KORG modwave mkII Wavetable Synthesizer

The KORG modwave mkII is a powerhouse compact wavetable synthesizer capable of producing a massive array of sounds, from classic analog to complex digital. A predecessor to the modwave, KORG released the DW-8000 in 1985, which combined digital wavetables with analog filters to put an entirely new world of sound at users’ fingertips. The cult success of the DW-8000 naturally set the wheels of innovation in motion, leading to the original modwave, and the updated modwave mkII wavetable creation station. Musicians, sound designers or anyone seeking a compact synthesizer with virtually limitless customization can take advantage of the modwave mkII’s advanced feature set. Get lost in an elaborate synthesis engine and delve into interactive Kaoss Physics that transform gestures into intricate musical textures. The KORG modwave mkII is a powerful tool that promotes enjoyment and gratification from the first note played.

Deep Wavetable Engine

The modwave mkII’s wavetable engine dives to oceanic depths of sonic exploration. Embark on a journey with over 200 stock wavetables, each containing up to 64 waveforms. Over 30 modifiers alter the basic characteristics of the selected wavetable, allowing isolation of odd or even harmonics, or the ability to emulate the grittiness of old-school wavetable synths. From here, the KORG modwave mkII synthesizer offers 13 Morph Types: stretch, squeeze and modulate wavetables in real time for additional motion and depth. Of course, you can blend any two wavetables together using A/B mode—enrich anemic sounds or liven up a tone that’s too mellow. If you’ve run out of waters to explore, simply import your own wavetables using the Editor/Librarian software. The modwave mkII is as fathomless as you’re willing to go.   

Kaoss Physics

The modwave mkII features a built-in Kaoss Physics pad for interactive, gestural sound manipulation. The touchscreen models a ball rolling on a surface and bouncing off walls inside the X/Y pad. Speed and movement of the model are adjustable and modulable in real time, and the position of the ball corresponds to eight modulation signals. Flicking a finger on the screen launches the ball and initiates a chaotic trajectory, while holding a finger on the pad lets you control its movement and position directly. Kaoss Physics’ X/Y axes represent customizable modulation values, and as the ball bounces around these planes, it generates outlandish musicality that’s hands-on in an arcade-style way.