Korg Modwave Native: Wavetable Synthesis as a Plug-in

With Modwave Native, Korg transfers the wavetable engine of its hardware synthesizer Modwave into a standalone plug-in for your DAW. The core of the software consists of over 200 wavetables, each with up to 64 waveforms, which can be combined using modifiers and morph types to potentially create more than 230 million sound variations.

At a glance

• Two wavetable oscillators per program plus sub-oscillator/noise generator
• 12 stereo filter types, including models of MS-20 and Polysix
• Kaoss Physics as an interactive modulation control system
• Motion Sequencing 2.0 with separate tracks for timing, pitch, and shape

Wavetable Engine and Sound Generation

Each program operates with two wavetable oscillators as well as a sub-oscillator or noise generator. For sound shaping, twelve stereo filter types are available, which include models of the MS-20 and Polysix filters, as well as a multi-filter. Modwave Native also comes with a multi-gigabyte sample library and allows you to import your own samples and wavetables in Serum format.

Kaoss Physics as a Modulation Source

A central control element is Kaoss Physics: The system simulates a ball moving on a virtual surface. From its position, the software derives four modulation signals — X and Y position, distance from the center, and angle — which can be routed to any parameter.

Motion Sequencing and Modulation Scope

Motion Sequencing 2.0 provides a sequencer with separate tracks for timing, pitch, and shape, plus four sets of step sequences, each with its own loop points. According to Korg, a total of over 1,000 modulation destinations are available per performance, fed by four envelopes, five LFOs, and two additional modulation processors — with no limit on the number of routings. Each sound layer also has three dedicated effects, plus a master reverb and a parametric EQ; the effect pool includes compressors, chorus, flanger, phaser, delays, a wave shaper, a talking modulator, and models of VOX guitar amplifiers.

Formats and Availability

Modwave Native runs as a VST3, AAX, and AU plug-in, as well as a standalone application for macOS and Windows. If you already own a hardware Modwave, you can purchase the software via crossgrade for $49.99 USD. A free demo version allows for 20-minute sessions, but without a save function. Additionally, Korg provides WaveEdit, a free tool for creating your own wavetables, and a Sample Builder for custom sample banks; a Modwave Editor/Librarian enables patch exchange between hardware and software.

FAQ

Do you need a hardware Modwave to use Modwave Native?

No. The software runs independently as a plug-in or standalone application. Hardware owners simply receive a discounted crossgrade price of $49.99 USD.

Can you integrate your own wavetables?

Yes, Modwave Native imports your own samples and wavetables in Serum format and can be expanded with self-created wavetables using Korg's free WaveEdit tool. If you're generally interested in harmonic sound design and mixing, wavetable synthesis offers another tool for your own productions — similar to how modern DJ mixers with extended EQ sections provide more sound shaping in a set.

Source: Korg, Modwave Native product page.