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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 EX
Finish Black
Year 1990
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

Is the Korg Wavestation EX suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Wavestation EX is suitable for live performances, offering 61 full-size keys and 32-voice polyphony. Its digital synthesis and MIDI capabilities make it versatile for various live settings.

What is the key action like on the Korg Wavestation EX?

The Korg Wavestation EX features a synth action keyboard, providing a smooth and responsive feel, ideal for expressive playing styles typical in electronic and ambient music genres.

Can the Korg Wavestation EX integrate with modern DAWs?

Yes, the Korg Wavestation EX can integrate with modern DAWs through its MIDI input, output, and through ports, allowing seamless connection and control within your digital audio workstation setup.

How does the Korg Wavestation EX's sound engine differ from other synthesizers?

The Korg Wavestation EX utilizes advanced wave sequencing and vector synthesis, enabling complex evolving textures and dynamic soundscapes, distinguishing it from traditional subtractive synthesizers.

What type of music is the Korg Wavestation EX best suited for?

The Korg Wavestation EX excels in producing ambient, electronic, and cinematic music, thanks to its unique wave sequencing capabilities and rich, evolving sound textures.

How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Wavestation EX have?

The Korg Wavestation EX offers 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and intricate sound design without note dropouts during performance or recording.

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

KORG WAVESTATION EX Demo & Review

Video thumbnail for KORG WAVESTATION EX Demo & Review by musictrackjp

KORG WAVESTATION EX Demo & Review

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation EX: Wave Sequences, Textures and Atmospheres by Bill Blair

Korg Wavestation EX: Wave Sequences, Textures and Atmospheres

Bill Blair

Bill Blair

Video thumbnail for KORG WAVESTATION EX - Sounds, Presets & Ambient Soundscapes | Synth Demo by synth4ever

KORG WAVESTATION EX - Sounds, Presets & Ambient Soundscapes | Synth Demo

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for KORG WAVESTATION EX part 1 by REWO_Channel

KORG WAVESTATION EX part 1

REWO_Channel

REWO_Channel

Video thumbnail for WAVESTATION EX by 100 Things I Do

WAVESTATION EX

100 Things I Do

100 Things I Do

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation EX by 100 Things I Do

Korg Wavestation EX

100 Things I Do

100 Things I Do

Reviews

PROS

  • Thousands of patches offer vast sound possibilities

  • Durable build, described as "built like a tank"

  • Excellent keybed with effective aftertouch

  • Great MIDI controller capabilities

  • Includes 150 more waveforms than standard Wavestation

  • Features 8 multi-effects for diverse sound shaping

  • Iconic sounds used in 90s movies and music

  • Joystick allows for dynamic waveform mixing

  • Provides ethereal, lush tonal landscapes

  • Favored over the Korg M1 by some for its sound

CONS

  • Programming can be challenging and unintuitive

  • Screen prone to fail, complicating programming

  • Heavier build makes it less portable

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Wavestation excels in creating atmospheric pads, evolving timbres, and drones, with a strong emphasis on shifting, moving textures.

    Source
  • The contrast knob adjusts voltage across the LCD, but there's no brightness control for the backlight, indicating design limitations.

    Source
  • The Wavestation EX can be reset to factory settings using Dan Phillips' factory sysex file, which is widely trusted by the community.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Korg Wavestation VST version offers the same sound quality as the hardware but with a much more user-friendly interface.

    Source
  • To transfer data between the Wavestation EX and a computer, use Sysex Librarian for Mac or MIDIOX for Windows with a MIDI interface like the Scarlett 2i4.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Triton LE, the Wavestation struggles with bass production, often sounding dated due to its unique synth architecture.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for music styles that benefit from complex pads and evolving soundscapes, rather than bass-heavy genres like hip hop.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report a challenging programming interface, citing difficulties in achieving a 'dirty' sound with Korg's cleaner outputs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Wavestation EX's backlight often fails over time, with a dim display and inverter hum indicating an original, yet worn, part.

    Source
  • Cleaning and reseating socketed chips and ribbon cables, followed by a system reset, can resolve garbled screen issues.

    Source
  • Key sluggishness can be addressed by cleaning and lubricating the keybed, with potential felt strip replacement for eliminating clicking sounds.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing the original backlight with a modern LED display for improved brightness and reduced noise, although this requires careful disassembly.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 19 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
lukesidewalker

Great synth with amazing sounds!

What to say that probably hasn't already been said. This is a great synth with some really amazing sounds!

