The ULTIMATE Virtual Analog Synth? // Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave

[@peterkenney9158]

All credit to Creative Spiral who did all the groundwork for the circuit drift values in his comprehensive Voice Component Modelling research. His work was also used by Arturia on the Polybrute. Hoping he gets asked to work with other companies on this stuff as it’s brilliant. Hoping he’ll get to work with UDO on the Super Gemini.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I didn't know the name of the person who programmed it but huge props to them! Incredibly talented programmer, hats off!

[@CreativeSpiral]

Thanks Peter! Happy to help, and really happy with how the Circuit Drift / Vintage Voice Variances turned out! 3rd Wave is amazing as a hybrid analog subtractive synth... super versatile and great sounding with those 2140 VCF filters! Bob and Andrew programmed the circuit drift... I just helped to design/curate how it would be set up, based on per-voice measurements I've taken of vintage synths. Cheers, Jason kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWnRh6uZnrOGqJI

[@swanofnutella4734]

Not to mention his VCM init patch for the Hydra, which I would say is easily in league with this. All the more impressive being that's not what the Hydra is known for. I feel like the day I tried that patch, a 3k boutique analog poly descended from heaven right into my lap.

[@thedarkestrainbow]

@@swanofnutella4734I’m not familiar with that patch. Would love a link!

[@swanofnutella4734]

@@thedarkestrainbow kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZrNgo2ZibJ4rpI

[@bobcoover6215]

Thank you, Devin - Great video! Great sounds! And since it is mentioned several times, I want to explain a bit more about the Circuit Drift setting. This control changes many settings "under the hood," and it does not work in the same way that the Sequential vintage knob works, but it is related. The feature was also re-vamped with some good suggestions from Jason, (Creative Spiral), so that it is closer to what happens per voice on an older synth. Thanks Jason! Also, remember that you have 3 oscillators for each voice. Some of the great sounds that Devin came up with were just one oscillator with the patch split to bi-aural. Finally, each of the multi-parts can not only be panned as Devin is showing, but each of those parts can have its own tuning. (See the volume/tuning button right next to the pan button.) Thanks again Devin - as I like to say, Rippin' Action!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you for creating such a masterpiece! And excellent info about the Circuit Drift, it really helps it stand out from the pack!

[@RayyMusik]

Thanks again. Your demos are getting better and better, and, as an analog guy, I love your selection of synths.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much, really appreciate it! 💙

[@strangeskys]

Thanks, my 3rd Wave is on it's way to me. Moor of you custom patches please. I have your OB-X8 set and now the 3rd Wave.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much for supporting! I’m so happy my video helped you pick the 3rd Wave, you won’t be disappointed :) I might consider a second patch set depending on demand in the winter!

[@neonether]

I’m stoked to see you on this synth again, I am 100% getting one…hopefully an open box 😂

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching and I hope you can get one!

[@CreativeSpiral]

Great overview, Devin! And that demo track at 1:47... excellent! Such a great sounding synth.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much ! And thank you for the awesome work on the circuit drift!

[@paulmapp8306]

Had my 3rd wave 5 hours........ I spent most of that time comparing it with both my Prophet 6 and OB6. Both could go if the 3W could cover them (making room for something else - Nina). Well... it was VERY apparent very quickly it can ABSOLUTELY do the Prophet 6 sound.... The only real things that its not quite right at is how it re-triggers if a Filter Env is used. The P6 retriggers from the position of the env when you change keys - but the 3W restarts the env each time. Having that as an option would be great. The env curve arnt quite right either (though its not supposed to be copying a P6) and having the option to change those curves beyond "exponential" and "PPG" would be great. When it came to the OB6 - not so much. the resonance isnt as pronounced on 3W meaning those archetypal high res filter sweeps just arent as good. Theres also a coupe of other small things that just made it not quite there (in the notch aspect). Certainly gets the feel but noticeably different (not the case with the P6). So - my P6 is up for sale, but not my OB6 ... YET ....i like to bake FX into my sound BUT as Polybrute (which I have) and 3W get the FEEL of the OB with their respective SVFs, I MIGHT go all in for a character synth and grab the OB8x and an Eventide H90 as a permanently connected, midi switchable FX unit. Thats a lot more outlay though, so might be a few months.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

That's a killer set up!! And I agree, the 3rd Wave absolutely nails the Prophet sound. I bought the 3W instead of the P10 (VERY tough decision) but I don't regret it, because of how good the 3W sounds doing analog!

