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 »

3rd Wave Features and Concepts Overview

video upload by Groove Synthesis

"The 3rd Wave by Groove Synthesis is a powerhouse wavetable synth with 24-voice polyphony and 4-part multi-timbral capability—it’s like having four independent synthesizers at your fingertips.

In this video, brought to you by Groove Synthesis founder Bob Coover, you'll get a broad overview of the plentiful features and underlying concepts of the 3rd Wave keyboard and desktop synths, including the latest addition: Sampling.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:25 The PPG Legacy
00:52 The PPG Sound
02:09 PPG Oscillators
03:28 User Wavetables
05:20 Analog Waveforms
06:07 Sample Waveforms
06:54 Wave Envelopes
08:34 Filters
09:18 Multi-Timbral Sequencer
10:49 Multi-Timbral Stacks
12:16 Sampling Deep Dive
17:52 LFOs
18:09 Modulation Matrix
18:24 Envelopes
19:03 Stereo and Binaural
20:06 Effects
22:27 Ease of Use
23:20 The 3rd Wave Desktop
24:25 How to Find Out More"

3rd Wave Analog Core Synth Soundset

video upload by Creative Spiral

"This sound set includes 100 new synth patches for the 3rd Wave, focused on the hybrid analog capabilities of the synth. Lots of classic/vintage synth inspired sounds, famous song patches, binaural stereo stacks and modern analog designs. https://sounddesign.sellfy.store/p/3r...

I've made hundreds of sound designs on this great synth, using all the various engines, including PPG, modern wavetables and the new sample engine -- but this sound set is focused entirely on the hybrid analog / VA capabilities of the synth. Dozens of famous song tone patches are included, and classic analog sounds inspired by legendary vintage synths: Sequential Prophets, Oberheim OBs, Roland Jupiters, Yamaha GX and CS, and Moogs,plus modern sound designs that take advantage of the extensive capabilities of the 3rd Wave.

The sound set is available here:
https://sounddesign.sellfy.store/p/3r...

The patches inspired by famous artists/songs include ones by: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, MUSE, Tears for Fears, Toto, The Cars, Boards of Canada, Prince, RUSH, Daft Punk, M83, Stranger Things, Blade Runner, Harold Faltermeyer, Foreigner, Journey, Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Talk Talk, Van Halen, Thom Yorke, Radiohead, Steven Wilson, Adam Holzman, Michael Jackson and more.

The demo video features about half the patches included in the soundset... there are 50+ more patches as well! The sound in the demo video is direct from the synth, using only onboard 3rd Wave effects, and no external effects added. The drums in a few of the demos are from a Roland TR-8S.

0:00 PAD Analog Core Intro
0:32 SYN Subdivisions (Rush)
1:32 BAS LED Around the World (Daft Punk)
2:08 LED Uniglare Arp
3:05 PAD M83 Outro (M83)
4:07 SYN Any Colour (Pink Floyd)
4:28 BRS All My Love (Led Zeppelin)
4:52 SPL Stranger Things (Stranger Things)
5:36 KEY No Quarter (Led Zeppelin)
5:55 SPL Noisy Planet Arp
7:00 SYN BAS KEY Axel F (Beverly Hills Cop)
7:51 SYN Waiting for a Girl (Foreigner)
8:13 SYN Welcome Machine (Pink Floyd)
8:40 LED Pink Dogs (Pink Floyd)
9:15 STR Supersaw Strings
9:41 BRS Blade Runner (Vangelis)
10:53 SYN Separate Ways (Journey)
11:25 SYN Rule The World (Tears for Fears)
11:59 SYN Mays Prophet (Lyle Mays)
12:21 SYN Muse Uprising (MUSE)
12:53 SPL PadBass Split Stack
14:05 SYN Just What I Needed (The Cars)
14:37 BRS Toto Africa (Toto)
15:14 SYN Save a Prayer (Duran Duran)
15:34 STR Orchestra Binaural
15:58 LED Lets Go (The Cars)
16:35 BAS BoC ROYGBIV (Boards of Canada)
17:03 BRS Don't Forget About Me (Simple Minds)
17:30 SPL Arp Split Stack
18:52 BRS Camera Eye (Rush)
19:55 SYN Tom Sawyer (Rush)
20:23 BRS Vital Signs (Rush)
20:38 KEY EP Pluck Pad
21:08 BRS 1999 (Prince)
21:26 SYN Doves Cry (Prince)
21:34 SPL Arpple Pad
22:29 BRS VH Jump (Van Halen)
23:03 LED CreativeSpiral Lead
23:33 KEY Yorkeything
24:16 LED Take On Me (A-ha)
24:35 BRS It's My Life (Talk Talk)
24:54 SPL Guitar Palm Pulse
25:40 KEY Dawn Chorus (Thom Yorke)
26:39 BRS Concert Brass
27:01 LED Robot Rock (Daft Punk)
27:20 LED Holzman Regret (Steven Wilson)
27:51 BAS Punchit
28:33 SPL Ticking Clock
29:33 STR Smooth Stack
30:13 KEY Everything Right (Radiohead)
31:00 PAD Slop Hop Outro

