Groove Synthesis: Sonic surfing with the 3rd Wave

California company Groove Synthesis have developed a modern take on the classic PPG Wave sound and it's a beast! Check it out here.
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instagram: / mattjohnsonjamiroquai
music: matt-johnson.bandcamp.com
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[@starchedshirt13]

Thank you, Matt for rocking the blue blazing hell out of our baby. You are jaw-dropping brilliant and our gratitude goes beyond words.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thanks Mark, it's very easy to make it sound good!

[@klownaround5464]

Not on SWEETWATER where can i buy it??

[@starchedshirt13]

@@klownaround5464 April 1st at Sweetwater. Working on the EU/Europe distribution right now, as well.

[@darkcognitive]

Send one to me I’ll review the hell out of it again, and again, and again, and again 😂

[@entropybentwhistle]

@@starchedshirt13 Can we still order direct from Groove since I’m also in Cali?

[@MFitz12]

We do live in a golden age of synthesis. Not only are we not want for choice, but synthesis is so much more affordable today. Take the 3rd Wave here. In today's money I see them retailing for $4,500, which is considered the champagne and caviar end of the hardware synth market today. 40 years ago a complete PPG system with a Wave 2.3 synthesizer, a PRK master keyboard (velocity sensitive), Waveterm sampling option and a couple of 8-voice EVU expansion modules to get to 24 voices would easily set one back $40,000+. So the 3rd Wave does a whole lot more in just one box instead of five for 1/10 the price but today is considered "expensive". I'm old enough to remember when the "remarkably affordable" Yamaha DX-7 hit the market for what would be $6,000 in today's money. It was considered great value back then (for comparison a Jupiter 8 or OB-8 was about $16,000 in todays money) and Yamaha sold hundreds of thousands of the things. Broke every sales record there was by orders-of-magnitude. You were nobody in the mid-80's if you didn't have a DX-7. People don't really get how good we have it now.

[@carriersignal]

Exactly, and thank you for saying this! People that complain about how much these new polysynths cost apparently have no idea about what high end equipment like this cost decades ago, especially taking inflation into consideration. We all should feel fortunate that there are small companies like Groove Synthesis who take on such a challenge (and risk). $5k for this is pretty reasonable all things considered.

[@joxer96]

You know a synth is pretty special when it has a seasoned pro smiling this much. Beautiful sounding instrument, beautiful playing.

[@lenochod7950]

Your vintage Adidas tracksuit matches perfectly with an ocean blue synthie you`re putting to the test🌊🌊🌊😝

[@chrisfraser-smith5799]

As a former owner of a PPG2.3 & Waveterm B, I can honestly say this 3rd Wave has it spot on! The additional wavetables just make me want it more.

[@DavidLee07]

Before Matt's video: This is kinda cool, but... After Matt's video: This thing freaking rocks.

[@symbiat0]

Yep, it’s definitely on my GAS list now for sure 😂

[@Robguitarjarvis]

This is the best sounding synth I’ve heard in ages and it’s packed with features plus 4 part multi too. I need one of these in my life !!

[@bobcoover6215]

Matt, what a thrill to hear the 3rd Wave absolutely groovin' in your hands! I know that the 3rd Wave is capable of, but this demo still surprises with sounds I haven't heard from it before. As Mark said, thank you for a fantastic first pass as at our labor of love!

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Pleasure Bob, you must be really proud of the synth it's fantastic!

[@dankeplace]

Hey Bob, any news on CE for Australia yet?

[@Pacer416]

I'm fortunate to own an Orig PPG, as well as the Waldorf M...and a 3rd Wave. I would take the 3rd Wave over both of these. The reason is that the 3rd Wave is Sssoooo Deep - as Matt said - and super EZ to use. It's actually a bargain when you compare it to the other HiEnd Synths out there because it has 24 Voices and it's 4 Part Multi Timbral. You basically have 4 Full Synths in 1. But, the most important reason to own it is because it's so Flex. It covers All Your Other Sounds. This synth would pair so well with, for example, an OBX-8, a MiniMoog, etc. It covers a ton of sonic ground, and plays well with other synths. The great thing is that, because the sonic capabilities on this synth are perhaps greater than any other hardware synth I can think of (incl the Quantum), is that it can do both traditional (Beautiful Pad) sounds, but you can also dial up some of the most swirling, contorting, trippy sounds I've ever heard on a synth.