[@cfibb]

3rd Wave and OBX8 are exactly the two polys I want!😊

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@cfibbthey are two of the best!

[@RustyTonesJr]

​@@MilesAwayOfficialGood. choice. I love Wavetable Synthesis.

[@basspartout]

The 3rd wave is next to the Nonlinear Labs C15 one of the few synths that always catches my attention. It just sounds incredibly good.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

So true! Really a golden age for unique flagships like this :)

[@Mercy_Pants]

I have the C15. It’s really cool. Has free running oscillators as an option, 24 voices, 2 and 4 pole filters, binaural mapping etc etc can sound like this and so much more. It’s really incredible.

[@indigoskywalker]

isn’t the c15 ni reaktor running one ensemble?

[@downpatmusic]

Demo sounds great! It fits into your set up so well. You have a great handle on creating pop tracks using these great analogs and virtual analogs. Keep it up!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks a lot! Going for weekly synth videos all of 2024 so stay tuned to my channel 👊🏻

[@richardhermans4457]

Great video, thanks for posting this. I had a OB6 that I had to sell, and it was the most rich and luscious sounding synth I've ever owned. I miss it greatly. The patches you played with the 3rd Wave has that deep rich sound, with juicy fizzy sounding filters...I love it.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for sharing! Along with the OB-6, 3rd Wave is my desert island synth

[@JimDaneker]

Killer - no surprise! Excellent take as always. This synth really is the one to beat right now!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks dude! Appreciate ya! Enjoy your 3W :)

[@gyakuto7775]

A really useful video. I’ve been obsessed with the wavetables since I received my 3rd Wave, but this has opened up a new, classic palette of sounds. Thank you so much.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@erwan-coic-film-music-composer]

very good and clear, thanks !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@ZozillaThaGreat]

Exellent as usual !!! Should i point out that you're one of the few to talk actually of gainstaging , thks for that !!! Specially whe i hear people trashing this or that synth drive while they crank 3osc full volume and wonder why it's crap lol This thing is a beauty , i'm not surpirsed because even the Waldorf is imho one of the best virtual analog , thks to it's spot on filter / nev interaction !! Would love to see a desktop module for that baby .....

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you!! Gain staging is seriously so important and not talked about enough. Maybe I will do a video on it!

[@Claude_van]

I also use my Waldorf Microwave 1 mainly for analog sounds. The Curtis chips are amazing.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Amazing! Never owned a microwave but its a classic!

[@dxmat]

Yes... CEMs are awesome and MW1 rocks.

[@Johnsormani]

Yes the microwave does the job or my old esq1. I think the single saw on the third wave sounds too much like a juno6 without the chorus.

[@merlinoner]

Super demo song at the beginning. Thanks.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much for watching! More synth videos every couple weeks!

[@pfmmodule5144]

Prophet X does similar things. Two high definition digital oscillators and two samples per layer. Analog filters and envelopes. Tons of modulation possible.

[@ItsThatJahncke2]

Two different synths with different purposes and flavors

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Prophet X is sample based not wavetables right? But I can see it’s similar for sure

[@hayward85]

gorgeous sounds!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you!!!

[@trebleboost7]

Compelling. Nice demonstration! Thank you.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@benoitpiret9065]

I’ve been curious about these. But already have a quantum…. The kernel mode in quantum is sick you can run 6 oscillators per oscillator. In wave table mode you can run 6 different wavetable positions at once.

[@daft4682]

Hey I just found your content and love it. I'm new to hardware synths, just been using nativive instruments plug-ins that are ho hum. I decided I wanted the new moog muse as my primary need is fat fat punchy industrial bass. I thought I needed pure analog, now doing deep research on options. I kind of want a desktop module to save space. So many options.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

MUSE looks sick but I haven't tried it! This and OB6 are my two fave synths.

