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

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 feel that makes their use much more precise. The instrument features 120 voices of stereo polyphony, 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 wavestate native software, including many excellent third-party libraries.

Highlights 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 rigid carrying case included


• High-quality Japanese manufacturing


• 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


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


• 120 Voices Stereo 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 wavestate native software

Premium 61-note keyboard with aftertouch of wavestate SE

wavestate SE features a high-quality 61-key natural-touch keyboard by KORG that offers the same tactile feel as professional KORG workstations. Aftertouch enables refined finger-tip control over wavestate's unique and evolving sounds. Naturally, the performances from the internal sound library have been updated to be controlled by aftertouch, and many completely new ones have been added.

High-quality construction in metal and aluminum

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

Exclusive hard case included with wavestate SE

wavestate SE comes in an elegant dedicated hard case that includes space for cables and a Sustain pedal inside. The instrument travels always protected, whether for rehearsals or a worldwide tour.

New sounds for the wavestate series

All 246 performances from 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 timbral update covers 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 determined by the new hardware in the wavestate series is not available on the original wavestate

The structure of wavestate SE

wavestate SE is a 4-part multitimbric synth (called Layers) manageable also via separate MIDI channels, assignable to different keyboard extensions in Split and/or Layer. Each Layer has its own independent processing chain, featuring multimode filter, envelopes, modulations, effects and dedicated arpeggiator. wavestate SE is based on the advanced 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 capability offered by this technology to separately separate, process and modulate parameters such as time velocity, sample sequence and frequency (Pitch), this advanced synthesizer can generate cinematic, natural and highly innovative timbres. Korg Wavestate SE is far beyond a nostalgic reissue 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 the sequential repetition of a definable series of samples, producing sounds in continuous movement, evolving, of great charm and interest. The new 2.0 technology overcomes some limitations of the technology of that time, such as, for example, the repetitiveness of wavesequences, as it can separate parameters such as time velocity, sample sequence, and their pitch in order to treat them independently. Each of these elements develops temporally through its respective "Lane", displayed on the screen as an editing track with parameters such as: the number of steps, start, end and Loop points. Every time a sequence is executed, the various "Lanes" combine to generate the output sound. For example, a sample can be associated with different values of duration, intonation, shape, gate and step every time it is played. The start, end and loop points of each Lane can be modulated by sources such as velocity, LFO, envelopes, Mod potentiometers, or other controls. Every note of a chord can be played differently! On the Lanes it is also possible to randomize the order of Steps at each playback, with the ability to intervene in real time on their Range. And finally each step can be randomly excluded from execution, 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 that invite true timbral exploration. All filters, envelopes, LFOs and effects are within reach and can be modified via well-positioned controls on the panel. 8 "Mod" potentiometers come pre-assigned to get the best from the selected sound, but you can naturally configure them according to your needs to control the necessary parameters. All potentiometer movements, even during Live performances, can be recorded and saved as new sounds. The control setup is completed by Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels, along with the Vector Joystick, to guarantee multidimensional expression at every moment of your performance. For those who want to go even deeper, all physical controls, as well as most parameters visible on screen, are modulatable—you can even modulate the settings of each Step of the Wave Sequence. The Mod Processors allow you to vary modulation sources by acting on quantization, intensity, curve, and many other parameters.

Inspiration through Timbral Randomization.

For those interested in easy timbral research or quick inspiration from Wavestate SE, simply pressing a button on the front panel marked with a "dice" icon generates new timbres instantly using intelligent randomization algorithms. This way you can generate a finished sound or just 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 editing.

Wavestate SE DSP Effects

Wavestate SE features effects that deliver studio-quality sound. Each Layer has 3 dedicated effect slots, complemented by the Performance with a Master reverb and parametric EQ. You can call up the desired effects from an extensive list that includes the most traditional processors such as: compressors, equalizers, phaser, stereo delay, or those with more distinctive character such as: Wave Shaper, Talking Modulator, Reverse Delay, Multiband Mod Delay, Overb (derived from KRONOS and NAUTILUS workstations), VOX amplifier simulators, VOX wah, multi-head tape echo and a collection of some of the most renowned and used guitar pedals.

Choose your preferred filter with wavestate SE

wavestate SE features a highly performant and versatile multimode filter that allows you to process sound and add character through emulation of the iconic Lowpass and Highpass filters from the legendary monosynth Vintage KORG MS-20, or by using the characteristic soft and warm lowpass filter modeled after the PolySix, another historic KORG instrument. Additional Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, and resonant Notch filter modes are also available in 2 and 4 poles; combined with the distinctive KORG Multi Filter that enables simultaneous and modulatable interaction between different filter types.

Extensive Wavetable 96-voice stereo polyphony

The KORG wavestate SE sample library comprises several gigabytes of samples, an unimaginable amount compared to the original Wavestation. This library powers the Wave Sequences, which include sample banks produced by Plugin Guru, a new collection of samples created specifically by Korg and samples extracted directly from the KRONOS and NAUTILUS libraries. True to Korg tradition, wavestate SE includes all samples from the original Wavestation, including optional ones, and an extensive collection of Wave Sequences. This material forms the foundation of this instrument's entire sonic experience, capable of delivering up to 64 voices of Stereo polyphony using proprietary alias-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 App for Mac and Windows: Sample Builder; many third-party libraries are also available; new samples are loaded via USB and can be used in Wave Sequences or as Multisample just like the factory ones.

wavestate SE a synth multiplied by 4

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

Set List and seamless transition between sounds

Set Lists allow you to organize the sequence of Performances on the wavestate SE according to your needs, to access them immediately during Live performances or rehearsals. The Smooth Sound Transition technology enables natural and seamless transitions, including effects, between sound resources, for consistent performances and without annoying blackouts.

wavestate SE integration in every setup

wavestate SE features 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 ports (DIN) ensure integration into traditional MIDI setups, while the USB "B" Class-Compliant port transmits and receives MIDI data in turn, allowing connection to Windows/Mac computers and guaranteeing interfacing with the Librarian Software freely downloadable from the KORG website.

The wavestate SE Editor/Librarian

This software acts as a second remote front panel of wavestate SE, providing immediate feedback of any changes made to parameters and their values. You can copy and paste sounds, envelopes, LFOs, filter setups and dive deep into the parameters of effects to create your own Presets.

Designed at KORG's California R&D headquarters

KORG's Research and Development department based 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 modern technology employed. Three of the original Wavestation sound designers, John Bowen, John "Skippy" Lehmkuhl (Plugin Guru) and Peter "Ski" Schwartz joined with Belgian artist Airwave and KORG's renowned "voicing team" to bring to life the incredible sound library of wavestate SE.

Musical software bundled with WAVESTATE SE

wavestate SE comes supplied with a wide variety of musical software from the renowned software house Izotope, including "Ozone Elements" which enables music creation and processing using artificial intelligence algorithms, as well as the educational software "Skoove" which helps improve your keyboard skills, and a selection of KORG software synthesizers.

wavestate SE Technical Specifications

• Keyboard . 61 keys (Natural touch velocity-sensitive, release velocity sensitive 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 changes are stored in the Performance, in 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

Modulation

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