NAMM 2018: Waldorf Quantum Synthesizer Beta Version First Look!

February 4, 2018 Synth Anatomy Hardware 0

Last year at the Musikmesse, the German music company Waldorf Music surprise us with the Quantum Synthesizer. In order to realize this new hybrid flagship Synthesizer, Rolf Wöhrmann was hired as a developer who also developed the Waldorf Nave Synthesizer. Now more than 6 months have passed and the Synthesizer is in Beta version. Many sound designers already work as beta tester and design interesting sounds for it.

As you already know the Quantum is not a normal Synthesizer but it contains exciting innovative digital sound technologies that you will not find in other synths.

Features

Digital-Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer
61 Keys high-quality Fatar TP8S keybed
8 voices
Dual timbral: split or layered mode with separate stereo audio outputs
3 stereo digital oscillators each capable of four synthesis algorithms
Wavetable: Waldorf style with latest additions from Nave including speech synthesis, wavetable generation from audio and new features
Waveform: Waveform with up to 8 simultaneous waves per Oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard-sync, warp & PWM as well as tunable noise
Particle: Sampler in traditional and granular mode using multi-samples or live input
Resonator: Exciter using multi-sampling plus filter bank sound model.
Two analogue lowpass filters per voice each in 24 or 12 dB configuration using innovative link modes
Digital former: Additional digital algorithms per voice like comb filter, high-pass, band-pass & notch filters (Nave, Largo or PPG models), bit-crusher, drive and more
Flexible routing system for order of analog filters & digital former and individual oscillator routings
6 LFOs in poly and global mode with extensive parameter set
6 loopable envelopes
Komplex: multistage LFO/envelope modulator
Extensive modulation matrix with 40 slots and easy via-controller assignments
Intuitive modulation assignment via panel elements and control LEDs
Master effect rack of 5 slots for each timbre choosing from FX like phaser, flanger, chorus, reverb, drive, eq and more.
Compressor for main output
Step sequencer with step recording, parameter automation and scale-based pitch quantization
Microtonal pitch configurations capable of importing Skala scl files
Capable of polyphonic aftertouch via external MIDI inputs
Chord and latch buttons
Unisono mode
Module-based preset system for effects, oscillators, step-sequenzer and Komplex modulator
Single-function potentiometer and encoder controls for intuitive editing
Visualisation and deeper sound editing via context-sensitive high-resolution capacitive multi-touch display
Spectrum Analyzer and Oscilloscope at various processing stages
Up to 10,000 sound patch capacity organized by banks, attributes, author and patch number.
Favourites lists for quick recall of sound patches like for set-lists etc.
Pre-loaded with wide variety of patches by acclaimed sound designers like Howard Scarr
MIDI output of local keyboard, wheels and assignable panel elements
Automation of sound parameters from MIDI inputs via MIDI CC learn function
Recording of samples from audio inputs or self-recording of audio outputs
4 GB*) internal Flash memory for presets, samples and wavetables
Pre-loaded with more then 1 GB sample data
Export & import of presets, sample & wavetable via SD card
Import of Nave presets
Mod wheel can be assigned to any parameter which can be modulated in the matrix or via quick assign
Pitch wheel can be assigned to each oscillator individually