Devin Belanger, better known as Miles Away, rolls out a vibrant walkthrough of the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M. Join him as he navigates through unboxing, cracking open some factory patches, and crafting sounds from scratch. It’s a wild ride through the sonic landscape of this powerhouse wavetable synth.

Unboxing with a Side of Ruff
Devin Belanger, aka Miles Away, kicks things off with what he calls an exciting day, introducing us to the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M. As he gets ready to unbox, he humorously diverts the attention to Ruffles, his uninterested sidekick, who is solely focused on the cardboard box. Devin’s excitement is palpable as he talks about the anticipation around this smaller, 8-voice model of one of his favorite synths ever. It’s like Christmas morning for synth lovers as he lovingly introduces the unit, while Ruffles sticks to what he knows best, the box life.
First Impressions and Factory Patches
Devin wastes no time diving into the first impressions of the 3rd Wave 8M. He’s controlling it using the original 3rd Wave and notes the visual similarities in color and style, though he’s impressed by the larger screen on the 8M. The screen pops and is clear even on-camera, which he appreciates. As he goes through the first boot-up sounds, Devin can’t help but groove to the familiar and some new factory patches, vibing to the Vince Clark style sequences.
The breeze of the onboard sequencer and quick pattern changes further heighten his enthusiasms. Devin’s walk through some factory samples turns into an impromptu jam session, proving just how intuitive and dance-floor ready this little beast is straight out of the box. The high-quality sound and ease of use seem to charm him, a testament to the reputation that the 3rd Wave has continually lived up to.
There’s an ease of use here that resonates with anyone familiar with the original 3rd Wave, making this a welcoming addition for those looking to expand their sonic arsenal without a steep learning curve. With Devin’s commentary mixed with a dash of humor, it’s clear that he’s having a blast exploring the landscape of sounds that this synth has to offer. As he navigates the menus and options, his appreciation for the user interface and its seamless navigation comes through strongly – this box is about as intuitive as they come.
Crafting a Patch from Scratch
With a jump into creating a patch from scratch, Devin demonstrates how newbie-friendly the 8M can be. He admits he’s not peeked at the manual, relying purely on intuition – much like a street cook working magic on a food truck. As he builds a patch, Devin records a sequence highlighting the flexibility of the sequencer, although he jokes about not using its full potential.
Laying out wave tables, he’s visibly impressed by the depth and richness they bring to the audio table. Devin makes full use of the vintage PPG wave tables and analog feature set, setting the scene for some pleasantly surprising results. He also flirts with the vast array of modern wave tables, pointing out how easy it is to pull out audio magic using this synth’s vibrant UI.
The 8M, as Devin shows, is forgiving enough for those just wanting to jump in and start creating without sweating the small stuff. His laid-back approach suits the synth perfectly, as he casually assigns LFO and plays around with modulation, evoking warm, woolly vibes that would fit right in on a lo-fi beat tape.

"You can absolutely load and record your own."
Funky Filters and Luscious LFOs

"The analog filters in particular in my opinion are some of the best."
Now digging into the heart of the 3rd Wave’s sound-shaping abilities, Devin explores the filter section with the excitement of a kid at a candy store. He declares the pulse width modulation as a standout feature, which is where he begins to delve even deeper into the synth’s rich character.
He tweaks the circuit drift, showcasing how it intelligently simulates the analog behavior familiar from classic synthesizers like the Prophet. Devin highlights how this box keeps on giving with its analog filter section, remarking on its pedigree since it’s akin to the renowned Prophet series filters. His hands dance over the controls, pulling sounds that seem to jump right out of a retro VHS.
This segues into a showcase of how the 8M’s filters can be both delicate and assertive, making it as versatile as a DJ switching styles in a late-night set. Devin is clearly loving the hands-on experience, especially with the effects section which he dubs as particularly solid. It becomes clear why the 8M is bound to have pride of place in many a producer’s rig – it packs a punch that aligns with the groove it promises.
Mod Matrix and Multitimbral Marvels
The exploration continues as Devin dives into the mod matrix, weaving a tapestry of modulation possibilities, and noting its adaptability and depth. “This thing’s more loaded than my balanced breakfast burrito,” he quips, as he assigns parameters left, right, and center, crafting a sound tapestry that’s intricate yet approachable. The synth truly shines with its multitimbral capabilities, which Devin eagerly demonstrates.
Switching between parts and utilizing all eight voices, Devin paints a sonic picture that accentuates the robust internal architecture of the 8M. There’s something adventurous in the way the synth manages to juggle complexity with playfulness, a characteristic that’s not lost on Devin. It’s not just a playground; it’s an edu-session where fun meets function.
He briefly touches on sample loading, highlighting how the 8M gracefully sidesteps the pitfalls of bulky hardware while providing the flexibility of a sampler. It’s clear that Devin thinks the 8M isn’t just a synth; it’s an all-in-one, music-making beast, perfect for tackling both studio projects and live gigs.

"It's still super cool that just like this on a synth, we can load a binaural stereo piano."
A Sonic Finale on Custom Patches

"This sounds identical to the full-sized model."
Wrapping things up in true Miles Away fashion, Devin closes with his own custom patches, giving us a taste of what personal creativity sounds like through the lens of the 3rd Wave 8M. He lays down an ambient performance that flows effortlessly from the machine, a testament to its ability to handle complex patches with relative ease.
The custom patches are a real treat, showcasing the range and versatility of what users can achieve. Devin’s joy is tangible as he navigates through his creations, delivering a sound that’s deeply personal yet universally appealing. It’s like pulling that rare vinyl from a crate – something extraordinary that transforms a synth review into an intimate DJ set.
Devin signs off with a nudge towards more content, inviting viewers into a deeper understanding of the 3rd Wave’s capabilities. His infectious enthusiasm makes it clear this isn’t just a synth, but a gateway into new creative territories. With a final nod, Devin leaves us eagerly anticipating what’s coming next from both the 3rd Wave 8M and his own crafty hands.
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