PPG Wave Differences

This one in via Nikos:

"PPG front panel differences:

In the picture, the 2 upper photos are the PPG Wave 2.0: as you examine the front panels you'll find differences:

The upper one (which I call the first version because it was used for the original brochure) has no space between top legending and top flat panel. Also the legending around the LCD screen has a different configuration, compare with the second version. That usually had Moog type- chrome topped knobs, here in the pic has the standard PPG type. The second version which is more common, has a space between top flat panel and upper legend. To be more confusing, I've seen sec. ver. Wave 2.0's with chrome topped knobs! Also in the second the legending around the screen has the same configuration with the later Waves (2.2 , 2.3). Also, the top writing 'Multiple digital/analog control panel' has different placement and font size in all versions (2.0a, 2.0b) and in the 2.2/2.3 is on it's final placement. The later versions (2.2 / 2.3) had no differences between them anyway, and both had standard pitch/mod wheels, compared with the wave 2.0 single wheel with it's strange ergonomic angle - I can't tell if it's more comfortable than the usual placement - better ask a wave 2.0 owner!

A curious thing is that in almost every Wave 2.0 I've seen, the front panel paint is worn, mostly in the volume knob area and the programmer's numerical switches area. This problem is not common in later waves -maybe they improved the front's panel paint quality/sturdiness. It is reported that only 200 2.0's were made (both versions).

The main internal difference, apart from the single oscillator per voice in the 2.0, is that the filter chip was the CEM 3320 -in the Wave 2.2/2.3's used the SSM 2044 of course. As for the VCA's, in the 2.0 used the CEM 3330 (dual VCA) and in the 2.2/2.3 the VCA chip was the CEM 3360 dual VCA as well.This info is backed by service literature. Sound wise, the 2.0 was more rawer and primitive than the 2.2/2.3's, although the INTERNAL wavetable resolution in ALL Waves, was 8-bit. Things were different in 2.3's, where it had SRAM of 12-bit and thus you could play samples from Waveterm B loaded into the 2.3.

Edgar Froese of Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze both had the first version of Wave 2.0 and used them 'till 1983 as far as I know. In fact, E. Froese's is visible in his rig in the 'Poland' video (1983 - left) and Klaus Schulze had his own Wave 2.0 with him, when he toured Poland in 1983. You can have a very good idea how well the Wave 2.0 by listening to track 'Remote Viewing' by Tangerine Dream, from the 'Exit' LP, from the middle and on there some melodies played by Froese on the Wave 2.0 with a voice-like patch,gritty, beautiful and majestic.

PPG photos credits: top photo from ebay auction, second by Laurent Prot from Paul Maddox PPG CD-ROM, the 3d by a 'Matrixsynth' link and Edgar Froese's pic is a capture from the 'Poland' video.

That's about now,
Long live the Wave.
Nick-Greece"

The PPG Wave 2

Update: I put this up earlier yesterday but decided to move this up so no one misses it. Note this is NOT the popular PPG Wave 2.2 or 2.3, but the super rare Wave 2 that preceded the 2.2 and 2.3. This is a very rare and special synth. This is our chance to see and hear it.

via Boele Gerkes (Something Completely Different):
"After Wolfgang Palm had released the WaveComputer 360s series PPG came out with the PPG 2.0. An 8 voice, 1 oscillator digital wavetable synthesizer with analog filters (CEM 3320) and analog VCAs (CEM 3330 dual VCA). It's the forerunner of the better known PPG 2.2 and 2.3, but to my opinion these are quite different sounding PPGs, probably mostly because of the different filters used (SSM 2044) and different VCAs (CEM3360).

I know and own(ed) all the Waldorf wavetable synths too and have done lots of music with those (WAVE, Microwave 1, Microwave XT, the Q) but those are incomparable with the PPG series.

The PPG 2.0 sounds very intimate and to me it's the perfect mixture of digital and analog components in a synthesizer. I fell in deep love with it. And more famous band and people did too: Depeche Mode, Tangerine Dream, Robert Schröder, Gary Numan and others.

Yes, it's digital, yes it aliasing as hell, but ohhhhh..... everything gets polished again by those lovely filters...

