wavestate native
by KORG · Synth · Wave sequencing synth
Not rated yet
wavestate native is the software version of KORG's wavestate, built around Wave Sequencing 2.0, which lets timing, samples and melody run as separate lanes.
It has four layers with vector control, gigabytes of samples, 14 simultaneous effects and patch exchange with the hardware, for $199.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic, Pop.
Keywords: sequencer, hardware emulation, cinematic, analog, arpeggiator, licensed emulation, randomize, textures, 70s, 80s, evolving, macro controls, modulation matrix, pads, sound design, subtractive, vintage.
What it does
wavestate native is the plugin version of KORG's wavestate, which updates the wave sequencing idea of the WAVESTATION. A sequence is split into separate lanes that can each run, loop and randomize on their own, so sounds keep shifting over time.
- Wave Sequencing 2.0: separate Timing, Sample, Melody, Shape, Gate Time and Step Sequencer lanes, each with its own start, end and loop points and its own randomization.
- Layers and voices: four Programs (layers) per Performance and 64 stereo voices, mixed with a Vector Envelope and joystick.
- Samples: a multi-gigabyte library with KORG originals, Kronos and Krome selections, the original Wavestation waves and Plugin Guru content; you can also import your own samples.
- Filters: modelled MS-20 lowpass and highpass and Polysix lowpass, plus 2-pole and 4-pole lowpass, highpass, bandpass and band reject and a Multi Filter.
- Modulation: up to 4,000 modulation destinations per Performance, up to 31 routings into each one, Mod Processors for quantizing, smoothing and curving, and Mod Knobs for macro control.
- Effects and arps: 14 simultaneous effects (three per layer plus master reverb and EQ), including VOX amps and wah, tape echo and reverse delay, and four arpeggiators.
- Live use: Set Lists, Smooth Sound Transitions, smart randomization, and patch exchange with the hardware wavestate.
MusicPlayers notes a crossgrade for hardware owners.
When to use it
wavestate native is the pick for sounds that move on their own: rhythmic, ever-changing textures built from sample lanes that loop at different lengths. Compared with Omnisphere 3 it has a much smaller library and less of a cinematic sound-design focus, but its wave sequencer is a more direct tool for rhythmic movement. Against Arturia's Prophet-VS V, which covers vector mixing, it goes much further with sample-based sequencing and randomized lanes. Compared with Serum 2 or Pigments 7 it is less suited to quick bass and lead design and takes longer to learn.
- Best for: evolving pads, rhythmic sequences, pulsing textures and cinematic beds.
- Genres: electronic, ambient, cinematic and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want fast, simple patch building (Serum 2 or Pigments 7) or a huge library of cinematic sounds (Omnisphere 3).
- Tip: MusicPlayers suggests a controller with an X-Y pad, such as a KORG nanoPAD2, to play the virtual joystick by hand.
What producers say
The software is seen as a faithful match for the hardware; the trade-off is losing the hands-on panel.
- MusicPlayers (Jason Buchwald, 2022) gave it a WIHO award and 3.6 stars, finding it "sonically interchangeable" with the hardware and praising sample import and direct recording into the DAW.
- Criticisms: less immediate than the hardware's controls, a joystick that needs a suitable controller, and a hardware unit that sounded "slightly thicker" side by side.
Where to buy
- Plugin Boutique: $199
Tutorials and reviews
- wavestate native - Legendary synthesis, re-imagined - now a native plug-in on Mac and Windows.
- KORG WAVESTATE NATIVE VST - First Look + Demo in Logic
- KORG WAVESTATE In The Shack? VST Plugin Demo!
- Korg WaveState Native VST Plug In - Loading SoundBanks with Samples and Importing Patches
- Korg WAVESTATE NATIVE (NO talking voice, only sounds)
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