The Korg Wavestation is a synthesizer that was originally released in 1990. It was designed by Dave Smith and was one of the first synthesizers to incorporate advanced wavetable synthesis technology.
The Wavestation features a 61-note keyboard and a 16-voice polyphony. It has a large LCD screen that displays waveforms and other parameters, as well as a number of buttons and knobs for adjusting settings. The synthesizer has a wide variety of waveforms and sounds, including traditional analog waveforms, sampled sounds, and more abstract wavetable-based sounds.
One of the key features of the Wavestation is its ability to create complex and evolving sounds using its advanced wavetable synthesis technology. The synthesizer can create sounds that change over time, morphing between different waveforms and evolving in other ways. This makes the Wavestation a powerful tool for creating atmospheric soundscapes, ambient music, and other types of electronic music.
The Wavestation also includes a number of built-in effects, including reverb, delay, chorus, and more. It has a MIDI interface for connecting to other MIDI devices, and it can also be controlled using a computer software editor.
Over the years, Korg has released several versions of the Wavestation, including the Wavestation EX, Wavestation A/D, and Wavestation SR. Today, the Wavestation remains a popular synthesizer among musicians and producers who are looking for a unique and powerful sound.
The Korg Wavestation has been used by a number of popular bands and artists across various genres. Here are a few examples:
- Radiohead – The song “Everything In Its Right Place” from the album “Kid A” features the Wavestation prominently. The synthesizer creates a unique and otherworldly sound that sets the tone for the entire album.
- Nine Inch Nails – The Wavestation was used on several tracks on the album “The Fragile,” including “The Great Below” and “The Mark Has Been Made.” The synthesizer helped to create the atmospheric and ethereal soundscapes that are characteristic of the album.
- Depeche Mode – The Wavestation was used extensively on the album “Songs of Faith and Devotion,” particularly on the song “Walking in My Shoes.” The synthesizer helped to create the album’s lush, layered sound.
- Bjork – The Wavestation was used on several of Bjork’s albums, including “Homogenic” and “Vespertine.” The synthesizer helped to create the unique and experimental soundscapes that are characteristic of Bjork’s music.
- Enya – The Wavestation was used on several of Enya’s albums, including “Shepherd Moons” and “The Memory of Trees.” The synthesizer helped to create the album’s atmospheric and ethereal sound.
These are just a few examples of the many bands and artists who have used the Korg Wavestation in their music. The synthesizer’s unique sound and advanced wavetable synthesis technology have made it a popular choice for musicians and producers who are looking for a distinctive and powerful sound.