All examples are PPG 2.0 only (plus reverb and delay). It's quite clear where some leads from Tangerine Dreams albums of the eighties come from...

Also the demo-tune is PPG 2.0 only. Not really a good song, but it shows a few sounds the synth is capable of. Since there is no midi on the PPG (yet...), everything is played by hand, so excuses for some timing glitches.

The PPG 2.0 on which all this is done, is on loan from a friend of mine. But I just bought one myself. Should arrive next week."

samples:
ppg-1.mp3
ppg-2.mp3
ppg-3.mp3
ppg-4.mp3
ppg-5.mp3
ppg-6.mp3
ppg-7.mp3
ppg-8.mp3
ppg-9.mp3
ppg-10.mp3

Song:
one complete "song"

PPG 2.0, 2.2, & 2.3 Vintage Wavetable Synthesizers

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

PPG 2.0 via this auction

"This is the very rare and sought-after PPG Wave 2.0! extremely hard to find and in good cosmetic condition. This model has a very low serial number which makes it an early model. Technically superb and cuts right through the speakers!"

PPG Wave 2.2 via this auction "This PPG Wave 2.2 is in beautiful condition and works like a charm! The one we are selling, belonged to Modern Talkings producer Ralf stemmann! It was used in countless Hits by him! Just waiting to be played."

PPG Wave 2.3 via this auction

"The legendary PPG Wave 2.3 outperforms any digital synthesizer by a mile! The sound is iconic and infectious. A workhorse and a must have for any synth player. State of the art digital technology that can’t be duplicated. The best digital synthesizer ever built. This PPG Wave 2.3 can be connected to a Waveterm B, which gives you a complete 8-track recording and sampling system. The sample library is out of this world."

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PPG wave 2.3 cold winter soundscapes

synthlegends

"By pure chance I got a PPG wave 2.3 for a very fair and decent price. The appearance was not very nice, a lot of scratchs on the cover and dirt inside. But I cleaned it and made some paint work, so now it looks beautiful again.

Also the keyboard was broken. I played my PPG via Midi with a master keyboard. That is why I decided not to shot a video while playing. Sorry that I show only some personal footage of winter shots of our beautiful landscape riding with a friend on my bike or walking with kids in with a lot of snow to describe the coldness of the PPG, Of course I added a lot of cool pictures of my new blue baby.
Now the PPG is in service, gets a new fatar keyboard, refurbishment and a new power supply unit plus new display from synthtaste (www. Synthtaste.com).


I never thought that I will ever purchase a PPG and now I am so happy to own one. Most of my favourite albums in the 80ies consisted this undistinguishable sound, like Power Windows from Rush, Worlds Apart from SAGA, Welcome to the pleasuredome from FGTH.

The PPG 2.3 was the latest of all PPG wave (produced from 1984 until 1989). Around 400 units must have been built. The forerunners were the PPG wave 2.0 with only one oscillator and CEM filter chips (1981), after that the PPG wave 2.2 with two oscillators and SEM Filter chips. The wave 2.3 is with 16 bit sample rate instead of 12 bit and is also multitimbral with midi.


The PPG is really one of my favourite synths beside my beloved Sequential Circuits Prophet VS and my Modal Electronics 002 which imitates the PPG quite well.

I have also a John Bowen Solaris with alle waveforms form the PPG, but it isn't the same thing of course. The PPG has its own unique sound because of its decent filter and musical aliasing.
This demo is just recorded, when my PPG arrived. I just tweaked the sounds, went through some wavetables and played everything life without any fx or mastering directly with two audio mono outs to generate a stereo track in my DAW. Please notice that I also used the stereo knob to enhance the stereo field.


I will surely make more videos from my PPG as soon I get it back refurbished.

Cheers and take care, Rüdiger"

DEPECHE MODE KEYBOARDS AND OTHER TECH STUFF

Aleksandar wrote in with this link to a website that lists the synths Depeche Mode used throughout the year.

