Introduction
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Korg’s modwave native software synthesizer. To help you get the most out of your new
instrument, please read this manual carefully.
Main Features
In 1985, Korg’s DW-8000 combined digital wavetables with rich analog filters to give users sounds which were
impossible to create with analog oscillators. It’s still a cult favorite today.
The modwave builds on the DW legacy and transforms it into a modern monster synth, featuring incredibly deep
wavetable oscillators, gorgeous filters, wildly flexible modulation, sophisticated pattern sequencing, and macro controls
to deliver unique, powerful, and easily customizable sounds and phrases.
Wavetable Oscillators
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.
Expand your palette even more by importing new wavetables using the Editor/Librarian software. Try the many free
and commercial wavetable libraries in the standard Serum format*, or create your own using the custom modwave
version of the free, cross-platform WaveEdit. Layer wavetables with samples from the built-in, multi-gigabyte PCM
library, or import your own samples using Korg’s free Sample Builder software.
Kaoss Physics and Motion Sequencing 2.0
modwave also introduces two unique new tools for creating dynamic motion: 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, asynchronous loops, step probability, and more.
Filters
Add vintage character to your sounds with the aggressive MS-20 Lowpass or Highpass filters, or the strong, sweet
Polysix Lowpass. 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, which creates modulatable blends of
multiple modes simultaneously.
Modulation
Most parameters can be modulated, with up to 2,000 modulation destinations per Performance, and no fixed limit on
the total number of modulation routings. You can even modulate settings for individual Motion Sequence Steps!
Mod Knobs put macro transformations under your fingertips, making it easy to explore the sonic worlds inside
each Performance. Tweaking an existing sound? Quickly identify modulation sources using real-time displays of all
envelopes, LFOs, and other primary modulation sources. Easily create modulation routings using drag-and-drop,
and get an overview of all routings via the Mod List. Mod Processors let you transform modulation signals using
quantization, smoothing, curvature, and more.
Layers and Effects
For even more rich and complex results, layer two Programs together in a Performance–each with their own effects and
arpeggiator. modwave native’s superb effects deliver production-ready sounds. Each Layer has three dedicated effects
(Pre, Mod, and Delay); additionally, the Performance has a Master Reverb and Master EQ.
Presets and Randomization
modwave native comes with about 250 factory Performances, and many more Programs, Wavetables, and Effects
Presets. Smooth Sound Transitions let previously-played voices and effects ring out naturally when you change sounds.
Looking for even more inspiration? The “dice” icon at the top of the window generates new sounds via intelligent
randomization. Randomize the entire sound or just a part of it, such as the filter, motion sequence, or effects. Use the
results directly, or as a jumping-off point for your own creations.