Coloray performs 'Tonight' with the 3rd Wave 8M and 24M synths

video upload by Groove Synthesis

"Berlin-based electronic artist Coloray takes the new 3rd Wave 8M desktop synthesizer for a spin alongside the flagship 24M in this live performance of his original song 'Tonight.' Learn more about the 3rd Wave 8M: https://www.groovesynthesis.com

Watch as Coloray sculpts sounds in real-time using both synths controlled by Ableton Live, creating layers of wavetable textures and analog warmth without any overdubs.

The 3rd Wave 8M brings the complete synthesis engine to a compact desktop format with 8 voices, bi-timbral operation, and the same premium analog filters that define Groove’s 3rd Wave character. At $1,999, the 8M makes the distinctive 3rd Wave sound accessible to a broader range of musicians while maintaining patch compatibility with the 24-voice models.

In this performance, Coloray sequences multiple synth parts on the 24M (taking advantage of its 4-part multitimbral capabilities) while the 8M handles the driving bassline. Throughout the song, he uses the performance controls to shape filter sweeps and envelope responses, demonstrating the intuitive real-time control that makes the 3rd Wave series so expressive. The vocals feature live vocoder processing, with drums and vocal samples provided by Ableton playback tracks.

Coloray (Raynor De Groot) is the boundary-pushing electronic artist known for his genre-defying approach that draws from ambient, EBM, techno, house, and disco. His tracks have topped Beatport charts and earned support from Four Tet, Dixon, Solomun, and Pete Tong. His innovative 'Future Static' audiovisual concept and virtual reality experiences showcase his commitment to pushing creative boundaries."

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M Review & Demo | Compact Synth Powerhouse

video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 All 3rd Wave intro (not drums or vocals!)
2:13 Doing that PPG Thing
4:07 It's SOOOO much more than a PPG
6:33 Creating the Different Styles of Tones
14:00 Putting Them All Together
16:15 Demo Track - Rain or Shine

"The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M is here – the compact desktop module with huge power. From classic PPG tones to modern wavetable magic, this demo shows why it could be your next dream synth.

In this video I put it through its paces with a full demo and review, showing how it stacks up against the bigger 3rd Wave keyboard and even the Behringer Wave – a clone of the classic PPG 2.2.

With 24 voices, wavetable creation, sample import, and a deep sequencer, the 8M delivers the lush PPG tones we know and love – but it also goes far beyond, opening up new creative possibilities for sound design and performance.

If you’ve seen my earlier videos on the 3rd Wave , you’ll know how close they get to that classic PPG sound. But the 8M adds serious flexibility: multi-timbrality, modern workflow, and the ability to create wavetables from audio. This isn’t just a clone – it’s a synth that pushes forward while staying true to the heritage.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage digital synths, wavetable synthesis, or just looking for an inspiring new instrument for your studio, the 8M is a fascinating option.

👉 Check out my 3rd Wave Playlist - everything you could ever want to know!"

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Polyphonic Wavetable Synthesizer (Desktop) SN 1404

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll Goes Granular With the 3rd Wave and Samples

video upload by Groove Synthesis

"Check out this short video sent to us by Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll, in which he puts the 3rd Wave’s new sample modulation capabilities to the test. Learn more about the 3rd Wave at https://www.groovesynthesis.com

Paul Hartnoll, one half of the legendary electronic duo Orbital, has been pushing the boundaries of electronic music since their breakthrough 1989 hit "Chime" helped define the UK rave scene. Known for their innovative live performances and genre-defining albums like "In Sides" and "Snivilisation," Orbital's influence on electronic music spans over three decades, making Paul's exploration of the 3rd Wave's capabilities particularly compelling.

In the video, Paul makes great use of sample start modulation, a feature added in OS 1.9a of the 3rd Wave 24K synth, allowing velocity and other sources to dynamically shift sample start points for expressive performance control. He created a sequence of 48th notes in Ableton Live, using its note split mode, and gently randomized the notes’ velocity. He then modulates the sample start in the 3rd Wave oscillator with the note velocity to create, in effect, a granular sampler. You can then also use velocity (or any other parameter) to control the filter cutoff and spread the samples out into the stereo field with the pan spread control.