[@LabofmusicRecords]

0.5 sec in the sound and instant like :) edit: 02:35 Wooooohoooo..! awesome bro, realy nice, well done

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@LabofmusicRecords]

@@MilesAwayOfficial ha ha, I'm back to watch it again :)

[@AudioLomtik]

Love this synth, but for me it's like the OB-X8... I want a module as I have a surplus of keyboards and a dearth of space. A module with half the polyphony and downsized components for around $1,700 USD would be a big win.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

A module would be sweet! But it might be hard to keep it knob per function since there are SO many controls

[@AudioLomtik]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I totally agree, it would be impractical to include so many knobs on a module, but it's a challenge that's been solved before. For example the Prophet 12 module, it has very few knobs but a clever knob/menu design that makes workflow very fast, so I think something like that could be done.

[@Mercy_Pants]

The problem with the OB-X8 is when you layer, you’re cut down to 4 voices

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@AudioLomtik did you see? They are releasing one!

[@RayyMusik]

Meanwhile the 3W module is available, albeit not as a cut down version but internally identical to the keyboard. However, unlike Sequential/Oberheim modules it has a significantly reduced number of knobs; thus the immediacy of programming is also reduced, I guess.

[@Jason_Drums_]

Incredible Demo 👌 Amazing Video 💯 ❤ loved 23:10 😃 What a Synth 🤩 Awesome 👌 😍 🙌

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you 🙌

[@ivanglushko4232]

Yep, another one nice synth video! Thanks

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

More to come! Thanks for watching!

[@ivanglushko4232]

@@MilesAwayOfficial very welcome! As I said before - you have the best synth feel on youtube and beyond. Very pleased to watch and listen! Greetings from Ukraine!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@ivanglushko4232thank you so much ! Love Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@teddybear4020]

u r the second one i ve come accross . the first one was state azure . i hear plenty of types . ones like yours and his i use as background play . awesome . he makes very long ones this the first one of yours i am hearing now .{ Iam just here near Dunkirk .ny usa . }

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks and welcome to my channel! I've got dozens of videos like this for you to go through :)

[@teddybear4020]

Yes I will

[@teddybear4020]

I was telling my wife about this one . As we grew up hearing the songs they made in the 80 s . And had similar sounds in them .. I am enjoying thank you 4 making it possible

[@alexandercalder2143]

how does this compare to a OB-6?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

it can do a solid approximation, but nothing beats a real SEM filter! But this is way way more powerful and versatile

[@kvmoore1]

I'm really impressed at just how analog this thing really sounds. Combine that and the fact it has a real analog filter, a SVF filter, sweet effects, and 24 voices with 4 part multitimbrality and it appears to give many other analog synths a run for their money!!! Thank you so much h for doing this video. I am now convinced, and I haven't even seen one in person or played it yet!!!!!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much! Yea it really is a special one!!

[@kvmoore1]

@@MilesAwayOfficial You're welcome! Yes, it is!

[@rodcontreraspianostudio1893]

Hey Miles. Thanks for the great content. I ended up getting a 3rd wave and also got both of your sound packs. I notice that with the free Analog Init Patch, as well as a couple of other patches from the packs I got from you, there are some notes, especially F#4 for some reason... that seems to sound much softer than the other notes around it. I checked to see it wasn't my keyboard, being that I have a Wave 3 Module... but even on multiple keyboards certain notes like the F#3 drastically sound softer. Do you know or have any leads as to why??? Thanks!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I haven't heard that but thanks for supporting! I would definitely report that bug to the Groove Guys. they are good with updates

[@jorgenstil]

Do you think the free running oscillators will add more to the analog feel? In a future planned update.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Yes! I am not sure if I was the first to suggest it, but I talked to the Groove guys about that a few months ago - I truly think its gonna get it that last 5%

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@raelic3 I mentioned it in the video, they let me know they are working on free running oscillators for a future firmware update :)

[@jorgenstil]

@@MilesAwayOfficial awesome! It is in that 5% where it gets right into the feels haha. Just heard the doorbell and my 3rd wave just came in. Gonna be a good night!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@jorgenstilenjoy it ! I hope my video helped you get started and inspired :)

