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Waldorf Music’s Iridium Synthesizer

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Waldorf Music’s Iridium Synthesizer Above

Quantum Synthesizer keyboard to widespread critical acclaim in 2018, Waldorf Music introduces its Iridium Synthesizer ‘sibling’. The Iridium Synth shares futuristic functionality and advanced tonality and applying those traits with welcomed added extras to a compact desktop form factor living up to the high-quality synthesizer developer’s demanding design standards.

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Following in the Quantum Synthesizer’s trailblazing footsteps, the Iridium Synthesizer features a generous high-resolution multitouch display working — with haptic help — in perfect harmony with an adroitly arranged control panel positioning all functions for speedy operation. Noticeably new to the demonstrably different Iridium Synthesizer is its integrated 4 x 4 pad matrix, used to call up sequences, chords, scales, and arpeggios. A quick glance under the hood, however, reveals that the Iridium Synthesizer still shares the same selectable sound generation processes per oscillator (OSC 1, OSC 2, and OSC 3). As such, it can convincingly and comprehensively reproduce the sound spectra of the following five synthesis types: Wavetable, Waveform, Particle, Resonator, and Kernels.

Contributing to another entry in Waldorf’s rich history, Iridium joins the family as a direct descendant of the PPG Wave. Though, Iridium offers much more than its ancestor. Five different synthesis models are provided by Iridium for each of the three oscillators:

  • Wavetable
  • Waveform (Virtual Analog)
  • Particle (Sampling and Granular Sampling)
  • Resonator
  • Kernels
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As a direct descendant of the legendary PPG Wave hybrid digital/analogue synthesizer series that made their mark throughout the Eighties by bringing the distinctive sound of wavetable synthesis to the musical masses, the well-known Waldorf Music marque is synonymous with top-tier wavetable sounds. Subsequently refining and expanding this sound generation process’ potential, the sound of Waldorf wavetable oscillators span subtlety to brutality — animated, digital, and diverse, yet easy to control. Classic wavetables from well-known wavetable synthesizers hailing from the PPG and Waldorf stables, spectral analysis, speech synthesis, wavetable generation from audio material, and more besides are all available to Iridium Synthesizer users when selecting Wavetable.

With early wavetable synthesizers, even, typical waveforms familiar from analogue synthesizers were always available at the end of a wavetable. Waveform selection on the Iridium Synthesizer goes far beyond this, though, by offering up to eight simultaneously selectable waveforms per oscillator, enabling infinitely dense, fat analogue-sounding tones, with detuned modes, tuneable noise, and hard sync.

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2GB internal sample flash memory is available to the Iridium Synthesizer’s Particle oscillator, opening up exciting new possibilities of traditional stereo sampling with granular synthesis functionality — also available when processing a live input signal — for extensive manipulation of sample-based sounds. So the Iridium Synthesizer comes complete with 2GB sample content, while sample material can be reloaded or backed up by the user via USB drives or MicroSD Card connections.

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Creativity abounds further still when selecting the Resonator sound generation process to manipulate multi-samples from the internal sample flash memory or noise via an exciter and various modulate-able spectral parameters — perfect for generating awe-inspiring animated sounds and drones, which can, for example, easily be integrated into a Eurorack modular synthesizer environment via the Iridium Synthesizer’s integrated control voltage connections (CV In1, CV In2, CV In3, and CV In4)… another added extra that should surely be welcomed in this day and age of anything goes!

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Get this, though: thanks to its innovative implementation of six Kernal operators, the Iridium Synthesizer can capably generate familiar FM (Frequency Modulation) tones of the type that revolutionised the entire synthesizer market in the early Eighties, as well as spectacularly different-sounding ones — and all without the notorious complexity associated with those once-revolutionary early-Eighties efforts ending up so overused on numerous hit records of the time. Thankfully, the Iridium Synthesizer’s deftly-designed multitouch display supports the processing and visualisation of sonic relationships of its Kernels, considerably easing the process of creating spectacularly different-sounding tones with more than a touch of originality thrown in for good measure!