The 3rd Wave 24K is a 24-voice, 4-part multi-timbral wavetable synth with 3 oscillators per voice, analog low-pass filters, a state-variable filter, 6-stage wave envelopes per oscillator, and an industry-first Wavemaker™ tool that allows users to create custom wavetables in a single step through its proprietary sample-to-wave technology. Each of its three oscillators can generate a classic PPG-era wavetable, a modern high-resolution wavetable, virtual-analog synthesis, linear FM, and sampling.

While the 3rd Wave has roots in the classic digital wavetable synths of the past, it takes the concept firmly into the 21st century with a lush, expansive sound and innovative features that synths of the 80ies could only dream of.

Learn more about the 3rd Wave advanced wavetable synth here: https://groovesynthesis.com/"

3rd Wave Custom Sample Based Patches // sound demo no talking

video upload by Devin Belanger

"Miles Away – Volume 3 Custom Patches for Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave:
https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/pr...

The much-anticipated Volume 3 in one of Miles Away’s most popular series is here.

This custom patch bank delivers 150 high-quality sample-based presets (30 original base programs × 5 multisample variations) for the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave synthesizer—including Keyboard, Desktop, and 8M models*.

Designed specifically to take full advantage of the 3rd Wave’s sample-based oscillator architecture, this pack expands the sonic palette of your synth with patches that are expressive, musical, and genre-flexible. With a variety of epic pads, complex multitimbral patches, face melting basses, sensitive keys and more, this is the world's first multisample based patch collection for the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave. Also compatible with 3rd Wave 8M.

Blade Runner, Stranger Things, Synthwave, Film Score, Ambient, Synthjam"

3rd Wave 8M – First Look, Unboxing, Sound Demo & Full Walkthrough

video upload by Devin Belanger

"Purchase my Custom 3rd Wave Patches (confirmed to work on the 8M): https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/pr...

Miles Away gives you a world-first in-depth look at the 3rd Wave 8M, the new desktop version of the powerful wavetable synth from Groove Synthesis.

In this video, I unbox the unit, give a sound demo, and walk you through the key features, workflow, and what sets the 8M apart.

0:00 - unboxing
2:13 - playing factory patches
3:58 - making a patch from scratch
6:00 - pulse width modulation and circuit drift
7:08 - using samples as oscillators
8:50 - analog filter section
10:30 - wave envelope and jamming on our patch
12:49 - state variable filter and LFO section
14:28 - built in FX section
15:31 - Vangelis style reverb jam
16:55 - mod matrix
18:00 - multitimbrality
18:37 - loading different multisamples
19:42 - ambient live performance on Miles Away Custom Patch Vol 3
21:11 - if you want to hear even more 3rd Wave, click here!"

3rd Wave OS 1.9a Update, including Programs that hold the Samples

video upload by Groove Synthesis

"Bob Coover, one of the 3rd Wave creators, takes you through some of the new features in the new OS 1.9a update for the 3rd Wave 24 Voice Keyboard and Desktop. These features are also contained in the 3rd Wave 8M that is just being released. The features includes the new unified data import and export, which is a simple way to load and save sounds without needing to load samples or wavetables separately from the programs. Find the update and a bonus sample library on the support page of our website: https://groovesynthesis.com/support/"

0:00 - Loading the OS
2:55 - Current sampling and wavetables
4:49 - Unified data programs and loading a .pgdata program
7:00 - Stereo sample file ability
8:58 - Bulk loading multiple sample programs
11:52 - Examples of transient samples
15:31 - Loading 6 more sample programs
16:40 - Playing examples of two more transient programs
17:20 - Mono LFOs
18:49 - Modulating the sample start point - Drums
20:51 - Modulating the sample start point - Strings
22:34 - Return to Home Screen and Global Key

