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Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 24-Voice Desktop Wavetable Synthesizer

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Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 24-Voice Desktop Wavetable Synthesizer

$1,999.00 to $3,869.00 Price Tier: High-end

3 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (2)

$3,495.00

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$1,999.00 5 available New

$2,870.00 5 available Used

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5.0 (1)

$3,495.00

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4.3 (7)

$3,899.00 $3,869.00 $30.00 · All time low

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$3,495.00

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Average Price: $3,204

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 24-Voice Desktop Wavetable Synthesizer is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 24-Voice Desktop Wavetable Synthesizer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Embark on a sonic journey with the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 24-Voice Desktop Wavetable Synthesizer, where classic wavetable synthesis meets modern innovation. Perfect for musicians and sound designers alike, this desktop powerhouse offers a staggering 24 voices and 4-part multitimbrality, enabling you to craft intricate soundscapes with ease. Each voice is powered by three digital oscillators, providing ample opportunity for deep, expressive sound design.

The 3rd Wave is not just about tradition; it pushes the boundaries with advanced features like a Dave Rossum-designed 2140 analog low-pass filter, which adds a warm, resonant tone to your creations. The synth’s seamless integration of analog and digital elements means you can enjoy the best of both worlds, from crisp digital wavetables to lush analog filters.

Craft your own unique wavetables with the onboard Wavemaker Tool, which allows for the customization of your sound palette using external audio sources. The extensive modulation matrix, with 16 assignable slots and 114 destinations, offers limitless creative possibilities, making this synthesizer a versatile tool for any musical project.

Key Features:

24-voice polyphony with 4-part multitimbrality
Three digital oscillators per voice
Dave Rossum-designed 2140 analog low-pass filter
Customizable modulation matrix with 16 slots and 114 destinations
Onboard Wavemaker Tool for creating custom wavetables
64 user wavetable positions with 48 wavetables, each containing 64 waveforms
Dual digital effects processors with options like delay, chorus, and reverb
Arpeggiator and sequencer for complex rhythmic compositions
Comprehensive I/O with MIDI, USB, and multiple pedal inputs
Intuitive interface with 41 knobs and 43 buttons for hands-on control

Product specs

Type	Advanced Wavetable Synthesizer Desktop Module
Analog/Digital	Digital
Other Controllers	Pitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, 41 x Knobs, 43 x Buttons
Polyphony	24 Voice
Presets	500 Factory Programs (user rewritable)
Oscillators	3 x Digital (per voice)
Waveforms	Sine, Saw, Triangle, Supersaw, Pulse, White Noise, Pink Noise
Envelope Generator	4 x ADSR+ Delay Envelopes
LFO	4 x LFO (triangle, sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, pulse 1/2/3, random)
Filter	2140 Low-pass Resonant Filter, 24dB per Octave Slope
Effects Types	BBD, Stereo Delay, Tape Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Distortion Pedel, Rotating Speaker, Ring Mod, Reverb
Arpeggiator	Yes
Sequencer	Up to 32 Measures per Sequence, 24 Sequences per Preset
Analog Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Analog Outputs	8 x 1/4"
Headphones	1 x 1/4" TRS
MIDI I/O	In/Out/Thru/USB
Pedal Inputs	1 x 1/4" (sustain), 1 x 1/4" (volume), 1 x 1/4" (expression)
USB	1 x Type B
Power Supply	15V DC Power Supply
Height	3.12"
Width	20.5"
Depth	8.37"
Weight	10.2 lbs.

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Desktop Module use?: The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Desktop Module is an advanced wavetable synthesizer, utilizing digital synthesis with 24-voice polyphony and three digital oscillators per voice.
How many preset programs are available on the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave, and can they be modified?: The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave offers 500 factory programs, all of which are user-rewritable, allowing for extensive customization.
Does the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave include an arpeggiator and sequencer?: Yes, the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave features both an arpeggiator and a sequencer that supports up to 32 measures per sequence and 24 sequences per preset.
What kind of filters does the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave use?: The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is equipped with a 2140 low-pass resonant filter featuring a 24dB per octave slope, providing rich and dynamic sound shaping capabilities.
What connectivity options does the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave offer for MIDI and audio?: The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave includes MIDI In/Out/Thru/USB, 8 analog outputs, and a headphone output, ensuring versatile connectivity for studio and live setups.
What effects are available on the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave?: The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave offers a variety of effects including BBD, stereo delay, tape delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion pedal, rotating speaker, ring mod, and reverb.

Videos

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sonicstate

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave - Massive Wavetable Polysynth - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

Meet The 3rd Wave - Advanced Wavetable Synthesizer

Groove Synthesis

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Desktop Sound Demo (no talking)

Bonedo Synthesizers

The ULTIMATE Virtual Analog Synth? // Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave

Devin Belanger

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Advanced Wavetable Synthesizer | Demo and Overview with Matia Simovich

Guitar Center

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality with a unique and deep character.
Hybrid design combining wavetables with modeled analog waveforms.
24 voices and 4-part multitimbral capability for complex compositions.
Robust build with a solid steel chassis and high-quality knobs.
Intuitive interface inviting creative exploration and sound tweaking.
Versatile effects including delays, Leslie, and ring modulator.
Includes 64 user wavetables and 32 classic PPG wavetables.
Easy to use, even for those familiar with synths or computers.
Highly suitable for both sound tinkerers and professional musicians.
Recognized with multiple awards for its innovative features.