But better still, OSC 1, OSC 2, and OSC 3 can each play one of those sound generators, so spectacular-sounding sound design can come quickly to Iridium Synthesizer users of all levels — before being balanced by the OSC MIX (mixer). Thereafter, the signal from the three oscillators makes its way to the DUAL FILTER section where fully stereo multi-mode filters convincingly cover all conceivable classic filter variants. Various filter modes are additionally offered by the Digital Former, such as Comb, classic Waldorf high- and band-pass, and notch filters from Waldorf Music’s Largo and Nave software synthesizers, plus PPG models, alongside signal enhancer effects, such as Drive and Bit Crusher, and more.

Several filter types are available to choose from:

  • 12 or 24dB and Lowpass/Highpass/Bandpass with optional saturation or dirtiness.
  • Various filter models are available including those from Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG 3V.
  • The Dual Filter section can be controlled independently or together in several different link modes.
  • The Digital Former offers all the filter types and models from the Dual Filter plus unusual models like Comb, Drive, Bitcrusher and more in addition.

Moreover, an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) section with no fewer than six LFOs works with six loop-able ENVELOPES, all of which can be linked and smoothly operated within the 40-slot modulation matrix, thanks to the Iridium Synthesizer’s integrated high-resolution multitouch display.

With up to 16-voice polyphony in full stereo and an ability to overlay two sounds or play them simultaneously via the split function, the functional desktop design of Waldorf Music’s Iridium Synthesizer allows for sound design opportunities that are often out of this world with up to 7,000 patches internally saveable. Speaking of which, since Iridium Synthesizer patches are compatible with Waldorf Music’s flagship Quantum Synthesizer (running recently-released version 2.0 firmware), they can be transferred to and from the Quantum Synthesizer. Such cross-compatibility means that the Iridium Synthesizer comes complete with an extremely extensive sound set from the get-go… get going with inspirational sounds programmed by some of the best sound designers in the world, or work with the inspirational Iridium Synthesizer’s fanciful features to sound highly original, off the cuff or otherwise.

On the face of it, then, Waldorf Music has named its Iridium Synthesizer appropriately. After all, iridium dates back to the early 19th Century and the chemical element of atomic number 77 — named from the modern Latin word for rainbow (irid), since it forms compounds of various colours. Clearly, the range of sound colours available to Iridium Synthesizer users are almost limitless. Letting rip with that generous high-resolution multitouch display working — with haptic help — in perfect harmony with an adroitly arranged control panel positioning all functions for speedy operation is a joy to behold… both for eyes and ears!

About Waldorf Music

The well-known Waldorf Music marque has been synonymous with high-quality synthesizers for over 30 years; indeed, its innovative position in the electronic musical instruments marketplace dates back to 1989 with the release of the wavetable synthesis-based Microwave.This extraordinary reincarnation of the legendary PPGWave series — arguably amongst the most coveted high-end synthesizers of the early Eighties — was instrumental in bringing the dominance of Japanese and American synthesizers to an end. Waldorf continued this unique technology tradition with successive synthesizer releases ranging from the mighty Wave — perhaps the most impressive, expressive, and user-friendly sound synthesis tool ever built — to raising the bar for VA (Virtual Analogue) synthesizers with the introduction of the popular Q series from 1999 onwards.The new millennium saw the trailblazing company making a timely move into the brave new world of music software with the release of its first VST Instrument, PPG Wave 2.V, a tradition it continues to this day with more recent software releases including its Nave advanced wavetable synthesizerSubsequent successes in the high-quality hardware arena include the Blofeld synthesizer — forging sound and design into an unbeatable price/performance ratio in both desktop and keyboard versions — and Zarenbourg, a contemporary electric piano par excellence, as well as the cost-conscious Rocket (synthesizer), 2-Pole (analogue filter), and Streichfett (string synthesizer) desktop modules. Meanwhile, Waldorf broadened its appeal further still by introducing Nave to transform any iPad into an advanced wavetable synthesizer. 2020 (and beyond) sees a slew of new high-quality synthesizers set to take the Waldorf name to the hands-on musical masses, whether working with its recently-released Quantum high-class hybrid synthesizer keyboard flagship, FPGA processing-powered Kyra VA Synthesizer desktop or other hardware (including a welcomed move into the popular Eurorack modular synth system format) or software (including iOS). 

