The 3rd Wave 8M is Nominated for the 2026 Sound On Sound Awards
We’re honored to share that the 3rd Wave 8M has been nominated in the synthesizer category for the 2026 Sound On Sound Awards.
For those unfamiliar with the SOS Awards, they recognize the best new products in music technology and recording from the past year. The fact that the Sound On Sound staff selected the 8M alongside some other exceptional synthesizers means a lot to us.
As Bob Coover, our co-founder and the DSP engineer behind the 3rd Wave engine, put it: “We are thrilled to be recognized for the 3rd Wave 8M by the Sound On Sound staff. The 8M incorporates all of the sound creation possibilities of the 3rd Wave engine in an 8-voice format, and it does it without sacrificing the controls and screen that you need to stay creative. No menu diving.”
More Than a Demo
The 8M was designed to bring the complete 3rd Wave sound engine to more musicians at a more accessible price point. Eight voices and all five synthesis methods from the 3rd Wave are available on each of the three oscillators. (PPG wavetables, modern wavetables, virtual-analog, FM, and sampling). Eight individual analog filters and output stages, bi-timbral operation, all in a compact desktop format that sounds identical and is patch compatible with our flagship models.
We didn’t cut corners on sound quality to hit the price point. We kept everything that makes the 3rd Wave distinctive and powerful, including the same processing chain, just in a more streamlined package.
If you want to hear what the 8M can do, Bob walks through the entire instrument in this overview video:
We Would Love To Get Your Vote
There are some great instruments nominated alongside the 8M, and we respect every company moving synthesis forward.
If the 8M resonates with you and you’d like to support what we’re building at Groove Synthesis, we’d be thrilled to receive your vote. Voting is open until November 30th at 11:59 PM PST.
We’re honored to be a part of the synthesis community that not only honors the past but that keeps pushing sound capabilities forward. Whether you vote for the 8M or another instrument that inspires you, the fact that people are passionate about these tools is what keeps us doing this work.
Thanks for being part of this journey with us.