Devin Belanger’s 3rd Wave 8M: Wavetable Wizardry in a Box

Forget your granddad’s PPG—Groove Synthesis have dropped the 3rd Wave 8M, a desktop synth that drags classic wavetable grit into the 2020s without the back-breaking price tag. Devin Belanger wastes no time setting the scene: this isn’t just a retro rehash, it’s a modern weapon for sound designers who want digital crunch and analog warmth in a box that won’t eat your entire desk.

The 8M is all about accessibility and compact power. Devin’s quick to point out that the screen alone is a game-changer, making navigation a breeze compared to the full-size version. If you’re after a synth that’s as easy to use as it is to lug to your next gig, the 8M’s got your back—and your workflow.

Let’s get into the guts. The 3rd Wave 8M isn’t just a pretty face; it packs a virtual analog engine that can go from PPG-style lo-fi to modern, high-res digital filth in seconds. Three oscillators per voice, sample loading, and the ability to import Serum wavetables mean you can twist this thing into any shape you want. Devin’s demo with a sampled Fender Rhodes is a flex you won’t see on your average clone.

Modulation? It’s a toaster-fight in here: four LFOs, four envelopes, and a mod matrix that lets you patch up chaos in seconds. The dual filter setup—one Prophet 5-style analog, one digital state variable—gives you everything from saturated bass growls to OB6-style notches. And don’t sleep on the Circuit Drift knob for that vintage wobble. If you want to get lost in sound design, this box is your playground and your street weapon.

Now, it’s not all rave and roses. Devin calls out the 8M’s biggest flaw: voice stealing. With only eight voices, complex patches or bitimbral setups can choke the synth faster than you can say “polyphony.” If you’re the type who lives for binaural madness or lush pads with tails that go on forever, you’ll hit the wall. For some, that’s a dealbreaker; for others, it’s just a reason to get creative—or save up for the full-fat version.

So, is the 3rd Wave 8M worth your hard-earned cash? Devin says yes—if you’re after a desktop synth that punches above its weight and delivers a unique character you won’t find in cheaper boxes. The workflow is tight, the screen is a revelation, and the sound is pure filth in the best way. Sure, the voice count is a limitation, but if you can work within those lines, this thing is a keeper. For sound designers and synth nerds who want modern power with a nod to the past, the 8M is a solid investment. Just don’t expect it to replace your full-size monster if you need all the voices at once.