Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Wavetable 8-Voice Synth Module

The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M Desktop brings the distinctive sound and extensive synthesis capabilities of the 3rd Wave series into a compact, accessible instrument. Designed for producers, composers, sound designers and electronic musicians, it combines modern digital synthesis with a premium analogue signal path, offering exceptional creative flexibility without the footprint of a larger synthesiser.

With eight voices of polyphony and two independent parts, the 3rd Wave 8M lets you build layered sounds, combine complementary textures and create expressive sequences. Its three digital oscillators per voice support classic PPG-style wavetables, modern high-resolution wavetables, analogue modelled waveforms, three-operator linear FM and sampling. These synthesis methods can be combined within a single patch for intricate, evolving sounds.

Two analogue filters provide the instrument's distinctive character. A Dave Rossum-designed SSI2140 low-pass filter adds warmth and variable saturation, while a state variable filter offers further tonal shaping. Four LFOs, extensive envelopes, a comprehensive modulation matrix and two digital effects per part expand the possibilities for sound design.

The desktop interface features 24 knobs, 36 buttons, a seven-inch display and six encoders for hands-on control. MPE and polyphonic aftertouch support enable expressive performance with compatible controllers. With four physical audio outputs, USB and DIN MIDI connectivity, a built-in Wavemaker and included rack-mounting ears, the 3rd Wave 8M fits comfortably into studio, desktop and live performance setups.

• Eight-Voice Polyphony and Two Independent Parts - Create layered patches, combine contrasting sounds and sequence two independent parts, each with its own effects and stereo output routing.
• Five Synthesis Methods and Analogue Filters - Combine classic and modern wavetables, analogue modelled waveforms, linear FM and sampling with two analogue filters for versatile sound design.
• Compact Desktop Design with Rack Mounting - Integrate the synthesiser into your studio or live rig using its dedicated controls, seven-inch display, four audio outputs and included rack ears.

Versatile Synthesis and Two-Part Performance:

The 3rd Wave 8M delivers eight voices of polyphony and two independent parts, providing a flexible foundation for sound design, electronic production and live performance. Each part can have its own sound, sequence and effects, allowing you to layer textures or combine contrasting elements within a single programme.

Three digital oscillators per voice support five synthesis methods. Explore the distinctive character of classic PPG-style wavetables, create contemporary sounds with high-resolution tables, or use analogue modelled waveforms for traditional subtractive synthesis. Three-operator linear FM introduces complex harmonics, while sampling lets you incorporate recorded material into your patches.

Oscillator hard sync, unison and chord modes provide additional creative options. The different synthesis methods can be combined within a single patch, making it possible to create everything from punchy basses and cutting leads to evolving pads and intricate digital textures.

Analogue Filters and Creative Sound Design:

The 3rd Wave 8M retains the analogue signal path found in the larger 3rd Wave instruments. Its Dave Rossum-designed SSI2140 resonant low-pass filter features a 24 dB per octave slope and variable saturation, giving sounds added warmth, weight and harmonic character. A second state variable filter provides low pass, high pass and notch operation, with an optional band pass mode for further tonal shaping.

Four LFOs, four ADSR plus delay envelopes and dedicated six-stage oscillator wave envelopes provide extensive modulation possibilities. The modulation matrix includes 16 assignable slots and 12 additional fixed source paths per part, allowing you to create movement across a wide range of parameters.

Two digital effects per part add further depth, with options including stereo delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, rotating speaker and several reverb types. Modulation and sequencing can bring these elements together into dynamic, evolving sounds.

Hands-On Control and Flexible Integration:

The 3rd Wave 8M's compact desktop design makes it easy to integrate into a modern studio, live rig or dedicated synthesiser setup. Its front panel provides 24 knobs and 36 buttons, supported by a seven-inch display and six context-sensitive encoders. Essential parameters remain accessible, while the display provides a clear overview of deeper editing options.

