PPG Wave 2

$9,696.17 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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PPG Wave 2.2

$9,696.17

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Page last updated Jun 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 4, 2026.

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Price

$9,696.17 8 available Used

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Average Price: $9,696

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, PPG Wave 2 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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The PPG Wave 2 is a trailblazing synth from the 1980s that effortlessly fuses digital innovation with analog warmth. Celebrated for its pioneering wavetable synthesis, this classic machine remains a staple in the arsenal of synth enthusiasts and professional musicians alike. Its digital oscillators are capable of generating up to 8000 distinct waveforms, offering a vast sonic palette that can be sculpted with analog filter and amplifier circuits.

With 8-voice polyphony and an integrated 8-track sequencer, the PPG Wave 2 empowers musicians to create complex and immersive soundscapes. The intuitive interface, featuring 21 parameter knobs and a digital readout, allows for precise control and easy patch storage, making it a favorite for live performances and studio sessions.

Notable players such as Edgar Froese, Tangerine Dream, and Depeche Mode have harnessed its potential to craft iconic sounds that defined an era. Whether you're looking to recreate the nostalgic tones of the past or push the boundaries of modern electronic music, the PPG Wave 2 stands as a testament to innovative design and timeless sound.

Key Features:

Digital oscillators with up to 8000 unique waveforms
Analog filter and amplifier circuits
8-voice polyphony
8-track sequencer
21 parameter knobs with digital readout for patch storage
Iconic wavetable synthesis

Product specs

Brand	PPG
Model	Wave 2
Finish	Blue
Year	1985
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Polyphony	8 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the PPG Wave 2 use?: The PPG Wave 2 utilizes wavetable synthesis, which allows for the periodic reproduction and modulation of single-cycle waveforms, offering a unique and varied sound palette.
How many keys does the PPG Wave 2 have, and what is the action type?: The PPG Wave 2 features a 61-key full-size keyboard with synth action, providing a responsive and dynamic playing experience suitable for various styles.
Is the PPG Wave 2 polyphonic, and if so, how many voices does it support?: Yes, the PPG Wave 2 is polyphonic and supports up to 8 voices, allowing for rich and complex chordal textures.
What are the standout features of the PPG Wave 2's sound engine?: The PPG Wave 2's sound engine is renowned for its digital wavetable synthesis, which provides a wide range of sonic possibilities, from lush pads to cutting leads, making it a versatile tool for sound design.
Is the PPG Wave 2 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the PPG Wave 2's robust build and versatile sound capabilities make it well-suited for live performances, offering reliable performance and a wide array of sounds to enhance any set.

Videos

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Telekom Electronic Beats TV

PPG WAVE 2 PRESENTED BY THOMAS P. HECKMANN

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

thePPGs.com - Introducing the PPG Wave 2 - Part I

Kenneth Abildgaard

PPG WAVE 2 (NOT 2.2 or 2.3!) digital-analog hybrid synthesizer vs Darth Digital

NoiselabCH

PPG Wave 2 Arpeggio

ms20user

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PPG Wave 2.

Features and functionality

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It's noted that the sound of the PPG Wave is heavily dependent on its digital firmware and software for scanning wavetables, which are under copyright protection.
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Real-time wavetable scanning on the PPG Wave 2.2 offers unique sonic possibilities, though programming the synth can be non-intuitive despite the helpful knobs.
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The PPG Wave 2.2 features analog SSM filters, providing a warm, crunchy sound that complements its digital capabilities.
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The original PPG Wave 2.x had a clever design, but none of its parts are considered unobtainable or impossible to reverse-engineer.
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The PPG Wave 2.3 uses 12-bit samples, providing a unique sound texture different from VCO/DCO setups.
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The PPG Wave 2.x features a keypad used for selecting wavetables, keyboard mode, and sequencer mode, reminiscent of vintage department store keyboards.
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The Waveterm module, used with the PPG, allows for sample and waveform editing, transferring them into the PPG's RAM for expanded sound capabilities.
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The synth is noted for its ability to sweep wavetables via modulation, creating unique sounds that other synthesis methods can't replicate.
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Software and compatibility