Covalence

video upload by davidryle

"Large format 5U modular synthesizer with the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave.
Two passes. The first was the modular synth, and the second was the played lines on the keyboard. All sounds except the melodic part was recorded in real time from the modular.
Two Matrix Algorithmic Composer modules from Synthetic Sound Labs were used for the moving lines throughout. These were fed to a pair of SSL/Ian Fritz Thru-Zero oscillators. The outputs were mixed straight and also split to an Encore Electronics Frequency Shifter, MOTM 440 Filter and heavily modulated 73B Modcan Dual Delay. Further processing with the Empress reverb and the Dove Audio D501 filter.
The bass notes were generated by the STG Soundlabs Voltage Mini Store to a pair of STG Oscillators and a Dove Audio WF. The filters included the MegaOhmAudio MA20 and the Frequency Central System X LPF.
A Q960 sent the arpeggio sweep voltage to an SSL VCO through a Behringer DD400 digital delay.
A Ring Modulator patch on the Q169 Qxcillator ++ from Synthesizers.com was directed through an Oakley Sound Diode Super Ladder filter then through an SSL Digital Delay.
The S&H sounding patch was not a sample & hold at all. It was a combination of a Q960, West Coast Random Source, MosLab 901/904A and a MegaOhmAudio CdS through an Oakley VC State Variable Filter."

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave TouchOSC Bidirectional Editor v5.0

Click the images for full size shots.

Details via synth_nyc:

"We can be grateful that Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave has a full MIDI SYSEX implementation and documentation: [Google doc link]

This is getting rare these days.

I was provided with 3rd Wave firmware v1.8gRC25 for testing purposes so that’s why you may notice some features in the editor, new compared to 1.8f (the current official release).

GENERIC FEATURES:

- Display parameter Name and Value
- Double click a slider or button to reset it to a default value
- MIDI data rate efficient: only sends a MIDI message if the parameter value is incremented or decremented by 1

SPECIFIC FEATURES (FW v1.8gRC25):
- 2 Editor Pages per 3rd Wave Multi parameters (total of eight Pages for the four 3rd Wave Parts)
- 1 Editor Page for 3rd Wave Single parameters
- 1 Editor Page for 3rd Wave Sequencer parameters
- All 1385 Program (All 4 Parts Multi + All Single + All Sequencer) parameters implemented in the editor. Program parameters are bidirectional using NRPN and SYSEX
- MIDI Channel selection slider
- Bank (change) + Program (change) selection slider + buttons
- Buffer Request, Buffer Init, Buffer Write and Program Write buttons using SYSEX

WORKFLOW 1 EDITING FROM PATCH (starting at 00:05 in the video above):
- Select a Bank & Program
- Press Buffer Request to load it to the editor
- Start editing (the loaded patch) on the editor (the Patch is edited in the synth buffer)
- Naming
- Press Buffer Request to record it in your DAW / SYSEX librarian; or save it manually in the synth
- Select a Bank & Program (Optional)
- Press Program Write to save it in the synth

WORKFLOW 2 EDITING FROM SCRATCH (starting at 02:20 in the video above):
- Press Buffer Init to send an init patch to the synth buffer
- Start editing (the init patch) on the editor (the Patch is edited in the synth buffer)
- Naming
- Select a Bank & Program (Optional)
- Press Program Write to save it to the synth

FEATURE REQUESTS / BUG FIXES:
- Go to the video Description on Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/1098612319

MOTIVATION:

- Consistent User Experience (no skeuomorphism): Color coding of synth blocks (VCO1 in blue, VCO2 in green, VCF in orange, etc..) which makes it extremely efficient and consistent across synths (rather than using different synth UI or dedicated editors).

- No 'Shift' Button: All parameters are laid out in one page if possible, on the editors.

CLICK FOR MORE »

SUPERBOOTH 25: Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"The 3rd Wave 8M synth sound module launches from Groove Synthesis, designed with eight voices and priced as a smaller and more accessible version of their flagship 3rd Wave."

Groove Synthesis 8M // 8 Voice 3rd Wave Desktopp

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The 3rd WAVE 8M is the latest addition to the Groove Synthesis Family - The 'baby' of the 3rd Wave siblings is essentially an 8 voice 3rd Wave with a smaller form factor, a few less knobs, but a bigger screen with 6 instead of 4 contextual encoders."

See the announcement post here.

Groove Synthesis: 3rd Wave 8M - SUPERBOOTH2025

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers



"The most accessible way to the 3rd Wave sound

You’ve discovered the synth industry’s best-kept secret: the 3rd Wave 8M — bringing Groove Synthesis’ award-winning wavetable technology to more studios, stages, and creative spaces than ever before. This isn’t a watered-down version. This is 8 voices and 2 parts of pure, uncompromised 3rd Wave DNA in a more accessible, compact package. Same premium sound engine. Same analog filters. Same innovative synthesis. Just more accessible to more producers and musicians.

