Behringer Wave: Everything You Need to Know About the PPG Wave Reboot
If you’ve been keeping an eye on synthesizer releases, you’ve probably heard the buzz around the Behringer Wave. It’s a bold attempt to resurrect the iconic PPG Wave, a synthesizer that helped define the sound of the 1980s. Known for its hybrid digital-analog architecture, the PPG Wave was groundbreaking in its time, offering a blend of futuristic textures and warmth that set it apart from its contemporaries. Behringer has announced a slew of synthesizers over the years, many of which remain in production limbo. However, the Behringer Wave stands out as one of the few to finally move beyond speculation and enter production—and it’s already started shipping. Fast forward to today, and Behringer’s version promises to deliver the same magic at a fraction of the cost. But can it live up to the hype? With its wavetable oscillators, analog filters, and modern updates, the Behringer Wave aims to be more than just a clone. It’s a gateway to the lush, evolving sounds of the past with the convenience and accessibility of modern synth design. Let’s dive in and explore everything you should know about this synth.
What Made the PPG Wave a Classic?
The PPG Wave, designed by Wolfgang Palm and released in the early 1980s, was revolutionary. It was one of the first synthesizers to use wavetable synthesis, a digital technique that allowed users to cycle through different waveforms for a single note. This approach created rich, evolving textures that were impossible to achieve with traditional subtractive synthesis.
Coupled with an analog low-pass filter, the PPG Wave offered a best-of-both-worlds experience: the complexity of digital tones with the warmth and character of analog processing. Artists like David Bowie, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Tangerine Dream used the PPG Wave to craft some of their most iconic tracks. However, its high price and limited polyphony made it accessible only to a niche audience.
How Behringer’s Wave Stacks Up
Enter the Behringer Wave, a modern homage to the PPG Wave. This reimagined synth retains the hybrid architecture of its predecessor, featuring two wavetable oscillators per voice and an analog filter inspired by the original’s SSM2044 chip. It also modernizes the concept with features like user-importable wavetables, polyphonic sequencing, and USB-MIDI connectivity.
The Behringer Wave brings an 8-voice polyphony, compared to the original’s more limited voice count. It also includes 30 factory wavetables, each containing 64 waveforms, along with memory slots for 64 user-defined wavetables. While it doesn’t have the exact digital grit of the original, the Behringer version offers a cleaner, more flexible sound palette that fits into modern production workflows.
In short, the Behringer Wave captures the essence of the PPG Wave while adding updates that make it more user-friendly and accessible for today’s producers.
Key Features Explained
Wavetable Oscillators & Digital Power
At the heart of the Behringer Wave are its dual wavetable oscillators, which provide the foundation for its signature sound. Each oscillator can operate in 8-bit or 16-bit resolution, allowing users to choose between gritty, lo-fi textures and cleaner, high-fidelity tones. The synth comes loaded with 30 factory wavetables, but the real magic lies in its ability to import custom wavetables via the SynthTribe app. This opens up endless possibilities for sound design.
The oscillators also include transient samples, which add attack characteristics to your sounds. With 32 transient slots available, you can create dynamic patches that stand out in any mix. Whether you’re crafting lush pads, sharp leads, or evolving soundscapes, the Behringer Wave’s digital engine offers incredible flexibility.
Analog Filter Brilliance
One of the standout features of the Behringer Wave is its analog low-pass filter, modeled after the legendary SSM2044 chip. This filter adds a warm, organic quality to the otherwise digital oscillators, making it ideal for vintage-inspired tones. The filter is capable of smooth, resonant sweeps that can transform even simple waveforms into complex, expressive sounds.
With dedicated controls for cutoff, resonance, and envelope modulation, the filter is a joy to use. It’s particularly effective for crafting thick basslines and creamy leads that cut through a mix. If you’ve been craving that authentic analog vibe, the Behringer Wave delivers.
Modulation & Performance Tools
Modulation is where the Behringer Wave truly shines. It features two ADSR envelopes that can be assigned to the filter, amplifier, or wavetable position. Additionally, there’s an AD envelope for pitch modulation or more nuanced wavetable control. A dedicated LFO adds another layer of movement, with options for vibrato, tremolo, and cyclic wavetable sweeps.
Performance-wise, the Wave includes a polyphonic sequencer and a dual arpeggiator. The sequencer allows you to create intricate patterns, while the arpeggiator offers multiple play modes, including up, down, up-down, and random. These tools make the Wave a powerful option for live performances and studio sessions alike.
Connectivity & Build
The Behringer Wave doesn’t skimp on connectivity. It features MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB-MIDI, and CV/Gate inputs and outputs, making it easy to integrate into any setup. There are also individual audio outputs for all eight voices, providing maximum flexibility for mixing and processing.
The synth is housed in a robust chassis with a 49-key velocity-sensitive keyboard that includes aftertouch. While the build quality might not match high-end synths, it’s more than adequate for its price point. Overall, the Wave’s design balances functionality and affordability.
How It Compares to Similar Options on the Market
When comparing the Behringer Wave to other wavetable synths, its price-to-feature ratio immediately stands out. At just $599, it’s significantly more affordable than options like the Modal Argon8, Arturia MicroFreak, or even software like Serum. Here’s how it stacks up:
The Modal Argon8 is an 8-voice wavetable synth with a high-resolution 37-key keyboard and extensive modulation matrix, making it great for modern, crystalline sounds. However, it lacks the analog warmth that the Behringer Wave’s filter provides, leaning heavily into digital precision.
The Arturia MicroFreak offers a quirky combination of wavetable synthesis, digital oscillators, and an analog filter. While it’s cheaper than the Behringer Wave, it has only paraphonic voice allocation and a smaller keyboard, making it ideal for experimental sounds but less so for lush polyphonic textures.
For those interested in cutting-edge design, the ASM Hydrasynth is worth considering. Its polyphonic aftertouch keyboard and advanced wavetable engine cater to sound designers, though it’s priced higher than the Wave.
If you’re looking for a modern take on wavetable synthesis, the Korg Modwave is another great option. With its Kaoss Physics pad and deep modulation, it excels at evolving soundscapes but comes at a higher cost.
Finally, the Waldorf Blofeld provides a compact and affordable alternative, offering virtual analog and wavetable synthesis. While it lacks the tactile, analog-inspired controls of the Behringer Wave, it’s a strong contender for those on a budget.
The Behringer Wave strikes a balance between vintage charm and affordability, carving out its niche among these alternatives. It may not outclass every competitor in every category, but its analog filter and accessible price make it a compelling choice.
Is the Behringer Wave Right For You?
So, is the Behringer Wave worth the investment? For $599, it’s hard to argue against it. This synth offers an impressive blend of digital flexibility and analog warmth, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of genres. Whether you’re into retro synthwave, ambient soundscapes, or experimental textures, the Wave has you covered.
It’s particularly well-suited for producers and musicians who want to explore wavetable synthesis without breaking the bank. Beginners will appreciate its straightforward interface, while seasoned synth enthusiasts will love its sound-shaping capabilities.
If you’re looking for a faithful recreation of the PPG Wave with modern enhancements, the Behringer Wave delivers. While it may not replace modern high-end wavetable synths in every scenario, it’s an excellent addition to any setup. What do you think of the Behringer Wave? Let us know in the comments below!
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