WALDORF M Wavetable Synthesizer

Wavetable Synthesizer

The WALDORF M is a next-generation hybrid wavetable synthesizer, featuring a 24 dB/Oct analog low-pass VCF filter with resonance and analog saturation function (based on the SSI 2144 chip, an improvement on the famous 2044), a stereo analog VCA with panning option, and much more to explore. All housed in a robust desktop format case with a wide array of knobs and selectors for real-time adjustment, and an incredible range of unique sounds.
The WALDORF M comes with numerous presets, totaling 2048 divided into 16 banks of 128 each, programmed by world-renowned sound designers, which also include all the classic Microwave sound sets (such as MW1 Factory Sound Set, MW1 Soundpool 1-5, and the super FAT Analogue and Bassco sounds), as well as PPG Wave 2.3 sounds skillfully converted for the original Microwave. There are also many sounds based on new features: from Hard Sync (when using Modern Microwave II / XT mode), to ARP (arpeggiator) and the global LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), which can be synchronized via MIDI.
The WALDORF M is an eight-voice polyphonic, four-part multi-timbral wavetable synthesizer, featuring two oscillators with independent wavetables, based on Classic Microwave 1 and Modern Microwave II/XT modes, with different behavior depending on the mode. The dedicated Mode button, along with the very useful high-resolution graphic display and four rotary encoders, facilitates selection and control.
Like the original, in Classic Microwave I mode, Hard Sync and Ring Modulator are not available, and 16-bit wavetables are reduced to 8-bit with a "non-anti-aliasing" sample rate of 240 kHz. Modern Microwave II / XT mode, on the other hand, offers a 40 kHz sample rate with "band-limited" wavetables, while the same oscillator parameters are available.
Two LFOs are also always at hand, generating a periodic waveform with adjustable frequency and shape, which can be used for modulation. However, unlike other Waldorf synthesizers, the WALDORF M does not have a modulation matrix. The decision to set modulation structures directly on the corresponding display page was a design choice aimed at recreating the same operability as the vintage 1989 Microwave.
The WALDORF M features an advanced ARP (arpeggiator) with 16 preset patterns, CHORD mode, and the ability to sync with the MIDI clock. Furthermore, the presence of four programmable envelope generators allows the most demanding users to manipulate sound parameters via frequency or timed modulations.
The WALDORF M is equipped with six stereo analog outputs (located on the rear panel), organized as MAIN OUT (L/Mono and R) and AUX OUT (A, B, C and D), the latter of which can be used if you want to route each of the four Multi (multi-timbral) parts to distinct outputs. There is also a stereo headphone output (with an associated volume knob in addition to the main volume knob), MIDI IN, OUT and THRU jacks with 5-pin DIN connectors, accompanied by a USB 2.0 MIDI port (for connection to a computer to transmit and receive MIDI data), and an SD card slot (for updating firmware, importing/saving audio patches, and importing/saving specific data, such as user wavetables).

Specifications

• Polyphony: 8 voices (expandable to 16 voices via optional expansion board, available in the future)
• 4-part multi-timbral with the possibility of routing to 4 Aux outputs
• 2 wavetable oscillators with independent waveforms and 2 different sound generation modes: Classic Waldorf Microwave I and Modern Waldorf Microwave II/XT
• 96 Factory Wavetables + 32 slots for User Wavetables
• 24 dB/Oct analog low-pass filter with VCF (SSI 2144 Improved Ladder Type) and saturator
• Stereo analog VCA for each voice
• 4 envelope generators (Wave 1, Wave 2, VCA, VCF) + 1 freely assignable
• LFO: 2 LFOs with different waveforms
• Arpeggiator with 16 patterns, Chord mode, and the possibility of sync via MIDI clock
• 2048 Sound programs + 128 Multi programs
• Stereo Main Out with 2 TS jack connectors
• 4 Stereo Aux Outs (A, B, C, D) with 2 TRS jack connectors
• Headphone output with volume control
• MIDI In/Out/Thru
• USB port for connection to a computer to transmit and receive MIDI data*
• SD Card slot for loading and saving sound banks and wavetables
• Ability to load Waldorf Microwave I sysex format patches and sound banks
• 100-240V to 12VDC/1.8A power supply included