Korg DW-8000 Collection for the Wavestate – 102 Performances

Bring the classic hybrid digital/analogue sound of the Korg DW-8000 to your Korg Wavestate, Wavestate Module and Wavestate Native.

The Korg DW-8000 is one of my favourite synthesizers from the 1980s. Released in 1985, it combined 16 digitally generated DWGS waveforms with analogue filtering, giving it a distinctive sound somewhere between traditional analogue synthesis and the emerging digital instruments of the era.

I've recreated that character for the Korg Wavestate with a collection of 102 performances across two versions, including classic DW-8000 factory-inspired sounds, my own custom patches and new sounds that take advantage of the Wavestate's layering, modulation and wave sequencing capabilities.

There are two complete versions included in the download. You can choose the one that works best for your setup, or install both.

What's included?

• 102 performances across two versions of the collection.

• Two versions included – one using the Wavestate's factory waveforms, the other using authentic samples from my own DW-8000.

• 79 programs in the sample-free collection, available for building your own performances.

• All 16 original DW-8000 DWGS waveforms sampled for the authentic version.

• Additional sampled sounds, including the distinctive DW-8000 bell.

• Multi-layer performances, evolving pads, electric pianos, brass, bells, basses, strings and sequenced sounds.

• A DW-8000 template performance for creating your own sounds.

• A sample bank for the sampled version, along with individual multisamples for importing into an existing bank.

Two versions – one collection

Version 1: Wavestate Factory Samples

This version uses only the waveforms and samples already included with the Korg Wavestate.

I've recreated the DW-8000 sounds by ear, choosing the closest available factory waveforms and using the Wavestate's filters, envelopes and modulation to recreate the original character.

No additional samples are required. Simply load the performances and programs.

This version is ideal if you want to avoid managing user sample banks or prefer to work entirely with the Wavestate's factory content.

Version 2: Authentic DW-8000 Samples

For this version, I sampled all 16 DWGS waveforms directly from my own Korg DW-8000.

These are the original digital waveforms used as the starting point for the DW-8000's synthesis. Rather than simply sampling complete presets, I've used the waveforms to recreate the sounds using the Wavestate's own synthesis engine.

This means you can still edit the filter cutoff, resonance, envelopes and modulation, just as you would with a normal Wavestate program.

The sampled version also includes a small number of additional samples, including a sampled DW-8000 bell sound.

Both versions contain corresponding sounds, so you can compare the results and decide which you prefer.

Sounds in the collection

The collection covers the distinctive sound of the DW-8000, from its warm hybrid pads and digital electric pianos to its unusual bells and resonant brass.

Classic DW-8000 sounds

12 String, DW-8000 EP, Fifth Piano, CX3 Organ, Prologue, Slap Bass, String Pad 31, Square Lead, Brass, Resonant Brass and Unison Bass.

Pads and atmospheric sounds

Ghost Pad, Hollow Pad, In The Air Pad, LFO Pad, Warm and Bright, Wavetable Pad, String Pads and Synth Strings.

Digital and hybrid sounds

Combi EP, Hybrid EP, Dual Bells, DW-8000 Bells, Synth Piano, Wave Sequence EP, Digital Unison and Table Sweep.

Modern Wavestate performances

I've also taken the original DW-8000 concept further with sounds that would not have been possible on the original hardware:

• Key Table Switch: Changes between the 16 DW-8000 waveforms with successive notes.

• Mod Table Switch: Uses the modulation wheel to select different waveforms while playing.

• LFO Bass: Combines waveform switching with filter modulation.

• Ratchet Sequence: A Berlin School-style sequence using the DW-8000 waveforms.

• Vector Control: Combines four different layers for expressive vector-style control.

• Transition Layers: Moves between different sounds using the Wavestate's layers.

• Wave Sequence EP: Switches between electric piano waveforms.

• Soundtrack: A Roland D-50 Soundtrack-inspired texture recreated with DW-8000-style synthesis.

The collection also includes additional arpeggiated, layered and evolving performances.

More than just DW-8000 presets

The original DW-8000 combined two digital oscillators with an analogue filter, distinctive multi-stage envelopes and a built-in digital delay.

For this collection, I've recreated those sounds using the Wavestate's synthesis engine, but I've also explored what happens when you combine DW-8000-style sounds with modern Wavestate features.

Some performances use four layers to create richer combinations of sounds, almost like having multiple DW-8000 synthesizers playing together.

Others use wave sequencing to switch between waveforms, produce rhythmic sequences or recreate the changing filter shapes of the DW-8000's multi-stage envelopes.

There are also performances that use aftertouch to control filter movement and the modulation wheel to change waveforms in real time.

The result is a collection that retains the distinctive hybrid character of the DW-8000 while expanding its sound design possibilities.

Installation instructions

Installing the sample-free version

This is the easiest option.

1. Download and extract the collection.

2. Open the Korg Wavestate Editor/Librarian.

3. Import the sample-free DW-8000 performances and programs.

4. Transfer the sounds to your Wavestate, or use them in Wavestate Native.

No additional sample installation is needed.

Installing the authentic sampled version

The sampled version requires the additional DW-8000 multisamples to be installed.

The download includes the multisample files and a prepared sample bank.

If you don't currently have any custom samples installed, you can use the supplied bank with Korg Sample Builder.

If you already have custom sample banks installed, I recommend importing the new multisamples into your existing master sample bank.

1. Open Korg Sample Builder.

2. Open your existing master sample bank, or create a new one if you don't already have one.

3. Choose Import → Add Multisamples.

4. Select the supplied DW-8000 multisample files.

5. Build and transfer the updated sample bank to your Wavestate.

6. Import the sampled DW-8000 performances and programs into the Wavestate Editor/Librarian.

Important: Installing a new sample bank can replace the existing user samples on your Wavestate. If you already use samples from my other collections, or any other custom samples, add the DW-8000 multisamples to your master bank rather than replacing it.

I recommend maintaining a single master sample bank containing all your custom Wavestate multisamples.

Watch the full demonstration

In my video walkthrough, I demonstrate the sounds from both versions of the collection and explain how they were created.

The video also covers the differences between the sample-free and sampled performances and shows how to import the custom DW-8000 multisamples using Korg Sample Builder.

Download the DW-8000 Collection

102 performances | Two versions | Authentic DW-8000 waveforms | Programs and sample bank included

Get both the factory-sample and authentic DW-8000 sampled collections in one download.

[Download the Korg DW-8000 Collection – insert download link]

For more Korg Wavestate sounds, tutorials and downloads, visit The Digital Lifestyle.

This is an independently created sound collection inspired by the classic Korg DW-8000. It is not an official Korg product.