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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
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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
F

Fritz McIntyre

Singer, Keyboardist

Simply Red

...
Verified via Muzines

Fritz's rack (from top): Furman PL8E amp Roland M240 24-channel keyboard mixer - TX816 x 8 channels; D550 L/R; Korg Wavestation A/D L/R; guitar L/R; Kurzweil L/R; Quadraverb returns L/R Marshall 9001 guitar pre-amp - "Fritz plays guitar for the first two numbers on the main stage" Samson UR4 UHF wireless receiver - "for the guitar" Alesis Quadraverb - "just for the keyboard monitor mixes, mainly to recreate things from the albums, like delays and choruses" Audio Architecture Function Junction Korg Wavestation A/D - "for a few string things and pianos" Yamaha MIDI rack Kurzweil 1200 Pro One expansion module - "the main piano box. I call it the Kurzweil Crapscreen. I'm not a great lover of manuals, and I was trying to find the contrast control for this screen, and I couldn't find it anywhere. You've got to lie down and look upwards at the screen. So I do most of the editing on a Mac (Powerbook 180), through SysEx" UPS power backup Yamaha TX816 - "for some of the older sounds from the first two albums"

D

David Bronner

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Found in an Interview from German Magazine Tastenwelt 5/95 Used on the EAV "Kunst Tour 1995"

See how John Webster uses Korg Wavestation A/D

John Webster

Keyboardist, Composer

The Cult

...
Verified via John T. Webster

John Webster, a renowned keyboardist and composer, confirms his use of the Korg Wavestation A/D during the 1990s. This piece of equipment was part of a rack that included other essential instruments like the AKAI S-1100 Sampler and Yamaha TG-77. This information is verified by John Webster's own biography.

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.

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6
Roland JD-800
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6
Akai S1100
Akai S1100 Audio Samplers
5
Atari 1040 ST
Atari 1040 ST Computers & Peripherals
5

Community setups

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