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PPG Wave 2.3

5.0 (5)

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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Andy Richards

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Strawbs

Verified

Andy Richards utilizes the PPG Wave 2.3 synthesizer in his studio setup, as detailed in the article "Programmer's Protocol" from Music Technology, June 1988. The article describes Richards' impressive gear collection, which includes the PPG Wave 2.3 among other synthesizers and modules, all interconnected through a Sycologic M16 MIDI matrix.

John Zahner

Keyboardist

Savatage

Verified via Photo

From Midnight's Facebook page on November 11 2021:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10160378753262908&id=99197487907

Statement from John Zahner———Transcendence was an amazing album to be a part of. Even though I was never an official member of Crimson Glory I was there for the rehearsals and construction of this epic proto Prog Metal album. Midnight, Jon, and Jeff, did the lion share of writing with Dana, and Ben, and even myself all adding to the stew. Recording this album was unique as it was decided from the get go to be one of the first to be realized on a Synclavier II. This meant all events were recorded not just to tape but also digital world. Les Macar whose instrument it was had recently upgraded his system to include Winchester Drives where everything was stored. This set of drives also had a wide range of sampled sounds we could use as our orchestra. Rudimentary Drums were recorded and saved Next Dana played over the tracks adding cymbals and extra events, then Jeff added the bass which pulled all the rhythm tracks together and gave them that human element. Guitars went on next, layers of Brilliantly conceived Metal madness, but with deep foundations all supporting this monolith. Midnight sang many in one take the complex vocal arrangements augmented by Janelle Sadler and some of Tampa Bays best on backups. I along with Les, Jim, and usually Jeff helped flesh out the rest on the Synclav, EMU Emax, Yamaha DX7II, PPG Wave 2.3 and Roland D-50. After mixing and mastering we realized that bringing this album to our Crimson Glory fans would be an effort of love and require An extra vocalist, and a keyboardist, me. There is a full remaster of this CD planned, and maybe some more live DVDs of the 1989 tour. Happy Rock'n Anniversary Transcendence!

和泉宏隆公式チャンネル

Keyboardist

T‐SQUARE

Verified via YouTube

At 3:01, you can see the distinctive blue panel and white buttons of a PPG Wave on Izumi's left side. You can tell its a version 2.3 by the number pad on the right side of the keyboard.