that produces sounds almost impossible to recreate on other instruments. Despite not being a commercial hit at launch (largely due to its lack of built-in piano and drum sounds), it has developed a dedicated cult following over the years.
The Wavestation's most distinctive feature is its wave sequencing capability, allowing a single note to produce a slowly evolving kaleidoscope of timbres or rapid strings of short sounds like drum riffs, melodies, or arpeggiated clusters. This makes it particularly valuable for musicians seeking evolving pad sounds.
Model History
Original Wavestation (1990)
Wavestation EX (1991) - Added piano and drum sounds
Wavestation A/D (1991) - 2U Rack module with audio inputs and the same sounds as EX
Wavestation SR (1992) - 1U Rack module with expanded ROM banks
Key Features
Wave sequencing technology
Vector synthesis with joystick control
32-note polyphony
Complex Performance mode for layered sounds
Dual effects processors
Technical Specifications
Feature
Specification
System
Advanced Vector Synthesis, 24-bit digital processing, 19-bit DAC
Wave Memory
365 sampled and single-cycle waveforms
Program Memory
1 ROM Bank, 2-3 RAM Banks (model dependent), and 1 Card Bank
Tone Generator
20 bits, 32 voices with individual filters, amps, LFOs, and envelopes
Macros
Voicing templates for Pitch, Filter, Amp, Pan, Envelopes and Keyboard Modes
Effects
46 effects programs with up to 6 simultaneous digital effects and dynamic modulation
Performances
150 internal, 50 in card
Patches
105 internal, 35 in card
Wave Sequences
96 internal, 32 in card
Wave Sequence Steps
1500 internal, 500 in card
Multi-Mode Setups
16 configurations of multi-timbral, 16-channel MIDI reception
Keyboard
61 notes with velocity and aftertouch
Performance Controllers
Joystick, Pitch wheel, Modulation wheel, and Master Volume
Control Inputs
Damper pedal, assignable footswitch/pedal 1 and 2
Card Slots
PCM data, PROG data
MIDI
IN, OUT, THRU with extensive multi-timbral and Master Controller capability
Display
64 x 240 pixel back-lit LCD with soft-key menu system
Outputs
1/L, 2/R, 3, 4, headphone
Dimensions
100 (W) x 35 (D) x 11 (H) cm
Weight
12.5 kg
Usage Tips
Sound Architecture
The Wavestation's architecture is hierarchical:
Oscillator - Uses either a single wave or a wave sequence
Patch - Combines oscillator with filter, amplifier, LFOs, and envelopes
Performance - Consists of up to 8 parts (patches with key/velocity splits)
Programming Advice
Stick with Performance mode for the best experience
Avoid Multisets unless absolutely necessary
Create new sounds by modifying existing pad sounds
Experiment with replacing waves in existing sequences
When creating sounds, keep all elements in the same RAM bank
MIDI and Data Management
Be careful with SysEx data dumps (can be up to 207KB)
Keep basic MIDI channel at default (1) when downloading banks
Slow down data transfer rates to avoid corruption
The SR model responds to MIDI CC 16 and 17 for joystick control
Buying Secondhand
Check joystick operation on keyboard models
Verify the internal battery is working (CR2032/DL2032)
Examine display brightness as backlights fade over time
This unique synthesizer continues to offer sound design possibilities that remain distinctive decades after its introduction, particularly for those seeking evolving, complex textures and pads. It has been used by a variety of artists, including Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, and Aphex Twin.
The Korg Wavestation A/D is a digital synthesizer released by Korg in 1994. It is an updated version of the original Wavestation, featuring a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter and an improved sound engine. The A/D also includes a variety of new...
The Korg Wavestation EX is a keyboard synthesizer released by Korg in 1991. It is an enhanced version of the original Wavestation, featuring a larger waveform ROM (4Mb instead of 2Mb, 119 new waveforms), bigger quantity of effects (+8 effects). Owners of...
The Korg Wavestation SR is a digital synthesizer released by Korg in 1994. It is a rack-mountable version of the original Wavestation keyboard, and features a wide range of synthesis capabilities, including wave sequencing, vector synthesis, and digital...
SY35 is a 16-voice polyphonic, 8-part multitimbral 61-key synthesizer based on two FM operators and two digital acoustic sample playback oscillators. The structure comprises 4 LFOs, no filters, 4 volume-only envelopes. The sequencer is not installed. The...
SY77 is a 61-note velocity sensitive keyboard with aftertouch featuring 32 voices of polyphony – 16 for AFM voices and 16 for AWM2 sampled voices. The structure of the synthesizer is based on 6 operators representing AFM synth part which features 45...
JV-80 is a 28-note polyphonic synthesizer with 4 oscillators per voice. The 61-note keyboard is velocity sensitive and supports aftertouch. The digital synth engine offers 4MB of ROM sampled sounds. Roland installs in the instrument its digital Time...
Prophet VS is the first synthesizer which applies vector synthesis method. Unfortunately, Prophet VS was produced only a few months before Sequential Circuits ceased its operating in 1987. Later (in 1990), this method was used by Dave Smith in Korg...
The Yamaha SY55 is a digital synthesizer and tone module released by Yamaha in 1992. It features a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, 64-voice polyphony, and a wide range of sounds and effects. It is capable of producing a variety of sounds, including...
3.5/5 2
Kurzweil K2000Studio Production Synthesizer450.00U.S.Dollars
The Kurzweil K2000 is a professional-level synthesizer and digital workstation released in 1992. It was designed by Ray Kurzweil and was one of the first digital synthesizers to use samples and synthesis together in a single instrument. It featured a...