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Description

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
Torsten Abel

Torsten Abel

PPG WAVE 2.3 Sounds

Video thumbnail for PPG WAVE 2.3 Sounds by Torsten Abel

PPG WAVE 2.3 Sounds

Torsten Abel

Torsten Abel

Video thumbnail for PPG wave 2.3 pure, dry and raw (no FX) by synthlegends

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

synthlegends

synthlegends

Video thumbnail for PPG Wave 2.3 - quick demo by ymarcc

PPG Wave 2.3 - quick demo

ymarcc

ymarcc

Video thumbnail for PPG wave 2.3 Sequencer and Arpeggiator Quick Tutorial by synthlegends

PPG wave 2.3 Sequencer and Arpeggiator Quick Tutorial

synthlegends

synthlegends

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 2.3.

Value and pricing

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

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The analog filters in the original and reissue PPG Waves differ, with the reissue using different filter chips, impacting their sonic character.

    Source
  • The PPG Wave 2.3 offers a choice between recreating its classic aliasing or using interpolation to reduce aliasing for smoother wave transitions.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The PPG Wave 2.3 uses 12-bit samples, unlike its predecessor's 8-bit, enhancing sound depth and richness.

    Source
  • The PPG Wave 2.3's keypad is used for selecting wavetables and modes, potentially being replaced with MIDI capabilities in newer versions.

    Source
  • Originally lacked filters; SSM filters were added due to unexpected grunge from buggy waveform calculations.

    Source
  • The Waveterm module, with its screen and disk drives, facilitates sample and waveform editing, directly transferring data into the PPG's RAM.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Known for its use in '80s music, with distinctive sounds in albums like Tangerine Dream's "Exit" and Patrick O'Hearn's work.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Waldorf Blofeld, with PPG wavetables and filter models, offers a modern alternative to the vintage PPG Wave 2.3.

    Source
  • The PPG Wave 2.3 is noted for its unique ability to create glassy sounds and digital noise, unlike traditional subtractive synthesis.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

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

    Source

User experience

  • Some enthusiasts prefer a modern PPG-inspired synth with additional features, suggesting a mix of vintage sound and contemporary capabilities would be desirable.

    Source
  • Owners note the UI is archaic and cumbersome, reflecting its vintage nature, making modern alternatives like the 3rd Wave more appealing.

    Source

Other

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

    Source

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

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

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Frank uses PPG Wave 2.3

David Frank

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

David Frank used the PPG Wave 2.3 synthesizer, as noted in the May 1986 issue of Keyboard Magazine.

See how Mark Morgan uses PPG Wave 2.3

Mark Morgan

Music Producer

Jefferson Starship

...
Verified

"At the time I was using a NED Synclavier as my workstation controlling a few midi synths and modules like a Nord 2, Virus, PPG 2.3, Jupiter 6 and a rackmount synth called a Morpheus by EMU. The Morpheus, like a lot of the rackmount modules in the ‘90s, had this little screen with tons of pages to figure out which made programming painful, but once I figured out the programming architecture it yielded some interesting clangy metal sounds and some strange ambiences, which became a big part of the palette and sound of Fallout."

See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses PPG Wave 2.3

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Whitefiles

The list of synthesizers and samplers that the radiophonic workshop back in 1985.

M

Mark Shreeve

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Redshift

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this interview, Mark's use of the PPG Wave 2.3 is mentioned.

See how Jim Gilmour uses PPG Wave 2.3

Jim Gilmour

Singer, Keyboardist

Saga

...
Verified via YouTube

At around the 2:50 mark, a PPG Wave synthetizer can be seen in Gilmour's rig.

J

Joie Hinton

Keyboardist

Ozric Tentacles

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"Joie is also the proud owner of a PPG Wave 2.3 (the Waldorf Wave's predecessor — see the RetroZone in SOS December 1996), and is therefore well qualified to sing the Waldorf's praises, or otherwise: "The new one's definitely less buzzy! The old PPG is astonishing really, and has a totally distinctive kind of sound to it." (soundonsound.com, Jan 1997)

See how Luca Anzilotti uses PPG Wave 2.3

Luca Anzilotti

Composer

Snap!

...
Verified via Discogs

The PPG Wave 2.3 synthesizer is confirmed to have been used by Luca Anzilotti, as it is mentioned on the inner sleeve of the Off – "Electrica Salsa (Baba Baba)" single, according to the Discogs entry for the release.

See how Emperor Machine (Andy Meecham) uses PPG Wave 2.3

Emperor Machine (Andy Meecham)

...
Verified via YouTube

In a studio tour featured on MusicRadar Tech's YouTube channel, Emperor Machine (Andy Meecham) showcases the PPG Wave 2.3 synthesizer, highlighting its role in his creative process.

See how Kenny Kirkland uses PPG Wave 2.3

Kenny Kirkland

Keyboardist, Composer

Buckshot LeFonque

...
Verified via sting.com

This article from International Musician & Recording World July 1985 issue (reproduced on Sting's website) mentions Kenny Kirkland using a PPG Wave 2.3 on the then-forthcoming Dream of the Blue Turtles tour.

See how Laza Ristovski uses PPG Wave 2.3

Laza Ristovski

Keyboardist

Bijelo dugme

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video laza can be seen using a ppg wave 2.3 synthesizer.

S

S Paul Wilson

Keyboardist

Classix Nouveaux

...
Verified via YouTube

In the "Classix Nouveaux Medley" video by beatlecorp, S Paul Wilson can be seen using the PPG Wave 2.3 synthesizer during the tour in the Netherlands.

See how Tommy Eyre uses PPG Wave 2.3

Tommy Eyre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

WHAM!

...
Verified via Photo

Tommy Eyre's use of the PPG Wave 2.3 is confirmed by the October 1985 issue of Keyboard Magazine. The article, authored by Bob Doerschuk, states on page 14: "Tommy Eyre used the PPG Wave 2.3 on tour with Wham! on the song 'Everything She Wants'."

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 2.3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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