Synth Legend Anthony Marinelli Meets the 3rd Wave + Exclusive Giveaway

We’ve been fans of Anthony Marinelli‘s work for decades. From his synth programming on Michael Jackson’s Thriller to his film scores forYoung Guns and 2 Days in the Valley, and his incredible content on his YouTube channel, Anthony has been pushing the boundaries of what synthesizers can do since the early ’80s. So when he reached out about creating something special with the 3rd Wave, we jumped at the chance.

The result? A 30-minute video that’s part performance, part synth overview, and entirely inspiring.

More Than a Demo

Anthony composed an original synth-driven pop track and performed it entirely on the 3rd Wave 24K keyboard. Watching him work is like seeing someone speak fluently in a language they’ve spent a lifetime mastering.

What makes this collaboration special is the spontaneity. Throughout the video, Anthony breaks into impromptu performances, showing the same creative thinking he teaches in his acclaimed “Think Like A Synth” course. You’re not just hearing what the 3rd Wave can do. You’re watching a master synthesist explore it in real time.

Under the Hood with Bob

Our co-founder Bob Coover joins Anthony to discuss the architecture behind the 3rd Wave’s sound engine. Bob breaks down how five synthesis methods (PPG wavetables, modern wavetables, virtual-analog, FM, and sampling) work together to create the instrument’s sonic palette.

But this isn’t a dry technical lecture. Bob and Anthony geek out together about what makes certain sounds work, why the analog filters matter, and how the architecture enables the kind of expressive playing you’ll see in the video. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into building a modern wavetable synthesizer that respects its heritage while pushing into new territory, this conversation delivers.

Throughout these demonstrations, Bob keeps returning to a key point: all five of these synthesis methods are available per oscillator, in each of the 3rd Wave’s 24 voices and across the four parts. That’s not five synthesis methods you choose between. That’s five methods you can combine, layer, and morph between in a single patch.

Why This Matters

We built the 3rd Wave for people who love synthesis. Not just as a tool, but as an instrument that inspires creativity. Watching someone like Anthony Marinelli explore what’s possible with it validates everything we set out to achieve.

His approach is musical first, technical second. He’s not trying to show off every feature. He’s making music. That’s exactly how we hope people use the 3rd Wave, whether it’s the flagship 24-voice keyboard he’s playing in the video, the 24M desktop module, or the new compact 8M.

Your Chance to Win a 3rd Wave 24K

The full 30-minute video is live on Anthony’s YouTube channel. Grab your favorite beverage, find a quiet spot, and prepare to be inspired. Fair warning: you might find yourself wanting to dive into your own 3rd Wave afterward (or if you don’t have one yet, seriously considering it).

We’re incredibly grateful to Anthony for his time, his artistry, and his genuine enthusiasm for what we’re building at Groove Synthesis.

To celebrate this collaboration, we’re doing something we’ve never done before: giving away a 3rd Wave 24K keyboard, valued at $4,995 USD.

This is our first giveaway, and we wanted to make it count. Enter for your chance to win at anthonymarinellimusic.com/3rdwave. The deadline is Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Good luck. And even if you don’t win, we hope Anthony’s video inspires your next creative session.