[@xiaoxia5]

would you say there's a lot of overlap between the M, and the 3rd Wave? i have a M, which i like. was thinking about getting the 3rd Wave, but keeping both.

[@crime_wavcorp]

i been watching this thing for a while. it sticks out to me among everything else out there right now.

[@mambus3148]

I think Matt's video editing is really underappreciated!

[@ScottWozniak]

I see you're rocking the blue Adidas jumper to go with the 3rd Wave! 💙 Wavetables through analog filters always sound gorgeous. The people at Groove Synthesis are awesome. Cheers, Matt! 🎹

[@starchedshirt13]

Thanks, Scott. You're awesome, too.

[@blankspace0000]

I have to say the way you program and play this keyboard makes it actually seem like a compelling instrument, no other review I've seen has given me that feeling

[@saucey99]

Best synth in 12 years!!

[@derekbaker3279]

Wow! That was a jaw dropper of a demonstration Matt! 😮 In all likelihood, you just sold enough 3rd Wave synths to keep it in production for an additional decade!😁I have always loved the other-worldly sound of the PPG 2.x, the Korg DW8000 and related synths, and the features on the 3rd Wave are certainly impressive. I imagine that many of my synth heroes from the 1970s & '80s (e.g. Gary Numan, Rupert Greenall & so many more) have been salivating over this synth. I am looking forward to your next 3rd Wave video! 👍😎👍

[@mrkeeny]

Gary Newman just uses Omnisphere

[@romulus_]

I was thinking "sounds a lot like a ppg wave...kinda looks like one with the blue" then scrolled down and saw it's a modern take on it. wavetable synthesis is extremely cool.

[@Nathanaelsun22]

amazing vibe with the vintage vibe too, so romantic, beautiful, futuristic warm.. so visual too, very real utopian future feelings, love beauty and the expanse, WONDER and magic

[@donato77]

If Miles were alive he'd want to play with Matt Johnson. Well done.

[@gautrstafr]

19:22 made me double check my whole setup, sounded like digital clipping and took me off guard.

[@jamesallen4165]

this god damn intro. golden. god damn.

[@oddcircuit]

Hey Matt, don't let the system and its algos get u down, u use microchips to create beauty... they use chips to control and manipulate people. It is better to be on your side, you inspire others, all they can do is crack the whip. Keep up the great music and videos!

[@N-trepid1]

Matt, your excitement regarding this synth is infectious! Coming from you (a premier musician) this is quite an endorsement. Hang in there re: your KZbin Channel! You have one of the best channels out there that offers a solid balance of a nuts & bolts feature review with world-class musicianship. And I was seriously considering pulling the trigger on the Iridium Keys ;) (sigh, 1st world problem )

[@JonathanRCross]

love how much you love the sounds! Awesome stuff matt

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Your playing and programming of that Koto patch around 20:27 is one of the most jaw dropping things I've heard!

[@maycusskywalker3643]

can´t wait for your patches =)

[@BreaktheMachine]

Utterly stunning playing, loved this video. Groove Synthesis, take our money ❤

[@stevencooper1234]

Thanks Matt. Absolutely beautiful synth

[@martattacks]

Wow. Absolutely love it. What a versatile thingy. Thanks for demoing it so brilliantly!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Flippin' monster isn't it! Really enjoyed your take on it, and you could barely contain the joy, which was telling. 😍

[@dankeplace]

I love the 4 sequencers for the ability to have 4 6 voice parts to go out of the 4 paired stereo outs. I mean that's 4 great synth engines you can have right there. When you consider the price, that's great value imo.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thanks Alex, yeah it's a joy to use!

[@grantnelsonmusic]

I can't decide what I love more - the colour coordinated top, the incredible sounds coming out of this thing or the smile on your face when you are playing it. Top notch as always brother!

[@basspartout]

Fantastic sounds! Very interesting and unique synth! And superb playing and demonstration as usual !!

[@toddtrillo7445]

Thank you Matt , really enjoyable watch

[@ruudvincent6078]

Thanks Matt for this pleasant video. Loved the funky part you played.

[@jon_gee]

Every keyboard you touch is magic ✨love you Matt!!!

[@MPHORROCKS]

Fabulous keyboard and fabulous playing! Brilliant Matt! Thanks.

[@greatheightsu]

When I started seeing videos on this synth, you're the one I wanted to see play it most. You're so good.

[@Stakkeroid]

Before this video I didn’t really get the PPG or wavetables in general… Never heard those 8-bit waves used quite this way, and wow, now I get it :-) Those dreamy lo-fi soundscapes paired with the Vintage Vibe in the end are absolutely beautiful!

