The Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M is an 8-voice, bi-timbral desktop synthesiser that delivers full access to the flagship 3rd Wave sound engine, complete with wavetable, analogue-style, FM and sampling synthesis, housed in a compact, rack-mountable format.

Complete Synthesis Architecture

The 3rd Wave 8M offers three high-resolution digital oscillators per voice, each capable of wavetable synthesis, analogue-style waveform generation, linear FM, and sampling. It includes 64 user wavetable slots with 48 factory tables, comprising 32 classic PPG waveforms and room for 16 additional legacy-style 8-bit tables. It also features 7 high-resolution modelled analogue waveforms and supports VCO sync, unison and chord modes with variable voice counts. Each oscillator has a six-stage wave envelope with variable time and position and optional looping, alongside an upper wavetable mode and waveflow functionality that allows operation without interpolation.

Dual Analogue Filter Design

The signal path integrates two premium analogue filters. A 24 dB/oct Dave Rossum-designed 2140 low-pass filter provides resonance, variable saturation and optional resonance compensation. A second 12 dB/oct state-variable filter offers continuous morphing between low-pass, notch and high-pass modes, as well as a selectable band-pass configuration. Filters can be routed in series for complex tonal shaping.

Modulation and Control System

With a 16-slot modulation matrix per part and 12 additional fixed paths, the modulation system runs at audio rate and accommodates 27 sources and 114 destinations. Four LFOs provide variable delay, note reset, clock sync and eight waveform types. Four ADSR envelopes with delay—switchable between exponential and vintage PPG-style response—are fully assignable. The built-in sequencer handles both note and parameter sequencing, supporting two parts per sequence, 24 sequences per preset, and up to 32 measures with adjustable quantisation and swing. Each part also includes an arpeggiator with assignable direction and octave range.

Advanced FX and Wavetable Creation

Each part includes two digital effects processors offering tape and stereo delays, chorus, phaser, flanger, ring modulator, BBD, rotary speaker, distortion and multiple reverb types modelled on classic hardware, all clock-syncable and modulatable. The onboard Wavemaker tool converts external audio—via input jack or USB-imported 96 kHz WAV files—into 64-waveform custom wavetables at 96 kHz, 16-bit resolution. It supports Serum™ wavetable import and allows flexible wave lengths and cycle mapping for key range compatibility.

Interface and Build

The desktop module provides 24 knobs, 36 buttons, and a 7-inch colour display with six rotary encoders for hands-on programming. It comes rack-mountable with 19-inch rack ears included. Users have access to 451 factory programs, all user rewritable.

Connectivity and Power

Connectivity includes two stereo outputs (one per part), headphone out, MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB MIDI, audio input for wavetable sampling or filter processing, and inputs for sustain, volume and expression pedals. The unit operates via an external universal 100–240V power supply delivering 15V at 45 watts. It weighs 4.8 kg and ships in a 53 x 29 x 20 cm box.