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Average Price: $290
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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 SR |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1990s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 32 Voices |
FAQs
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What sound synthesis method does the KORG Wavestation SR use?
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The KORG Wavestation SR utilizes vector synthesis, which allows for dynamic blending of waveforms to create evolving soundscapes and complex textures.
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How many voices of polyphony does the KORG Wavestation SR support?
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The KORG Wavestation SR supports 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for rich, layered compositions and complex sound design.
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Can the KORG Wavestation SR be used in a MIDI setup?
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Yes, the KORG Wavestation SR features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with a wide range of MIDI devices and setups.
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Is the KORG Wavestation SR suitable for live performances?
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The KORG Wavestation SR is a rackmount module, ideal for studio use, but it can also be integrated into live setups with appropriate MIDI controllers and sound systems.
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What are some key sound characteristics of the KORG Wavestation SR?
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The KORG Wavestation SR is known for its lush pads, evolving textures, and unique wave sequencing capabilities, making it ideal for ambient and cinematic music production.
Videos
RetroSound
Korg Wavestation SR "Vector Synthesizer module"
Reviews
PROS
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Unique digital synth offering more than other 90s boxes
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Last Korg with vector synthesis technology
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Combines the D50 and Prophet VS technologies
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Provides truly original sound from 1993
CONS
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Difficult to program, especially in 1RU format
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Requires an external editor for efficient use
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Source of frustration even for the tech-savvy
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Software version preferred for easier use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about KORG Wavestation SR.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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The SR model has more factory sounds built-in due to the inclusion of expansion cards, unlike the AD which offers audio input and processing capabilities.
Source
Software and compatibility
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The VST version includes every expansion card Korg ever offered, providing a comprehensive library of sounds.
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Edisyn is a recommended free editor for the Wavestation SR, praised for its powerful features despite initial complexity in understanding the synth's structure.
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Patchbase has a partially developed editor for the Wavestation SR, but progress has stalled due to unresolved technical challenges.
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The Wavestation VST is noted for closely matching the hardware, with only minor EQ differences due to D/A conversion.
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User experience
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Programming the Wavestation SR through its two-line LCD is often compared to a challenging task, akin to "building a ship in a bottle."
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Owners suggest engaging with online communities or forums, such as Patchbase’s Facebook group, for updates and collaborative problem-solving regarding Wavestation SR editing tools.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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A third-party solution, Waverex, offers a card for loading samples into the Wavestation, enhancing its sound processing capabilities.
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Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 20 Ratings
41016
the sound but the interface... or lack thereof ARGH
If the wavestation keyboard was hard to program? whoa. Rich sounds via wavesequencing a sort of uber wavetable vector system... amazing idea combining the d50 and prophet VS and then some but in a 1ru it becomes a rompler. Source of infinite frustration even for the tech savvy. Needs an external editor. Being all digital the korg vsti version nails it with easy to understand graphics laden multi page GUI. Don't bother. Use the software or try the wavestate.
I think Yamaha owned korg at this time (and at the same time acquired sequential circuits) and you see their influence here.
26873
bummer. Thanks for the honesty. I've been meaning to pull the trigger on korg's Wavestation VST... as the M1 plugin has served me well for years... I'm sure there are slight sonic differences between hardware and software on both... but probably not worth wrestling these old digital hardware beasts for just that extra 5%.
41016
SO slight. I had both of them side by side and I have to say the SR only sounded different based on the input device. Good AD with very clean open preamplification at line level +4dB yielded barely distinguishable results. Back in the day the ability to drive something like this hard into a warm pre resulted in weird digital artifacts being distorted but you can simulate that ITB these days if you like that sort of thing.
85
Strictly-speaking it was my brother's XD
I have fond memories of this as a teenager exploring these rich sounds coming out of this hard metal black box.
Artist usage
Add artist
Present on this dedicated page is the Korg Wavestation SR, an instrument used by Legowelt according to his official website. Also on the page audio demos by Legowelt can be found. "It is a very fun synth to just play with and go through the presets because you will instantly recognize many from soundtracks (like the X-files flute and probably more then thousands and thousands of other movies and tv series that were made in the 1990s)."
Derek Sherinian uses the KORG Wavestation SR as part of his keyboard rig, as documented in the "Happy Hour(s) at Derek Sherinian's Leopard Lounge" feature on Music Gear Review.
"I already have a number of synth modules, many of which I use mainly for specific sounds. The Kurzweil K2500R has got great sounds and is a good all‑round workhorse, while the Korg 01R gets used for more ethereal parts. I've also got a Wavestation SR that has a few interesting textural sounds in it, and to be honest, I've actually named tracks after its patch names! My Emu Morpheus is usually left set to its Vibes patch."
The Synclavier system may be at the heart of the studio, patched through a Soundcraft Sapphyre LC mixer, but that's not it for "MIDI boxes", as Mark refers to them: the studio also accommodates a Roland S760 sampler, Kurzweil MicroPiano module, an Emu Proteus 1, 2 (source of the famous X‑Files whistle, in combination, apparently, with a sample of Snow's wife whistling!) and 3, Emu Morpheus, Korg M1R and Wavestation SR. But these are adjuncts to the core sound produced by the Synclavier and its large library: "I have all these great samples on the Synclavier's magneto drives." Mark doesn't do much sampling of his own: "There are so many sample disks available that I have people transfer them onto Synclavier format." And is there anything else he'd like to add to the studio? "Well, the only thing that means anything to me is new sounds or new combinations of sounds. All I care about is if somebody has a great new sound library. That's what I'm looking for. Since my background is music, rather than electronics and technology, I just know as much as I have to. There are so many other composers who know about sampling rates and all that technical stuff, but none of that really interests me. So apart from new sounds, I could maybe upgrade the RAM and the number of voices on the Synclavier..."
In a Twitter post tagged #RareFromHome, Robin Beanland showcases the KORG Wavestation SR among the synths he used during his time at Rare.
"Some pictures of my music studio from 2009! :) Roland XV5080, Kurzweil K2500, Korg 01R/W, Wavestation SR, amaha Promix01, Nintendo DS and more :) #studio #homestudio #synth #nintendo #NintendoDS #NDS"
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
With his background as keyboardist with Random Hold, you might expect David to have a soft spot for synths, and he does — but they're mostly antique: "All through Random Hold I had a Minikorg, Microkorg and an 800DV. I loved the noises they made. Currently the only two synthesizers I use are the Wavestation SR and a Yamaha AN1x, which is all right, though very limited."
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use KORG Wavestation SR, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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