Pricing and Availability

The Iridium Synthesizer is available through Waldorf Music’s growing global network of distributors at an SRP (Suggested Reseller Price) of €1,960.00 EUR (excluding tax).

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated Iridium Synthesizer webpage.

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Nave by Waldorf Music 70% OFF

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Nave (VST, AU, AAX) by Waldorf

The award-winning Nave has succeeded in changing perceptions of what a serious iOS instrument can be, thanks to unique sounds simply unachievable with any other synthesizer. The Waldorf Music team has often been asked when Nave would be available on other platforms. This new Nave brings that notable Nave sound engine to your favorite DAW.

Designers have optimized its spectacular graphical user interface to work with the tried-and-tested computer combo of keyboard and mouse (or track pad) rather than touch screen surface technology, yet nothing has been lost in translation.

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Anyone at all familiar with Waldorf software instruments will immediately feel right at home with the typical Waldorf workflow where sound shaping modules are always directly accessible and all Arpeggiator, Envelopes, Effects, and Modulation Matrix management controls are only one push of a virtual button away. Nave compliments its standard yet classy chromatic keyboard with groundbreaking blades and pads to control the sound in different ways.

As a synthesizer thoroughbred at heart, Nave really represents a phenomenal playground for sound creation creativity. Its oscillators offer expanded wavetable functionality with elaborate editing facilities and an extremely effective speech synthesizer.

The featured-packed Nave comes pre-packed with superb sounds, ranging from spatial pads to vivid wavetable scans and cutting leads to solid basses, but, above and beyond that, also an abundance of incredibly imaginative sound worlds – many of them professionally produced by some of the top sound designers around.

Pricing and Availability

For only $59.99 (instead of $190), get Nave – the award-winning Advanced Wavetable Synthesizer by Waldorf!

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Waldorf T-Shirt Design Contest

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Waldorf Music Design Contest

Waldorf Music recently celebrated 30 years of success. This would not have been possible without Waldorf Music fans. Waldorf Music is offering you the chance to become a part of their history. After releasing new and exciting synthesizers like the Waldorf Quantum, Iridium Synthesizer, Kyra, and STVC, the iconic synthesizer manufacturer from Germany are planning to make new T-shirts.

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As Waldorf is always listening closely to their customers, synthesizer fans from all over the world are invited to join the Waldorf T-Shirt Contest, and to create their own design for a T-shirt.

Amazing prices await the winners: a Waldorf STVC string synthesizer/vocoder, Waldorf Blofeld and Pulse2 synthesizer and Waldorfs renowned software instruments. Every prize includes one T-shirt in the winning design.

1st place: One Waldorf STVC synthesizer

2nd place: One Waldorf Blofeld Desktop or pulse2 synthesizer to be chosen by the winner

3rd place: One Waldorf software synthesizer plugin to be chosen by the winner

So, what are you waiting for? Get to your drawing board, start creating, and show us what you’ve got. Go to waldorfmusic.com/tshirt for details and for submitting your work. The deadline for entries is Dec 31st, 2020. The winner will be elected on Facebook in January 2021.

You can download our logo as a vector file on this page here

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Checking Out Lector by Waldorf! Get 80% Off for a few more days!

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80% OFF: LECTOR – A TREMENDOUSLY VERSATILE VOCODER BY WALDORF!

For only $34.99 (instead of $175), get LECTOR (Affiliate Link) – a tremendously versatile VST plugin by Waldorf!

LECTOR (Affiliate Link) by Waldorf is a powerful vocoder that contains a polyphonic synthesizer based on the legendary Waldorf sound engine. I have always enjoyed the sound of Vocoders and found them one of the best ways to add excitement and catchy sounds to tracks but have often found it hard to find one that works well in the box. Considering this, I was delighted to find that Lector was incredibly user friendly and had a wide range of applications that could quickly help you get a robotic voice or make a percussion part sound like it is from an alien world.

Lector puts in your hands a sonic toolset for a wide range of diverse applications. Just about anything goes, from distorting the human voice to adding subtle harmonies to lead vocals and getting creative with movie soundtracks.

Pricing and Availability

SLIDER new in the shop with pricing on

Originally $175, LECTOR (Affiliate Link) is available for just $34.99 (80% Off) from today until September 21st, 2020

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