Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Desktop Module
Hybrider Wavetable Synthesizer
- 24-Voice polyphony
- 4-Part multitimbral
- 3 Digital oscillators per voice
- 64 User wavetable positions with 48 wavetables with 64 waveforms per table
- 32 Original 8-bit wavetables of the PPG2 instruments
- 7 Modelled analogue waveforms (Sine, Saw, Triangle, Supersaw, Pulse, White Noise, Pink Noise)
- VCO sync
- Linear FM
- Analogue low-pass filter (Dave Rossum design)
- State-Variable Filter
- 4x ADSR+ delay envelopes
- 4x LF oscillators Triangle, Sawtooth, Reverse Sawtooth, Square, Pulse 1, Pulse 2, Pulse 3 and Random (S&H)
- 2 Digital effects processors (BBD, Stereo Delay, Tape Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Distortion Pedal, Rotating Speaker, Ring Mod, Room Reverb, Hall Reverb, Super Plate Reverb)
- Integrated Custom Wavetable Maker 16-bit / 96 kHz (sample-to-wave function)
- Sequencer (4 multi-part song per programme, 24 sequences per song)
- Arpeggiator
- 16-Slot Modulation Matrix pro Multi-Part
- 41 Knobs and 43 buttons
- Pitch and Mod wheels
- 500 Presets (can be overwritten by user presets)
- Display
- Integrated power supply unit 100 - 240 V, 50 - 60 Hz, 65 Watt
- Dimensions (W x D x H): approx. 521 x 213 x 79 mm
- Weight: 4.63 kg
Connections:
- 8 Line outputs: 6.3 mm jack (4x stereo L/R )
- Stereo headphone output: 6.3 mm jack
- MIDI In / Out / Thru
- USB MIDI
- Line Eingang: 6,3 mm Klinke
- Pedal input: 6.3 mm jack for sustain / foot switch
- Input for volume and expression pedal: 6.3 mm jack
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Available since November 2023
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Item number 576463
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Design Desktop
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Polyphony 24
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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 8
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Digital Output No
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Display Yes
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Optional Expansions None
A compact wavetable flagship
The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Desktop brings the full sound architecture of the Californian manufacturer's flagship wavetable synth into a compact desktop format. It's aimed at users who want to integrate the 3rd Wave's sonic capabilities into an existing studio or MIDI setup – without investing in an additional and potentially unnecessary keyboard. With 24 voices and four-part multitimbrality, it runs the same powerful engine as the keyboard version. The difference lies in the concept: Rather than functioning as a standalone performance instrument, the desktop module acts as a central sound source that can be flexibly controlled via external controllers, DAWs, or more complex MIDI environments.
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Endless sonic possibilities
Inside the 3rd Wave Desktop is exactly the same wavetable engine as the keyed 3rd Wave. Three oscillators per voice access classic PPG wavetables, high-resolution modern wavetables, and analogue waveforms. There are a total of 32 classic and 48 high-resolution (and user-defined) wavetables, each with 64 waves, with transitions that can be either smooth or deliberately stepped. The Wavemaker tool allows creative sound designers to create custom wavetables and edit them directly on the unit, while samples can also be imported and converted, so every producer will quickly have built up their own personal sound library. For more detailed sound shaping, there are two separate filters: an analogue 2140 low-pass filter by Dave Rossum with variable saturation, and a flexible SEM-style filter offering low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch modes.
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Integrated, not standalone
In contrast to the keyboard model, the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Desktop Module does without an integrated keyboard and dedicated performance controls such as pitch and mod wheels. Instead, musicians play it using external MIDI devices or directly from a DAW. The streamlined front panel groups parameters into clearly structured sections, which are quick to toggle between, ensuring full access to the engine while maintaining a compact footprint in the studio. Four independent layers can be addressed multitimbrally via separate MIDI channels. Combined with the four analogue outputs, this allows complex sound layers to be processed in parallel, then mixed externally – a clear advantage for production setups that require both detailed digital textures and rich analogue character.
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Synthesis and sequencing
The internal sequencer allows modulations to be recorded and automated directly within the unit, while parameters such as filters, envelopes and effects can be dynamically linked together, creating evolving, almost organic sound structures. In practice, even the characteristic wavetable tones of the 1980s can be shaped further, using the analogue filters to create even more complex textures. Composers can combine their patterns and develop them into complete arrangements. Equally, in hybrid performance setups, the three pedal inputs on the rear panel also mean musicians can introduce spontaneous changes to the sound. User can also switch the envelope behaviour, between modern exponential curves and a response inspired by classic PPG synthesizers.
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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.
A flexible hub for studio and MIDI setups
The 3rd Wave Desktop is designed with modern production workflows in mind. MIDI and USB connectivity make it easy to integrate into existing systems, where it acts as a versatile sound source within more complex setups. For users already working with high-quality master keyboards or modular controllers, the desktop version offers a clear advantage: It delivers the full 3rd Wave sound engine without duplicating hardware. Instead, external control makes this an immensely flexible synth – whether that's via a traditional master keyboard or using an automated DAW environment. All in all, the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave Desktop stands as a fully featured module in the larger series: Sonically identical to the flagship, but focused on integration, efficiency, and expandable workflows.