Excerpt:
"Concerts during 1981:
1 Moog Source synth
1 PPG Wave 2.0 synth
1 TEAC A3440 Tape Machine (w/ D.B.Y. Unit)
1 REVOX A77 Tape Machine
+ some other stuff

Some shows in the beginning of 1982 (See You Tour):
Martin: PPG Wave 2.0 and a Yamaha CS-5.
Fletch: Moog Source
Alan: Roland Promars ( it's a monophonic JP-4, without the arp. and less keys. It also has CV/gate in and outs.)

In the article named "The New Sythesizer Rock" (Keyboard Magazine 1982) the following equipments were listed: ARP2600, Moog Source, Roland Promars, Roland SH-1, Roland MC-4(early digital sequencer), Korg KR55 ( preset drum machine) Roland TR808 (programmable drum machine)

A Broken Frame Tour:
Alan: Roland Jupiter 8
Martin: PPG Wave 2.0)+ a small keyboard thing (! Martin's small keyboard had "Fairlite" (compared to the 100.000 USD Fairlight CMI sampler) written on the back of it:)). The small keyboard could actually have been Yamaha thing (Yamaha 5), which guys used when they started playing synths.
Fletch: Moog source"

PPG Wave 2.0 eight voice synthesizer with MIDI

via this auction
"Up for sale is the extremely rare PPG Wave 2.0 8 voice synthesizer. This synth is a very special machine back from the early days of PPG ( Wolfgang Palm Products GmbH ) It was produced in Germany around 1981. The sound of this synth is different to the 2.2 and 2.3, brighter and edgier. To our ears this PPG is the best sounding of all the 2. PPG versions.

Due to the complexity of this instrument we have decided to get it serviced by one of the leading experts in PPG. Virtual Music ; Mr. Alexander Guelfenburg checked and serviced the PPG 2.0

What has been done ?
★ complete and professional cleaning inside and outside
★ recap of the voice boards
★ adjustment and testing

Virtual Music also made a complete status report of the unit, this report can be ordered as pdf at our website.

As well we upgraded the keyboard with a long term reliable keyboard upgrade from Virtual Music, the best solution for old pratt read keyboards. And ... the unit also features a Red Robatum Midi upgrade !

This upgrade is a very special, high end and expensive Midi update. Please check the website of Red Robatum for more info."

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PPG wave 2.3 vs Waldorf Microwave 1

video upload by synthlegends

"In this video I compare some factory presets from the PPG wave 2.3 with some recreated PPG 2.3 Programs on the Waldorf Microwave 1 Rev. B (the latter version with CEM 3387 Filter Chips). The firmware on the PPG is 8.3, the firmware on the Waldorf is 2.0.

Maybe you can reprogram the sounds more accurate, but you can listen that even in the wavetable sounds the wavetable circle is quite spot on in the microwave 1.

Anyway you can listen that the PPG has some more roughness in deeper registers and in higher registers it has the typical aliasing effect. The microwave 1 sounds much cleaner and more polished. The difference about the SSM filter vs. CEM filter is not so much prominent in my opinion. I thought there is a very big hearable difference.

The microwave 1 is quite difficult to program without programmer, like from stereoping. Sometime I think I will buy one. Nevertheless, the microwave a not a substitue for a PPG wave for purists but it has the PPG vibe in it. We will see, if Behringer is capable to get the PPG wave right. Unfortunately I haven’t got the Waldorf M, but a friend has it. I think sometime I will borrow it and also do a A/B comparision with this synth.

In this video I didn't use any processing. I just recorded the synths directly plugging in the interface and also didn't use any plug-ins. I am very curious about your comments and opimions. Thanks for watching."

SERPENS MODULAR || Sirius Analog Low Pass Filter ||

Published on Mar 18, 2019 Serpens Modular

New module and new maker. Additional details follow.

Sirius-Serpens Modular-Analog Low Pass filter with distortion Unboxing and first impression

Published on May 1, 2019 Dziam Bass

"Today we have Unboxing and a music demo in which Sirius from Serpens Modular Modular was used.

The advantage of this filter is definitely great design and the distrotion which is just amazing with a larger resonance resistance, but also Sirius filter uses similar to the Korg PolySix, Mono / Poly and the PPG Wave 2.0 what really gives a special character for sounds.

In this movie, up to 1:45 there is a sound from Clean Out, later a superior to Dirty Out, which also definitely affects the charmonics of this rich sound.

currently the module is available and it seems that it is one of those which you ''must have''.