[@danijeldanko4498]

o calculate the number of possible combinations for a complex synthesizer with extensive modulation capabilities, you need to account for several variables. Let’s outline a more detailed and realistic example based on a hypothetical complex synthesizer setup. Factors to Consider: Number of Parameters (P) Parameters might include filter cutoff, filter resonance, oscillator pitch, modulation depth, LFO rate, envelope attack, release, and more. For a complex synthesizer, let’s assume there are 20 parameters. Number of Modulation Sources (S) Modulation sources might include multiple LFOs, envelopes, random generators, MIDI controllers, etc. Let’s assume there are 10 modulation sources. Depth Settings (D) Each modulation source can have varying depth settings, affecting how much it influences a parameter. Assume each source can have 10 different depth settings. Routing Options (R) Each modulation source might have different routing options or ways to interact with parameters. Assume there are 5 different routing options. Modulation Destinations (M) Each modulation source can affect multiple parameters. Assume each modulation source can be routed to 5 different parameters. Depth and Shape Variability For some synthesizers, depth settings can be continuous and not discrete. For simplicity, assume discrete settings. Each parameter could have a range of values; assume 10 settings per parameter. Calculating the Number of Combinations: Basic Calculation (Simplified): Combinations for Each Modulation Source: Each source can be assigned to multiple parameters, with varying depth and routing. 𝐶 source = ( 𝑃 × 𝐷 × 𝑅 ) 𝑆 C source ​ =(P×D×R) S Where: 𝑃 P = Number of parameters = 20 𝐷 D = Number of depth settings = 10 𝑅 R = Number of routing options = 5 𝑆 S = Number of modulation sources = 10 𝐶 source = ( 20 × 10 × 5 ) 10 = 1 , 00 0 10 C source ​ =(20×10×5) 10 =1,000 10 𝐶 source = 1 0 30 C source ​ =10 30 Considering Modulation Destinations: If each modulation source can affect 5 different parameters, and each parameter has 10 settings: Total settings for one parameter with modulation: 𝑇 parameter = 𝐷 × 𝑅 T parameter ​ =D×R Where: 𝐷 D = Number of depth settings = 10 𝑅 R = Number of routing options = 5 𝑇 parameter = 10 × 5 = 50 T parameter ​ =10×5=50 For multiple parameters: 𝑇 total = ( 𝑇 parameter ) 𝑃 × 𝑀 T total ​ =(T parameter ​ ) P ×M Where: 𝑃 P = Number of parameters = 20 𝑀 M = Number of modulation destinations = 5 𝑇 total = ( 50 ) 20 × 5 = 2.8 × 1 0 34 T total ​ =(50) 20 ×5=2.8×10 34 Real-World Application: Layering and Interactivity: In practice, the number of usable combinations is lower because not all theoretical combinations are practical or useful. Synthesizers are designed with user interfaces that simplify parameter adjustments and provide musically relevant combinations. Complex Modulation Systems: Some modern synthesizers have modulation systems that allow for dynamic, real-time adjustments, making the actual number of meaningful combinations much lower but still extensive. Conclusion: The theoretical number of possible combinations in a complex synthesizer setup can reach numbers as high as 1 0 30 10 30 or more, depending on the parameters, modulation sources, depth settings, routing options, and destinations. In practical terms, the number of usable combinations will be lower but still incredibly vast, providing a broad range of sound design possibilities. Du: pleas wirite this number ChatGPT: ChatGPT Certainly! The calculated theoretical number of possible combinations for a complex synthesizer, based on the assumptions provided, is: 1 0 30 10 30 This number is written as: 1 , 000 , 000 , 000 , 000 , 000 , 000 , 000 , 000 , 000 , 000 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 This is an extremely large number, illustrating the vast potential for sound design and parameter combinations in a highly complex synthesizer setup.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Epic analysis! That's pretty crazy to think about that many possibilties!

[@markus6409]

Really impressing.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks !

[@googlingthevoid]

Hey Miles! Love your videos. If you could only have one synth, what would it be? It would need to cover a lot of ground!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Late reply but it would be a coin toss between the OB-6 and the 3rd Wave! So far those are my two faves I've ever owned.

