Korg Wavestate Native is a software synthesizer plugin that brings the power and versatility of Korg’s hardware Wavestate synthesizer to the digital realm. This virtual instrument is based on Korg’s Wave Sequencing 2.0 technology, which allows for the creation of complex, evolving sounds by combining and manipulating multiple samples in unique ways. The plugin offers a vast array of sonic possibilities, from lush pads and atmospheric textures to rhythmic sequences and dynamic leads. With its intuitive interface and extensive modulation options, Wavestate Native provides musicians, producers, and sound designers with a powerful tool for crafting innovative and expressive sounds. The plugin seamlessly integrates into modern digital audio workstations, offering the same level of depth and flexibility as its hardware counterpart while providing the convenience and workflow advantages of software instruments. Wavestate Native includes a comprehensive library of preset sounds and allows users to import their own samples, expanding its sonic palette even further.
Pros:
• Incredibly deep and flexible sound design capabilities
• Seamless integration with DAWs and compatibility with hardware Wavestate
• Vast library of high-quality presets and ability to import custom samples
• Intuitive interface with extensive modulation options
Cons:
• Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with wave sequencing concepts
• Can be CPU-intensive, especially when using multiple instances or complex patches
Wavestate Native’s features are extensive and provide users with a wealth of sound design possibilities. At the heart of the plugin is Wave Sequencing 2.0, an advanced version of the technology first introduced in Korg’s original Wavestation. This system allows for the creation of complex, evolving sounds by combining multiple samples and manipulating various parameters over time. Users can create sequences of up to 64 steps, with each step containing its own set of wave data, pitch, sample start point, and other parameters. These sequences can be further modified using lane-based modulation, allowing for independent control over timing, pitch, and sample selection.
The plugin offers a vast library of over 2000 samples and 240 multisamples, covering a wide range of acoustic and synthetic sounds. These can be combined and manipulated using the wave sequencing engine to create entirely new timbres and textures. Additionally, users can import their own samples, expanding the sonic possibilities even further.
Wavestate Native features a powerful modulation system with over 1000 modulation destinations and multiple modulation sources, including envelopes, LFOs, and performance controls like velocity and aftertouch. This allows for intricate and expressive sound design, with the ability to create complex, evolving patches that respond dynamically to user input.
The plugin includes a comprehensive effects section, with 14 simultaneous effects that can be applied to shape and enhance the sound. These effects range from traditional options like reverb and delay to more unique processors like wave shaping and ring modulation. The effects can be modulated and controlled in real-time, adding another layer of depth to the sound design process.
Wavestate Native also features a vector synthesis engine, allowing users to morph between different layers of sound using an X-Y pad. This can be automated or controlled in real-time, providing an intuitive way to create evolving textures and dynamic performance sounds.
The plugin’s interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with a clear layout that provides easy access to key parameters. The main screen displays the wave sequence, with individual lanes for timing, pitch, and sample selection. Additional tabs provide access to more detailed parameters, including envelopes, LFOs, and effects settings. The interface also includes a virtual joystick for vector control and a set of performance macros that can be assigned to various parameters for real-time manipulation.
When compared to similar plugins, Wavestate Native stands out for its unique approach to sound design through wave sequencing. While there are other sample-based synthesizers on the market, few offer the same level of depth and flexibility in terms of sample manipulation and sequencing. Plugins like Native Instruments’ Kontakt provide extensive sample-based synthesis capabilities but lack the specific wave sequencing features that define Wavestate Native. Similarly, Arturia’s Pigments offers a powerful wavetable synthesis engine but approaches sound design from a different angle. Wavestate Native’s closest competitor might be Waldorf’s Quantum synthesizer plugin, which also features wavetable synthesis and complex modulation options, but Wavestate Native’s wave sequencing technology gives it a distinct edge in creating evolving, rhythmic textures. The plugin’s seamless integration with its hardware counterpart also sets it apart, allowing users to easily transfer patches between the software and hardware versions.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers looking for a powerful tool to create complex, evolving textures
• Electronic music producers seeking unique, dynamic sounds for their tracks
• Film and game composers requiring atmospheric and evolving soundscapes
• Musicians interested in exploring innovative synthesis techniques
• Owners of the hardware Wavestate synthesizer who want to expand their workflow
Korg Wavestate Native is a powerful and versatile software synthesizer that brings the unique wave sequencing technology of the hardware Wavestate to the digital realm. It offers an incredibly deep and flexible sound design environment, allowing users to create complex, evolving sounds that range from lush pads and atmospheric textures to rhythmic sequences and dynamic leads. The plugin’s vast library of high-quality presets provides an excellent starting point for exploration, while the ability to import custom samples expands its sonic possibilities even further. The intuitive interface, despite the plugin’s complexity, makes it accessible to users of varying skill levels, although there is a learning curve for those unfamiliar with wave sequencing concepts. Wavestate Native’s extensive modulation options and comprehensive effects section provide ample opportunities for sound shaping and experimentation. While it can be CPU-intensive, especially when using multiple instances or complex patches, the sonic results are often worth the processing power. The plugin’s seamless integration with DAWs and compatibility with the hardware Wavestate make it an attractive option for both studio production and live performance. Overall, Korg Wavestate Native is a remarkable tool for musicians, producers, and sound designers looking to push the boundaries of their sonic palette and explore new realms of synthesis.