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Korg Wavestation A/D

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$292.57

4.5 (15)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

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5.0 (2)

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Description

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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.

Videos

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Espen Kraft

Korg Wavestation A/D | Beautiful and Complex

Espen Kraft

Korg Wavestation A/D - User Presets Demo

wolfgang S vukan

Korg Wavestation A/D Demo

Panu M Savolainen

Korg Wavestation AD demo by polynominal.com

Polynominaldotcom

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

Anders Enger Jensen

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

LFOstore

Reviews

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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

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

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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.
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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.
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Comparisons

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The Wavestation VST not only replicates the sound engine but also includes every expansion card Korg offered, providing more features than the hardware counterparts.
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Users note the hardware Wavestation's converters contribute a "warmer" sound compared to the more "hifi" software version, highlighting a distinct tonal difference.
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Wavetable synths and vector synths like the Yamaha TG33 are suggested alternatives for achieving dreamy pads, with some preferring the former for better performance.
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Mods and upgrades

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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.
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Use cases and applications

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

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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.
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Software and compatibility

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The iOS version of the Wavestation includes all additional sound cards for a nominal fee, making it a comprehensive and portable alternative to hardware.
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The Beatstep Pro can control the Wavestation iPad version via iRig MIDI, highlighting a cost-effective setup for comprehensive control.
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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.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 15 Ratings

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1 star

phil_isix

751

almost 11 years ago

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

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Pop Folk, World, & Country

phil_isix

751

11 years ago almost 11 years ago

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

168

about 7 years ago

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

411

about 8 years ago

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