KORG wavestate mkII Explained
Join expert synthesist Alberto Rizzo Schettino for a deep-dive course on the amazing KORG wavestate mkII, designed to unlock its full sonic potential. Known for its distinctive wave sequencing approach and vast creative flexibility, the wavestate mkII is capable of everything from lush, evolving pads and cinematic textures to biting ostinatos and rhythmic soundscapes. Alberto’s methodical, hands-on teaching style ensures that both newcomers and experienced synthesists can grasp the instrument’s workflow and push it to its creative limits. These KORG wavestate mkII videos are designed for new KORG wavestate mkII users.
Videos
• Introduction (07:19) - Welcome to an in-depth journey through the sound and features of the KORG wavestate mkII synthesizer. The approach to synthesis on this instrument is unique and fascinating, affording amazing possibilities for infinitely evolving sounds: pads, drones, soundscapes, but also aggressive ostinatos and cinematic textures are possible. No synth pushes the boundaries as far as the wavestate mkII.
• Overview (13:30) - Let's take a look at the layout of the instrument so we can get familiar with all its knobs and labels. It's important we get acquainted with the various functions as KORG designed it, so we'll know all there is to program and tweak (even in real-time, of course) on this synth.
• Signal Flow Diagram (03:04) - Next, Alberto guides you through a quick but effective explanation of the signal flow in the wavestate mkII. This will make it easier to know where you are while exploring and learning the various functions in the following chapters.
• Programs & Layers (11:12) - At the heart of the wavestate mkII, even more so than in other KORG synthesizers, lies the concept of a Program. Given the way the wavestate generates its sounds, Programs can become the way you pick sounds and build performances, from simplest to most elaborated.
• Performance Page (10:10) - Join Alberto as he demonstrates everything the Performance pages have to offer. This is where all the programming for a specific performance is going to happen: layer-mixing, velocity and key splits, tuning, voices, play style, and more.
• Utility Page (12:57) - The Utility section compliments the Performance pages perfectly. Here, you'll find all the global parameters for the instrument, including set lists, MIDI and controllers, global scales and system setup, preferences, and system stats.
• Categories (04:44) - Alberto how to use categories to your advantage when browsing for sounds or managing your own collection. Collections are the backbone of filtered browsing and can make a real difference when you're in the zone and creating your sounds by looking for specific programs or presets.
• Filter Pt. 1 (10:22) - The wavestate sports a magnificent filter section, with the usual references of Polisix, MS-20, 2- and 4-pole filters, and the famous Multi Filter. Alberto will guide you through the various pages and provide a detailed explanation of the various parameters that can bring the filter section to life. In this first part, we cover the main filter features and parameters and get our ears tuned on the beautiful Polysix filter model.
• Filter Pt. 2 (11:21) - We continue our journey into the Filter section by exploring the other filter types (MS-20, 2- and 4-pole) and ultimately diving deeper into the Multi Filter and the advanced parameters.
• Envelopes (09:58) - Typical of every synthesizer, not only are the envelopes important to the expressiveness of a sound, but - thanks to KORG's approach to curves and the advanced parameters - on the wavestate they can be tuned to perfection.
• LFOs Pt. 1 (12:01) - Another vital part of any synthesizer, the wavestate is not shy on features in the LFO department; filter, amp, pitch, and pan LFOs with many advanced parameters will take your sounds to another level. Alberto explains everything there is to know, emphasizing some often-overlooked details that become important regarding the style of sounds the wavestate can generate. The first part covers all the basic functionalities of the LFO section.
• LFOs Pt. 2 (12:36) - This segment explores the advanced LFO functions, including Offset, Fade, Delay, and the interactions with Sync Notes and Free Run.
• Amp Page (04:33) - The Amp section covers everything from level to velocity and key-tracking influence, in addition to panning parameters.
• Pitch Page (04:42) - Octaves, transposition, tuning, and portamento parameters are all contained within the Pitch pages of the wavestate mkII.
• Write Page (09:50) - The Write page is where all the write-related functions are. On a synth like the wavestate mkII, this is even more relevant, as this is not only where you can save your performances, but also where the various presets and programs are stored for future use. Mastering this section will make sure no sound design efforts of yours will go to waste.
