Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 24K

The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is a modern wavetable synthesizer that picks up where the legendary PPG Wave left off. Designed by Bob Coover -- who previously worked with Dave Smith on instruments like the Prophet-12 and OB-6 -- the 3rd Wave combines classic 8-bit wavetable character with a fully analog signal path and contemporary build quality. It is one of the most ambitious hardware synthesizers released in recent years, and it delivers on nearly every front.

The 3rd Wave offers three oscillators per voice with access to multiple wavetable engines: 34 classic PPG-derived 8-bit wavetables, a set of high-resolution 96 kHz wavetables, and analog-modeled wavetables. You can also create up to 64 custom wavetables using the built-in Wavemaker tool, or convert audio input into wavetables in real time. The dual filter architecture is a standout feature: a Dave Rossum-designed 2140 analog low-pass filter with variable saturation, plus an SEM-style state-variable filter offering low-pass, high-pass, notch, and band-pass modes. The entire signal path from filter to output stays in the analog domain. With 24-voice polyphony and 4-part multitimbrality, the 3rd Wave can cover enormous sonic territory in a single patch or layer up four completely independent sounds.

The modulation system is deep, with four LFOs and four ADSR envelopes routable via 16 freely assignable mod slots to over 100 destinations. Each of the four multipart layers gets its own pair of digital effects, pulling from a list that includes BBD chorus, tape delay, phaser, flanger, distortion, rotating speaker, ring modulator, and multiple reverb algorithms. A built-in pattern sequencer handles notes, songs, and parameter automation. The 61-key semi-weighted Fatar keybed with velocity and aftertouch feels professional under the fingers, and the large display and knob-per-function layout make programming intuitive despite the synth's complexity.

Who Is This For?

• Wavetable synthesis enthusiasts who want the PPG sound with modern reliability and features
• Professional keyboardists and sound designers who need deep, multitimbral hardware
• Producers looking for a flagship polysynth that can handle everything from glassy digital pads to gritty analog textures
• Serum users who want hardware compatibility (the 3rd Wave supports Xfer Serum wavetable format)

The 3rd Wave commands a premium price at around $5,000 USD, but it backs that up with uncompromising build quality and a feature set that rivals instruments costing far more. If wavetable synthesis is central to your sound and you want the best hardware implementation available, this is it. For a more affordable entry point, Groove Synthesis offers the 3rd Wave 8M desktop version with 8 voices at $1,999.