Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $9,607

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer is a timeless bridge between digital brilliance and analog warmth, heralding a new era in music production. With its unique wavetable synthesis and hybrid architecture, the Wave 2.2 offers a soundscape that inspired countless musicians and producers. Its distinctive blend of digital oscillators and analog filters allows for the creation of complex, evolving textures and tones that are as relevant today as they were in the '80s. Whether you're looking to recreate the iconic sounds of the past or forge new sonic territories, the PPG Wave 2.2 stands as a testament to innovation and quality in sound design.

Key Features:

  • 16 oscillators per two voices for rich, layered sounds
  • Unique wavetable synthesis for creating up to 8000 distinct waveforms
  • Analog SSM-based filters for warm, musical tone shaping
  • 8-voice polyphony for complex arrangements and textures
  • Integrated 8-track sequencer for intricate compositions
  • 21 parameter knobs for hands-on control over sound design
  • Digital patch storage for preserving your sonic creations
RetroSound

RetroSound

PPG wave 2.2 Wavetable Synthesizer 1982 - sound demo

Video thumbnail for PPG wave 2.2 Wavetable Synthesizer 1982 - sound demo by RetroSound

PPG wave 2.2 Wavetable Synthesizer 1982 - sound demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for PPG wave 2.2  Synthesizer (1982) - RetroSound soundscapes - sound demo by RetroSound

PPG wave 2.2 Synthesizer (1982) - RetroSound soundscapes - sound demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for PPG wave 2.2 Synthesizer (1982) sound demo (Depeche Mode, Art Of Noise) by RetroSound

PPG wave 2.2 Synthesizer (1982) sound demo (Depeche Mode, Art Of Noise)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for PPG wave 2.2 Synthesizer  "Arpeggiator" by RetroSound

PPG wave 2.2 Synthesizer "Arpeggiator"

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for PPG wave 2.2 Wavetable Synthesizer (1982) The Pure Sound (no fx) by RetroSound

PPG wave 2.2 Wavetable Synthesizer (1982) The Pure Sound (no fx)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for PPG wave 2.2 vs 2.3 are there any differences? by synthlegends

PPG wave 2.2 vs 2.3 are there any differences?

synthlegends

synthlegends

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PPG Wave 2.2.

Features and functionality

  • Real-time scanning through the wavetable offers unique sonic possibilities, enhancing the PPG Wave 2.2’s sound range.

    Source
  • The PPG Wave 2.2's analog SSM filters provide a warm crunch, effectively complementing its digital elements.

    Source
  • The PPG Wave 2.2's internal sampling rate is 195312.5 Hz, contributing to its smooth sound compared to standard DSP approaches.

    Source
  • The PPG Wave 2.2 only changes the wavetable index on waveform period boundaries, ensuring zero crossings to avoid unwanted clicking noises during wavetable sweeps.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners can leverage OS update 8.3 for MIDI data transfer, potentially allowing user-loaded waveforms.

    Source
  • Users have extracted waveforms and wavetables from EPROM dumps, noting that some ROM versions contain distorted data due to code overwrites and overflow.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The PPG Wave 2.2 has a less intuitive interface compared to the Microwave XT, which is considered more hands-on.

    Source
  • The PPG Wave 2.2's wavetable synthesis method differs from later Waldorf synths, which reportedly lost some of the original's character despite similar architectures.

    Source

User experience

  • The PPG Wave 2.2’s modulation retains the original's quirky and semi-broken characteristics, resonating with the nostalgic charm of early digital synthesis.

    Source
  • The PPG Wave 2.2's unfiltered waveforms are described as noisy and metallic, contributing to its unique sonic character, though they may sound monotonous if overused.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The extracted PPG waveforms can be used with samplers like the MPC 1000, allowing for exploration of rich, vintage tones with added filters and ADSR settings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PPG Wave 2.2 / Wave 2.3 - the one and only - GreatSynthesizers

greatsynthesizers.com

The PPG Wave 2.2/2.3 synthesizers are iconic for their unique wavetable synthesis, delivering dynamic and rich sounds thanks to digital oscillators and analog filters. However, their interface is cumbersome, with unintuitive navigation and a clunky keyboard. While MIDI integration is decent, CV/Gate control is unreliable. The instruments are expensive and notoriously unpredictable, but patient users are rewarded with unparalleled sonic experiences. Overall, these synths are a mixed bag of innovation and frustration, appealing mainly to dedicated enthusiasts.

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses PPG Wave 2.2

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Photo

John Mayer posted his PPG Wave 2.2 synth in an Instagram story, with the quote:

How to get fellow nerds to DM you

See how Calvin Harris uses PPG Wave 2.2

Calvin Harris

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Calvin Harris is shown using the PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer in an Instagram post related to his track "Slide" featuring Frank Ocean and Migos.

See how Geddy Lee uses PPG Wave 2.2

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via Photo

His setup can be seen with his keyboard tech Tony Geranios in this image.

See how Justice uses PPG Wave 2.2

Justice

Music Producer

Justice vs. Simian

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Behind the Track|« Neverender » by Justice & Tame Impala" by Mix with the Masters, Gaspard Augé mentions that he used a PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer for his solo project. Justice appreciated the synthesizer so much that they acquired it and incorporated it into their fourth studio album, Hyperdrama. At the 1:51 mark, Xavier de Rosnay notes that many of the sounds on Hyperdrama originate from this synthesizer. Although the synthesizer is not named verbally, the label "PPG Wave 2.2" is visibly identifiable on the front right side of the instrument at 1:59.

