The MKII version does everything the original Twin Waves offered and more. This is why all links to reviews, comments and videos of the original version are also shown below.

Twin Waves MKII

Voltage-controlled Dual VCO/LFO/random
  • Two oscillators independently set as VCO, LFO, or random generator
  • Features in VCO mode:
    • V/Oct tracking over 10 octaves with octave selection
    • Linear and through-zero FM (see note below)
    • Sub-octave output
    • Hard & soft synchronization
    • VCA control and CV algorithms selection
    • Quantizer with various scales
    • 20 algorithm-based synthesis types among:
      • Wave shaping
      • Phase modulation
      • Phase positioning of multiple waves
      • Up to 5 stacked oscillators in tunable unison
      • Self-sync with phantom oscillator
      • Additive synthesis (7 waves)
      • Variable bit reduction (bit-crushing)
      • Ring modulator with its own 2nd oscillator
      • Noise with LPF, BPF, or resonant filter
  • Features in LFO mode:
    • Simultaneous signal and trigger outputs
    • External wave synchronization
    • Clock controlled rate with voltage controlled multiplier and divider
    • CV and knob control of output level
    • Algorithm based wave engine with a selection of:
      • Wave shaping
      • Phase modulation
      • Random levels and vectors (also Brownian)
      • Randomly spaced triggers and waves
  • Display with contextual icons and instant reminder help text
  • LEDs indicating potentiometer vs. value matching, switch settings and output signals
  • Settings restored after power cycle
  • Firmware update by playing an audio file via the front panel
  • Eloxal printed aluminium (silver panel)
    or bath anodized brushed aluminium (black panel)
  • Compact and skiff-friendly module
  • User manual in English and German

This MKII evolution brings a redesigned layout, additional knobs for more hands-on fun and semi-modular cross-patching between sections.
All of the original features are present: a top selection of synthesis techniques, each with their key parameter directly at hand, enriched by a full set of complementary features.
More than ever the Twin Waves is versatility at its best.

MKII vs. first version

What is kept and what is new?
  • Same width (8hp)
  • Same price
  • All TW v1 capabilities and features retained
  • Three dedicated modulation gain pots
  • Semi-modular cross-section patching
  • Thinner design; all fits on a single PCB

Whereas the original Twin Waves required +/-5V signals to benefit from full scale modulation, the new version requires less and has gain knobs for all 3 modulation inputs.
These gain knobs are even more beneficial given that a normalling of the outputs to the other section's modulation input(s) allows creative results without requiring extra patching.
This offers an easy and creative access to "complex oscillator" fun and cross modulation LFO, chaos and craziness..

Using the outputs does not break their normalling; this avoids using a "multiple" when the output signal should go both inside and outside the module.

The dedicated "Square1" output of the first oscillator is normalled to the global sync/clock input. This allows synchronizing the second oscillator both for audio and LFO/random purposes.

User manual V1.1
Benutzerhandbuch V1.3
Firmware V1.35

The firmware versions 1.35 and 1.36 are functionally identical.
The only difference is for manufacturing purposes.

Silver Panel 269€ / USD282
Black Panel 279€ / USD292
The Twin waves was mentioned in the following query-posts on Modwiggler:
  • Standout modules of the last couple of years?
  • What is the most FUN module you own?
  • What are you using for LFOs?
  • Most unique digital VCO you've heard?
  • What's your favorite non-drum percussion module?
  • Must have VCO max 12HP
  • Must have VCO max 10HP

Check the original TW review in Sound on Sound magazine
Keep in mind that there were several firmware updates since that review, all of them now available in the MKII version

Mechanical

Dimensions mm inches Eurorack
Height 128.40 5.06 3HE
Width 40.40 1.59 8HP
Depth behind panel
(no supply cable inserted)		 21.00 0.83

Supply

Supply rail Current draw
+12V 52mA
-12V 17mA
+5V 0mA

Thru-zero FM in the Twin Waves MKII

The Twin Waves offers a special flavor of thru-zero FM, called BZXFM, which behaves quite differently from the mainstream. It therefore requires a specific way of being modulated.
BZXFM will and cannot sound the same as ordinary thru-zero-FM, when modulated in a similar way.
The benefits of BZXFM are opportunities to create sounds different from standard thru-zero FM.
Here is a view of the thru-zero action on the Twin Waves MKII.
  • The base wave is a falling saw [yellow]
  • The modulation type is set to BZXFM
  • The modulation wave is a sine [pink]
    (we only see half a cycle, from bottom to top)

To ease the understanding, the modulation signal was made unipolar (positive only), using a Klavis Tweakers to add an offset to the sine wave from the TW2's second VCO.
Using a bipolar modulation would have resulted in twice as many thru-zero changes during a half-modulation cycle, and 4 times as many during a full modulation cycle ... leading to a quite complex wave for a clear explanation!
When the modulation is around zero Volt (on the left), nothing happens; we see the unaltered saw.
As the modulation approaches halfway amplitude (halfway within its polarity!), the frequency is slowing down, up to a stop (here precisely in the middle of the screen). This is the thru-zero-frequency point in time.
Then, as the modulation continues to rise, the wave restarts, but looking time-reversed (now a rising saw).
As long as the modulation remains at its maximum (or beyond), the wave remains "reversed", and its frequency strictly unaltered, as if not FM modulated at all.