The Wavestation EX has 150 more waveforms than the standard Wavestation. The EX model also adds 8 multi-effects which include: Distortion, Overdrive, Vocoder, Mod Pitch Shift-Delay, Stereo Compressor-Limiter/Gate.

Movies and television shows throughout the 1990s are full of music and sounds created and performed on the Wavestation EX. Countless musicians have used the EX. Think of - Toto, Vangelis, Jan Hammer, Orbital, Depeche Mode, Genesis and others.

TBH this is not so easy to program. At least not for me. Others with more experience programming these might find it easier, but its still a chore.

I will say that I'm in love with the sounds and immediate feedback I get while playing the Wavestation EX. IMO the EX beats out the Korg M1 every time. Some may prefer the M1 and that's okay. Can't really go wrong with either one, but the Wavestation EX has been a synth I fell in love with and hope to never sell.

I did pick up one in mint condition and had a 40 year synth tech go through it. Updated the EPROMs and OS. Did a battery swap and a few other little things while he was inside of it. It just sings. The pads are heavenly.

They didn't call the Korg Wavestation one of the defining instruments of the 1990s for nothing.

mikefiction

90's Movie Soundtracks Called and Want Their Synth Back

It's ok, to bad, to great. It has a wow factor but It sucks to program. I love and hate it at the same time.

My screen is almost dead and I have a replacement backlight sitting on a shelf waiting for me to get not lazy and replace it.

I hardly use it. Maybe one day I will.

lexplexus

Dinosaurs are awesome

This thing weighs a ton but it's programmable. Built like a tank. Apparently Jan Hammer used one?

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thorsten Quaeschning uses Korg Wavestation EX

Thorsten Quaeschning

Singer, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Thorstenquaeschning

Equipment & Software used on 'SYNTHWAVES':THORSTEN QUAESCHNING: Software: Steinberg Cubase 8 &8.5Hardware: Manikin Schrittmacher Step-Sequencer x 2Manikin MemotronRoland Jupiter 8 synthesizerRoland JD800 synthesizerDave Smith Prophet 8 synthesizerARP Solina MK2 string synthesizerKorg Wavestation Ex synthesizerWaldorf Microwave synthesizerMoog Voyager monophonic synthesizerModular synthesizerRoland V Synth synthesizerKorg Z1 synthesiserKorg Prophecy synthesiserKorg M1 synthesizerClavia Nordwave synthesizerYamaha TG77 synthesizer moduleRoland System 1 synthesizerRoland JU06 synthesizer moduleKorg MS20 monophonic synthesizerRoland JP08 synthesizer moduleRoland TR-8 Rhythm Performer drum machineOberheim DMX drum machineRoland Promars synthesizerFender Starcaster guitarFender Telecaster guitarFender Stratocaster guitarScrewdriver on wood and contact microphones,Several boxes with contact microphonesA field recording of bees in Thorsten's garden, edited on Cubase and then treated with Melodyne & Halion - and finally used for the lead melody line on 'A Calm But Steady Flow'.(Software synthesizers): Spectrasonics Omnisphere synthesizer, Spectrasonics Keyscape

See how Ed Wynne uses Korg Wavestation EX

Ed Wynne

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Ozric Tentacles

...
Verified via Ozrics

This is mentioned in the gear list on the Ozrics website. Go to 'Band Info' and click Ed's name.

See how Steve Roach uses Korg Wavestation EX

Steve Roach

Music Producer

...
Verified via reverb.com

Steve Roach provided Reverb with the below list of synthesizers and hardware—his "portable rig"—that was used during his premiere performance in NYC at Church Of The Heavenly Rest on June 4th, 2022.

See how Chymera uses Korg Wavestation EX

Chymera

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

He uses it in his studio

See how Michael Münzing uses Korg Wavestation EX

Michael Münzing

Composer, Music Producer

Snap!

...
Verified via Muzines

Source: Interview with Michael Münzing and Luca Anzilotti about SNAP! mu:zines.co.uk - 1994: https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/snap-to-tomorrow/8245

E

Ethan Matthews

Guitarist

Echo Us

...
Verified via Last.fm

A Korg Wavestation EX with broken key is pictured just below the main keyboard in Ethan's studio (circa 2012).

See how Drew Neumann uses Korg Wavestation EX

Drew Neumann

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Drew listed the synths he used in his studio setup in his website.

Album Usage

The Korg Wavestation EX has been featured on the following albums:

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 EX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
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2

Community setups

Show yours
orcasynth

orcasynth

Gear IQ 483

orcasynth

orcasynth

Gear IQ 483

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