In fact, this is only part of what Sirius can do, so more information about it can be found here :
https://www.serpensmodular.com"

"The Sirius filter uses similar analog architecture found in a number of classic 80s synths such as the Korg PolySix, Mono/Poly and the PPG Wave 2.0. We've then tweaked the design to integrate a germanium diode distortion stage to give this traditionally smooth filter some real bite as well as extending the resonance range so that it goes into self oscillation. This can turn the Sirius into a ground shaking sine wave oscillator that can track pitch at 1v/oct via the frequency cv inputs. The Bias knob allows users to not only set the pitch tracking themselves but to also tune the filter resonance, meaning resonance pings can be easily tuned to the key of your song. Two outputs are also available - a 'dirty' which passes through the distortion stage, but also a 'clean' which bypasses the distortion if you're looking for a more traditional filtered sound or want to patch the filter back into itself for interesting results.

4 pole low pass filter with germanium diode based distortion.

Two individually attenuated CV inputs for both cutoff and resonance (four in total).

Two attenuated audio inputs for precise signal mixing.

Clean and dirty outputs allowing users to bypass distortion circuit and for self patching.

Sine wave oscillator with 1/v oct tracking via the fcv inputs.

Bias knob for resonance tuning and adjusting pitch tracking.

12HP

AU$279 / US$199 / EUR176"

The PPG Wave 2 0 - some info and sound

Published on Aug 21, 2018 Default Corporation

"some sound and info about the Ppg Wave 2.0. This is the first version of PPG Wave, followed by the 2.2 and 2.3. Hope you like it. Thank's for watching!"

Elby Designs MonoWave Monophonic PPG Wave Synthesize

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This is a Elby Designs MonoWave Synthesizer. It contains all of the waveforms from the PPG Wave Synthesizer in their original 8-bit glory, so you can get very close to the "PPG WaveComputer", "Wave 2.0", and "Wave 2.2" synthesizer tones with little effort. This unit was purchased in December and is still in excellent condition. It was only used in my home studio briefly. I have too much gear and really need to thin the heard a bit. In addition to the unit, I am including a very nice 19" x 16" rack case that will protect this synthesizer from damage if you wish to take the unit on the road or travel with the unit and rest assured that it will remain protected. I will also include the original A/C adapter, a printed copy of the manual, and the optional little grey rubber feet that came with the unit. The build quality is good and the amount of sounds you can get out of this unit is amazing. This unit also has an on-board arpeggiator. Please note that the MonoWave is unable to store sounds in patch memory, so what you create on the panel is what you get. This unit weighs 22.2 pounds..."

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PPG Wave 2.0

Published on Dec 26, 2015 ms20user

"Playing around with my PPG Wave 2.0."

PPG wave 2.3 Sequencer and Arpeggiator Quick Tutorial

video upload by synthlegends

"The PPG Wave 2.0, 2.2 and 2.3 are legendary hybrid synthesizers with digital waveforms and SSM Filter Chips. All attempts of wavetable synthesizer later on didn't got the unique and shining sound of the original. But the Wave was extremely buggy and the GUI was a nightmare. Especially the sequencer and arpeggiator is everything else than intuitive. In this video I demonstrate the basic functions to program the Sequencer and Arpeggiator. For me its still a secret why you have to select cryptic and nonlogical numbers to set the Arp Mode and Speed,

Nevertheless I hope that Behringer will establish a new clone of the Wave which has the great sound but get a modern interface."

PPG Wave 2.0 for Auction

via this auction. Note this is the rare Wave 2.0, not the 2.2 or 2.3. See this post for more info on the 2.0.

The seller also has a MOOG Memorymoog and Fairlight CMIIx as well as other items up for auction.