[@googlingthevoid]

@@MilesAwayOfficial late or not, thanks for the reply homie! Two monster synths ❤️

[@creightonmoench6894]

Now that there's the PPG emulator oscillator for the Prologue by tsoniq I wonder if the Prologue can hold its own at least on more simple wavetable mixed with subtractive sounds.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

That's super cool, gonna look into that, I am curious too! The filter is totally different though.

[@creightonmoench6894]

Yeah and obviously the prologue doesn't have 4 timbral layers, 24 voices and all the hands on controls of the 3rd wave but for some of the simpler, classic PPG sounds I wonder how well it can do now. I sold my prologue a while ago and have regretted it, haha. The 3rd Wave looks awesome but is way too rich for my blood atm

[@OOF_MUSIC]

Superb!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks!

[@FM-kl7oc]

I really hope they make a module version of the 3rd Wave. They would probably have to shrink the buttons and put the knobs closer together to fit it all into a module. But I would buy it without a second thought!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I agree! A module would be too sick

[@masonjahncke7844]

I think they are making one now !

[@masonjahncke7844]

Which is great because I don't have any space for a keyboard version lol

[@klstay]

It really is a great design that sounds fantastic. Having access to the individual components in circuit drift would be even better, but I am not sure how much changes from the programmed levels would end up being used? I am not holding my breath, but would love to see a "little brother" (maybe 2 oscillators, 8 voice, bi-timbral 4 octave) under $2k. Part of me thinks from a business perspective in the long run they might have been better off leading with something like that then a desktop a year later then the "big daddy" here a year after that - time will tell.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

That would be amazing! I’d love to see that. Hopefully they can use this circuit drift algo and expand on it in future gear.

[@markus6409]

I really would have heared a saw patch with 100 percent filtertracking and resonance quite before self oscillation and long release. Ob6 does this amazing for example. I am sure the 3rd wave doesn't disappoint.

[@xntricity6446]

May I ask price point 👍I may have missed that in the video

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

$5000

[@xntricity6446]

@@MilesAwayOfficial wow cool 👌

[@MadelnMachines]

It would be cool to compare it to your OB8X or Pro 5/10 if you have one

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Might do an OB-X8 comparison actually! But I sadly don't own a P10... yet ;)

[@MadelnMachines]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Cool! Great track by the way. I'm kind of shocked that it can match that warm prophet strings pad sound.

[@cronenbergj]

Can you use Circuit Drif on Wavetable OSC modes ?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Yep! Circuit drift works on everything:)

[@cronenbergj]

@@MilesAwayOfficial curious you mention Prophet, some people i have seen comparing it more to Oberheirm than Prophet. Bright, and fuzzy , linda huge doing Va stuff.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@cronenbergjit’s got Prophet 5 filters! But yea the overall tone is definitely more OB

[@cronenbergj]

@@MilesAwayOfficial yeah... does not remind me of a Prophet at all :)

[@neulandlotse]

The keys are clattering so loud😂 And I don’t hear the really fast attack of Moog or some Sequential synth. Everything sounds slow and limp🙄

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Agree to disagree - I own lots of Moog and sequential gear and this to me sounds just as good

[@markus6409]

I always see your 2600m in the background. Why didn't you do a video about that?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Coming soon!

[@JoshuaSimonson909]

I'd live to get the desktop version of this synth for my Osmose E, but i just don't have the money for this anytime soon 😢

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Its a great combo!

[@MLochMusic]

Great video thanks. Is it doable to use the 3rd Wave multitimbrally? IE 4 synths in one? As opposed the stacking and layering I see so many do? Its just £5000 for 4 synths an easier pill to swallow. Im not really one for multitracking to DAW or whatever.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Yep! Each synth gets separate outputs, FX, sequencer, etc. It doesn't feel limited. Think the only limitation is you can't do reverb on each part due to DSP constraints, 2 max. I multitrack everything though so I'd check out other videos for examples of using it as 4 synths!