[@cgmagik9837]

Great video! Thanks. I got my 3rdWave back in November and it's just so incredible. What a synth!

[@keithedwards3594]

Thanks Matt, a brilliant demo as usual! I’ve seen other reviews of the 3rd, but finally I can here what it can really do! Now I want one! 😁

[@Nathanaelsun22]

Your taste and playing are 2nd to none .. just fantastic stuff.. I adore the sounds you are getting out the 3rd wave, really new feeling even though there is that echo from before, this unique instrument makes feelings of a future I WANT.

[@KiR_3d]

The best demo for this great synth! The synth koto expression is superb!

[@breslin44]

Gee it sounds magical in this demo at times. Superb demo Matt. I need a 3rd Wave now

[@thejamifan-os4oh]

Love these demos, sooooooo cool 😎🎹 keep em coming your playing takes me somewhere else where my troubles are erased from my mind…Thank You 🙏🏻🙌🏻✨💫

[@carriersignal]

Matt J. is great! Love this guy's videos. Always been a fan of the PPG and wavetable synthesis.

[@DKH712]

Now that's how you start a synth demo! hot damn

[@robomixdj]

So nice your synth presentations! Thanks a lot!!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Matt - EVERYTHING YOU PLAY SOUNDS LIKE HEAVEN ! (its not fair)

[@defenderstargate1447]

I have been waiting for your demo of this and it did not disappoint. Suspected you would love it! It is an instrument that has both character and class.

[@Stue007]

Thank you so much showing us this beautiful synth - a programmers and players dream. Definitely a machine for creating new sounds and enrichment of both light and heavy arrangements.

[@barbenzinc]

Stunning demo, it's the perfect mix of tech talk and musicality !

[@ChrisFotopoulos]

This synth is pure magic and ideal for sound design !!!

[@eugeniomeza2886]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing Matt. Looks like you had a blast tweaking suonds, cool. Cheers.

[@feliscatos4435]

I'm so glad the PPG is back (and then some) . I really like your channel too.

[@mattr5578]

Love how excited you are about this :)

[@zxbryc]

There's not a lot of synths that do oldschool PPG wavetable/wavetravelling. There's modern ones and they're great, but sometimes it's just a bit much and can be overwhelming. The PPG style really kept it simple and it was really about discovering new and interesting timbres that nothing else could do. 3rd Wave is a great balance between old and new. Awesome synth! The virtual analog stuff is pretty cool too, perhaps it's a bit like having a modern Nord Lead?

[@antoniorusso5149]

I love your presentation of the 3rd Wave. Love the vintage PPG sound. Groove Synthesis totally nailed it on the 3rd Wave and I will be getting one to join my synth stable.

[@dankeplace]

Groovidas, just do it. Should be the slogan on the track suit, I mean, you're doing groovy pretty damn well there Matt!!!

[@brettlarson3504]

This is so epic that I am breaking apart

[@reidhauke3389]

Nice demo. Sounds wonderful. Some sounds were like straight off an OB-X. Well done!

[@JohnMoser66]

Oh my! This brings back so many PPG memories. I can't wait to buy one! :-) Great video Matt 🙂

[@browe]

Simply one of your tastiest vids yet! So rich, so textured... and that's not just the 3rd Wave. In the outro your voicings / voice leading, embellishments, plus (another) lovely nod to Japan, and the delicious Herbie homage--all sounded glorious and deep. This is definitely a "listen on quality hi-fi or headphones" kind of episode. Cheers.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Thanks Brian

[@betamaxrules]

Lots of knobs and buttons to keep Matt happy! Sounds amazing. I remember Geddy Lee using a PPG and I hear those 80s tones for sure.

[@ragoutdepommedeterre]

yes Matt you are one of the best keyboard of the world

[@learnerslikeus]

Speechless. Matt just showed this keyboards true colors.

[@thomassalyers1391]

Thanks Matt,,, absolutely terrific video,, ty

[@worldofmuu]

It’s a beautiful piece of gear. I love mine even if I’m still stuck in the dreamy pad level of programming

[@Deepwatermusic]

Dang. It sounds fabulous!

[@thefumigator]

Magestic, simply magestic

[@DojoOfCool]

Cool sounds and as always dig your playing

[@ApexCypher_]

Superb Matt. Great content 🙏🏼

[@lifelies]

Matt, as always, we share the same wave on the sound/synth quality. Yes, Love 3rd wave from the 1st moment and now will get it (once all Electron stuff will be sold) as I'll never regret.

