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Average Price: $290

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$1501+

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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

What sound synthesis method does the KORG Wavestation SR use?

The KORG Wavestation SR utilizes vector synthesis, which allows for dynamic blending of waveforms to create evolving soundscapes and complex textures.

How many voices of polyphony does the KORG Wavestation SR support?

The KORG Wavestation SR supports 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for rich, layered compositions and complex sound design.

Can the KORG Wavestation SR be used in a MIDI setup?

Yes, the KORG Wavestation SR features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with a wide range of MIDI devices and setups.

Is the KORG Wavestation SR suitable for live performances?

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.

What are some key sound characteristics of the KORG Wavestation SR?

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.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Korg Wavestation SR "Vector Synthesizer module"

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation SR "Vector Synthesizer module" by RetroSound

Korg Wavestation SR "Vector Synthesizer module"

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for A few cool Wavestation SR patches by SynthMania

A few cool Wavestation SR patches

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation SR Synthesizer Demo Songs by Sound Programming

Korg Wavestation SR Synthesizer Demo Songs

Sound Programming

Sound Programming

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation SR - Factory Demos by Pedro Castillo

Korg Wavestation SR - Factory Demos

Pedro Castillo

Pedro Castillo

Video thumbnail for Overview & Demo | Korg Wavestation SR by Thoughtful Clips

Overview & Demo | Korg Wavestation SR

Thoughtful Clips

Thoughtful Clips

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation SR by ymarcc

Korg Wavestation SR

ymarcc

ymarcc

Video thumbnail for Best Ambient Synth Shootout #4: Korg Wavestation SR - Song 1 by Christian's Sonic Spaces

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #4: Korg Wavestation SR - Song 1

Christian's Sonic Spaces

Christian's Sonic Spaces

Video thumbnail for Korg Wavestation SR Drum Demo by Pure Ambient Drone

Korg Wavestation SR Drum Demo

Pure Ambient Drone

Pure Ambient Drone

Video thumbnail for KORG Wavestation SR controlled by Triton Taktile by Matt Wright Music

KORG Wavestation SR controlled by Triton Taktile

Matt Wright Music

Matt Wright Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique digital synth offering more than other 90s boxes

  • Last Korg with vector synthesis technology

  • Combines the D50 and Prophet VS technologies

  • Provides truly original sound from 1993

CONS

  • Difficult to program, especially in 1RU format

  • Requires an external editor for efficient use

  • Source of frustration even for the tech-savvy

  • 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

  • The Wavestation SR lacks a vector joystick, making real-time sound manipulation less intuitive compared to the AD model.

    Source
  • The Wavestation hardware does not include a resonant filter, a limitation not present in the VST version.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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

  • The VST version includes every expansion card Korg ever offered, providing a comprehensive library of sounds.

    Source
  • Edisyn is a recommended free editor for the Wavestation SR, praised for its powerful features despite initial complexity in understanding the synth's structure.

    Source
  • Patchbase has a partially developed editor for the Wavestation SR, but progress has stalled due to unresolved technical challenges.

    Source
  • The Wavestation VST is noted for closely matching the hardware, with only minor EQ differences due to D/A conversion.

    Source

User experience

  • Programming the Wavestation SR through its two-line LCD is often compared to a challenging task, akin to "building a ship in a bottle."

    Source
  • 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

  • A third-party solution, Waverex, offers a card for loading samples into the Wavestation, enhancing its sound processing capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Guitar pedals can be integrated with the Wavestation SR, provided they are compatible with line-level inputs.

    Source
  • The Wavestation SR is praised for its abundance of presets, making it ideal for film scoring without extensive programming.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The SR model lacks a SysEx MIDI buffer, leading to potential patch overwrites and hangs if checksums are incorrect.

    Source
  • Resetting the Wavestation SR requires removing it from the rack and taking the battery out, as no built-in reset procedure exists.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Korg often offers discounted prices on their softsynths during Black Friday and holiday sales, providing an affordable alternative to the hardware.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Wavestation SR (MT Jan 93)

muzines.co.uk

The Korg Wavestation SR emerges as a compelling budget option for synthesists seeking the distinctive, atmospheric, and versatile sounds of its predecessors. While it trims down on features like the large LCD and joystick, it compensates with a massive expansion of onboard sounds and retains the core sonic capabilities. Its unique wave sequencing remains unrivaled for lush pad sounds and rhythmic sequences, making it an enticing choice for adventurous musicians. Though the user interface is limited, the SR offers a powerful, affordable entry into the Wavestation's world. A positive nod for those willing to navigate its compact design.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 20 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

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.

pkennethk

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%.

jimmarchi1

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.

davesmiths

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
See how Tony Banks uses KORG Wavestation SR

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Photo

In an image from Twronline, Tony Banks is shown using a KORG Wavestation SR.

See how Legowelt uses KORG Wavestation SR

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via Legowelt

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)."

See how Derek Sherinian uses KORG Wavestation SR

Derek Sherinian

Keyboardist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified

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.

See how Harry Gregson-Williams uses KORG Wavestation SR

Harry Gregson-Williams

Composer, Music Producer

Kind Heaven Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen in his equipment rack at 7:02 in the video.

See how Paul Hardcastle uses KORG Wavestation SR

Paul Hardcastle

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"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."

See how Mark Snow uses KORG Wavestation SR

Mark Snow

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

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..."

See how Robin Beanland uses KORG Wavestation SR

Robin Beanland

Composer

...
Verified via Twitter

In a Twitter post tagged #RareFromHome, Robin Beanland showcases the KORG Wavestation SR among the synths he used during his time at Rare.

See how Brad Cole uses KORG Wavestation SR

Brad Cole

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

The Wavestation SR can be seen on the left side of the rack in this picture.

See how Fabian Del Priore uses KORG Wavestation SR

Fabian Del Priore

Composer

...
Verified via Twitter

"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"

See how Michael Münzing uses KORG Wavestation SR

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 Spirit-of-rock

Korg synthesizer module used on Echo Us recordings 2016-2021

D

David Ferguson

Keyboardist, Composer

Random Hold

...
Verified via Soundonsound

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

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

Roland JD-990
Roland JD-990 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
6
E-Mu Proteus 1
E-Mu Proteus 1 Sound Modules
3
E-mu Morpheus
E-mu Morpheus Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Roland XV-5080
Roland XV-5080 Sound Modules
3
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Roland S-760
Roland S-760 Audio Samplers
3
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Korg Trinity
Korg Trinity Synthesizers
2
KORG 01R/W
KORG 01R/W Synthesizers
2
Korg Wavestation A/D
Korg Wavestation A/D Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2

Community setups

Show yours
colman_jones

colman_jones

Gear IQ 163

dkdivedude

dkdivedude

Gear IQ 199

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Gear Guides

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    xronos
    xronos

    Gear IQ 170