KORG M1 and WAVESTATION: Synth Legends Reimagined
Back in the day, when the digital revolution was just picking up steam in the music world, two synths rolled out of KORG’s doors and into the studios and hearts of musicians everywhere: the M1 and the WAVESTATION.
I remember the first time I laid hands on the M1. It felt like I’d been given a sonic Swiss Army knife, capable of cutting through genres and styles with ease. Then came the WAVESTATION, with its wave sequencing that felt like painting with sound. These synths weren’t just instruments; they were companions on countless musical journeys (quite literally, as I remember taking my M1 everywhere with me for a good number of years!).
With the M1 V2 and WAVESTATION V2 software versions (available as standalone and VST/AU/AAX plugins – and on iOS too), KORG has rekindled the magic of these classics, offering them up to a new generation of artists and producers.
KORG M1: The Synth That Wrote History
The M1’s release in 1988 was a defining moment in music technology. It was a time when the digital synthesis pioneered by the Yamaha DX7 was at its peak, and the M1 took it a step further by integrating sound generation, percussion, and sequencing into a single, affordable MIDI instrument. With sales eventually reaching 250,000 units, the M1’s success was not just in numbers but also in its profound influence on music production.
The M1 Sound in Action
The M1’s “Piano” and “Organ” presets didn’t just sound good; they became the heartbeat of countless anthems. They transcended genres, from the pulsing dance floors of house music to the chart-topping hits of pop. Remember Black Box’s “Ride on Time”? That’s the M1 piano in all its glory.
And it wasn’t just dance music aficionados who were smitten. The versatility of the M1 also attracted a wide array of artists, including the likes of 808 State, The Orb, Depeche Mode, and many more who utilized its sounds to create their signature tracks..
Fun facts – Listen to the two tracks below and see if you recognize the M1 sound used in both. The first is “Don’t Try So Hard” by Queen. The second is “Ear Dreamin'” by Japanese ambient composer Yoshiaki Ochi.
KORG WAVESTATION: The Soundscaper’s Dream
Fast forward to 1990, and KORG drops the WAVESTATION, a synth that’s all about motion and emotion. Its vector synthesis and wave sequencing allowed for the creation of evolving pads and rhythmic sequences. This innovation led to the synthesizer’s extraordinary depth and warmth, producing sounds that remain unmatched to this day.
From Studio to Stage to Screen
The WAVESTATION was embraced by mainstream artists in the early 1990s, including Joe Zawinul, Jan Hammer, and Phil Collins. Michael Cretu used the WAVESTATION on the first five albums of his famous project “Enigma,” exploring uncommon synthesis textures.
Other notable users were Gary Numan, Keith Emerson, and Tony Banks of Genesis, who also used them on the band’s 2007 European Tour. Depeche Mode, Steve Hillier of Dubstar, Michael Jackson, Ozric Tentacles are among the many who have harnessed the power of the WAVESTATION to create their unique sounds.
Fun facts – if you are or have been a Mac user, you should be familiar with its startup chime.
Well, did you know that sound was created on a Wavestation?
KORG M1 V2 and WAVESTATION V2: Classics Reborn
KORG M1 V2: Your New Old Friend
The KORG M1 V2 software isn’t just a rehash; it’s the M1 reborn, with all the quirks and all the charm of the original, but with a slick new interface that feels right at home in today’s digital realm.
The Perks of the M1 V2
- Preset Sounds: Dive into a treasure trove of over 3,300 presets.
- Interface: Crisp, clean, and ready to scale up to whatever screen you throw at it.
- Sound Browser: Find that perfect sound without the endless clicking.
- EASY Mode: Get straight to the good stuff without getting lost in the weeds.
- Enhancements: More than just a fresh coat of paint, with new effects and tweaks to spice things up.
KORG WAVESTATION V2: The Evolution of Ambience
The KORG WAVESTATION V2 software picks up where the original left off, bringing its signature evolving sounds into the modern producer’s toolkit, with a user experience that’s as intuitive as it is inspiring.
The WAVESTATION V2 at a Glance
- Preset Sounds: Over 1,500 presets that are a ticket to another world.
- Interface: A visual and functional upgrade that’s easy on the eyes and the workflow.
- Program Browser: Your sonic search engine, supercharged.
- Random Sequence Engine: Unleash creativity with sequences that surprise and delight.
Pricing and Availability: The Time Is Now
The Korg M1 V2 and the WAVESTATION V2 are available on their own and as part of the extraordinary KORG Collection xxx.
Conclusion: Why KORG M1 V2 and WAVESTATION V2 Still Matter
Playing with the KORG M1 V2 and WAVESTATION V2 keeps on bringing me joy. The sounds are timeless, the interfaces are slick, and the creative potential is still enormous – especially if you process them with more modern effects, to have the best of both worlds.
If you’re looking to infuse your music with a touch of the classic or just want to explore sound with tools that have shaped decades of hits, I can’t recommend these enough.
If you would like to learn more about the product, you can also visit the official KORG website.