[@MLochMusic]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Thanks mate,. Greets for England

[@krinzologicstudio]

Nice review and tweeks! I own here a p10 and ob-x8, I can really say that some organic sounds are still not comparable with the 3rd wave nothing tragedy in any case i think in the mix will be hard to listen the difference, i had it in my studio from a a good friend but I still dont own it because I still own tons of Waldorf wavetable synths, from the beginning of Waldorf era to last modern M and i was think it was not necessary untill i had it in my hands, this happened few days ago and changed my mind. What i can compared it too? I do own some recent and "VA vintage" synths on Waldorf side with analog filters onboard: my M for the wavetables and analog filters part and my Q+ for the VA and analog filters part, no Iridium and Quantum fan and ill never be unless the new Waldorf company will change the AD - DA chain wich make sound em so horrible like a vst in the box, sorry if im rude here but no transient no punch no pepper in the mix.... The 3rd wave is for sure more warm then my waldorf Q+ wich is sounding more killer in some other ways, cold but nice and killing in a mix techno trance synth.. (was super for the beginning 2000 years music style) but was also capable of good drifting and saturated vcf analog sounds, i do repeat, not good as the 3rd wave wich is something magical warming magic thnx also to this drifting emulation very nice accurated and the amazing analog filters SSI 2140 so far super better then analog filters on waldorf Q+. Never the less even if the Q series has a few wavetables in the osc rom, they are nothing capable of magic PPG style like the 3rd wave and M, to me the Q+ was unique hybrid synth untill this 3rd wave come out, well, if ill buy it i think i will even think to sell my Q+ phoenix edition.. About wavetable part: the 3rd wave is so amazing and modern and fast programming wavetable synth: sampling to wavetable..mod matrix, layering 4 parts without any bug, the Waldorf M wavetable synth here sounds different on most aspect like fuzzy crunchy old style wavetable play like filters onboard SSI 2144 with no resonance compensation, slow like hell compared to the 3rd wave and really tedious on import wavetables process, no sampling to wavetable, importing PPG transitions but tedious and slow and ewven buggy in some technical parts. In the end...soon or later the 3rd wave will be here too :) @MilesAwayOfficial, Groove synthsis Circuit Drift™ is nice also in wavetable synthesis...i forget to tweek it when i had the 3rd wave here...would be nice to have another video about to use it with wavetable synthesis!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Good comment! I agree even though the 3rd wave is insane I still really like my OBX8 for analog bread and butter stuff. Definitely will make more 3rd wave videos in the future too so stay tuned

[@100haymaker]

I bought the 3rd Wave desktop. Was worried that it would be a big compromise but it’s the easiest desktop I’ve ever used. Virtually no extra wave diving. And very analog and beefy. Even against my Matrixbrute,Andromeda etc. Thanks for a great demo.

[@davlippo7]

I absolutely love your reviews however similar to yourself I can find awesomeness or uniqueness and strengths in every piece of gear. You also did that tiered classification which was great. I guess I also watch all these similar videos to find out what sucks about them. If you like everything it's hard to know what not to buy. Some fortunate people get to buy everything so they don't have a dog in the fight. Maybe do a "what smells" video explaining shortcomings. Like a glass in half-empty roasting video. Also maybe do a "best or most convenient features" comparison and a "simply sounds the best" no matter the features. I know it's hard because so many of these have special talents like a skill player in sports. Compare these to famous athletes. Is 3rd Wave better than Iridium? I got my iridium module around $2,200 so not sure I should spend $5K on the Wave. The Wave needs to be over double as good. I use 2 Osmoses to control everything I have so I don't need keys.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Appreciate the comment! Benn Jordan said it well, it takes so long to make these videos that it’s not really fun to cover a piece of gear I absolutely hate, so I don’t really do that. But that is a good idea to maybe do a “features to avoid/watch out for” video. Also, your set up sounds amazing! I’d love to try the Iriduim with my Osmose, sounds like heaven :)

[@mikede2464]

Incredible sound. Wish it was cheaper.....but you get what you pay for. :-)

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Agreed! This is the best modern synth for me personally

[@lefunghi6151]

If I ever get a standalone hardware synth, this is still the one.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

An excellent choice!

[@SPAZZOID100]

The Super-6 can sometimes pass for an analog synth, but to use it only for that would defeat the purpose.

[@SynthsNoTalking]

Because outside the FPGA oscilators which are high resolution, the Super-6 is an analog synth with an analog filter and vcas. Again a Digital-Analog hybrid synth.

