Fast answer
Use Internal for standalone playing, or Auto if you want the wavestate to follow external clock when available and fall back when it stops.
Try these checks
- Open Utility → MIDI & USB and inspect Clock.
- For standalone playing choose Internal; for automatic switching choose Auto.
- If you need External, start the sending device and confirm it transmits MIDI clock through DIN or USB.
Diagnose it
Is Clock set to External with no source running?
Yes: Choose Internal or Auto, or start the external clock.
No: Check the selected clock source and the sender.
What should happen
Tempo-related functions have a clock source again.
Why this happens
External mode requires incoming clock; Auto provides the documented fallback.
If it still doesn’t work
Check the connections and settings described above. If your device behaves differently, email us with its model, firmware version and the steps you tried.
All wavestate fixesMore about wavestate
Similar symptoms on other gear
These guides cover other models. Use the instructions for the device you are setting up.
References
Sources & review
Sources reviewed: . Documentation does not replace a physical hardware test.
- wavestate Owner's Manual · Korg · E3 · official listing dated 22 March 2024 · last checked 2026-10-07
Sections reviewed: Utility → MIDI & USB, p. 84.