• Modulation Pt. 1 (12:15) - Join Alberto as he delves into one of the most important sections of this master class. The modulation matrix on the wavestate mkII can simply take any source to modulate any destination, sometimes even with a controller in between to manage the modulation itself. Despite its flexibility, adding and managing modulations is very easy once you learn its approach. This segment starts with the basic methods for adding and managing modulation in the wavestate mkII.
• Modulation Pt. 2 (11:46) - Alberto continues his modulation examples, adding more intricate and elaborated ways to interact with the parameters. In this second part, we explore more pitch interactions, the possibility of altering the run of an arpeggiator, adding Int Mods, and more advanced parameters.
• Vector Synthesis Pt. 1 (10:04) - Unique to the wavestate mkII, the Vector pages and the joystick allow you to shape sounds in ways that other synths simply cannot achieve. Combined with the other features of this synth, Vector synthesis will open another lively, real-time form of interaction with the sounds you play. The first segment will explain the different parameters and usage of this section.
• Vector Synthesis Pt. 2 (15:33) - We continue exploring the Vector capabilities of the wavestate mkII by going deeper into X-Y configurations and connecting the Vector to the modulation matrix.
• Motion Seq 2.0 Pt. 1 (11:37) - Over the course of multiple segments, Alberto uncovers everything Motion Seq 2.0 can achieve on the wavestate mkII. This chapter follows every lane and their features methodically in order to present you with the almost-endless array of possibilities in this programming matrix. The chapter starts with the basic explanation of what Motion Seq 2.0 is and how it's structured.
• Motion Seq 2.0 Pt. 2 (11:18) - We continue by exploring the PITCH and SAMPLE lanes in-depth, followed by a look at the TIMING lane.
• Motion Seq 2.0 Pt. 3 (04:28) - This segment explores the GATE lane and its interactions with other lanes. We also cover the concept of Probability and what its effects are on the various lanes, including its special effect on the TIMING lane.
• Motion Seq 2.0 Pt. 4 (13:48) - We now delve into the interactions of the various lanes, with a focus on the PITCH, SHAPE, and SAMPLE lanes.
• Motion Seq 2.0 Pt. 5 (16:41) - We continue by looking at the STEP SEQ lane and the way it influences Motion Seq 2.0. We also examine its interaction with the wavestate's modulation matrix through the MOD pages.
• Motion Seq 2.0 in Practice Pt. 1 (12:42) - After an extensive presentation of the various features of Motion Seq 2.0, it's only fair that we take it to a practical field test. In this chapter, Alberto will create a performance from scratch and will make use of several pivotal features of Motion Seq 2.0 to create a unique and character-rich soundscape.
• Motion Seq 2.0 in Practice Pt. 2 (04:43) - We keep moving forward in our sound design and performance creation by adding more details to our sound, making the layers evolve differently and generally adding interplay and movement to the texture.
• Mod Processors Pt. 1 (11:28) - Topping off the amazing modulation matrix, KORG has introduced Mod Processors to further enhance your programming and sound design. Alberto explains the various processors with practical examples, making it easier to navigate through their mathematical/boolean approach. The chapter starts with the explanation of what Mod Processors are, focusing first on the GATE Mod processor.
• Mod Processors Pt. 2 (07:06) - Continuing on, Alberto delves into the other Mod Processors, explaining how they can be used and what their individual parameters have to offer.
• Effects (14:39) - A gigantic FX section makes the wavestate a fully independent synth, capable of the most intricated delay lines or infinite, evolving reverberation. Amp simulation, EQs, compressors, and waveshapers are only some of the effects that you can program, with the Pre-, Post-, and Delay-FX being independent for each of the four layers, topped off by the Master Reverb and EQ section.
• Arpeggiator (06:09) - With an independent per-layer design (making it four arpeggiators in total), the wavestate can utilize arpeggiators alone to shape the movement of a performance. Alberto explains how, in combination with the other features, the tweaks this section has to offer extend the possibilities of your sound design.
• Randomization & Help (07:04) - Often underrated, the randomization section can help you get some amazing sounds in a hurry. Alberto demonstrates this functionality specifically in this chapter. He creates a random sound and then meticulously modifies it, tweaking the least parameters possible to get the most out of his changes. This combination allows you to stay creative and flexible without getting writer's block, perhaps even discovering the inspiration you need for your next track.