See how Stevie Wonder uses PPG Wave 2.2

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from 1983, Stevie Wonder is spotted playing a PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer. Possibly appears on Woman In Red soundtrack.

See how Vince Clarke uses PPG Wave 2.2

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Archive

The PPG Wave 2.2 is featured in the "Studio Equipment List" on Vince Clarke's website.

See how Klaus Schulze uses PPG Wave 2.2

Klaus Schulze

Guitarist, Bassist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Muzines

List of equipment used by Klaus Schulze, from the February 1993 issue of Sound on Sound:

4x Akai S1000PB (32MB) 2x Akai S1000KB (32MB) Akai S900 Akai S612 Akai S7000 Moog Modular CIII 2x Moog MiniMoog Studio Electronics MIDIMini Mellotron Yamaha CS80 Yamaha CP70 Yamaha TX81Z Yamaha SY99 Korg M1 Korg M1 EX Korg T1 Korg T3 Korg DVP1 Roland U110 Roland U220 Roland D50 Roland S50 sampler & monitor Roland Planet S & editor Roland Super Jupiter & editor 2 Roland TR505 Roland Octopad Roland JD800 Roland Super JX10 4x Hohner HS2/E sampler 5x Hohner HS1/E sampler Hohner HS1KB sampler Waldorf Microwave GDS computer synth Misc. Crumar keyboards Fairlight CMI Series II SCI Prophet 2000 SCI Prophet 2002 Emu Proteus/2 Emu Proteus/3 World Emu Emulator II Kurzweil K1000 Kawai K4 EMS Synthi A PPG Wave 2.2 Linn 9000 4x Oberheim DPX1 Yamaha RY30 drum machine Sonor timpanies and octo toms Paiste gongs and cymbals Martin 12-string guitar

See how Roland Orzabal uses PPG Wave 2.2

Roland Orzabal

Singer, Guitarist

Tears for Fears

...
Verified via Mixonline

Accoring to this article Roland Orzabal used a PPG Wave when recording Tears For Tears classic album Songs From the Big Chair

See how Ulrich Schnauss uses PPG Wave 2.2

Ulrich Schnauss

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via YouTube

Ulrich shows us his PPG Wave at 3:56 in this studio tour with MusicTech. Ulrich says "It's a bit difficult to see: the PPG Wave. Another digital classic." This accompanying article confirms this as the 2.2 specifically.

See how Edgar Froese uses PPG Wave 2.2

Edgar Froese

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Photo

Edgar Froese of Tangerine Dream with his Wave 2.2 and Waveterm around the time of their European Tour in 1986.

See how Peter Christopherson uses PPG Wave 2.2

Peter Christopherson

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Coil

...
Verified via Brainwashed

Sleazy mentions this classic synth in the Keyboard Magazine interview from 1987.

See how Don Airey uses PPG Wave 2.2

Don Airey

Keyboardist

Judas Priest

...
Verified

During the "Bark At The Moon" album era, Don Airey stated: "I have two keyboard sets, one is over here, and one is always in the States. There's a CS80 which is the basic keyboard, a MiniMoog, the Roland Vocoder Plus, Yamaha CF70, Oberheim OBXa, and a MemoryMoog. To them I'm adding a DX7, another MemoryMoog (because I use it so much), and the Wave 2.2 and the Waveterm." This confirms that Don Airey used the PPG Wave 2.2, as documented in the article "Wizard Of Oz" (Electronics & Music Maker, Feb 1984).

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 PPG Wave 2.2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

More PPG Synthesizers

Sequential Prophet-6

$3,302.83 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Trent Reznor
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Dominic Fike Deadmau5 Martin Garrix
52 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 10

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
132 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,477.84 - $1,899.00

# 14

Rank

Skrillex Neil Halstead Charlie Puth
68 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$301.01 - $652.00

# 15

Rank

John Dwyer Adrian Utley Noisia
64 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$385.00 - $538.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Frank Iero Joe Duplantier
324 artists using
Yamaha Reface DX

$279.00 - $449.99

# 19

Rank

Mac DeMarco Aphex Twin Taylor Swift
34 artists using
Korg MS-20 Mini

$496.32 - $899.99

# 20

Rank

Kevin Parker Mike Shinoda Deadmau5
93 artists using
Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$277.66 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Nick Reinhart Porter Robinson Liam Howlett
53 artists using
Yamaha Reface CS

$79.99 - $495.44

# 22

Rank

Mac DeMarco Fred again.. Justin Vernon
48 artists using
Moog Matriarch

$1,709.10 - $1,944.00

# 24

Rank

Thom Yorke Fred again.. Kurt Vile
39 artists using
Roland AIRA TB-3

$309.99 - $915.00

# 27

Rank

David Guetta Richie Hawtin Jean Michel Jarre
52 artists using
Moog Minimoog Model D

$3,999.00 - $4,999.00

# 28

Rank

Kevin Parker Paul McCartney Mac DeMarco
332 artists using
Roland Boutique JU-06

$479.99 - $1,099.00

# 31

Rank

Mike Shinoda Damon Albarn Matthew Healy
35 artists using
Behringer Model D

$166.00 - $299.00

# 32

Rank

Mac DeMarco Clay Parton Merzbow
28 artists using
Novation Mininova

$385.00 - $529.99

# 34

Rank

Suga (Agust D) Bonobo Jean Michel Jarre
39 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides