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PPG Wave 2.3

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2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Apr 09, 2026

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Description

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Step into the world of digital synthesis with the PPG Wave 2.3, a classic synthesizer that has carved its niche in the annals of electronic music history. This iconic instrument combines the best of both worlds, marrying the warmth of analog filters with digital wavetable oscillators, offering a unique sound palette that has captivated musicians for decades. With its distinct sonic capabilities, the PPG Wave 2.3 is not just a synthesizer but a creative tool that empowers artists to explore new dimensions of sound.

The PPG Wave 2.3 features a 61-key keyboard that provides a responsive and expressive playing experience, making it an ideal choice for both studio recordings and live performances. Its interface is intuitive, allowing users to dive deep into sound design without getting lost in complexity. The synthesizer is renowned for its ability to produce lush pads, dynamic leads, and intricate textures, contributing to its status as a favorite among electronic musicians and producers.

Whether you're looking to recreate the classic sounds of the past or craft entirely new sonic landscapes, the PPG Wave 2.3 stands as a testament to the enduring power of innovation in music technology.

Key Features:

Digital wavetable synthesis combined with analog filters
61-key keyboard for expressive performance
Intuitive interface for deep sound exploration
Capable of producing a wide array of sounds, from lush pads to dynamic leads
A staple in electronic music production and live performance setups

Videos

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Torsten Abel

PPG WAVE 2.3 Sounds

Torsten Abel

PPG wave 2.3 pure, dry and raw (no FX)

synthlegends

PPG Wave 2.3 - quick demo

ymarcc

PPG wave 2.3 Sequencer and Arpeggiator Quick Tutorial

synthlegends

PPG wave 2.2 vs 2.3 are there any differences?

synthlegends

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 2.3.

Value and pricing

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Despite modern alternatives, the PPG Wave 2.3's unique sound appeals to enthusiasts, especially for those seeking '80s Tangerine Dream tones.
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Features and functionality

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The analog filters in the original and reissue PPG Waves differ, with the reissue using different filter chips, impacting their sonic character.
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The PPG Wave 2.3 offers a choice between recreating its classic aliasing or using interpolation to reduce aliasing for smoother wave transitions.
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The PPG Wave 2.3's aliasing, a result of technical limitations in its processor and converters, contributes to its distinct pitch tracking sound, which some synths now simulate.
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The PPG Wave 2.3 uses 12-bit samples, unlike its predecessor's 8-bit, enhancing sound depth and richness.
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The PPG Wave 2.3's keypad is used for selecting wavetables and modes, potentially being replaced with MIDI capabilities in newer versions.
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Originally lacked filters; SSM filters were added due to unexpected grunge from buggy waveform calculations.
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The Waveterm module, with its screen and disk drives, facilitates sample and waveform editing, directly transferring data into the PPG's RAM.
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Use cases and applications

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PPG Wave synthesizers, while distinct in sound, may not be the best choice for creating a wide variety of vintage and modern sounds, as other synths like the Blofeld might.
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The PPG Wave's bright and strident sound is ideal for standout leads but may require complementary synths like a Prophet to mitigate harshness in a mix.
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Known for its use in '80s music, with distinctive sounds in albums like Tangerine Dream's "Exit" and Patrick O'Hearn's work.
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Comparisons

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The Behringer Wave, though not as close to the PPG 2.3 as the Waldorf M, is considered excellent value at a third of the cost.
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The Waldorf hardware and Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave offer modes that replicate the original PPG 2.x aliasing, differentiating them from other products using PPG waveforms.
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The Waldorf Blofeld, with PPG wavetables and filter models, offers a modern alternative to the vintage PPG Wave 2.3.
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The PPG Wave 2.3 is noted for its unique ability to create glassy sounds and digital noise, unlike traditional subtractive synthesis.
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Mods and upgrades

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Allowing users to load custom waveforms could bypass copyright issues while maintaining the PPG Wave 2.3's unique sound character.
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User experience

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Some enthusiasts prefer a modern PPG-inspired synth with additional features, suggesting a mix of vintage sound and contemporary capabilities would be desirable.
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Owners note the UI is archaic and cumbersome, reflecting its vintage nature, making modern alternatives like the 3rd Wave more appealing.
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Other

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The PPG Wave's grainy sound results from harmonic-rich waveforms due to a buggy sinewave routine, not low bit-depth alone.
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Critic Reviews

PPG Wave 2.3 & Waveterm B

soundonsound.com

The PPG Wave 2.3 is a groundbreaking piece of synth history, lauded for its innovative wavetable synthesis and analog warmth. While the technology may seem dated, its unique sound and flexibility still hold a special place for enthusiasts. Its robust analog filtering and the ability to produce complex sound textures make it a standout, even compared to modern counterparts. However, its clunky interface and fragile build quality can be off-putting, particularly for those accustomed to contemporary gear. As a vintage treasure, it’s a quirky but rewarding investment for those seeking retro audio charm.

positive

Full Review

PPG Wave 2.3 (ES Jul 84)

muzines.co.uk

The PPG Wave 2.3 is a hybrid synthesizer that impresses with its monstrous audio capabilities, blending digital voicing and analog controls. Its standout feature is the waveform cascading effect, producing unique sounds unmatched by rivals. With 1800+ waveforms and a robust 8-track sequencer, it offers immense creative potential. However, its complexity may deter beginners, and the manual's translation issues add to the challenge. At £3,995, it promises a Fairlight-rivaling experience for those who can master its intricacies. Despite the steep price, the PPG Wave 2.3 is hailed as an exceptional, unique synth for serious musicians.

positive

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Artist usage

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Nigel Godrich

Music Producer

Radiohead

Verified via Photo

Nigel Godrich is confirmed to use the PPG Wave 2.3 synthesizer, as evidenced by a photograph taken in late 2006 at "The Hospital" studio during the recording of "In Rainbows." The image shows the PPG Wave 2.3 among other synthesizers and equipment present in the studio.

Michael Cretu

Singer, Composer

Enigma

Verified via Photo

on the left side you can see the blue PPG

Greg Hawkes

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Cars

Verified via Dailyeventsbookpagethree

It's actually a misprint, there was never a PPG Wave 3.2, but there was a PPG Wave 2.3

Greg Hawkes Both Greg and Ric used the Fairlight CMI extensively on Heartbeat City, but also used the Roland Jupiter B and Vocoder, the Memorymoog, the Yamaha DX7 and DX9, the Mini-Korg, a Prophet 5 and a PPG 3.2 Wave synthesizer.

Mark Kelly

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Marillion

Verified via YouTube

Mark used a PPG Wave in 1985 for the Misplaced Childhood album and tour.

Ian Stanley

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tears for Fears

Verified via Mixonline

"Their layered style of recording also made it easier to work from Stanley's home studio, which the band had recently upgraded using advance money from the second album. Stanley's newly expanded home studio included a 32-channel Soundcraft console, a 24-track analog tape machine and room for the band's keyboard and synthesizer collection, which included such classic designs as Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Fairlight CMI, Roland Jupiter 8, Yamaha DX7 synthesizer and PPG Wave. They also had a LinnDrum LM-2, another recent acquisition."

Dave Greenfield

Keyboardist

The Stranglers

Verified via YouTube

You can see Dave playing an organ patch on it very clearly at 11:17.

Matthew Dear

Music Producer, DJ

Verified via Attack Magazine

He says, "I was working on creating arpeggios and polyrhythms and working with the Waldorf PPG Wave soft synth, which I’ve never used before."

Joakim

Music Producer, DJ

Verified via YouTube

PPG Wave 2.3 in video

Mike Lindup

Singer, Keyboardist

Level 42

Verified via Photo

In a 1986 performance at Wembley, Mike Lindup can be seen using a PPG Wave 2.3 synthesizer, as depicted in the Wikimedia image.

TIM SIMENON

Keyboardist, Composer

Interference

Verified via Gearslutz

Tim Simenon used the PPG Wave 2.3 synthesizer during the production of Depeche Mode's "Ultra" album, as discussed in the Gearslutz Pro Audio Community forum.