Korg modwave-MK2 Wavetable Synth with Kaoss Physics & Motion Sequencing 2.0 – 37 Key
Korg modwave-MK2 builds on the DW legacy and transforms it into a modern monster synth. In fact, it features incredibly deep wavetable oscillators, gorgeous filters and wildly flexible modulation. Also, it has unmatched polyphony, comprehensive pattern sequencing, and immediately satisfying hands-on control. Above all, it delivers unique, powerful, and easily customizable sounds and phrases.
Two Unique New tools: Kaoss Physics and Motion Sequencing 2.0.
Kaoss Physics combines an x/y Kaoss pad with modulatable game physics to create a responsive, interactive controller that is—besides being powerful— a lot of fun to explore. Motion Sequencing 2.0 brings the organic, continuously evolving patterns of the wavestate’s Wave Sequencing 2.0 into the world of motion sequencing, including multiple lanes and real-time recording to help you create complex and evolving phrases that other step sequencers cannot.
Like Wave Sequencing 2.0 (wavestate) and altered FM (opsix), modwave-MK2’s evolved wavetable synthesis delivers its own brand of completely unique sounds and a knob-per-function layout that makes customizing those sounds fast and easy.
There are hundreds of preset sounds empowered by this new architecture. They are organized by front-panel category buttons, and all instantly customizable via the four Mod Knobs. Korg modwave-MK2’s distinctive wavetable timbres start with aggressive basses & leads, and lush ambient pads which will add a new dimension to your tracks. But that is just the beginning.
Those who want to dig deeper will find an endless source of discovery. Save as many of your sounds as you like; there’s room for thousands more. You can also load your own samples. Furthermore, import wavetables in standard formats, and create your own wavetables using the free WaveEdit software.
modwave-MK2 Synthesis Engine
The modwave-MK2 wavetable oscillators are deep. Start with over 200 wavetables, each containing up to 64 waveforms—from thousands of individual waves. Use the 30+ Modifiers to change their basic character, and the 13 Morph Types to process them in real-time. Create new hybrids from any two wavetables using the unique, realtime A/B Blend.
Each Program has two full-featured wavetable oscillators, plus a sub oscillator/noise generator and any of a dozen stereo filter types, including the aggressive MS-20, sweet Polysix, and the newly enhanced Multi Filter. Animate almost any parameter using the massively flexible modulation system, with four triggerable envelopes, five LFOs, dual mod processors and two key-track generators–plus multi-lane Motion Sequencing and Kaoss Physics.
Even with all that synthesis power, playing up to four simultaneous wavetables per voice in a single Program, the Korg modwave-MK2 achieves 60-voice polyphony, incredible for a wavetable synth. Layer two Programs together to double the possibilities.
Kaoss Physics
Kaoss Physics models a ball rolling on a surface and bouncing off of walls. The surface can tilt in any direction. A bump with variable height/depth and location attracts or repels the ball. Adjustable friction slows the ball’s travel, and adjustable time controls the speed of the entire model. All of these characteristics are modulatable, so you can change them in real-time.
Start the ball by flicking a finger on the x/y pad, or launch the ball automatically using another modulation source. You can also directly control the ball by holding your finger on the pad.
The position of the ball produces eight modulation signals. They can be used to control any modulation destination: the X and Y locations, the distance from the center, the angle relative to the X axis, and finally separate signals for +/- X and +/- Y.
Walls can slow down the ball, as if they were padded, or accelerate the ball, like bumpers in a pinball machine. The walls can also be removed entirely, so that the surface wraps around to the opposite edges like a vintage arcade game.
The modeled environment can create specific modulation effects. For instance, use a centered bump with negative height so that the modulation values always eventually return to 0. Or, position a bump with positive height on a side or a corner, to push modulation values away from that zone.
The result is an interactive controller that amplifies your physical gestures, transforming them into complex musical results. Did we mention that it’s fun, too?
Motion Sequencing 2.0
Motion Sequencing 2.0 is evolved from the wavestate’s Wave Sequencing 2.0. Timing, Pitch, Shape, and four sets of Step Sequence values are separated into “Lanes,” each with their own loop start and loop end, adding a deeper, more customizable level of phrase and modulation recording.
Every time the sequence moves forward, the individual Lanes are combined to create the output. For instance, a step sequence value may be matched with a different duration, pitch, and shape every time that it plays. You can modulate each Lane’s loop points separately for every note, using velocity, LFOs, envelopes, Mod Knobs, or other controllers. Each note in a chord can be playing something different!
Lanes can also randomize the step order every time they play. Finally, individual steps can be randomly skipped, with a modulatable probability from 0 to 100%. The result is organic, ever-changing sounds that respond to your control. The dual onboard arpeggiators can interact with Motion Sequences for even more possibilities.
Filters for Days
Add vintage character to your sounds with the aggressive MS-20 Lowpass or Highpass filters. Otherwise, utilise the sweet Polysix Lowpass – all newly enhanced with gain controls to make it easier to dial in the resonance timbre.
Shape and refine with a full collection of resonant 2-pole and 4-pole Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, and Band Reject filters. Or, step outside the box with KORG’s unique Multi Filter. It creates modulatable blends of multiple modes simultaneously.
Control and Modulation Galore
Bursting with knobs and controllers, the Korg modwave-MK2 invites you to explore. Consequently, oscillators, filter, envelopes, LFOs, and effects are all at your fingertips with dedicated front-panel controls.
Four programmable Mod Knobs are customized to bring out the most in every sound. Use the knobs in realtime performance, and also save the results as new sounds. The Hold button lets you sustain notes or chords indefinitely, while you explore the front-panel controls or play other gear.
Add in Kaoss Physics and the Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels, and you’ll always have multiple dimensions of realtime expression.
Furthermore, almost all front-panel knobs, and most on-screen parameters, can be modulated. You can even modulate settings for individual Motion Sequence Steps! Mod Processors let you transform modulation signals using quantization, smoothing, curvature, and more.
An Arsenal of Effects
The Korg modwave-MK2’s superb effects deliver production-ready sounds. In fact, each Layer has three dedicated effects and a send to the Performance’s master reverb, followed by EQ.
Along with standards such as compressors, EQs, choruses, flangers, phasers, and stereo delays, you’ll find distinctive processors such as the Wave Shaper, Talking Modulator, Reverse Delay, Multiband Mod Delay, and Overb (from the OASYS and Kronos), plus modeled effects including VOX guitar amps, VOX wah, multi-head tape echo, and a collection of classic guitar pedals.
Randomization that Inspires
Looking for even more inspiration? A dedicated front-panel button, marked by a “dice” icon, generates new sounds via intelligent randomization. Randomize the entire sound or just a part of it, such as the oscillators, filter, or effects. Afterwards, use the results directly, or as a jumping-off point for your own creations.
Korg modwave-MK2 Key Highlights:
- Modern wavetable synth, built on the legacy of the DW8000
- 37 keys (velocity and release-velocity sensitive)
- Over 200 wavetables