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Description

The Korg Wavestation is a vector synthesis synthesizer first produced in the early 1990s and later re-released as a software synthesizer in 2004. Its primary innovation was Wave Sequencing, a method of multi-timbral sound generation in which different PCM waveform data are played successively, resulting in continuously evolving sounds.[1] The Wavestation's "Advanced Vector Synthesis" sound architecture resembled early vector synths such as the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS.

Designed as a "pure" synthesizer rather than a music workstation, it lacked an on-board song sequencer, yet the Wavestation, unlike any synthesizer prior to its release, was capable of generating complex, lush timbres and rhythmic sequences that sounded like a complete soundtrack by pressing only one key.[2][3] Keyboard Magazine readers gave the Wavestation its "Hardware Innovation of the Year" award,[4] and in 1995 Keyboard listed it as one of the "20 Instruments that Shook the World."[5]

The Wavestation lineup consisted of four models: the Wavestation and Wavestation EX keyboards, and the Wavestation A/D and Wavestation SR rackmount sound modules.

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Wavestation A/D
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

How does the Korg Wavestation A/D differ from other Wavestation models?

The Korg Wavestation A/D is a rackmount version featuring analog inputs for processing external audio, unlike the keyboard versions. It maintains the signature vector synthesis and wave sequencing capabilities of the Wavestation series.

What type of synthesis does the Korg Wavestation A/D use?

The Korg Wavestation A/D utilizes vector synthesis combined with wave sequencing, allowing for complex, evolving soundscapes by blending and sequencing multiple waveforms.

How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Wavestation A/D offer?

The Korg Wavestation A/D provides 32 voices of polyphony, enabling it to handle complex patches and layered sounds effectively.

Can the Korg Wavestation A/D process external audio inputs?

Yes, the Korg Wavestation A/D includes analog inputs, allowing you to process external audio sources through its synthesis engine and effects.

Is the Korg Wavestation A/D compatible with modern MIDI setups?

The Korg Wavestation A/D features standard MIDI input, output, and through ports, making it compatible with most modern MIDI setups for integration into contemporary music production environments.

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Korg Wavestation A/D | Beautiful and Complex

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation A/D | Beautiful and Complex by Espen Kraft

Korg Wavestation A/D | Beautiful and Complex

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation A/D - User Presets Demo by wolfgang S vukan

Korg Wavestation A/D - User Presets Demo

wolfgang S vukan

wolfgang S vukan

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation A/D Demo by Panu M Savolainen

Korg Wavestation A/D Demo

Panu M Savolainen

Panu M Savolainen

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation AD demo by polynominal.com by Polynominaldotcom

Korg Wavestation AD demo by polynominal.com

Polynominaldotcom

Polynominaldotcom

Video thumbnail for KORG Wavestation A/D Demo [From Alex Ball's KORG Documentary] by Anders Enger Jensen

KORG Wavestation A/D Demo [From Alex Ball's KORG Documentary]

Anders Enger Jensen

Anders Enger Jensen

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation A/D - "Vector Galaxy" 150 Presets by LFOstore

Korg Wavestation A/D - "Vector Galaxy" 150 Presets

LFOstore

LFOstore

Reviews

PROS

  • Legendary versatility with an abundance of amazing sounds

  • Unique synthesis capabilities inherited from Sequential's engineers

  • Over 550 ROM PCMs for extensive sound crafting

  • Integrates analog inputs for blending with digital sounds

  • Capable of complex sound layering with up to 8 patches in a performance

  • Allows extensive wave sequencing with 32 sequences per bank

  • Still relevant sound quality for contemporary music production

  • Compatible with additional PCM cards for expanded sound library

CONS

  • Editing interface considered outdated

  • Requires an external editor for full functionality

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Wavestation A/D includes audio input and processing capabilities, unlike the SR, which lacks a vector joystick but has more factory sounds due to built-in expansion cards.

    Source
  • The A/D model can function as a real-time effects processor, enhancing its versatility beyond just a synthesizer.

    Source

User experience

  • Programming the Wavestation can be challenging; the two-line LCD on the SR model makes navigation particularly difficult, akin to building a ship in a bottle.

    Source
  • Owners express excitement about the unique dynamic sounds the Wavestation can produce, emphasizing its capability to create intriguing soundscapes not commonly found in other synths.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Wavestation VST not only replicates the sound engine but also includes every expansion card Korg offered, providing more features than the hardware counterparts.

