Introduction
The Korg wavestate mkII represents the next evolved generation of organic digital synthesis, meticulously re-engineered for film composers, electronic music producers, ambient sound designers, and performance keyboardists. Directly building upon the groundbreaking success of its predecessor, this advanced 37-key hardware instrument upgrades its internal processing architecture to unlock an expanded universe of polyphony. Utilizing Korg's revolutionary Wave Sequencing 2.0 engine, the wavestate mkII discards flat, repetitive sample loops by splitting timing, sample selections, and melodies into independently looping modulation paths. This provides Malaysian musicians with an unprecedented, self-evolving sonic canvas capable of generating lush, sweeping cinematic landscapes and complex algorithmic rhythms that never repeat the exact same way twice.
Main Features
The defining technical advancement of the Korg wavestate mkII is its expanded 96-stereo-voice polyphony engine paired with Parallel Lane Modulation. By dramatically boosting the polyphony core from the original 64 voices up to 96 stereo voices, players can layer dense multi-note chords and sprawling ambient patches without experiencing any audible voice-stealing or cut-off tails. The system features a central Vector Joystick that lets you fluid-morph and crossfade between four independent multitimbral layers in real-time. This massive sonic palette is shaped by pristine, circuit-modeled filters—including the aggressive, dual-mode lowpass/highpass filters from the iconic Korg MS-20 and the silky resonant filter from the vintage Polysix.
Usage Scenarios
- Dense Cinematic Film Scoring: Compose deep, evolving ambient pads and organic background textures with sprawling multi-layered note structures that never drop a voice.
- Algorithmic Electronic Beats: Construct complex polyrhythms, evolving chiptunes, and nonlinear electronic grooves by randomizing sample and timing lanes.
- Hands-On Sound Design Modulations: Command live filter cutoffs, lane gate steps, and envelope shapes using the 8 programmable Mod Knobs and physical wheels on the front panel.
- Custom Studio Sample Imports: Import up to 4 GB of your own custom studio samples into the internal flash storage via the dedicated Wavestate Sample Builder app.
- Compact Touring Synth Support: Drop this hyper-portable 2.9 kg instrument cleanly into space-restricted stage slots, desktop production stations, or portable writing setups.
Features
- Upgraded 96 stereo voices of polyphony deliver a massive boost in performance headroom for dense, evolving patches.
- Radical Wave Sequencing 2.0 architecture separates sample sequence, timing, and pitch lanes for infinite patch evolution.
- Expanded 4 GB user sample storage allows for massive custom multi-sample uploads via the Sample Builder application.
- Four-layer performance synthesis engine utilizes a premium vector joystick to morph between distinct sonic layers in real-time.
- Authentic modeled analog filter array includes classic high/low-pass MS-20 options and the characterful Polysix low-pass.
- Intelligent smart randomization engine instantly generates entirely new sound profiles or single-lane modulations via a dedicated dice button.
- Massive internal multi-gigabyte sample library packs a curated selection of modern Korg waveforms alongside all legacy Wavestation data.
- Tactile micro-precision control surface hosts 8 assignable mod knobs, custom envelopes, and dedicated parameter dials.
- 37-Key Natural Touch keybed provides velocity and release-velocity sensitivity within a compact, hyper-lightweight studio chassis.
Technical Specs
- Device Instrument Profile: Next-Generation Wave Sequencing Digital Synthesizer and Master Controller Keyboard
- Sound Synthesis Core Architecture: Wave Sequencing 2.0 Engine with Integrated Vector Synthesis
- Maximum System Polyphony: 96 Stereo Voices total (Expanded processing headroom)
- Simultaneous Core Layer Tracking: 4 Independent Program Layers per Performance setup (4-Part Multitimbral)
- Custom Sample Import Storage: 4 GB Total User Flash Storage Space via dedicated app
- Tactile Control Matrix Array: 1 x Vector Joystick, 8 x Program/Performance Mod Knobs, 1 x Pitch Wheel, 1 x Modulation Wheel, 16 x Wave Sequence Step Dials
- Integrated Structural Effects: 3 x Dedicated Layer Effects per layer, 1 x Master Reverb processor, 1 x Master Parametric EQ
- Primary Keyboard Interface Matrix: 37 Full-Sized Keys (Supports full velocity and release-velocity tracking)
- Analog Output Interfacing Terminals: 2 x 1/4" TRS Impedance-Balanced Outputs (L/Mono, R), 1 x 1/4" Stereo Headphone Jack
- Digital Networking Connectivity Terminals: 5-Pin DIN MIDI Input/Output Nodes, 1 x Class-Compliant USB Type-B Port
- Analog Control Inputs: 1 x 1/4" Damper Pedal Input port (Supports half-pedaling integration)
- Power Delivery Specifications: DC 12V External AC Adapter (Included)
- Chassis Footprint Boundaries: 565 mm (W) x 338 mm (D) x 92 mm (H) / 22.24” x 13.31” x 3.62”
- Net Hardware Weight: 2.9 kg / 6.39 lbs
CK Music Staff Recommendation
The synthesizer and sound design veterans at CK Music view the Korg wavestate mkII as the definitive refinement of a modern digital masterpiece. While the original version was an underground hit, complex patches with multiple overlapping layers could occasionally max out the voice count when playing massive ambient chords. Korg completely solved that in the mkII by upgrading the processing engine to a massive 96 stereo voices of polyphony and doubling the user sample memory to 4 GB. The 37 full-sized keys feel excellent and the layout remains shockingly compact and lightweight, making it incredibly easy to fit onto a crowded studio desk or transport to a gig. If you are looking to inject cinematic scale, lush evolving soundscapes, and elite distinction into your tracks without ever worrying about voice-stealing, the mkII is the absolute sweet spot.