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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
N

Nick Feldman

Bassist

Wang Chung

...
Verified via Muzines

It is mentioned in this article that Wang Chung used a Fairlight, a PPG Wave 2.2, a Prophet 5, a Jupiter 8, and a LinnDrum, on the "Points On The Curve" Album.

See how Jack Hues uses PPG Wave 2.2

Jack Hues

Guitarist

Wang Chung

...
Verified via Muzines

It is mentioned in this article that Wang Chung used a Fairlight, a PPG Wave 2.2, a Prophet 5, a Jupiter 8, and a LinnDrum, on the "Points On The Curve" Album.

See how Rupert Hine uses PPG Wave 2.2

Rupert Hine

Music Producer

...
Verified

Rupert Hine utilized the PPG Wave 2.2, along with other instruments such as the DX7s and a Prophet T8, on the Thinkman album. This is supported by his description of the Prophet T8 as "the best analogue synth around at the moment," as reported in the article "The Thinking Man's Guide To Production" from Electronics & Music Maker, June 1986.

See how Arianna uses PPG Wave 2.2

Arianna

Music Producer

The Frozen Autumn

...
Verified via YouTube

In the 2005 track "Static Cold" by Arianna, the PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer is featured, as demonstrated in the YouTube video by TEMAZOS DEL SIGLO 21.

See how Ernst Horn uses PPG Wave 2.2

Ernst Horn

Keyboardist, Composer

Deine Lakaien

...
Verified via Photo

Ernst Horn used a PPG Wave 2.2 for his live performance at the Blackfield Fesitval in 2015.

T

Ton Scherpenzeel

Keyboardist

Kayak

...
Verified via Photo

On Camel's "Stationary Traveller" album, Ton Scherpenzeel utilizes a PPG synthesizer in the tracks "Stationary Traveller," "West Berlin," and "Fingertips." While the accompanying image does not specify the exact model, the Andy Latimer Equipboard page indicates that a PPG Wave 2.2 was used during the album's production. It is likely that Scherpenzeel and Latimer shared this gear for the recording.

See how Jim Peterik uses PPG Wave 2.2

Jim Peterik

Singer, Guitarist

Survivor

...
Verified via YouTube

In Survivor's performance of "I Can't Hold Back" on the German TV show "Peter Illmann Treff" in January 1985, Jim Peterik is seen using the PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer at the 2:06 mark.

A

Alistair Coia

Keyboardist

Kids in the Kitchen

...
Verified via YouTube

Alistair Coia is confirmed to use the PPG Wave 2.2 synthesizer, as it is visible in the video "KIDS IN THE KITCHEN - Live in New York City (1986 HD)" at the 10:08 mark, provided by the Kids In The Kitchen Band on YouTube.

D

David Ferguson

Keyboardist, Composer

Random Hold

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the wake of Random Hold's break‑up, David's gear consisted of "bits and pieces. I think I had a PPG Wave 2.2 and a Linndrum, and a 4‑track Portastudio."

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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