    Source
  • Users note the hardware Wavestation's converters contribute a "warmer" sound compared to the more "hifi" software version, highlighting a distinct tonal difference.

    Source
  • Wavetable synths and vector synths like the Yamaha TG33 are suggested alternatives for achieving dreamy pads, with some preferring the former for better performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Waverex offers a card for the Wavestation that allows sample loading, enabling the use of onboard converters and enhancing the synth's multi-timbral capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ability to use guitar pedals with both the A/D and SR models is possible as long as the pedals are compatible with line-level inputs, expanding creative options.

    Source
  • The Wavestation A/D was partially used in the X-Files soundtrack, appealing to those seeking to recreate late 80s/early 90s dark soundscapes.

    Source
  • The Wavestation is recognized for its ability to create "Discovery Channel" and "Donkey Kong Country" soundscapes, perfect for nostalgic late 80s/early 90s atmospheric pads.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Replacing the Wavestation A/D's internal battery is straightforward; it requires removing nine screws and doesn't need soldering, easing maintenance for owners without soldering skills.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The iOS version of the Wavestation includes all additional sound cards for a nominal fee, making it a comprehensive and portable alternative to hardware.

    Source
  • The Beatstep Pro can control the Wavestation iPad version via iRig MIDI, highlighting a cost-effective setup for comprehensive control.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Wavestation A/D (MT Apr 92)

muzines.co.uk

The Korg Wavestation A/D is celebrated for its versatility and power, combining the digital and vector synthesis of its predecessor with new analog inputs. It offers a wide array of waveforms and enhanced effects, making it a flexible tool for creative musicians. The addition of sampled sounds and wave sequencing elevates its sonic capabilities, though it may not fully replace a dedicated sample-based synth. While the price is steep, the unique audio manipulation possibilities justify the investment for those willing to explore its depths. Overall, a robust synth for adventurous sound designers.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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P

Vintage but powerfull and sounds of quality

KORG is and stays very great in musicians world, I began to play synth on a KORG M1 and was very surprised by the quality and easiness of use with an external sequencer. I still have it, a MUST in music 's story.This machine is completely MAD, because you have more than 550 ROM PCMs in 24 bits, but if you have a look in the documentation, you have on the AD model, banks RAM 1,RAM2,RAM3,ROM, CARD and you can plug your analog instruments like guitars in stereo or two different ones or different sources, it becomes NUMERIC and it is possible to mix them in the waves that is completely unbelievable, 50 performances / bank and 35 patches / bank, and 32 wave sequences / bank !!!!!! and when you create a performance you can get 8 patches in it, with some or all with wave sequences !!!!!!! You can color your sound with other input sounds or use it to color your guitar sound with effects and surrealistic but efficient sounds with different shapes and other cutoff and resonance filtering ......... I wrote several programs that never were written by anyone else, but anyway, you can mix your guitar sound in the stereo inputs and adjust the gain to blend it to other layered sound in a performance, that I recall 8 different in a patch, that can use 128 sequences of steps sequenced noises or sounds or drums, it was crazy in the 80's !!!!!! And the quality of the sounds are still actually usable !!!! Great machine, the screen can be updated by new one in blue color, better in the dark

P

A lot of waves to create unbelievable patches (8 by performance) an each patch can have 1,2,4 oscillators !!!!!! imagine all the possibilities. 35 patches * 50 performances * 5 banks Rom Ram1 Ram2 Ram3 Card very great in the 80's

ozoneau

Stone cold (but warmer than the software) classic

Did hard comparisons between this and the VST. So glad decided to keep it. Amazing sounds all day long. Needs editor to shine though as the editing is way outdated.

wavesequence

Notes

In my studio I can include two Wavestation A/D with the following PCM Cards WSC-1S Piano WSC-2S Drums & Percussion WSC-3S Synth & Time Slice and countless banks in sys-ex format

verlaeckt_stephan

Complex sounds

Once bought at a small market. The guy thought it was a radio, hihi.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Orbital uses Korg Wavestation A/D

Orbital

Music Producer

Orbital & Angelo Badalamenti

...
Verified via Hyperreal

Wavestation A/D is included in equipment list.

