Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M
Desktop Synthesizer
- Synthesis types: Wavetable, analogue style, FM and sampling
- 8-voice, 2-way multi-timbral
- Three digital oscillators per voice
- 32 original 8-bit wavetables from the PPG 2 series instruments (plus up to 16 user wavetables 8-bit)
- Sequencer
- Arpeggiator
- 16-slot modulation matrix
- 451 factory programmes (overwritable)
- Create custom wavetables (up to 32 can be stored)
- Integrated effects
- 7" display
- 24 buttons and 36 switches
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 444 × 80 × 175 mm
- Weight: 12.25 kg
- Includes rack ears and external power supply with interchangeable plug adapters for EU/UK/USA
Connectors:
- Line input: 6.3 mm jack
- Line output: 4 x 6.3 mm jack (2 x L/R stereo)
- MIDI In / Out / Thru
- USB
- Sustain / footswitch input
- Volume pedal input
- Expression pedal input
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Available since August 2025
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Item number 622009
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Design Desktop
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Polyphony 8
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Sound Generation Digital
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MIDI interface 1x In, 1x Out, 1x Thru
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Storage Medium Internal
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USB-port Yes
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Effects Yes
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Arpeggiator Yes
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Number of Analog Outputs 4
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Digital Output No
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Display Yes
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Optional Expansions None
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Special Features N/A
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Wavetable engine in a compact format
The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M focuses on the core architecture of the series, bringing the immense capabilities of the Groove Synthesis wavetable engine into a particularly compact desktop form. It's aimed at users who want to integrate that powerful, flexible sound into their existing setups in a more streamlined way – the dimensions may slightly stripped back, but there is absolutely no compromise on the sound. With eight voices and two-part multitimbrality, the 8M is certainly positioned as a more focused version of the flagship model. Compared to the larger models, the emphasis here is on efficiency, space-saving design, and straightforward integration into studio or live rack setups. Its clearly laid-out interface provides direct access to the all the depth and and complexity of the 3rd Wave.
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Flagship sound generation
The sound engine is the same as in the larger models: three oscillators per voice draw on classic PPG wavetables, modern high-resolution wavetables and analogue waveforms. In total, there are 32 classic and 48 high-resolution (and user-definable) wavetables, each with 64 waves – with transitions that can be either smooth or stepped. The Wavemaker tool enables creative sound designers to create using the synth itself, while samples can also be imported and converted, opening up an endless range of musical possibilities. For further sound-shaping, the analogue 2140 low-pass filter designed by Dave Rossum is joined by a SEM-inspired multimode filter. Together, they cover a wide range of sounds, from precise digital clarity through to warm, organic textures.
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Sequencer and effects in focus
The internal sequencer allows modulation to be automated directly within the device. Parameters such as filters, envelopes and effects can be dynamically controlled and combined into evolving sound movements. There's also a comprehensive effects section, featuring chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, a rotary speaker simulation, various delays, and multiple reverb algorithms. Users can also adjust the envelope behaviour, choosing between modern exponential curves and a character inspired by classic PPG synthesizers, which is the fundamental idea behind the 3rd Wave concept. Sequences can be recorded, combined and developed into complete arrangements: Even as part of a relatively streamlined production setup, the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M can deliver and bring together more or less an entire track's worth of ideas.
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About Groove Synthesis
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Groove Synthesis was founded by a team of synthesizer veterans who previously contributed to instruments made by AVID, Digidesign, Sequential, and Oberheim. Drawing on decades of expertise, they craft innovative instruments that blend emotional sound design with cutting-edge technology. Their flagship product, the 3rd Wave, is a hybrid wavetable synthesizer that merges analogue warmth with digital flexibility, inspiring musicians with rich, evolving textures. Born from a passion for classic synths, the 3rd Wave reimagines vintage concepts for the modern era, pushing creative boundaries.
Musical functionality, minimal footprint
Groove Synthesis has designed the 3rd Wave 8M for use in compact setups, and as such it can be controlled via MIDI or USB. Two analogue outputs allow the instrument's two layers to be routed separately for further external processing, while the audio input makes it possible to bring in external signals for wavetable creation. Additional features include MIDI Thru and pedal inputs, making it equally suited to more performance-oriented configurations when required (and when driven with external controller). All in all, the 8M focuses on musical functionality within a minimal footprint, without the kind of unnecessary hardware many professional users can do without. With the included rack ears, the 8M can even be installed neatly into a 19" rack environment.
