WaveReX Gives You Direct Access To The Sound Engine Of The KORG M1 Using A Single Card!

June 7, 2018 Synth Anatomy Hardware, Synthesizers 0

WaveReX is a card that enables direct access to the sound engine of the classic KORG M1 Synthesizer without any mod or hack!

The KORG M1 is still used by many producers today as it has certain iconic sounds inside. You can play this legendary Synthesizer even in the train on your iPad today. However, there was a limitation with this Synthesizer: one was limited to the sounds that KORG delivered in the device or as official extensions.

Thirty years after the official release, WaveReX wants to change that with a new card extension. This new PCM card gives you access to the sound synthesis of the M1 without any mod or hack. The card allows you to load own samples and waveforms (PCM samples / single cycle waveforms (DWGS)) into the M1 and open it to many new sounds.

THE NEW KORG M1 EXPERIENCE

WaveReX – The Waveform Refill eXpansion is THE extension for the Korg M1*, more precisely an emulation of PCM-cards. It is not a passive memory card but comes with a modern ARM MCU on board. WaveReX also works on M3R. M1 exists for 30 years now – one more reason to upgrade this classic and make it ready for the future.

WaveReX extension does not require a reconstruction of the synthesizer, has the same form as the own PCM cards and can very simply be placed in the ROM-slot of the M1. A total of 512 kByte are available for your own samples, exactly as the original cards. WaveReX offers 512 kB for own samples with a total sample time of 8,4 seconds. With the software editor (currently only WIN available) own PCM cards can be constructed on a computer, then copied and loaded via USB into the M1. The samples of the self-created cards can then be used as waveforms for own sounds and patches.

You are afraid 512 kByte are not enough? The reduced sample resolution of 32.150 kHz allows more space than you think! Single Cycles (DWGS), for example, only require few kByte. Korg managed to accommodate more than 100 samples on its cards! WaveReX enables you a direct access to the sound synthesis of M1. It’s neither a mod, nor a hack. It allows you the same range of possibilities as the producer.
With WaveReX, the workstation concept becomes sound and complete. Your M1 will work as a sampler, a wavetable-synthesizer or a drummer – you will select the sound!

The sounds/waveforms of the following devices are available:

DSS-1 / DSM-1 DWGS
DW-8000 DWGS
MS-2000 DWGS
all sounds of the T-series

Current Development Status

The prototype is running smooth and stable. Improvements of the prototype will be made with the first RC (Release Candidate). Initially, ten RC have been produced and delivered. Those are currently being programmed and prepared for the beta period. Unfortunately, the cases are still missing, but we are working on it. The distribution of RC-1 cards is planned for the end of the second quarter in 2018. The beta phase will last for approximately two months. Afterwards, the final cards are planned to be produced as a batch of 100 pieces.

Beta Testers

You also want to become a beta? Write us at beta@waverex.de. The only requirement is that you own a M1, M1R, M3R or a T-series device. Write about why you just want to be beta. Be there, because only with your help WaveReX receives a soul. We are giving out 5 cards for this first run!

The final price of a WaveRex card will be approximately 199€ (+ VAT). The price includes WaveReX card (hardware) in a plastic casing, software (Win/OSX planned) for construction and loading of own cards and a sticker.

More information here: WaveRex