En Halvkokt i Folie - Live Jam - Fylkingen Sthlm 2008-07-18

YouTube via eSyringe. Enjoy the synth spotting. Note the rare PPG Wave 2 "PPG Wave 2.0"
"En Halvkokt i Folie joined to jam together during two weekends summer 2008"

Synthdoc

"Welcome to my pages on Vintage synthesizer restoration. On these pages I aim to have information on synthesizer restoration, links to parts, manuals, schematics and so on. I have been reading electronics sporadically since way back in the 90´s and I always was the kid who fixed my neighbors TV set or VCR. So naturally I started to open up my synthesizers as well and started investigating how these machines worked and what parts they used and so on. My interest in restoring these machines does not stop at getting them back to life, I also like to cosmetically enhance these instruments either back to their original state or to do some custom work on them." You will find a ton of inside shots. Pictured here are a couple of shots of the rare PPG Wave 2. http://www.synthdoc.com/. via sequencer.de. PPG Wave 2.0

Waldorf Microwave w/ Rev 2 OS

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Towards the end of the 1980's, PPG's technology and several of their employees joined Waldorf, another German manufacturer, and the first product to come out of this collaboration was the Microwave, released in 1989. The Microwave was built upon what was the PPG Wave. A digital/analog hybrid in which digitally sampled wavetables are processed through analog VCA envelope and VCF (filter) sections producing a classic and warm yet highly complex sound. In fact, the Microwave uses the same wavetables from the PPG Wave 2.3! In effect, the Microwave sounds like the PPG, which in turn, sounds like synth-pioneers Tangerine Dream.

Over the years, the operating system (OS) could be upgraded via EPROM chips from Waldorf. These added additional wavetables, the options to create custom wavetables, a speech synthesizer, and numerous other improvements. The final OS was version 2.0, released in 1994."

You can find info on the different revisions of the original Waldorf Microwave here and some pics here.

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PPG Wave 2 Vintage Wavetable Synthesizer

via this auction

"This listing is for a rare PPG Wave 2 with MIDI. The synth is 100% functional and was just serviced. I had the back up battery replaced with a lithium one as well as getting the keyboard contacts cleaned. This is one of the few that has MIDI and it works great. In my opinion the 2.0 sounds much better than the 2.2 or 2.3 so while it may not be the prettiest PPG on the block it really stands out against the other revisions."

Interview with a Professional : Wolfram Franke

"Introduction
This interview appeared first on http://www.amazono.de in German. I (Hans Heerooms) translated it in a rather free way... It tells the story behind the Waldorf/Steinberg Wave 2.x VST Plugin. Notice : This translation is not autorised by Amazona or Wolfram Franke !

Amazona:How did the idea arise to make the PPG Plugin ?

WF: In September 1999 I moved from TSI to Waldorf : I was a productspecialist at TSI and became a software developer for Waldorf. I managed to make this move because I already made the Waldorf D-Pole in 1997 : so Waldorf had a clear idea of my “credentials”. Just befor my move Steinberg had published the specifications of VST 2.0 : And for us at Waldorf it was clear we should do something with it. We had a meeting with Mert Ergün from Steinberg to discuss what a Waldorf VST synth should be like. Mert came with the idea for a PPG synth . At first we didn’t like the idea : making a PPG instead of a real Waldorf synth. But still Mert was that fascinated by the idea for a PPG that he ‘infected’ also Frank Simmerlein : one of Steinbergs’ graphic designers. Frank jumped behind his workstation and made a 3D PPG rendering. When we received this picture by E mail it hit us like a bomb : any doubt was gone and we were going for the PPG !"

click here for the full interview

via Gwenhwyfaer in the comments of this post.

SSM Chips - Analog Synth ICs

via this auction

SSM2020 Dual VCA
"as used in Crumar Trilogy Siel DK600 Sequential Prophet 5"


SSM2030 VCO
"as used in Sequential Prophet 5"

SSM2031 VCO
"as used by Siel, Sequential and others"

SSM2024 VCA
"as used by Siel"


SSM2044 VCF
"as used in
Banana Poly Synth 12
CMI Fairligh II later versions
Crumar Bit 01
Kawai K3, SX240
PPG Wave 2.0
Siel DK600, Opera 6
Simmons SDS5

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now it's time for a horror/drama old movie soindtrack!?!?! :)

Published on Aug 23, 2018 Default Corporation

"A easy little joke on PPG Wave 2.0. Different tunings oscillators and playing some scale we can discover how vintage soundtracks were made (probably). Thank's for watch"