Korg Wavestate

$549.99 to $649.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (14)

3 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

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Korg Wavestate MkII

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Page last updated Jun 04, 2026

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Average Price: $581

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Korg Wavestate is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Introducing the Korg Wavestate, a revolutionary synthesizer that redefines the boundaries of digital music creation. Going beyond the nostalgia of the Wavestation, this compact beast boasts the Wave Sequencing 2.0, an upgraded technology that takes cue from modular synths, groove boxes, and algorithmic composition to deliver ever-changing sounds with extensive hands-on control.

The Korg Wavestate is not just a synthesizer; it's a fully-fledged music-making machine that gives you the freedom to shape your sound. With the next-generation Wave Sequencing 2.0, which separates timing, sequence of samples, and melody, you can manipulate each independently, thereby creating organic, ever-evolving sounds that respond to your control. The synthesizer also incorporates individual lanes that have different steps and their own start, end, and loop points, further enhancing the diversity of your output.

The compact design of the Wavestate makes it a perfect fit for any stage, studio, or desktop setup. It comes with 37 full-size keys, dedicated front-panel controls for filter, envelopes, LFOs, and effects. The eight programmable Mod Knobs enable you to venture into unexpected sonic territories, making it an exciting tool for musical experimentation.

Key Features:

Wave Sequencing 2.0 with independent control of time, sequence, and melody
37 velocity-/release-velocity-sensitive keys with programmable Mod Knobs
64 stereo voices, 240 Performances, 740 Programs, and 1,000 Wave Sequences
Ability to run 14 simultaneous effects, including compressors, EQs, modulation, delays, and more
Gigabytes of samples from Plugin Guru, KORG, Kronos, and Krome libraries
Multiple dedicated effects for each Layer and a master reverb and parametric EQ for Performance
Four onboard arpeggiators that interact with wave sequences for added possibilities
Compact form-factor for easy transportation and setup.

Product specs

Brand	Korg
Model	Wavestate Wave Sequencing Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	2020 - 2023
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	37 Keys
Polyphony	64 Voices

FAQs

What makes the Korg Wavestate unique compared to other synthesizers?: The Korg Wavestate stands out with its Wave Sequencing 2.0 technology, allowing for dynamic and evolving soundscapes. This feature enables users to create complex, layered textures that are not typically achievable with traditional subtractive synthesis.
Is the Korg Wavestate suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Korg Wavestate is designed with live performance in mind, featuring hands-on controls, real-time modulation, and a compact 37-key format, making it easy to transport and use on stage.
How does the polyphony of the Korg Wavestate affect its performance?: The Korg Wavestate offers 64 voices of polyphony, allowing for rich, layered sounds without note dropouts, which is ideal for creating complex sequences and lush pads in both studio and live settings.
Can the Korg Wavestate integrate with my DAW setup?: Yes, the Korg Wavestate features USB MIDI and traditional MIDI I/O, making it compatible with most DAWs for seamless integration into your recording and production workflow.
Does the Korg Wavestate offer presets for quick sound creation?: The Korg Wavestate comes with a wide array of factory presets and performances, providing users with a diverse range of sounds to explore and modify, perfect for both beginners and seasoned synthesists.

Videos

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BoBeats

KORG WAVESTATE SOUNDS REALLY GOOD

BoBeats

Korg WAVESTATE // Review and full tutorial // Wave sequencing and Vector synthesis explained

loopop

Korg Wavestate - All Playing, No Talking!

Kraft Music

Korg Wavestate - Sound Design Tutorial 1

True Cuckoo

Korg Wavestate - Wave Sequencing Synthesizer - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

NEW Korg Wavestate Synthesizer - No Talking Just Playing! - NAMM 2020

Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Korg Wavestate - New Keyboard!

sonicstate

Bad Gear - Korg Wavestate

AudioPilz

KORG WAVESTATE Review for Home Keyboardists & Pianists + Features Walkthrough

Jeremy See

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality and sonic character
Wide range of sound design possibilities
Robust tweakability and programmability
Lightweight and solid build despite plastic construction
Logical workflow and easily accessible features
Presets are high-quality and editable
Can load up to 4 gig of samples for custom sounds
Firmware updates offer significant improvements
Good bang-for-the-buck value in its price range
Inspiring for ambient and scoring, boosts creativity

CONS

Keybed feels cheap and lacks aftertouch
Some users experience a digital, harsh tone
Requires menu diving due to compact design
Learning curve can be steep for new users
Plastic sides and overall feel could be improved
Limited by 37 keys, some desire a larger range
Onboard shift and arpeggiator activation can be awkward
Some presets may not suit all musical styles
Factory samples may not impress without tweaking
Build considered not sturdy enough for rigorous touring

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Wavestate.

Comparisons

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Users report the Wavestate's workflow is akin to a mini DAW, which can be overwhelming compared to simpler synths like the Modwave or Opsix.
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Owners often compare the Wavestate to the Hydrasynth, noting the latter's superior keybed expressiveness, but favor the Wavestate for its unique sonic possibilities.
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Modwave offers four modulation lanes per note versus Wavestate's single lane, providing more complex modulation sequencing.
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Software and compatibility

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The Wavestate Native software is recommended for those uncertain about the hardware's complexity, providing an affordable introduction to its capabilities.
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It's noted that the Wavestate uses a Raspberry Pi Compute Module for processing, similar to the Modwave and Opsix.
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Korg offers VST versions of both Wavestate and Modwave, allowing users to experience features with limited playtime in demo mode.
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Use cases and applications