CONS

Encoders can be fiddly compared to cheaper competitors.
Price may be steep for some, not the best in value.
Effects activation can cause a slight clicking sound.
Virtual analog experience doesn’t fully replicate true analog sound.
Lacks certain physical controls due to desktop model's compact size.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 24-Voice Desktop Wavetable Synthesizer.

User experience

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Some users express regret over the limited support for additional sound sets, noting a lack of first-party expansions post-launch.
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Owners accustomed to the original PPG series or Waldorf Microwave find the 3rd Wave's sound reminiscent and appealing, though opinions on the necessity of hardware vary.
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Multiple owners express the 3rd Wave's superior virtual analog sound quality, comparing it favorably to the Prophet 6.
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Value and pricing

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Some users calculate the cost per voice for the 8M at $250, finding it higher than the regular desktop version, which costs $145 per voice.
Source
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Some owners believe the 8M model should be priced around $1200–$1700 due to its limited voice count and controls compared to the full 24-voice version.
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Despite its high price, the 3rd Wave is considered overpriced by some, especially when compared to software solutions like Serum2 combined with hardware effects.
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A desktop version reduces the price by $1500, appealing to those using MPE controllers and looking to save space.
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Use cases and applications

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The 8M's compact design is ideal for those needing premium sound without extensive knobs for live performance, focusing on the 3rd Wave's signature sound.
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The 3rd Wave excels in creating complex soundscapes, especially when using its FM capabilities to modulate samples and wavetables.
Source

Comparisons

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Compared to software synths like MassiveX, the 3rd Wave offers analog filters with a distinct sound, although some feel plugins provide better value and features.
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The 3rd Wave's analog filters are a key differentiator, offering a sound not easily replicated by VSTs, despite some users preferring digital synths for higher polyphony.
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The 3rd Wave's modern UI and mod matrix are highlighted as more advanced compared to the Waldorf M's 1993-era modulation setup.
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Owners describe the 3rd Wave's sound as warmer and more analog-like compared to the Iridium's hi-fi, occasionally shrill tone.
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Features and functionality

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The 8M model supports bi-timbral operation, offering two independent parts, a feature appreciated by those seeking versatility in a smaller unit.
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The 3rd Wave supports four-part multitimbrality with four stereo outputs, allowing for complex sound layering and routing to external effects.
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The 3rd Wave lacks USB mass media support, which affects its ability to handle large libraries of user wavetables and samples.
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The 3rd Wave includes 4 LFOs, 4 ADSRs, and 3 MSEGs, offering more modulation depth than the Behringer Wave, which is limited to 1 LFO and 2 ADSRs.
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The synthesizer includes three "Wave Envelopes" per voice, offering more modulation options compared to Waldorf's Wave series.
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Build quality

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The 8M version has a streamlined interface with a larger, more intuitive display, enhancing user interaction in a compact desktop format.
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The analog Rossum OTA filters are praised for their distinct character, particularly when saturated and modulated, offering a noticeable sonic impact.
Source

Critic Reviews

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Summary: The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Desktop Synthesizer is a powerhouse of sound, blending digital and analog elements seamlessly. This homage to the PPG Wave impresses with its ease of use and versatility, offering a stunning range of evolving sounds and modulation options. The 3rd Wave's multi-timbral capabilities effectively turn it into four synths in one, boasting 24 voices of polyphony. While the price is steep, the module version provides a more affordable entry point. Overall, it's an exceptional synth for those seeking cutting-edge features and classic wavetable synthesis in a modern package.

positive

Full Review

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Desktop

soundonsound.com

Groove Synthesis' 3rd Wave Desktop Wavetable Synthesizer is a compact powerhouse, maintaining the same robust engine as its keyboard counterpart. With 24 voices and the ability to play four parts simultaneously, it delivers warm, digital tones reminiscent of the classic PPG Wave 2. The addition of sampling is a nod to its retro roots, although limited by modern standards. While it could use more user wavetable slots, the desktop version is expertly crafted with intuitive controls and no compromise on sound quality. A top choice for those needing a space-saving synth without sacrificing functionality.

positive

Full Review

3rd Wave Synth Review - Groove Synthesis | TapeOp | Tape Op Magazine

tapeop.com

Groove Synthesis's 3rd Wave Synthesizer is a modern marvel that pays homage to the classic PPG Wave. This digital/analog hybrid synth delivers on the promise of rich soundscapes with its versatile wavetable and analog synthesis capabilities. It’s intuitive to program with a sleek design, offering both a retro vibe and cutting-edge functionality, like the innovative Wave Surfer knob for live performance effects. While it’s packed with features like sampling and user-generated wavetable creation, the $5,000 price tag is steep. However, for serious musicians and studios, it’s a worthy investment that combines the best of past and present synthesis technology.

positive

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