See how The Future Sound of London uses Korg Wavestation A/D

The Future Sound of London

Music Producer

Vangelis & The Future Sound of London

...
Verified via Muzines

Accessit: RIAA amp Akai: S900, S1000, S1100, S1100EX samplers Alesis: ADAT digital multitrack (x2), BRC remote controller, AI-2 audio/video synchroniser, MIDIverb II (x2), Quadraverb (x2) Apple: Quadra 950 computer Atari: 1040ST computer running Emagic Creator sequencing software Audio Logic: 20001 digital sampler BBE: Sonic Maximiser 422A bel: BD-80 digital delay Digidesign: ProTools disk-based recording system (4-track version) Drawmer: DS201 Dual Gate E-mu Systems: Proteus/1 XR module, Vintage Keys module EMS: Synthi AKS synth Fostex: Model 3070 compressor/limiter Ibanez: DM1100 digital delay Jen: SX1000 synth Korg: DRV-1000 digital reverb, Wavestation A/D synth module LA Audio: MIDI gate Oberheim: Matrix 1000 synth module, OB8 synth OSC: Oscar monosynth Roland: D110 module, JX3P synth, MKS50 module, SH101 monosynth, TB303 bass synth, TR909 drum machine Tascam: 103 cassette deck Sony: CDP-770 CD player, DTC-1000ES DAT machine Soundtracs: IL3632 36-input mixing desk Tannoy: Little Gold monitors Technics: SL1210 Mk2 record deck Urei: monitors Yamaha: DS55 synth, NS10M monitors, Q2031 graphic EQ, SPX90 multi-FX unit, TX81Z synth module

Sony: BKE-9500 Editing Control Disk Unit Edit Desk PCM-7050 Digital Audio Recorder PVW-2650P Betacam SP Videocassette Player PVW-2800P Betacam SP Videocassette Recorder Monitors (x4)

See how David Sylvian uses Korg Wavestation A/D

David Sylvian

Singer, Guitarist

Japan

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the Sound On Sound article "David Sylvian: Recording Tin Drum & The First Day," the Korg Wavestation A/D is mentioned in the 14th paragraph, indicating its use in David Sylvian's work.

See how Harry Gregson-Williams uses Korg Wavestation A/D

Harry Gregson-Williams

Composer, Music Producer

Kind Heaven Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen in his equipment rack at 7:02 in the video.

See how Plastikman uses Korg Wavestation A/D

Plastikman

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Plastikman (richie Hawtin) talks to future music about his live stage setup in bestival 2010

See how Chris Carter uses Korg Wavestation A/D

Chris Carter

Keyboardist

Throbbing Gristle

...
Verified via Discogs

A Korg Wavestation A/D was used on the album Small Moon, according to the liner notes.

See how Tom Lord-Alge uses Korg Wavestation A/D

Tom Lord-Alge

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In an interview with Sound on Sound, Tom Lord-Alge includes the Korg Wavestation A/D in his gear list, highlighting its role in his mixing setup.

See how Paul Carrack uses Korg Wavestation A/D

Paul Carrack

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul Carrack can be seen using the Korg Wavestation A/D live on Ohne Filter Xtra in 1999. The patch 'Fire Dance' is used in the song "Another Cup of Coffee"

See how Pete Cannon uses Korg Wavestation A/D

Pete Cannon

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 15:55 in the video he talks about using his Wavestation.

See how TIM SIMENON uses Korg Wavestation A/D

TIM SIMENON

Keyboardist, Composer

Interference

...
Verified via Gearslutz

Tim Simenon used the Korg Wavestation A/D while recording Depeche Mode's "Ultra," as noted in a discussion on Gearslutz.

See how Jerome Froese uses Korg Wavestation A/D

Jerome Froese

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Jeromefroese

Found on Jerome's Website.

See how Skudge uses Korg Wavestation A/D

Skudge

...
Verified via Photo

"@skudge_elias_landberg Racking it up. #rack #gear #waldorf #yamaha #tx8iz #wavetable #waldorfmicrowave #ensoniqesq1 #oberheim #matrix1000 #cheetah #inthestudio #hardware #2015"

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 Korg Wavestation A/D, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland JD-990
Roland JD-990 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
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Yamaha TX802
Yamaha TX802 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
6
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
6
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
6
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
6
Akai S1100
Akai S1100 Audio Samplers
5
Atari 1040 ST
Atari 1040 ST Computers & Peripherals
5

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