Connect an external keyboard or compatible controller using DIN MIDI or USB MIDI. Support for MPE and polyphonic aftertouch enables expressive control from compatible instruments, giving you more nuanced control over pitch, timbre and performance gestures.

Four physical audio outputs allow stereo operation or separate routing for the two parts, while the headphone output, audio input and pedal connections offer further flexibility. The built-in Wavemaker creates custom wavetables from external audio, and Serum wavetable import expands your sound library. Included rack-mounting ears also make the 8M suitable for compatible 19-inch rack installations.

• Brand: Groove Synthesis
• Model: 3rd Wave 8M Desktop
• Product Type: Desktop wavetable synthesiser with analogue filters
• Polyphony: 8 voices
• Multitimbrality: 2 independent parts
• Keyboard: No integrated keyboard; designed for use with external controllers
• Controller Support: MPE and polyphonic aftertouch
• Sound Engine: 3 high-resolution digital oscillators per voice
• Synthesis Methods: PPG-style wavetable, modern wavetable, analogue modelled waveforms, three-operator linear FM and sampling
• Wavetable Storage: 64 user wavetable locations, with 56 supplied wavetables containing 64 waveforms each
• Classic Wavetables: 32 original 8 bit PPG Series 2 wavetables, with capacity for 16 additional user-created tables
• Analogue Modelled Waveforms: Saw, square or pulse, triangle, sine, supersaw, white noise and pink noise
• Sampling: Eight-way multi-part sampling, with looping and seamless crossfading; up to 35 seconds at full bandwidth
• Oscillator Features: Hard sync, unison mode and chord mode with variable voice count
• Analogue Low Pass Filter: Dave Rossum designed SSI2140 resonant filter, 24 dB per octave slope, variable saturation and optional resonance compensation
• State Variable Filter: 12 dB per octave slope, with low pass, notch and high pass operation and optional band pass mode
• Envelopes: Four ADSR plus delay envelopes, including filter and amplifier envelopes, two additional assignable envelopes and six-stage oscillator wave envelopes
• LFOs: Four low frequency oscillators with multiple waveforms, variable delay, note reset or free running operation, BPM synchronisation and mono or polyphonic modes
• Effects: Two digital effects per part, including BBD, stereo delay, tape delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, rotating speaker, ring modulation and reverb
• Wavemaker: Built-in custom wavetable creation from external audio
• Custom Wavetables: Up to 64 user tables, with 64 waveforms per table
• Wavetable Import: Serum wavetable import supported
• Wavemaker Audio Format: 96 kHz WAV files via USB, with 16, 24 or 32 bit resolution; audio up to 20 seconds can be analysed
• Sequencer: Pattern-based sequencing with song mode, note and parameter sequencing, two parts per sequence, 24 patterns per programme and up to 32 measures per sequence
• Quantisation: 32nd, 16th, 8th, quarter, half and whole notes, or quantisation off; variable swing
• Arpeggiator: One arpeggiator per multi part, with up, down, up and down, assign and random modes; selectable one, two or three octave range
• Modulation Matrix: 16 assignable modulation slots and 12 additional fixed source paths per part
• Modulation Sources and Destinations: 30 modulation sources and 127 destinations
• Controls: 24 knobs, 36 buttons and six context-sensitive encoders
• Display: Seven-inch display
• Factory Programmes: 450 factory programmes and 500 total rewritable programme locations
• Audio Outputs: Two balanced or unbalanced stereo output pairs, with four physical 1/4 inch jack outputs
• Headphone Output: Stereo 1/4 inch jack
• MIDI: MIDI In, MIDI Out and MIDI Thru
• USB: Bidirectional MIDI communication
• Audio Input: 1/4 inch jack for external audio, custom wavetable creation and audio processing through the filters, output chain and effects
• Pedal Connections: Sustain or footswitch, volume pedal and expression pedal inputs
• Power Supply: External universal power supply
• Power Requirements: 15 V, 45 W; compatible with 100 to 240 V AC input
• Rack Mounting: Compatible with 19-inch racks; rack mounting ears included