KORG Intros wavestate, opsix, & modwave Modules

Ahead of the 2024 NAMM Show, being held January 25-28, 2024 in Anaheim, California, Korg has announced module versions of the opsix, wavestate and modwave synthesizers.

MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange and Polyphonic Aftertouch support

With the latest software updates, all models of modwave, hardware and software, support MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange and easy access to Polyphonic Aftertouch.

Rack-Mount and Desktop

The modules are designed for both desktop and rack-mount use. The panel is redesigned to fit into a standard 19-inch width, and the rear jack panel is recessed to allow easy access to cables even with gear mounted directly above. With desktop setups, brackets offer a choice of panel angles: flatter for performing standing up, or more upright for working while seated in your studio.

The Korg modwave module offers of the features of the modwave mkII in a compact 19-inch desktop/rackmount package.

Here’s what they have to say about the modwave:

“modwave builds on the legacy of KORG’s DW-8000 and transforms it into a modern synth, featuring incredibly deep wavetable oscillators, gorgeous filters, wildly flexible modulation, unmatched polyphony, comprehensive pattern sequencing, and immediately satisfying hands-on control to deliver unique, powerful, and easily customizable sounds and phrases.”

See the Korg site for details.

The opsix module features Korg’s hands-on implementation of FM synthesis. The opsix module is fully compatible with the sounds of the original opsix, opsix mk II, opsix SE, and opsix native software, as well as numerous third-party libraries. The 19″ rack-mountable enclosure has the same controls as the keyed models, yet is easily transportable and fits neatly into any studio or desktop production system.

The Korg wavestate module offers all of the features of the wavestate mkII in a compact 19-inch desktop/rackmount package.

Here’s what they have to say about the wavestate:

“In 2020, the acclaimed wavestate brought KORG’s Wave Sequencing to the next level. Featuring the radically re-imagined Wave Sequencing 2.0, the wavestate delivers astonishing, ever-changing sounds with extensive hands-on control. Far from a nostalgic reissue, the wavestate was designed from the ground up for a new generation of musicians, producers, and composers, taking cues from sources as diverse as modular synths, groove boxes, and algorithmic composition.”

See the Korg site for details.

30 thoughts on “KORG Intros wavestate, opsix, & modwave Modules”

  3. I tried to find a suggested price and this information does not appear to be available, even at the Korg site. The 19″ width of this module would be perfect for my studio. I was a supporter of the case enclosure retrofit for my Wavestate. It has arrived and is great for what it is. Had I known that a 19″ module would become available, I wouldn’t have purchased the case retrofit and I would have sold my Wavestate long ago.

  4. Smart move. I find that the Wavestate contains some surprisingly good acoustic instruments, but for synth work, the module form is much more appealing than one with blah keys. I’m happy to use my choice of a better controller for a module. This line of three has too much creative power to be left on the sidelines.

      2. You are aware of that most digital synths has a computer build in, but in a very compromised computer, which is only designed for its purpose?

        Anyway these devices will come as plugins at Korg too?

        1. There are already very nice VSTs for each of these synths. I was going to buy a WaveState but opted for the VST instead. Now I use it all the time.

        1. These Korg synths are based on Raspberry Pi modules.

          This offends some people somehow, since they assume that being based on an off-the-shelf platform means that (a) making and shipping a synth based on a Raspberry Pi is easy, and (b) there’s some sonic magic in the more custom DSP platforms of earlier times that can’t be replicated in something that’s available to everyone.

          Of course, anyone with a knowledge of electronics and mathematics will know that (a) the platform was never the most expensive or interesting part of any digital synth (b) a DSP is a DSP, it all adds up to a number going to the DAC and it doesn’t matter where that came from.

          Honestly, at this point, the offensive thing would be for companies to *not* use off the shelf hardware platforms.

          1. Sounds great, means nothing…but appears off-putting kind of like those who use AI to help write a book, but who am I to judge…I reverse engineer pedals, so I am much more of a shortcut taker……just my take (it does not bother me, I am just playing Devil’s Advocate)…..

            but I am still butthurt I missed the OPsix blowout sale, and used proces do not reflect that sale, so I will always be salty about it.

            If I wasn’t a poor POS I would pick up all three of these modules, I like the OG versions and these would be better so I can use my own MIDI setup easier and with less space taken.

            1. How is designing a synth and using AI to cheat anywhere near the same thing

              The entire world outside of the USA missed that Opsix sale

          2. rvense: I had the Wavestate VST plugin and was so impressed that I bought a hardware Wavestation.
            I sold it less than a year later, because the CPU in it (yes, the Pi) is simply WEAK.
            Any patch I chose on the VST on my M1 Max is instantly ready to play.

            On the hardware Wavestate it can take several seconds on complex patches before it is ready to produce any sound, plus polyphony on REALLY complex patches (like Assam Ambience Split) was halved compared to the plugin.

            That’s why.
            And in addition comes the plastic feel, awful and not nearly enough keys for doing something useful, keyboard.

      4. If that’s all there is to it, why don’t you go out and make some.
        I’m sure you could come up with something much better than some upstart company like Korg.
        I look forward to seeing your synth modules soon Q.

      5. The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 includes a 1.5 GHz quad-core Cortex-A72, LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM and up to 32GB of flash memory. It’s a powerful SoM (system-on module). By using it instead of laying out their own custom MCU board, KORG was able to focus their R&D work on the firmware and control hardware — the stuff that really matters.

        Are you honestly trying to tell us that to be a “real” synth, the MCU and memory has to be incorporated onto the main PCB? That’s irrational.

  5. Glad to see rack mount versions. Have been downsizing my hardware setups for a few years now and this triple tier config will replace one of my current triple tier giant Ultimate support keyboard setups. Lots of audio fire power sonic fun in those modules. Love the triple rack setup.

    1. I just did the modul-isation kit on my v1 Wavestate – rather irritatingly in view of the present release but heh – and in that process they showed different boards for each Pi, so it would have to be the whole board – which I’d guess is quite a bit of the cost?

  9. This is great, I just wish KORG had done this 4 years ago!

    Previously people have actually sawn off the unpleasant 3-octave keyboards to create modules.

  10. Knowing last Korg’s business decisions I’m pretty sure those are effect of having previously build MK1 motherboards: “Let’s repack it a a module and sell them even more expensive!”.

    To be honest, it’s a very good move to provide rack version of this synth. But I feel it’s a little unfair that after massive communication “Hey, look, a great MK2!”, Kors is like undercover trying sel MK1…

    My toughts are only based on a layout appearance. Can someone confirm it?

  13. The Raspberry Pi has an upward limit like any platform. Considering how lively the instruments sound, it might be wide open, without enough added power for multitimbrality. The MoDWave is bi-timbral, but the other two are doing quite a lot of unusual processing.

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