[@Kuronoichig01]

Amazing. Love your choices in the sound demo! Love so much I've decided I'm getting one :)

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Good choice!

[@polarxta2833]

Sounds amazing !!

[@markusfuller]

Thanks Matt for a another quality video. very interesting synth.

[@jamaharon]

i miss your videos markus!

[@realjuliuspaul]

The combo of the pads with the EP is lovely.

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Great demo, you make it sound fantastic!

[@MichaelMichael-em3gx]

I really like it! Had to think of the game "WIZBALL" on my Commodore C64 and the intro. That was a great time! Thanks Matt for the flashback! 🚀

[@ozzy3ml]

Beautiful synth, class review!

[@RebelScumbag]

Hearing you play @Matt is pure pleasure 😀👍

[@payt01]

What a machine! It reallysounds great, and looks the part too! Andall these synthesis options kind of warp you into a universe of sounds :) Ah well it gives me something to dream of again!

[@pfmerc10]

A new synth takes alot to impress me, I don't know how many times I said WOW in that 26.16. Another brilliant demo Matt, still loving the chanel keep up the great work,,,cheers Paul.

[@Digiphex]

The bell like PPG sounds go well with the EP. I hope you make an album with this. Boards meets Herbie!

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

yeah!

[@M_orcan]

@@MattJohnsonJamiroquai I second this! Would really love to hear an album or EP around this!

[@olymoon2008]

Such a great video, full of musicality and sensitivity, and of course, information. I just discovered your channel, SUBSCRIBED!! THANK YOU.

[@VirtualModular]

Monster synth! That sound around 21 minutes was like a Hammond organ on acid. Loved rhe nod to Herbie Hancock too. Comments at the start were also interesting, I always assumed my channel doesn't get any help because it's not very good, haha! But if KZbin isn't pushing this, the algorithm is genuinely broken 😉

[@SynthgodXXX]

Sounds fantastic to me! Groovy!

[@dancarter5595]

Oh man, now I really want one. Great video

[@DeepspaceHorizon]

Sounds indeed very great, but much more value for me is to see how you work with this synth, such a great lesson in sound design. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💥

[@legoswfan]

Love your videos Matt! So nice to see a truly great musician demoing these great synths:) Very inspiring playing and demos! Btw, that Rhodes sounds incredible! Dare I ask what overdrive you use on it?

[@etpslick100]

The PPG was the bomb. Sorry they don’t make ‘em anymore. But that synth? OMG! What a sound! Congrats Matt! That’s a nice synth. Hope they’ll make a rack version of it. Would DEFINITELY add one to my “mini” studio.😌🎹🎶👍🏾

[@jamaharon]

or a desktop yes please :)

[@clayxaviermusic]

That organ patch was absolutely insane

[@Bata9999]

Great demo! Love the blue outfit and blue on the watch! Blue!

[@Bin909able]

What a great video again. Your video skills are not to be underestimated either... :)

[@Somewhere_sometime_somehow]

Mouth watering synth and fantastic playing. Id be super into seeing you handle the Trigon, really hope that is in the cards. Its a Joy to see you this enthusiastic btw.

[@MattJohnsonJamiroquai]

Yes I think I will be getting hold of one

[@danthreepwood2760]

This synth is nicknamed ''The Blue Whale''. Just kidding I just made that up. It sounds like no other synth, really impressive!

[@Donetur]

Sounds awesome

[@Gonzalo_Chalo_Luthier]

It sounds beautiful indeed! And it's in the right hands! Tasteful demo! I would love to have this and a vintage vibe piano. I'll keep dreamin' 😂

[@marzzz1]

Ha, for once I beat you to it! Great demo, as usual. It's a cracking good synth!

[@Dancarnate]

It's funny cause every time you post a video I am both giddy and sad as my thought process goes "Ok all I need is this badass synth and the talent of god and I too can sound this good!" Love the vids man, they are so damned good. Still have most recent album on my heavy rotation but would love even if a lot of the jam sessions were cut up together in to a playlist just to vibe on. Keep jamming!

[@AllureMusicLab]

Wonderful !

[@BelongingToTheUniverse]

It's sounds like Universe... I'm so impressed by synth😮👍

[@Goettel]

Can't afford it but can enjoy listening to you playing it < 3