This just became my favorite oscillator! What an excellent-sounding module!!! So much "depth" and "fidelity" to its timbres — weird and otherworldly-sounding — right up my alley!
Worth every penny and more!
Now I see why people buy multiples of this — so glad I bought one!
Instead of people telling n00bs to buy a check link , they should tell them to buy a Klavis Twin Waves!
Bravo — well done, Klavis!!!
I'm not sure what development in the module contributes to this aspect, but it produces some of the fullest/fattest sounds I've heard from a digital oscillator, not to mention it's packed with features and very well thought out.
The FM between oscillators sounds different than everything else in my rig....sputtery and juicy when both are in audio range, and spazzy when LFO FM's audio rate.
Makes a chap wanna get a second one.
Best digital oscillator(s) I’ve ever used.
I love my Twin Waves!
From the first moment, it has become the definite go-to VCO in my rack, and if I feel the need to double up one particular vco module, it'll be that one.
I'm so glad I got this...it's an absolute gem.
It's a monster (a dual monster).
Man this thing looks so nice, great features for a very reasonable price.
The price/performance/features/HP ratio is just fantastic, IMHO.
Digital, loaded with waveshaping options, might look bloated and Braids-like, with menus and such, but actually fast to navigate (nothing is more than a couple of twist away), and most importantly, the cleanest sine wave my oscilloscope has ever seen, ever.
Tracks perfectly, everything is dual, plus sub out, thru-zero, the lot.
It remembers its state when you power it, so you can leave it as a sine forever if you wish...
I use mine in LFO mode so often that I sometimes forget how amazing the VCOs are.
Thank you, Klavis, for your excellent work; especially Twin Waves, which I think is worth its price and size for its LFOs alone.
I'm not really a fan of shared knobs on digital modules but the Twin Waves implements this between its two oscillators in a very fluid and ergonomic manner.
The symbols it uses for each waveform algorithm are also quite well designed; they're all pretty self-explanatory but after a single read through of the manual to be sure of the specifics I was good to go.
I picked up a Twin Waves Mk2 this week and wow, what a fabulous oscillator... - it's like a little complex oscillator in 8hp.
The interface for controlling two oscillators with the same set of knobs is so thoughtful and getting used to it took no time at all.
I own the Twin Waves and I'm super impressed with the build quality.

Biggest value module you own?

That's the question a Mod Wiggler post asked to the community.
"Name your most valuable module whatever the type."
The Twin Waves was put in the spotlight several times.

Klavis Twin Waves for all of the function that it brings in a small space.
Clever thing.
+1 for Klavis Twin Waves.
It can do so much and it's 2 in 1.
Incredible value especially in reduced size racks and for melody use.
For oscillators... probably the Klavis Twin Waves.

Videos

In depth with Klavis Twin waves MK II
by Monotrail
Don't miss the detailed coverage of the LFO features in the second part!
A Musical Video Walkthrough
by Red Means Recording Ambient
Watch till the end for the crazy jam :-)
Full featured presentation with audio samples
French spoken with English text
by Audiorial
Twin Waves MK II overview by Marcin
This video is only covering the new features of the MK II version.
For more coverage, please check the videos of the V1 further down.
Twin Waves MK II Octave selection
A short demo of the new feature offered by firmware 1.35
Twin Waves MK II in a very sweet sounding relax moment by SynthDad
Twin Waves MK II selection of waves by Dziam Bass.
Another ethereal moment with the Twin Waves MK II, by SynthDad
SWAY - A relaxing self-playing modular jam by Clone Crow

Videos TW v1
All features are found in MKII version!

Twin Waves overview by Marcin
Firmware update 1.13 - Algorithm selection by CV
Overall product presentation during Superbooth 2017
Eric from Klavis interviewd by Max from Prognosis
Using a single Twin Waves as a complex oscillator.
In the various examples, the FM is not used.
Instead, synchronization, time reversal and wave shaping are done from osc2 to osc1.
If needed, perfect pitch relation without altering the timbre can be achieved by (internally) deriving the V/Oct for both osc from the osc1 input jack.

The video is quite old, with a now obsolete firmware.
In the meantime, several synthesis algorithms were added or improved.
SH 8 by Vincent Vanesse
3 Twin Waves play all tunes.
Sicurezza by Andrea Ronen
A nice piece with the Twin Waves as the sole sound source.
Allow it a minute to start and wait for the bass line at 2:20 ;-)
Puzzle Girl by Modulogeek
Twin Waves playing the percussive arpeggio from 2:10
Twin Waves Demo by Perfect Circuit Audio
Twin Waves used as dual VCO
Twin Waves Offset by Dave Houtmeyers
Twin Waves does the arpeggiated lead line
15 steps brake and get physical by Gregory Delabelle
TW first patch by Dave Houtmeyers
Tuesday is Tuesday day by ApolaKipso
TW is playing the lead line, with nice tweaks
Firmware update 1.13 features presentation by Marcin
Iron City' Ambient Modular by State Azure
The Twin Waves plays the lead line high and low
More videos on our Youtube channel !

Audio clips

Sunday Afternoon Techno Jam
Sunday Generative Patch
Twin Waves going through a WMD MMF VCF, is doing the bass line duties on both of these.
It is using the Unison Saw algorithm.
Inspiration technology to let you create the difference
Klavis Modular Systems
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