everything arrived on time...enjoying ...improvised jamming

Anyone who has bought a Korg synthesizer in the past decade+ is well aware that there have been build quality issues and that things like the keybeds aren't the best on the market. However, I do not see this synth as a piece of gear that one would take out on the road. This will be perfectly fine in a home/studio setting. Additionally, if keyboards are a concern for you, get yourself a nice midi keyboard if you don't already have one, and stick with the module/rack version of this one.

Now, to the important part - this synth is FUN! I haven't been this excited about using a piece of gear in a long time. The Kaoss Physics pad is a joy to use and with all of the different options available to customize the Kaoss Physics pad, you can create some fantastic modulation results. The added polyphony in the mkII version and the updated LFOs (free-running LFOs, yes!) are a great upgrade for the mkII.

The companion VST (Modwave Native), the sample builder software and the Modwave editor librarian are all fantastic. I appreciate that Korg gives owners of the hardware a crossgrade option to get the software version of the synth at a pretty substantial discount. I own a wavetable creator and am always creating and obtaining new samples, so the ability to add wavetables and samples to use in the software/hardware version of the Modwave makes this an endlessly expandable piece of kit.

In the current music landscape where software synthesizers like Serum and Pigments seem to rule the wavetable space, it's so nice to still have hardware options available - and, as much as I love Waldorf, having more affordable options is very much appreciated. Compared to other wavetable synths from the likes of Modal and ASM the Modwave can create some downright dirty/aggressive sounds which is exactly what I was looking for.

If you're on the fence about which wavetable synth to go for, always thoroughly check all of your options, but I couldn't be happier with my choice to go with the Modwave. Thank you for keeping inspiration flowing and for keeping music creation fun with products like this, Korg!

Also, as always, thank you to my sales engineer, Jackson Schieferstein, for always doing a fantastic job with my orders!

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The modwavemk11 is so awesome and works really well I like the sounds and music patterns it's easy to use and to create music.

I do pro sound design and studio recording, with some gigging on the side. I have an arsenal of analog and other gear. I wanted a digital wavetable synth to complete the system. The Modwave MkII is an amazing instrument. Korg is right when they say you won't get to the bottom of this.
First impression: I have a Korg MS2000 and the layout of the Modwave MkII is very similar. I was up and running as soon as I plugged in. I purposely did not download any software or look at the manual and I was choosing sounds and editing right away. Then I did download the editor software and that made patch browsing, customization, and organization a simple job.
The Korg Modwave MkII is made by a company who has pioneered synthesizer technology. This is a modern beast and very well designed. I got exactly what I wanted and the price cannot be beat.
Thank you Brendan at Sweetwater for your expert advice! Brendan is why I don't do business with any other vendor.
Lastly, to make a balanced review - The Korg Modwave is a plastic box. It is light enough and small enough to go in the overhead bin on a plane. It won't break if you're careful with it. I got the keyboard model but I'll probably use the keyboard very little. I have a 76 key controller with aftertouch. I got the key version of the Modwave MkII for when I need to "plink", but mostly because of the Kaos pad. The Kaos pad and aftertouch just bring the synth alive.
The Modwave MkII only has stereo audio out. That's no biggie for me but could be for others. Otherwise, I can't find anything else to criticize. The Korg Modwave MkII is a wonderful musical instrument. Thank you Korg! Thank you Brendan and Sweetwater!

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