Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $5,096
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1501+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your sonic creativity with the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave, a revolutionary hybrid wavetable synthesizer that blends classic charm with modern versatility. This powerhouse instrument is designed for musicians who demand depth and diversity in their sound creation. With 24-voice polyphony and 4-part multitimbrality, it's perfect for creating complex textures and lush, evolving soundscapes. Each voice is equipped with three digital oscillators, offering a wealth of sonic possibilities. The inclusion of 64 user wavetable positions, alongside 32 original 8-bit wavetables from the iconic PPG2 instruments, ensures you'll never run out of inspiration.
The 3rd Wave doesn’t stop there—it also features a custom-built analogue low-pass filter designed by Dave Rossum, ensuring your sounds are not only rich but also warm and organic. Dive into the depths of sound design with its extensive modulation matrix and dual digital effects processors, offering everything from lush reverb to gritty distortion. The 61-key semi-weighted Fatar keyboard with aftertouch provides an expressive playing experience, making it as much a performance tool as it is a sound design workstation.
Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is your ticket to new musical dimensions.
Key Features:
- 24-Voice polyphonic with 4-part multitimbrality
- 3 Digital oscillators per voice
- 64 User wavetable positions, 32 original 8-bit wavetables
- 7 Modeled analogue waveforms
- Dave Rossum-designed analogue low-pass filter
- 4 x ADSR+ delay envelopes
- 2 Digital effects processors with multiple effects
- Built-in Custom Wavetable Maker
- Sequencer and arpeggiator
- 61-Key velocity-sensitive Fatar keyboard with aftertouch
- MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB MIDI connectivity
Owner's manual
Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Synth Keyboard |
| Sound Engine | Wavetable Synthesis |
| Analog/Digital | Digital (sound engine), Analog (filters) |
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Type of Keys | Semi-weighted Fatar Keyboard |
| Aftertouch | Yes |
| Velocity Sensitive | Yes |
| Other Controllers | Pitch and Mod wheels |
| Polyphony | 24-voice |
| Number of Presets | 500 Factory Programs |
| Oscillators | 3 per Voice |
| Waveforms | 32 x 64 Legacy Waveforms, 64 x 64 User Waveforms, 7 x Modeled Analog: Sine, Saw, Triangle, Supersaw, Pulse, White/Pink Noise |
| LFO | Triangle, Sawtooth, Reverse Sawtooth, Square, Pulse 1, 2, 3, Pulse 3, Sine, Random (S&H) |
| Filter | 24 x Analog Lowpass, 24 x State-variable |
| Envelope Generator | 4 x ADSR + Delay |
| Effects Types | BBD, Stereo/Tape Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Distortion, Reverb |
| Arpeggiator | 1 Arp per Multi-part |
| Sequencer | 24 Patterns, Up to 32 Measures each |
| Storage | USB |
| Audio Inputs | 1 x 1/4" TS |
| Audio Outputs | 8 x 1/4" TS (4 stereo pairs) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" TRS |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out/Thru/USB |
| Pedal Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (sustain) 1 x 1/4" (volume), 1 x 1/4" (expression) |
| Mod Matrix | 16 Assignable Slots, 12 Fixed-source Slots, 27 Sources, 114 Destinations |
| Power Source | Standard IEC Cable |
| Height | 5" |
| Width | 38.5" |
| Depth | 14.25" |
| Weight | 27 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave use?
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The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave utilizes a wavetable synthesis engine, allowing for dynamic and versatile sound creation with both digital sound generation and analog filtering.
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Is the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave polyphonic, and if so, how many voices does it support?
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Yes, the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is polyphonic, supporting up to 24 voices for rich and complex sound layering.
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How many keys does the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave have, and are they velocity-sensitive?
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The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave features 61 semi-weighted keys that are both velocity-sensitive and equipped with aftertouch for expressive performance capabilities.
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What kind of filters are included in the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave?
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The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave includes 24 analog lowpass and 24 state-variable filters, providing a wide range of tonal shaping options.
