Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M

The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M is the most affordable entry into the 3rd Wave family. This compact desktop module delivers the same premium sound engine and analog signal path as the flagship 24-voice models, with 8 voices of polyphony and bi-timbral operation at $1,999.

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. The 8M shares the identical sound engine with its larger siblings: three oscillators per voice with access to PPG-derived 8-bit wavetables, high-resolution 96 kHz wavetables, and analog-modeled wavetables. The Wavemaker tool lets you create custom wavetables or convert audio input into wavetables in real time.

The dual filter architecture carries over from the flagship models: a Dave Rossum-designed 2140 analog low-pass filter with variable saturation, plus an SEM-style state-variable filter. The entire signal path from filter to output stays in the analog domain -- no compromise on sound quality despite the smaller voice count.

The 8M features a larger 7-inch display with six context-sensitive encoders, and it's the only 3rd Wave that is rackmountable (ears included). While it has fewer voices (8 vs 24) and is bi-timbral rather than 4-part multitimbral, patches remain fully compatible with the larger models.

Who Is This For?

• Producers wanting the 3rd Wave sound at an accessible price
• Studio setups where 8 voices is sufficient
• Rack-based studios (the 8M is the only rackmountable version)
• Those upgrading from software wavetable synths to premium hardware
• Serum users who want hardware wavetable compatibility

The 8M proves you don't need 24 voices to get world-class wavetable synthesis. For many productions, 8 voices with this sound quality is more than enough.