Korg Modwave review: should you buy & competitors comparsion

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The Korg Modwave is a powerful wavetable synthesizer that has quickly gained attention for its deep sound design capabilities. In this review, we’ll explore whether it stands out among recent Korg releases and how it compares to competitors like the Korg Wavestate, Minilogue, Opsix, Waldorf Blofeld, Iridium, Hydrasynth, Roland Gaia 2, Modal Argon8 and Serum.

Korg Modwave MK1 vs MK2: What’s New?

MK1 MK2
The original Modwave (MK1) impressed with its wavetable engine, kaoss pad integration, and robust sequencer. The MK2 version builds on this with enhanced polyphony, and some other add-ons.
  Key differences:
MK2 adds more voices (up to 80 vs 60 in MK1). Improved LFOs with more options, and a new, faster CPU.

Other additions include a pre/post reverb switch and more modulation sources.

While the core sound engine remains similar, the mkII’s increased polyphony and processing power provide smoother performance, especially for complex, multi-layered presets

If you already own the MK1, the upgrade may not be essential, but for new users, the MK2 offers a more refined experience.

Korg Modwave Native Review: Software vs Hardware

The Modwave native version brings the hardware synth’s power to your DAW.
It retains all the digital sounds and wavetables of the hardware unit, making it a great option for producers who want Korg’s synth engine without the physical unit.

Pros of Native: Cons:
No need for hardware — works as a VST/AU plugin.
Same deep sound design capabilities.More affordable than the hardware version.		 Lacks hands-on control (no kaoss pad or knobs).
Some users prefer tactile synth interaction.

You can load unlimited sample based soundsets while in hardware version you can load only one at a time.

Korg Modwave MK2 vs Minilogue XD: Which One Fits Your Style?

The Minilogue XD is an analog/digital hybrid, while the Modwave is purely digital with wavetable synthesis.

Korg Modwave MK2 Korg Minilogue XD
Modwave excels in wavetable manipulation and polyphony (80 voices vs 4 on the Minilogue XD).If you need multi-timbral sounds, Modwave is superior.Sequencer – Modwave’s one is reach and complex. Wavetable manipulation and polyphony – 80 voices vs 4 on the Minilogue XD).Minilogue XD offers a warmer analog sound and hands-on control.Sequencer in Minilogue XD in very basic while 

For wavetable enthusiasts, the Modwave wins, but for analog purists, the Minilogue XD remains a favorite.

Korg Modwave vs Waldorf Blofeld & Iridium

Waldorf is a heavyweight in wavetable synths, so how does the Modwave compare?
 

Korg Modwave Waldorf Iridium
Modwave still enough complex and coasts 3 times less The Iridium is more advanced (and expensive) with granular (and other) types of synthesisBeauty of iridium – its big & colourful screen, enough intuitive – you can trully sculpt new sounds without a computer because Iridium is the computer.

 

Korg Modwave Waldorf Blofeld
Modwave offers deeper sequencing and effects. The Blofeld is more compact (desktop version) but lacks modern features like touch control.
  Sound engine in Blofeld is however warmer and can better re-crete analog vintage sounds. The core of Blofeld taken from Waldorf’s Q & MicroQ models of 90s & they sounded great!

Korg Modwave vs Roland Gaia 2

The Roland Gaia 2 is a virtual analog synth with wavetables add-on, while the Modwave is wavetable-based.

Korg Modwave Roland Gaia 2
Gaia 2 focuses on classic Roland sounds & also offers some wavetable tones & capabilities. Modwave is better for multitimbral futuristic, evolving textures.
Gaia’s interface is more intuitive & hands-on, one parameter per knob with no need of computer editor.  

Korg Modwave vs Hydrasynth

The Hydrasynth (by ASM) is a strong competitor with its wavetable engine and polyphonic aftertouch.

Korg Modwave Hydrasynth
Hydrasynth has a more flexible modulation system, overall richer sound, poly aftertouch. Modwave includes kaoss pad and better sequencing, sample import possibility.

Both are excellent, but Hydrasynth edges out in expressiveness.

Korg Modwave vs Wavestate & Opsix

Korg Modwave Korg Wavestate
Modwave is best for wavetable sounds & complex presets Wavestate excels in dynamic, evolving sequences & a whole universe of sound categories.

Korg’s Wavestate focuses on wave sequencing, while the Opsix is an FM/subtractive synth.

Opsix is ideal for FM synthesis fans and making complex FM synthesis easier to understand.

If you need multi-style synthesis, pairing Modwave with Opsix or Wavestate covers all bases.

Modal Argon 8 vs Korg Modwave

Korg Modwave Modal Argon 8
Modwave offers deeper sound sculpting and effects, multitimbrality. Argon 8 has a more straightforward interface, great keyboard & build quality, aftertouch.

The Modal Argon 8 is another wavetable synth with a sleek design.
Both are great, but Modwave is more feature-rich.

Korg Modwave vs Serum (Software)

Korg Modwave Serum (Software)
  Serum is the king of software wavetable synths, but how does Modwave compare?Serum has unmatched visual editing.
If you prefer hardware, Modwave is the choice. For pure software, Serum remains unbeaten.

Final Verdict: Is the Korg Modwave Worth It?

  1. The Korg Modwave is one of the best wavetable synths released in recent years, especially for those who want deep sound design in a hardware format.
  2. While it faces stiff competition from Waldorf, Hydrasynth, and Roland, its unique kaoss integration and sequencer make it stand out.
  3. If you’re looking for a synth that blends wavetable flexibility with performance features, the Modwave is a top contender. However, if you prefer analog warmth or software convenience, alternatives like the Minilogue XD or Serum may suit you better.

Would you choose the Modwave over rivals like the Waldorf Iridium or Hydrasynth? Let us know in the comments!

Synths presets by Lfo.store team

Below, you will find presets for each synthesizer mentioned in the article.