[@SPAZZOID100]

@@SynthsNoTalkingIt’s strong suit is it’s 16 digital waves along with it’s binaural mode.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Totally! I did a whole video on the digital side of the 3rd wave, that's why I got it too. But I wanted to show that it also crushes it as analog

[@SynthsNoTalking]

The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is NOT a virtual analog synth. This is an analog/digital hybrid synth. Which means digital oscilators and actual analog filters and signal path after the oscilators. Calling this a virtual analog is a misnomer and inaccurate as the 3rd wave does in fact have analog signal path after the wavetable filters, like the original PPG which it is based on. That is an actual Rossum filter and an actual SEM filter for each voice of the synth. I really encourage the person who posted this video to learn the difference between a virtual analog (which uses digital technology to emulate an analog synthesizer) and a hybrid synthesizer which uses digital oscilators and analog filters and other components. Because the difference in sound is significant. Examples of Digital/Analog Hybrid synths: Sequential Prophet 12, The PPG, Prophet VS, Udo Super 6, Udo Super Gemini, Novation Peak and Novation Summit, Waldorf M, and yes, the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave. You get the best of both worlds with hybrid synths, while Virtual analogs don't sound as rich in comparison.

[@maycusskywalker3643]

Im sure he knows the difference ;)

[@SynthsNoTalking]

@@maycusskywalker3643 Then why did he call it virtual analog repeatedly in the video including in the title when this is a digital/analog hybrid. I don't think he does know the difference, otherwise he would have not used that phrase even once. This is a hybrid synth. There are actual analog filters here, an SEM and Rossum improved ladder filter. Again, I am not the only one who is noticing how painfully wrong he gets this in the video. Like the original PPG, it's a analog-digital hybrid wavetable synth. Not a virtual analog.

[@ItsThatJahncke2]

I don't know, I thought Nord lead 2 virtual analog sounded pretty rich lol

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I answered elsewhere and don't usually repeat replies, but you wrote such a large comment I will: Of course I know the semantic difference between a hybrid synth with analog filters/digital oscillators (like the 3rd Wave) and a fully VA synth (like the Cobalt8 I've covered). But, the actual creators of the synth themselves call this section of the synth the Virtual Analog side of the synth and want to appeal to users who are interested in VA synths, since most videos so far have only covered it as a wavetable side. They've put a lot of work into the Virtual Analog emulations such as circuit drift, the digital SEM filter, getting the waveshapes as high fidelity as possible. So they asked me to create a video showcasing the 3rd Wave as a virtual analog synth, which it absolutely can be- you can even disable the analog filters and run it 100% digital signal path into the SEM only.

[@Sicolirics]

I'm thinking that another synthesizer would make the perfect pairing with this one.🤔

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

You can never have too many synths! Which one were you thinking of pairing?

[@Sicolirics]

with a minikorg 700fs I think it would be a good combination

[@steveturner1815]

Oh my god Devin. I wish I had not seen this.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

sorry to do this to you! LOL

[@steveturner1815]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I now own a 3rd wave. I bought your pack and sent Bob an email saying it was your demo that sold the unit to me. I will run through the factory set first, of course.

[@halcyo]

I've never wished for a synth to cost "only" $3500 so badly before in my life....This thing is outstanding. But SO prohibitively expensive :(

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I totally feel you it is really pricy but you get what you pay for :/ check out the used market, some people might be selling their early bird models which were priced closer to that

[@masonjahncke7844]

The desktop version coming out will be around $3500, so you are in luck

[@amos922]

🔥🔥🔥

[@arakaneuman]

The closest synth that springs to mind when it comes to analogue type of sounds is the Prophet vs, not 100% analogue, not 100% digital, quite unique.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I'd love to try a VS! Maybe Sequential will do a reissue :D

[@pfmmodule5144]

Prophet X explores similar territory.

[@SwishStillPimp]

Thats a hard album name!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

thanks!