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Can I create my own waveforms on the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave?
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Yes, the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave allows for user waveform creation, offering 64 x 64 user waveform slots alongside its legacy waveforms.
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What connectivity options are available on the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave?
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The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave offers comprehensive connectivity, including 8 audio outputs, MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, and multiple pedal inputs for sustain, volume, and expression.
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Does the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave include any built-in effects?
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Yes, the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave features a variety of built-in effects such as BBD, stereo/tape delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, and reverb for enhanced sound design.
Videos
sonicstate
Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave - Massive Wavetable Polysynth - SonicLAB Review
Reviews
PROS
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Unmatched sound quality with versatile and powerful sonic capabilities
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Hybrid design combines wavetable and virtual analog synthesis
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24-voice polyphony and 4-part multitimbral setup
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Intuitive and feature-rich sequencer enhances creative workflow
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Comprehensive modulation options with multiple LFOs and envelopes
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High-definition wavetables offer rich and complex sound textures
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Authentic analog filter emulation adds warmth and depth
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Robust build quality with a visually appealing design
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Supports user-imported wavetables for personalized sound design
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Engaging and dynamic sound experience with surprising sonic discoveries
CONS
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Limited 16 slots for user-imported wavetables
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Lacks polyphonic aftertouch on the keyboard
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Learning curve for mastering wave envelopes
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Memory space for sampling is limited, not ideal for a central sampler role
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave.
Comparisons
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The 3rd Wave 8M is compared to the Waldorf M, noted for having a more modern UI and additional oscillator, offering different filter types (2040 vs. 2044).
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The 3rd Wave's sound is described as "sparkly," contrasting with the perceived blandness of the Iridium, making it appealing to those seeking a high-end character.
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The 3rd Wave's filter implementation is seen as tame compared to the Prophet X, making it hard to achieve aggressive sounds without additional drive.
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The 3rd Wave's virtual analog patches are noted to sound superior to the Prophet 6.
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Value and pricing
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Owners note that a 12-voice version would not significantly reduce costs, as analog filter chips are relatively inexpensive.
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At $1,999, the 3rd Wave 8M is considered potentially overpriced compared to software solutions like Serum2, especially when considering additional analog gear for enhancement.
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A desktop version is available, reducing the price by $1500, appealing for those with MPE controllers who don't need a keybed.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
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After three months of ownership, one user found the 3rd Wave lacking grit, despite its clean sound and complex modulation capabilities.
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Owners express disappointment in the lack of first-party sound sets and editor/librarian support for the 3rd Wave, contrasting with Moog's free support for their products.
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Owners highlight the intuitive interface, making it easier to access a wide array of modulation and parameters without excessive menu diving.
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Features and functionality
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The desktop module has fewer LFO and oscillator knobs, requiring more menu navigation than the keyboard version.
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The 3rd Wave supports MPE and is the only 24-voice hybrid synth to do so, enhancing expressiveness for advanced controllers.
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The 3rd Wave 8M offers 4 LFOs, 4 ADSRs, and 3 MSEGs, surpassing modulation capabilities of competing synths like the Behringer Wave, which has only one LFO and two ADSRs.
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Each oscillator can use samples, enabling complex additive synthesis by FM'ing wavetables with samples.
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Software and compatibility
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Lack of USB mass media support limits the 3rd Wave 8M in terms of loading user samples and wavetables, a feature common in older synths.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo posted by The Weeknd in early 2024, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is visible on the left.
In a photo posted by The Weeknd in early 2024, Oneohtrix Point Never is seen next to a Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave synthesizer.
In the video titled "My Synth Ableton Workflow // Creating Stems and Loops with External Hardware in Ableton Live," Ricky Tinez can be seen with the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave in the background. This serves as visual confirmation of his use of this synthesizer.
Tate McRae can be seen posing with a Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave in the sixth photo of an Instagram post shared by her on April 4, 2023.
Album Usage
The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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