ACCESS ALL AREAS

The performance-oriented control set featuring a generous 7” display with six encoders gives you the confidence to create the sounds you’ve always envisioned.

COMPLETE SYNTHESIS TOOLKIT

Choose from wavetable synthesis, analog-style synthesis, FM, and sampling for each of the three oscillators to create rich and expansive soundscapes.

• 8 Voices of full 3rd Wave sound engine with complete patch compatibility
• Bi-timbral operation with two independent parts
• Premium analog filters and output stages—identical to our flagship models
• Multiple synthesis types: wavetable, analog-style, FM, and sampling
• Streamlined interface with larger, more intuitive display
• Compact desktop format that fits your creative space

CLASSIC LEGACY – MODERN SOUND

While the 3rd Wave has roots in the classic digital wavetable synths of the past, it takes that concept into the 21st century with a lush, expansive sound that’s a product of its expanded wavetables and warm, organic analog filters.

It boasts not only a punchy, Dave Rossum-designed 2140 analog low-pass filter with variable saturation, but a second, SEM-style state-variable filter (low-pass, high-pass, notch, and band-pass) for additional tone-sculpting. Run both filters in series for harmonically complex textures."

Update: and the press release:

ORINDA, CA – May 8, 2025 – Groove Synthesis, the innovative synthesizer company known for its award-winning 3rd Wave 24-voice advanced wavetable synthesizers, today announced the 3rd Wave 8M – a compact desktop synthesizer that brings the distinctive Groove Synthesis sound to a more accessible price point, without compromising on sound quality or core features.

Building on the success of the flagship 24-voice 3rd Wave models 24K and 24M, the new 8M features 8 voices of polyphony and bi-timbral operation in a streamlined desktop format. Priced at $1,999 USD, the 8M delivers the same premium sound quality and cutting-edge synthesis capabilities that have made Groove Synthesis a favorite among producers, composers, and performers worldwide.

"We created the 8M to bring the distinct 3rd Wave sonic character and sound design capabilities to more musicians and producers," said Bob Coover, co-founder of Groove Synthesis. "This isn't a watered-down version of our flagship 24-voice models. The signal processing chain, analog electronics, and the sound are the same as on the 24. The 8M just makes the 3rd Wave experience accessible to musicians, sound designers, and producers who don't need the full scale system.”

The 3rd Wave 8M maintains complete patch compatibility with the 24-voice 3rd Wave models, allowing users to seamlessly integrate the 8M into existing setups or upgrade to larger models in the future. The streamlined user interface focuses on performance-oriented controls while utilizing a larger, more intuitive display for deep sound design capabilities.

Key features of the 3rd Wave 8M include:

● 8-Voice Polyphony: Full 3rd Wave sound engine with 8 voices and three oscillators per voice
● Complete Synthesis Toolset: Wavetable synthesis, analog-style synthesis, FM, and sampling
● Bi-timbral: Two independent parts for layering and splitting
● Complete Patch Compatibility: Seamless integration with 24-voice 3rd Wave models
● 8 Analog Filters and Output Stage: The same premium analog filters and output circuit design as flagship 24-voice models, 24K and 24M
● Streamlined Interface: Performance-oriented, expressive control set with larger display
● Multiple Outputs: 4 balanced outputs for flexible studio integration
● Compact Design: Smaller footprint ideal for desktop or touring setups

"As a bunch of synth enthusiasts ourselves, we know that the sound is everything," said Andrew Silverman, co-founder of Groove Synthesis. "The 8M has the full DNA of our flagship models. We've carefully considered what matters most to musicians and sound designers, preserving the elements that define our sound while creating a more accessible entry point to the 3rd Wave sonic universe.”

The 3rd Wave 8M continues the Groove Synthesis tradition of combining vintage inspiration with modern capabilities. While the 3rd Wave has roots in the classic digital wavetable synths of the past, it takes that concept into the 21st century with a lush, expansive sound that’s a product of its expanded wavetables and warm, organic analog filters. The intuitive, performance-focused interface avoids menu diving for a natural control flow, preserving and adapting the vital parts of the keyboard’s controls in a compact format.