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A VST emulates the PPG Wave's microprocessor and is patch compatible, maintaining the original's quirky modulation and user interface quirks.
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OS update 8.3 may support MIDI data transfer, allowing users to load custom waveforms without needing a Waveterm.
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Comparisons

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The MicroWave MK1 is noted for its CEM filters, while the MK2 and XT models use virtual analog modeling, all sharing PPG wavetables.
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Owners compare the PPG Wave's early 80s digital and analog sound to the Blofeld, which they feel runs circles around the PPG in terms of functionality.
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The Microwave XT is mentioned as an updated version of the PPG Wave, offering a more aggressive sound than the PPG or Blofeld.
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The PPG Wave 2.3's sound is compared to the Oberheim and Prophet, with distinct differences in texture due to its wavetable synthesis.
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User experience

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Owners describe the PPG Wave's sound as having a nostalgic lo-fi digital character, enhanced by the warmth of its analog filters.
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Some users feel that despite its groundbreaking design, the PPG Wave 2.x has been surpassed by later wavetable synthesizers, making alternatives like the Waldorf Blofeld a better choice.
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Owners express nostalgia for the synth's 5.25" floppy drives, highlighting the vintage charm and complexity of sound management.
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Other

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The PPG Wave 2.3 was used prominently in Tangerine Dream's 'Exit,' showcasing its capability for creating iconic 80s sounds.
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Critic Reviews

Vintage Rewind: PPG Wave 2

musictech.com

The PPG Wave 2.2 emerges as a fascinating relic of early digital synthesis, boasting an innovative design that laid the groundwork for modern sound creation. While it offers a rich palette with over 2000 waveforms and a unique analogue filter that can produce characterful sounds, the synth's clunky keyboard and limited polyphony may deter contemporary musicians seeking more versatility. Its historical significance is undeniable, but its hefty price tag and somewhat dated technology raise questions about its practicality in today’s music scene. The Wave 2.2 is a nostalgic treasure for collectors, yet its appeal may not extend to those prioritizing modern efficiency and sound clarity.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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clusterchord

221

over 7 years ago

magical outworldly hybrid tone. the mythical, ultra rare Wave 2.

Wave 2 is ultra rare, early 80s predecessor of famous Wave 2.2 and 2.3 that came into spotlight with synth pop acts like Ultravox, Depeche and later Propaganda, Aha and many others. its one of the white rhinos of the synth world, with less than 200 made.

while 2.2 and 2.3 sport an SSM2044 filter and somewhat sweeter synth poppy "synthesizer-y" sound, Wave 2 has more clang and raw lofi hybrid tone and sports CEM3320 filter, which imo works much better shaping metallic digital oscillators than 2044 (i have the Wave 2.3 as well).

another crucial difference is, its pitch change algorithm is different from later PPGs. they sport phase accumulator technique, whereas Wave 2 has divide-by-n and as such has virtually no aliasing. all the dirt up there is harmonically related to the fundamental pitch. therefore instead of glassy aliased top end of 2.2/2.3 it has pure top, with waves sounding as it you replayed them on magnetic tape with higher speed, so to speak.

its magical sound graced the monumenthal, seminal electronic album from Tangerine Dream, Exit (1981), with skewed female vox leads, bells, strange jazz guitar leads, vibes etc. you can also hear it on canadian progrockers second album, Saga: Worlds Apart (1981) and Depeche Mode's Broken Frame (1982).

i have searched for this machine for more than 25 years and it will probably be burried with me ;)

Artist usage

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Calvin Harris

Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Calvin Harris x The Weeknd - Over Now (Deconstructed)" at 0:36, Calvin Harris is visibly using a PPG Wave 2 synthesizer.

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

Verified via YouTube

Throughout the entirety of the attached video, Martin can be seen using the PPG Wave 2.

Guy E. Fletcher

Keyboardist, Composer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Muzines

From 1985 Sound on Sound interview, which describe his studio (Havoc House).

Alongside the walls are purpose made tables supporting the array of synthesizers: a PPG Wave 2 and a Wave 2.2 complete with the Waveterm computer, a DX7, a Linn LM2, an Emulator and some elderly keyboard instruments of indeterminate vintage. The synths are connected to the main desk patchfield via a sub-field dedicated to ancillaries. MIDI wiring is strung around as the production requires it.