Latest Firmware - Optimized for Analog Sounds
Update to Latest Firmware Before installing the patches on your 3rd Wave, make sure you have the latest release of the 3rd Wave firmware installed. (v1.8d as of time of release of this sound set) There have been several important firmware updates since launch including addition of vintage voice modeling, free running oscillators, adjustments to the VA oscillators, new envelope retrigger modes and unison glide settings. You can download the firmware updates from the official Groove Synthesis website, here: https://www.groovesynthesis.com/support/"

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Advanced Wavetable Desktop Synth SN 1021

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

via this listing

CLICK FOR MORE »

Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave soundscape IV - Light blinds the way

video upload by MIDERA

"I think this will be my final soundscape with the 3rd Wave. I will need to return it to its owner. It's been fun playing through it and learning its ins and outs, to the extent that I could.

It's... a cool synth. I think the overall 'crystalline' sound it has is maybe not for me. I couldn't really shake that. Probably just didn't spend enough time with it, but it's hard to say. You can't really make it sound bad, but I guess I'm not sure if that's a good thing.

I'm conflicted. But also, I know I gravitate towards keyboard versions of synths, so maybe that plays a role (although I love the Modor NF-1). I don't know. Something I need to do... test my Virus TI and its wavetables. Add some oscillator saturation, use the analog filters and ask myself, "does this take me anywhere near where the 3rd Wave took me?'

Eventide Blackhole VST used for reverb (I didn't want FX clipping).

Created June 19, 2024"

3rd WAVE // THE BIG REVIEW.. EVERYTHING you need to know

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A Deep Dive walkthrough and demo of the groove synthesis 3rd wave. It's the longest demo I've ever made because there's so much to look at. Hopefully someone will stick through to the end!! (there's a rather nice sounding demo to finish)"

0:00 Sit Back, Relax
5:20 Oscillator Overview
10:17 Waveflow
12:28 Upper Wavetable
16:22 User Waves
21:55 Create Wavetables
24:55 Analog Waves
28:17 LFO & FM
31:34 Sync
32:35 Unison
34:52 Sampling
42:16 Sequencer
44:57 Arpeggiator
45:42 Multi-Part
52:39 Stacking Parts
56:19 Wave Envelopes
59:30 Filters
1:04:54 Saturation
1:08:27 Envelopes
1:10:48 Effects
1:14:33 Almost Done!
1:18:30 Juno 60
1:20:42 Blissful .. Intro Track

Damn This Sounds Good // 3rd Wave from Groove Synthesis

video upload by Starsky Carr

"B E A U T I F U L - the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave can make some blissful tones. Here's some rather nice laid back vibes. This is a sounds only demo track that features at the end of my upcoming full demo.. which is a monster at almost 90 minutes long."