Groove Synthesis Teases Something New For SUPERBOOTH25

via Groove Synthesis

"Join us at @superbooth_berlin (May 8-10)! Meet founder Bob Coover, get hands-on with the 3rd Wave keyboard and desktop module, and geek out with the Groove Synthesis team at booth 0246.

We're passionate about building instruments that inspire creativity and push sonic boundaries. Come experience sound that is inspiring and in the “groove”.

Who knows? Maybe you’ll even see something brand new from us in Berlin…"

Ensoniq ESQ 1 First Look | Synth Discussion | Live Studio Performance

video upload by Dr. Synthy Pants

"Electric-soul, tone-shadows,
Whispers of magic where circuits breathe deep.

What mysteries hum in the ESQ-1's core?

Wave-whispers, tone-shivers,
Hands explore, shaping the unseen into sound.

OSCILLATE
SHAPE
TRANSFORM

A hidden voice rises from circuits deep,
and my heart sings, alive and unbound."

Vintage analog vs modern - using @devinbelangermusic‬ midi tracks

video upload by Jose's Vintage Keys

"@devinbelangermusic‬ made a great video together with ‪@VultureCulture‬ comparing Devin's modern analogs with Alex's Vintage gear. Devin was so kind to share the midi - so I could make my version. Check out their video!"

Do Vintage Synths Actually Sound BETTER?! (with Vulture Culture)

video upload by Devin Belanger

Music & comparison starts at 6:26.

Vintage Synthesizer list:
Yamaha CS-70m
Kog Polysix
Fender Chroma Polaris
Formanta Polivoks
Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo
Kawai
Korg MS 20

Modern Synths:
UDO Super Gemini
Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave
Oberheim OB-X8
Moog Matriarch
Hologram Microcosm
Meris MercuryX
Polyend Play+

🎹 Get my custom analog synth patches: https://shop.milesawayofficial.com/
🎵 Stream my original music: https://beacons.ai/milesaway

0:00 - intro
0:31 - rules of the competition
0:55 - vintage synths choices explained
6:25 - vintage synths final song
8:39 - modern synths explanation
12:08 - modern synths final song
14:21 - what we learned from this experiment
19:37 - who won? tell us in the comments!
20:10 - ???

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave | NAMM 2025

video upload by Under the Big Tree

"We talk once again to Bob Coover, enthusiastic audio engineer extraordinaire, about the latest features and updates to the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave synthesizer. In addition to PPG-style wavetable synthesis and superb analog emulation, 3rd Wave now features Prophet VS-style synthesis, as well as sampling. An excellent synth just keeps on getting better.

https://www.groovesynthesis.com/

Under the Big Tree is Nicolas Peck's YouTube channel, focused on esoteric electronic music, modular and vintage synthesizers, sound design equipment and techniques, and the composition, production and performance of music."

NAMM 2025: Groove Synthesis Third Wave Desktop

video upload by sonicstate

"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Bob from Groove Synthesis, who introduced us to the *Third Wave Desktop*. This compact version retains the core features of the original keyboard, including its processing power, 24 voices, analog filters, and all 8 outputs. While the control set had been slightly abbreviated for size, it still maintained ease of access through button controls for oscillators and effects. The price point also provides a more budget-friendly option.

Since our last encounter, Groove Synthesis had integrated additional features, such as the inclusion of sampling capabilities. The unit allowed 35 seconds of sampling and supported up to 12 samples simultaneously, processed through the synth engine.

Bob also highlighted the Prophet VS engine addition. With 48 wavetable positions, this was a nod to the Sequential influence in its design history."

3rd Wave Synthesizer

video upload by Brian Schaft

"A song which shows some of the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave's sound. I used a cymbal waveform I recorded into the instrument for the cymbal swipes at 1:50."

3rd wave - Simple FX custom made

video upload by Infested Alien

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 24-Voice 61-Key Wavetable Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave in wonderful condition. Has the latest OS installed, which adds sampling capability. Honestly, you can do almost anything with this synth and it's core sound is fantastic. Includes manual and power cable."

CLICK FOR MORE »