Korg has released modwave mk II, the second generation of its wavetable meets samples Synthesizer with more voices, LFOs, and a higher price.
In the last few months, Korg has consistently updated its digital synthesizers (wavestate, opsix) to version 2 (mk 2). Probably due to a change in the internal Raspberry-powered engine (component shortage…).
The last piece of the puzzle has probably been found today. Okay, almost with the new modwave mk II. This move was expected and fixed in the release agenda for 2023. But where is the modwave SE? A separate release?
Korg modwave mk II
For everyone who has a modwave Mk 1 in the studio. There is no reason to activate GAS. 99% of the synth stays the same.
It remains a two-wavetable-oscillators/sample Synthesizer with a wide range of classic filters, 4 GB of user memory, and a powerful step sequencer with motion sequencing 2.0. The new modwave mkII, however, introduces some new additions.
First, Korg upgraded the internal engine to 60 stereo voices versus 32 stereo voices in the predecessor. That’s twice more voices, nice. Then, they upgraded the LFO section with some tiny new features.
Visually, the new modwave mk II hosts a new mk II logo, and the X/Y touchpad for controlling the KAOS PHYSICS function now shines in red.
A big downer: the keyboard remains the same, not a high-quality keybed. Yes, only with velocity and no aftertouch. It also comes with a free editor, sample builder software, and a bundle of various music software, including plugins.
There is no video of the new modwave mk II.
First Impression
I’m brutally honest: this is a release that no one wants. Especially not at the new price quoted. The modwave mK I is currently available for just under €600. There have already been deals for €500 and less.
If you take the actual street price of €600 for the Mk1, that’s €300 less than what the new one costs. And you don’t get a lot: more voices playable at a mediocre keybed, a red X/Y pad, and some LFO gimmicks. I don’t know who sets the prices at Korg, but with this price, the modwave mk II will stay on the shelf for a long time. As usual, there will be price drops.
The modwave mk I, on the other hand, will be a hit as long as it is still available. Especially at the current time when the budget is a bit tighter, making such a price increase is very risky.
Korg modwave mk II will be available in December 2023 for 899€.
More information here: Korg
Available at my partner
Recommended retail prices are rarely the actual amount that a product will sell for. I suspect that the MkII will come close to the MkI price within a year. As with everything, patience is a virtue.
You probably meant to write: “that’s €300 LESS than what the new one costs”…
thanks
you take a software update, replace something cheap somehow, paint a part red and increase the price significantly – Which business administration dropouts work in product development & marketing at Korg?
Hardly ever I hit that 32 voice limit and some LFO tweaks could be done through firmware update I believe. So it’s very irrational to me that Korg try to pull this off. There is nothing on that synth to bare Mark2 label. And don’t let me even start on that bendy plastic case.
I suspect this version has a new/different microprocessor on board.
I’ve noticed Korg likes to release at very high prices and then slash the price. Prologue, Modwave, RK-100S Keytar, Vox Continental. So yes, these are likely to be 30-40% cheaper within 1 year or less.
An honest point of view does not harm anyone, quiet the contrary, companies might even think twice and allocate the resources to something people really want. My point of view, Synthfluencers are Payola and if you dont believe it then ok, but for someone oblivious to it, they might learn a thing or two. Its ok to think differently and have an opinion. No harm done.
Not a price increase.
* the price of the original modwave in 2021 was US $799
* in 2022, the price increased to $849 (at least in the USA)
* Recently, a specific retailer in the EU has been discounting the original modwave, presumably in anticipation of mkII. This is presumably what the author refers to.
* the modwave mkII costs the same as the original at introduction, around $799 at major retailers, *reversing* the interim price increase
Nope, if you check my article about the first modwave it was available for 799€ in Europe, now it’s 899€ or at Thomann 888€. Also seeing on the official retail price, it remains a 12,52% increase. I talk about the € prices. Pretty sure it goes down again but it comes form a higher € price point than the MK1 version.
It’s red, so it’s faster.
That hardware is cr-ap, so the vst is better.
Here’s our new synth.
Here, have this vst, btw, without it it becomes hellish to program.
Cringe.
Korg’s cheapo plastic era is just sad. How little they respect their own legacy of ingenious pioneers. Like Roland and Akai – only the logo remains. Innovators are exchanged by bean counters. Wouldn’t we pay more for something build to last..?