Groove Synthesis: Sonic surfing with the 3rd Wave 

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

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.

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

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

It's really a shame that your videos don't pop up at the top of the search results and recommended videos. They deserve to be seen since you really bring out the magic of these tools. It's inspiring to hear what is possible at a higher skill level and it's so mesmerizing to listen to. Really appreciate all the effort you put in!

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.

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

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 !!

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!

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.

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

I think Matt's video editing is really underappreciated!

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! 🎹

love how much you love the sounds! Awesome stuff matt

So nice your synth presentations! Thanks a lot!!

Thanks Matt. Absolutely beautiful synth

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

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

Fabulous keyboard and fabulous playing! Brilliant Matt! Thanks.

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

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

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

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

Superb Matt. Great content 🙏🏼

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!

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

Thank you Matt , really enjoyable watch

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

Cool sounds and as always dig your playing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! 😁

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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.

Great demo, you make it sound fantastic!

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! 👍😎👍

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.

Best synth in 12 years!!

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.

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.

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! 🚀

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

Hearing you play @Matt is pure pleasure 😀👍

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

Beautiful synth, class review!

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.

Love how excited you are about this :)

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

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💥

Matt, your excitement regarding this synth is infectious! Coming from you (a premier musician) this is quite an endorsement. Hang in there re: your RU-vid 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 )

Thanks Matt,,, absolutely terrific video,, ty

Oh man, now I really want one. Great video

Dang. It sounds fabulous!

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!

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!

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

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.

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

Sounds amazing !!

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

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!

Fantastic demo! I'm in love with wavetable synths atm... got the Iridium keyboard shortly after seeing your demo... now using AUs too like Vital and Pigments.... hardware is just much more hands on though and I'm totally loving your sounds... would love to get one!

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

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' 😂

Absolutely wonderful! I don't currently have the space for another keyboard, so I went with the Waldorf M, but I would LOVE to grab one of these some day if I can rearrange the studio to eek out a bit more space. :D Lovely sounds, lovely playing of said sounds!

Wonderful video!!! Thank you so much for continuing to provide the best synth videos around!!! Appreciate you so much and sorry you're getting buried in the algorithm. I'm sharing links, might be time to migrate to another platform.

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

Sounds fantastic to me! Groovy!

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

Great Vid Matt…. I love mine, and I’ve been creating a ton of (Anaologue sounding ) pad sounds, which its so capable of doing and mixing them with digital waveforms…. They are so good at releasing updates, and so far there have been very few bugs.. Enjoy !

this god damn intro. golden. god damn.

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

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

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

The combo of the pads with the EP is lovely.

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 RU-vid isn't pushing this, the algorithm is genuinely broken 😉

Great demo!

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.

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

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?

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

Speechless. Matt just showed this keyboards true colors.

This is so epic that I am breaking apart

I was hoping for a 3rd Wave video by Matt, maybe a second one would be possible, as the synth IS capable of fantastic funky meaty analogish sounds besides all the wavtable thing. cheers!

Great video. Shame to hear about Google burying you videos. Like the way you make it all look easy and accessible.

I saw this synth online , and I just knew I’d find Matt gettin down on it.

fantastic review

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

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.😌🎹🎶👍🏾