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Average Price: $397
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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
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Is the Korg Wavestation EX suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What is the key action like on the Korg Wavestation EX?
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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.
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Can the Korg Wavestation EX integrate with modern DAWs?
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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.
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How does the Korg Wavestation EX's sound engine differ from other synthesizers?
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The Korg Wavestation EX utilizes advanced wave sequencing and vector synthesis, enabling complex evolving textures and dynamic soundscapes, distinguishing it from traditional subtractive synthesizers.
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What type of music is the Korg Wavestation EX best suited for?
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The Korg Wavestation EX excels in producing ambient, electronic, and cinematic music, thanks to its unique wave sequencing capabilities and rich, evolving sound textures.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Wavestation EX have?
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The Korg Wavestation EX offers 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and intricate sound design without note dropouts during performance or recording.
Videos
musictrackjp
KORG WAVESTATION EX Demo & Review
Reviews
PROS
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Thousands of patches offer vast sound possibilities
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Durable build, described as "built like a tank"
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Excellent keybed with effective aftertouch
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Great MIDI controller capabilities
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Includes 150 more waveforms than standard Wavestation
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Features 8 multi-effects for diverse sound shaping
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Iconic sounds used in 90s movies and music
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Joystick allows for dynamic waveform mixing
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Provides ethereal, lush tonal landscapes
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Favored over the Korg M1 by some for its sound
CONS
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Programming can be challenging and unintuitive
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Screen prone to fail, complicating programming
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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
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The Wavestation excels in creating atmospheric pads, evolving timbres, and drones, with a strong emphasis on shifting, moving textures.
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The contrast knob adjusts voltage across the LCD, but there's no brightness control for the backlight, indicating design limitations.
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The Wavestation EX can be reset to factory settings using Dan Phillips' factory sysex file, which is widely trusted by the community.
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Software and compatibility
Comparisons
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Unlike the Triton LE, the Wavestation struggles with bass production, often sounding dated due to its unique synth architecture.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for music styles that benefit from complex pads and evolving soundscapes, rather than bass-heavy genres like hip hop.
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User experience
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Owners report a challenging programming interface, citing difficulties in achieving a 'dirty' sound with Korg's cleaner outputs.
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Setup and maintenance
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The Wavestation EX's backlight often fails over time, with a dim display and inverter hum indicating an original, yet worn, part.
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Cleaning and reseating socketed chips and ribbon cables, followed by a system reset, can resolve garbled screen issues.
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Key sluggishness can be addressed by cleaning and lubricating the keybed, with potential felt strip replacement for eliminating clicking sounds.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 19 Ratings
229
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.
1264
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
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
This is mentioned in the gear list on the Ozrics website. Go to 'Band Info' and click Ed's name.
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.
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
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.
Community setups
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