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Average Price: $9,552

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$1501+

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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.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nik Kershaw uses PPG Wave 2.2

Nik Kershaw

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken from International Musician & Recording World March 1984 issue, Nik Kershaw can be seen with a PPG Wave 2.2, though it's not mentioned in the article included. It was used for the main riff in "Wouldn't It Be Good", alongside the Yamaha DX7.

See how Dave Greenfield uses PPG Wave 2.2

Dave Greenfield

Keyboardist

The Stranglers

...
Verified via Muzines

As per this article, Dave Greenfield mentions owning a PPG Wave 2.2 synth. It replaced the Hammond organ and piano.

"No... I like [Hammonds] — but on the road it's a hassle for the crew, they take a lot of room up on stage, and they have a tendency to let you down. With the [PPG] Wave, I can get a pretty close sound to the two I used to use on the Hammond — a very percussive, sharp sort of sound, and quite a good Leslie effect... though I never had a Leslie to begin with... Obviously it's not possible to speed up or slow down the 'Leslie', but aside from that, it's remarkably close."

See how Tore Ylwizaker uses PPG Wave 2.2

Tore Ylwizaker

Keyboardist

Ulver

...
Verified via Photo

You can see the Wave 2.2 beneath the Elka Synthex.

See how Martin Rushent uses PPG Wave 2.2

Martin Rushent

Music Producer

The Human League

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:15, a PPG Wave 2.2 can be seen in Martin's studio.

See how Guy E. Fletcher uses PPG Wave 2.2

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.

See how Thomas P. Heckmann uses PPG Wave 2.2

Thomas P. Heckmann

Music Producer

...
Verified via AMAZONA.de

Seen in a picture of Thomas Heckmann's studio

See how Chris Cross uses PPG Wave 2.2

Chris Cross

Bassist, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via Photo

Chris Cross used a PPG Wave 2.2 on stage with Ultravox, according to the January 1985 issue of International Musician.

See how Gunnar Mathias Michaeli uses PPG Wave 2.2

Gunnar Mathias Michaeli

Keyboardist

Europe

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video from "Friday Nights with Europe," Gunnar Mathias Michaeli confirms that the synth used for the pad sounds in "The Final Countdown" was a PPG Wave 2.2. However, during live performances, these pad sounds were played using a Roland JX8P, which is likely the same synth used to record the fanfare riff for the song. This information was shared in response to a fan question on the YouTube channel Europe Fan Media Corner on December 17, 2021.

S

Stuart Neale

Keyboardist, Composer

Kajagoogoo

...
Verified via Getty Images

In the image provided in the provided link, Stuart Neale is pictured using both the Roland Jupiter-8 Synthesizer as well as the PPG Wave 2.2.

See how Firechild uses PPG Wave 2.2

Firechild

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

video of Firechild performing on the PPG Wave 2.2 in his studio

See how Patrick O'Hearn uses PPG Wave 2.2

Patrick O'Hearn

Bassist, Keyboardist

Missing Persons

...
Verified via Ambientvisions

In this interview, Patrick O’Hearn mentions the PPG Wave 2.2 as being among the synthesizers he uses.

See how Elizabeth Parker uses PPG Wave 2.2

Elizabeth Parker

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Muzines

"I've been working on David Attenborough's documentary 'The Living Planet' and if you listen to the programme it's done almost entirely on a PPG Wave 2.2 with a Waveterm computer, a Roland 100 modular system and a rack-mounted vocoder."

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

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hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

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