KORG Wavestate Videos

KORG sent me their new Wavestate synthesizer to experiment with. Here are three social media videos that I created to help visualize the instrument’s unique features.

Video 1 Description

In this experiment, a Korg Wavestate synthesizer controls the movement of the Moon through a series of screens and into an acrylic dome. I’ve mounted the Wavestate module into my AV rack alongside an array of video monitors. Wavestate has a little vector joystick that can be customized to control lots of different things on the synthesizer. In this case, I’m using it to reposition the Moon around the screens in real-time with MIDI.

Video 2 Description

The Korg Wavestate module can play samples or wave sequences across different layers. Here, I’m sequencing layers A,B, and C of the Wavestate individually with a Korg SQ-24 sequencer. Layer A has a bass sample, Layer B contains a multisample with drum sounds on different notes, and Layer C has a sound that I bring in an out of focus with that layer’s filter controls. The samples of the narrator from the film are triggered separately in real-time from my computer and video software.

Video 3 Description

The Korg Wavestate Module has a vast library of samples that can be addressed individually by MIDI across four different layers. Each layer can contain a single multisample or a sequence of samples and has its own controls for amplitude and filtering. It can add up to a lot of sound. Here, my computer is providing drum sounds and gated reverb. A cacophony of samples is then layered together on the Wavestate with a Korg SQ-64 sequencer. The different layers of sound are represented by the “Pepper’s Ghost” reflection illusions in the glass jars.The MIDI assignable “Mod Knobs” on the Wavestate can control things on my computer with MIDI. In this example, I use the knobs to dial down the drums at the end of the video.