[@davlippo7]

I'm waiting to see what Yamaha Montage2 has before buying something new. My Oberheim OB-X8 module with Osmose controller is so far beyond anything available hardware wise. So at $5,000 I can buy the OB-X8 Module & Osmose and destroy this using MPE individual envelopes per finger. You have to seriously consider what can I also buy for the same amount? I actually have (2) Osmose units. Dead-key synths are, as of 2023, a thing of the past or should be. Banging out sounds on cheap or after-thought keybeds with hard bottoming out presses is super annoying once you've played on the Osmose. So we have what hundreds? of synths with poor keys attached almost like Walmart toys. Sure it makes sounds but now we roll on round wheels instead of rounded-off blocks made of rocks like the Flintstones. The game is going to have to change on these boards that have been around almost identical for 50 years. The white glowing chicklet gum buttons are really odd I almost wouldn't buy it just because of that. I wonder what designer chose those? Jumps out a little too much maybe black wouldn't have been so overly obvious. Do they make a module again because nobody needs dead-key or static key style boards anymore. Make modules and leave the controllers to the professionals.

[@theshillpill6937]

I was thinking about getting an Osmose vs a hardware synth. Does the osmose turn any synth into MPE?

[@davlippo7]

@@theshillpill6937 It does that in a way or is very customizable and even makes my regular boards play better. I think other gear has to also be MPE capable or have multi channel options. Obviously works with anything you want to assign aftertouch to using cc commands. I don't see where my Oberheim OB-X8 is MPE specifically yet I can bend notes independently with the Osmose settings. I can set the X8 to apply filter or LFO or both using the aftertouch and I think it works per note not globally which means poly aftertouch. The internal Osmose synth engine is as advanced or more than anything available so you get two extremes in one unit. The synth and the controller.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Osmose is really cool, I did a video on it. I think if you love complex sound design and need one synth to rule them all, the 3rd Wave is the top dog right now. But if you are more of a player, Osmose + OB-6 or GS E7 would be a wicked combo too

[@theshillpill6937]

@@MilesAwayOfficial I usually go to serum or vital for my heavier aggressive bass/textures. Would the 3rd wave have a lot of overlap with those two, being wavetable base d

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@theshillpill6937 it actually nails heavy sounds, cause it can be bright and can get really saturated if you want it. Go check out my custom patches demo, there’s some super heavy dubstep/electro sounds.

[@Iamirxclej]

🖤🖤

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

:)

[@Dudderlyful]

Is the title intended to annoy people into telling its not a virtual analog synth, because you got my click and comment that way and I feel duped!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

no duping intended! The creators themselves of this synth call this section the Virtual Analog section of the synth, and they asked me to make this video about how its a great VA synth.

[@earlsfield]

Great video, great synth. It's a bit of a travesty to call it vst in a box. It has certain components that make it NOT vst, actually, it is closer to PPG than VST :) Now, multi sampling really adds extra dimension to the already monster synth.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Well said! Yea I called it the VA section as this is what the Groove Guys call it, but it absolutely is way more than a VST in a box! The filters alone are spectacular.

[@earlsfield]

@@MilesAwayOfficial No fair enough, I get they said that, but honestly, the circuitry is deffo making it not vst lol. Again, close to PPG and now expanded with these sampling and multisampling fw update. The only thing I miss is waldof-y 6 stage envelope design. Btw it reminds me of Super 6 with that hybrid build.

[@indigoskywalker]

it has real analog vcf’s and vca’s btw, it’s not a VA

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

you are right! Just using the terminology Groove Synthesis calls it in the manual. It should be called Hybrid.

[@alainthiry3965]

analog analog analog

[@Kirk-Monteux-Production]

please use a de-esser on your speech recording

[@cronenbergj]

New firmware with free running envelopes

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Yep! I'm so happy to hear that! I was one of the people who suggested that to them, and it makes a big difference

[@RyanMarshal11]

When would you choose to use free running envelopes vs not using them?

[@aardvarkmindshank]

I’ll wait for the inevitable Wave 3.3 with polyphonic aftertouch and hopefully 8 parts 😂 That’s the one I would definitely buy.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Oh man if they made that I'd probably swap mine out too LOL

[@stinkypete9070]

Man this looks/sounds like it could really be a "desert island" synth !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

It's pretty epic! Desert island for me along with the OB6.