KORG wavestate SE digital synthesizer Made in Japan with 61-note keyboard and aftertouch, uses a powerful vector synthesis generator, with 120-voice stereo polyphony that combines: Wavesequencing 2.0, Wavetable, Sample Player with the ability to upload your own samples via the free Sample Builder software. It has a Multitimbral structure on 4 independent Layers, multimode filters and extensive modulation possibilities. It uses Smooth Sound Transition technology for seamless sound changes.

wavestate SE is housed in an elegant and durable metal cabinet, ideal for live concerts and studio sessions; the control panel knobs are also made of metal and have the right tactile consistency that makes their use much more precise. The instrument has a polyphony of 120 stereo voices, almost double that of the original Wavestation. wavestate SE comes with hundreds of updated sounds ready for aftertouch control. It is also fully compatible with sounds and samples from the original Wavestate and for the native Wavestate software, including many excellent third-party libraries.

Highlight of wavestate SE 

• 61-note Natural Feel keyboard with Aftertouch


• Internal library with hundreds of updated sounds


• Robust and elegant metal construction suitable for touring


• Exclusive hard case included


• High-quality Japanese production


• Wave Sequencing 2.0 synthesis engine


• Extensive modulation possibilities controllable in every detail


• Library with several GB of factory samples


• Import up to 4GB of User Samples


• Various physical modeling filter emulations, including: MS-20 and Polysix


• 120 Stereo Voice Polyphony


• 4 Layers with vector control


• 14 simultaneous effects


• Set Lists and Smooth Sound Transitions: seamless sound transitions


• Random Timbre Generation


• Free Editor/Librarian and Sample Builder software for Mac and Windows     


• Designed by Korg R&D in California


• Special crossgrade to native wavestate software

High-end 61-note keyboard with aftertouch on wavestate SE 

wavestate SE features KORG's high-quality 61-note natural-touch keyboard, offering the same tactile feel as professional KORG workstations. Aftertouch allows for refined fingertip control over wavestate's unique and evolving sounds. Naturally, the Performances in the internal sound library have been updated to be controlled by aftertouch, and many completely new ones have been added.

High-quality metal and aluminum construction

The elegant enclosure of wavestate SE is made entirely of metal, resulting in both elegance and robustness, capable of withstanding the rigors of touring. The control panel is made of matte black aluminum, providing a great aesthetic contrast with the glossy black metal side panels; the metal-plated knobs add an extra professional touch to the instrument.

Exclusive hard case included with wavestate SE

wavestate SE comes in an elegant, dedicated hard case, which includes space for cables and a sustain pedal. The instrument is thus always protected, both for rehearsals and for a world tour.

New sounds for the wavestate series

All 246 Performances in the internal library have been updated. 485 Programs out of a total of 756 have been updated, and 15 new Performances and 43 new Programs have been introduced. The timbre update applies to both wavestate mk II and wavestate SE/Se Platinum. The new sounds can also be loaded onto the original Wavestate.

Note: the increase in polyphony due to the new hardware of the wavestate series is not available on the original wavestate

The structure of wavestate SE

wavestate SE is a 4-part multitimbral synth (called Layers) that can also be managed via separate MIDI channels, assignable to different keyboard ranges in Split and/or Layer mode. Each Layer has an independent processing chain, with a multimode filter, envelopes, modulations, effects, and a dedicated arpeggiator. wavestate SE is based on the evolved WaveSequencing 2.0 synthesis system, characterized by evolving and atmospheric sounds, capable of stimulating and satisfying the timbral needs of new generations of musicians, producers, and composers. Thanks to the ability offered by this technology to separate, process, and modulate parameters such as tempo speed, sample sequence, and frequency (Pitch) separately, this advanced synthesizer can generate cinematic, natural, and remarkably innovative timbres. Korg Wavestate SE is far beyond a nostalgic re-edition of the original Wavestation; it is a completely new project inspired by sound sources such as modular synths, groove boxes, and algorithmic generators.