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The Wavestate is praised for its versatility, able to handle a wide range from orchestral sounds to unique sample-based creations like "fart harmonies."
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The Wavestate excels in creating modular-esque rhythmic patches by sequencing simple oscillator samples with pluck envelopes, resulting in complex sounds.
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Wavestate excels in creating cinematic, evolving ambient sounds and intricate multipart rhythmic patterns.
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User experience

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Many owners find the Wavestate rewarding despite its steep learning curve, with its high skill ceiling offering depth and creativity for those willing to explore.
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Owners note that the Wavestate's joystick becomes more functional when stacking four layers in a single preset, enhancing live performance capabilities.
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Features and functionality

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The Wavestate can be simplified by focusing on its multi-sample capabilities, offering a straightforward experience without engaging the full complexity of wave sequencing.
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The Wavestate's "sequencer" allows crossfading between samples, adding depth and evolution to ambient pads, unlike traditional sequencers.
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Each layer in the Wavestate can have a unique wave sequence length and speed, accommodating diverse creative patterns and complex layering.
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The reverb effect is applied uniformly across all four layers, limiting independent reverb control for each layer.
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Build quality

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Some users find the Wavestate's build feels cheap, expressing a preference for a smaller module in a metal case.
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Mods and upgrades

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The Wavestate's librarian editor software enhances wave sequence visualization, making it easier for users to understand and modify presets.
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Critic Reviews

Korg Wavestate

soundonsound.com

The Korg Wavestate is a powerful synthesis engine that modernizes wave sequencing with a user-friendly interface and extensive sound design capabilities. With over 2GB of samples and 12 filter types, it offers an impressive sonic palette. The innovative lane-based architecture allows for complex sound manipulation, making it ideal for creative musicians. However, the reduced maximum sound sources per note compared to its predecessor may disappoint those looking for lush textures. Additionally, the lack of detailed documentation on effects and the cumbersome adjustment process can hinder live performance. Overall, while the Wavestate excels in versatility and creativity, it has some quirks that could frustrate users seeking simplicity.

positive

Full Review

Korg Wavestate review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Korg Wavestate successfully bridges nostalgia and modern sound design, delivering a robust synthesis engine with extensive modulation options and a myriad of effects. Its ability to replicate the original Wavestation sound while introducing fresh features makes it a valuable tool for musicians. However, the absence of aftertouch on its keyboard is a notable downside, limiting expressiveness for some players. Still, at its competitive price point, the Wavestate is a worthy investment for anyone seeking rich textures and evolving sounds.

positive

Full Review

Review: Korg Wavestate

musictech.com

The Korg Wavestate offers an exciting revival of the wave sequencing concept, delighting users with its deep programming capabilities and a wealth of sounds. While it impresses with its modern interface and extensive preset library, some aspects like the unforgiving keybed and complex navigation can frustrate even seasoned synth players. The lack of external programming options and sample import capabilities are notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, the Wavestate's unique approach to sound design makes it a compelling choice for electronic music enthusiasts, though potential buyers should weigh its complexities against their needs.

neutral

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star

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rahnwilc

over 4 years ago

A unique and inspiring instrument

I was drawn to the Wavestate because I believe its combination of wave sequencing and vector synthesis is unique among currently available hardware synths (certainly true at its price point). In the realm of virtual instruments, Korg offers the iWAVESTATION app, which I’ve used and enjoyed. I knew that I liked the paradigm and the Wavestate seemed much easier to program that the old Wavestation interface. So I took the chance and made the purchase. I’ve been very happy with the decision.

The factory programs, though not all my style, still provide an excellent overview of the possibilities and are useful to study. When exploring, be sure move up and down the full virtual length of the keyboard and twiddle the mod wheel and performance knobs. Not all presets utilize these, but the ones that do show the power of the design. The more you explore these the better able you become at designing your own.

The main drawbacks to the instrument is that it really needs more than 37 keys and I’d be afraid to take it on the road. But it’s built well enough for home studio use which is all I need. If you need a more sturdy build you may want to wait on the next revision which will also provide 61 keys. The onboard samples by themselves won’t all blow you away but they’re generally good and work well together. Korg recently provided a firmware update and a librarian for Windows and iOS that, together, allow you to load your own samples. This opens many more possibilities. The librarian also makes it easier to visualize your programs.

Overall, I really enjoy the Wavestate. It’s inspiring to play and has piqued my new interest in ambient musical styles. It’s also great for when I need to break a creative block as it lets me randomize entire performances, specific layers, or effects, etc. Several of my recent compositions began with randomly selected configurations that were refined into something more traditionally “musical”.

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Jazz

lukesidewalker

229

over 3 years ago

Korg Wavestate - worth every penny!

This isn't going to be one of the in depth reviews. There are lots of those out there that are worth checking out.

This is a very deep synth. Has so much potential but take time to learn the intricate details. If you liked the wave tables that were available in the Korg Wavestation, this is as close as you'll get.

This synth is a sound designers delight. There is some menu diving and again, everything can be quite deep and will require some time to learn how to make this synth shine, but there is also plenty of immediacy with the twist of the Performance dial.

Korg has packed in an immense number of presets, described in Korg’s language as “programs” and “performances”. The programs at the fundamental level are deployed within performances to create larger textures. When first released, the Wavestate offers 740 programs and 240 performances, although users may also save tens-of-thousands of their own.

This is a nicely sized synth and wont take up a ton of space, can be carried in a gig bag easily without breaking your back like the older synths from years ago and it will perform far above its price point. A very good bang-for-the-buck synthesizer. Well worth checking into.

Be sure to update the firmware to Version 2.0 if you haven't already. It opens up a number of much needed improvements over the factory installed Version 1.01

Word on the streets is that the Korg Wavestate has been discontinued. Now would be the time to snap one up before the prices skyrocket on the secondary market.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop