Korg has announced the Wavedrum Global Edition, a dynamic percussion synthesizer with a full complement of world-class sounds.

korg_wavedrumglobal

The Global Edition boasts the largest palette of cutting-edge sounds of any Wavedrum to date, featuring sought-after percussion sounds from around the world, a major boost in the quality of each sound, and dramatic improvements in usability.

Wavedrum Global Edition contains 60 percussion models that are driven by on-board transducer microphones which – when combined with its real drum head – offer a remarkably realistic playing experience. Whether accessing go-to sounds or imaginative sonic textures, players will experience dynamics and response that are unparalleled in the electronic percussion realm. Each program also has sounds available on the durable powder-coated aluminum rim for even more performance possibilities. For those who wish to dig deeper into the potential of Wavedrum Global, all programs – both head and rim – are highly editable.

In addition to conventional drum sounds such as snares and toms; popular percussion instruments such as cajon, djembe, conga, and tabla; as well as metallic percussion such as cowbell and triangle, the Wavedrum Global Edition also provides exotic ethnic instruments and percussion sounds from all over the world, both ancient and modern. For example, it allows users to instantly experience the udu, a clay pot percussion instrument; the jegog, a bamboo marimba from the island of Bali; the talking drum of Africa; Arabic percussion such as the darbuka and daf; plus gongs that would require massive setups. There’s also a vast selection of stringed instruments, such as sitar, koto, and berimbau. For each sound, the Wavedrum Global Edition provides a faithful re-creation of the original, as well as new expressive potential that’s unavailable from any other instrument. It also enables users to easily play percussion instruments that would normally take years to master.

Wavedrum Global Edition places an emphasis on offering newly-enhanced acoustic instruments such as snare, djembe, and conga. It also provides a rich assortment of Latin American and African instruments, such as the balafon, shekere, and dundunba, as well as the Japanese taiko drum. A full complement of sound effects and electronic sounds are included, further broadening performance potential. Additionally, there are sounds for creating cutting-edge electronic dance music styles such as dubstep and moombahton.

While the Wavedrum Global Edition can be enjoyed by playing the sounds alone, it offers special features that provide the ability for users to jam along for fun or for practice. Included are 140 loop phrases from various musical genres that can be used during practice. The AUX input can be used to mix in the signal from any audio source–CD, MP3 player, or even an additional Wavedrum for double conga-style setups. Using the headphone output allows for private or late-night practice without disturbing others.

Portable, compact, and lightweight, Wavedrum Global Edition lets players bring an arsenal of stunningly accurate percussion sounds anywhere. Place it on an ordinary snare drum stand, Korg’s extended-height stand (ST-WD), or even a table. It can be played as a stand-alone instrument or added to any electronic or acoustic drum kit. It can also add an instrumental element to a DJ performance or keyboard rig.

The Korg Wavedrum Global Edition will be available March 2013 for a street price of $599 USD.

More information: Korg / Wavedrum Global Edition