Wave Sequencing 2.0

Wave sequencing was originally introduced by KORG in the legendary original Wavestation, a synthesis system that allowed for the sequential repetition of a definable series of samples, producing continuously moving, evolving sounds of great suggestion and interest. The new 2.0 technology overcomes some limitations of the technology of the time, such as the repetitiveness of wavesequences. This new technology can separate parameters such as tempo speed, sample sequence, and pitch so that they can be processed independently. Each of these elements develops temporally through its respective "Lane," represented on the display as an editing track with parameters such as: the number of steps, start points, end points, and loop points. Each time a sequence is played, the various "Lanes" combine to generate the output sound. For example, a sample can be associated with different duration, pitch, shape, gate, and step values each time it is played. The start, end, and loop points of each Lane can be modulated by sources such as velocity, LFOs, envelopes, Mod pots, or other controls. Each note in a chord can be played differently! On the Lanes, it is also possible to randomize the order of the Steps with each playback, with the ability to intervene in real-time on their Range. Finally, each step can be randomly excluded from execution by intervening with values from 0 to 100% on the "probability" parameter. The result is a natural and evolving sound that responds to your controls. The four arpeggiators of the instrument can finally interact with the Wave Sequences, further expanding the timbral possibilities of this digital synthesizer.

wavestate SE expression and articulation.

Wavestate SE features numerous physical controls, an invitation to true timbral exploration. All filters, envelopes, LFOs, and effects are at your fingertips and can be modified by the well-placed controls on the panel. 8 "Mod" potentiometers are pre-assigned to get the most out of the selected sound, but it is naturally possible to configure them according to your needs to control the necessary parameters. All potentiometer movements, even during live performances, can be memorized and saved as new sounds. Completing the control set are the Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels, plus the Vector Joystick, to ensure multidimensional expression at all times during your performance. For those who want to go even deeper, all physical controls, as well as most of the parameters displayed on the screen, are modulable; it is even possible to modulate the settings of each step of the Wave Sequence. The Mod Processors allow you to vary the modulation sources by intervening on quantization, intensity, curve, and many other parameters.

Inspiration through Timbral Randomization.

For those interested in easy timbre searching or quick inspiration from Wavestate SE, by simply pressing a button on the front panel marked with the "dice" icon, you can instantly generate new timbres using intelligent randomization algorithms. This allows you to generate a finished sound or only part of it, such as the filter, Sample Lane, or effects. The results of this automatic processing can be used directly or as a starting point for further processing.

The DSP effects of Wavestate SE

Wavestate SE features effects that allow for studio-quality sounds. Each Layer has 3 dedicated effect slots, in addition to the Performance with a Master Reverb and a parametric EQ. You can call up desired effects from a wide list that includes more traditional processors such as: compressors, equalizers, phasers, stereo delays, or those with a more distinctive character such as: Wave Shaper, Talking Modulator, Reverse Delay, Multiband Mod Delay, Overb (derived from KRONOS and NAUTILUS workstations), VOX amp simulators, VOX wah, multi-head tape echo, and a collection of the most well-known and used guitar pedals.

Choose your favorite filter with wavestate SE

wavestate SE has a remarkably powerful and versatile multimode filter that allows you, for example, to process sound by adding character thanks to the emulation of the Lowpass and Highpass filters of the iconic monophonic Vintage KORG MS-20 synth, or by using the characteristic soft and warm lowpass modeled after that of the PolySix, another historic KORG instrument. Other filter modes are also available: 2-pole and 4-pole resonant Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, and Notch; combined with the particular KORG Multi Filter which allows simultaneous and modulable interaction between different filter types.

Large Wavetable 96 stereo voices of polyphony

The sample library of KORG wavestate SE consists of several Gigabytes of samples, an unimaginable quantity compared to that of the original Wavestation. This library feeds the Wave Sequences, which include sample banks produced by Plugin Guru, a new collection of samples specially created by Korg itself, and samples extracted directly from the KRONOS and NAUTILUS libraries. As per Korg tradition, wavestate SE includes all the samples of the original Wavestation, including optional ones, and a vast collection of Wave Sequences. This material forms the foundation on which the entire sound experience of this instrument is based, capable of delivering up to 64 voices of Stereo polyphony with a proprietary aliasing-free sample playback technology developed by KORG.

4GB of User Samples

On Korg wavestate SE, you can import up to 4GB of your favorite Samples using the free Mac and Windows App: Sample Builder; many third-party libraries are also available; new samples are loaded via USB and can be used in Wave Sequences or as Multisamples just like the factory ones.

wavestate SE a synth multiplied by 4

wavestate SE allows for particularly rich and complex sounds by layering up to 4 different Programs within a Performance; it is also possible to control them individually on 4 different MIDI channels. Each of the 4 Layers has an independent processing chain with: filter, envelopes, LFOs, effects, and an arpeggiator. The envelope and vector joystick can mix the Programs (individual voices) of the 4 Layers and also modulate further parameters.

Set List and seamless sound transition

Set Lists allow you to organize the succession of Performances on the wavestate SE according to your needs, to access them immediately during live shows or rehearsals. Smooth Sound Transition technology allows for a natural and seamless transition, including effects, between sound resources, for homogeneous performances and without annoying blackouts.

wavestate SE integration into any setup

wavestate SE has an advanced and professional connection system such as balanced stereo outputs that allow connection to any recording or listening system; the stereo headphone output for playing or programming without external interference. The MIDI (DIN) ports ensure integration into traditional MIDI setups, while the Class-Compliant USB "B" port transmits and receives MIDI data, allowing connection to Windows/Mac computers and ensuring interfacing with the Librarian Software downloadable for free from the KORG website.

The Editor/Librarian of wavestate SE

This software acts as a second remote front panel for wavestate SE, providing immediate feedback on any changes made to parameters and their values. It is possible to copy and paste sounds, envelopes, LFOs, filter setups, and delve deep into effect parameters to create your own Presets.

Designed at KORG's California R&D headquarters

KORG's Research and Development department in California created the original Wavestation, participated in the development of OASYS and Kronos, and developed fundamental technologies used in numerous KORG instruments. wavestate reflects their aesthetic concept, generates exceptional sounds, and offers great versatility and flexibility thanks to the modern technology employed. Three of the original Wavestation's sound designers, John Bowen, John “Skippy” Lehmkuhl (Plugin Guru), and Peter “Ski” Schwartz joined Belgian artist Airwave and KORG's renowned “voicing team” to bring the incredible sound library of wavestate SE to life.

Music software bundled with WAVESTATE SE

wavestate SE comes with a wide variety of music software from the well-known software house Izotope, including "Ozone Elements" which allows for the creation and processing of tracks using artificial intelligence algorithms, or the educational software "Skoove" which helps improve keyboard skills, and a selection of KORG software synthesizers.

Technical specifications of wavestate SE

• Keyboard. 61 keys (Natural touch velocity-sensitive, release velocity with aftertouch)


• Sound generation system: Wave Sequencing 2.0


• Maximum polyphony: 120 stereo voices


• Sounds: 261 Performances, 799 Programs, 1,042 Wave Sequences, Memory locations for tens of thousands of User Performances

Structure

Performance

4 Layers, Reverb, EQ;
All edits are stored in the Performance, DAW-style (saved as separate Programs, Wave Sequences etc. supported but not required)
Layer Program, Arpeggiator, Key and Velocity Zones
Program Wave Sequence, Filter, Amp, Pre FX, Mod FX, Delay

Filters: 2-pole LPF, 2-pole HPF, 2-pole BPF, 2-pole Band Reject, 4-pole LPF, 4-pole HPF, 4-pole BPF, 4-pole Band Reject, Multi Filter, MS-20 LPF, MS-20 HPF, Polysix

Modulations

Controls: Mod Wheel, Pitch Wheel, Vector Joystick X/Y, 8x Program/Performance Mod Knobs