Waldorf Quantum MK2 16-Voice Analog/Digital Hybrid Synthesizer

Waldorf Quantum MK2 16-Voice Analog/Digital Hybrid Synthesizer

Musicians, producers, and sound designers looking for a powerful hybrid synthesizer should check out the Waldorf Quantum MKII, the company s flagship polyphonic analog/digital hybrid synthesizer, which combines the raw power of classic digital and analog synthesizers with futuristic sounds that are only possible with today s intensely programmable soft-synths, in a sleek and accessible user interface with a multitouch display, which features an on-screen spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope for deep, visualized editing. The MKII offers new features including a new FATAR TP/8SK keyboard with 61 semiweighted keys, polyphonic aftertouch, and a new Kernel synthesis algorithm with a wide range of possibilities from classic 6-operator FM to innovative audio rate wavetable modulation. The sample storage memory has also been expanded to 59GB.

The instrument offers 8 voices with analog filter, up to 16 voices with digital filters. Each voice utilizes three digital oscillators and two analog filters. For even more versatility, the voices can be split or layered multitimbrally between two parts, while the two sets of stereo outputs (main and aux) were designed specifically for use in multitimbral mode. Additionally, there are five master effect slots for each timbre, providing the full breadth of sound design options. Each oscillator is capable of five synthesis algorithms including Wavetable, Waveform, Particle, and Resonator, and Kernel. What s more, the instrument can generate custom wavetables using audio that can either be routed into the Quantum s audio input or loaded from the internal memory or removable sample memory.

The Quantum MKII has a massive modulation section with six LFOs, six multistage envelopes that are loopable, an onscreen step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and a chord play mode with hold and latch. Additional features include an SD-card slot for importing and exporting samples and sounds, and performing software updates. Also onboard is a USB-B computer connector and a USB-A controller connector for further expansion and control. The Quantum has an integrated power supply unit and includes a standard IEC power cord.

New Features

• Now also features a new FATAR TP/8SK keyboard with 61 semiweighted keys
• Polyphonic aftertouch: Provides specific modulation of individual notes.
• The internal flash memory for samples storage has also been expanded to 59GB.
• 5 synthesis algorithms
  • Waldorf-style wavetables with the latest additions from Nave, including speech synthesis and wavetable generation from audio samples
  • Classic Synthesizer Waveforms with multiple waves for an ultrafat sound just from the oscillators
  • Granular Sampler with multisampling plus traditional sampling mode
  • Resonator for virtual sound sculpting
  • New Kernel synthesis with possibilities from classic 6 operator FM to innovative audio rate wavetable modulations

General Features

• Hybrid digital/analog polyphonic synthesizer
• 61 keys, high-quality FATAR TP/8SK keyboard, polyphonic aftertouch
• 8 voices with analog filter, up to 16 voices with digital filters
• Dual timbral: split or layered mode with separate stereo audio outputs
• 3 stereo digital oscillators each capable of five 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 and PWM as well as tunable noise
• Particle: sampler in traditional and granular mode using multisamples or live input
• Resonator: exciter using multisampling plus filter-bank sound model.
• New kernel synthesis with possibilities from classic 6 operator FM to innovative audio rate wavetable modulations
• Two analog lowpass filters per voice each in 24 or 12 dB configuration using innovative link modes, or alternatively two digital multimode filters
• Digital former: additional digital algorithms per voice like comb filter, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters (Nave, Largo, or PPG models), bit-crusher, drive, and more
• Flexible routing system for order of filters and 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 internal keybed or external MIDI inputs
• Chord and latch buttons
• Unisono mode
• Module-based preset system for effects, oscillators, step-sequencer, and Komplex modulator
• Single-function potentiometer and encoder controls for intuitive editing
• Visualization and deeper sound editing via context-sensitive high-resolution capacitive multitouch display
• Spectrum Analyzer and Oscilloscope at various processing stages
• Up to 10,000 sound patch capacity organized by banks, attributes, author, and patch number
• Favorites lists for quick recall of sound patches like for set lists etc.
• Preloaded with wide variety of patches by acclaimed sound designers
• 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
• 4GB internal flash memory for presets and wavetables, 59GB internal sample storage
• Preloaded with approimately 2GB sample data
• Onboard audio-file editor
• Export and import presets, sample, and wavetable via SD card or USB drive
• Import of Nave presets and selected legacy FM SYX files
• 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

Sampling Capabilities

Each of the 3 oscillators of a single timbre can be used in one of three modes using samples:

• Stereo Multi-Sampler with looping and reverse playback
• Granular Sampler with extensive parameter set
• Resonator model using sampler as exciter
• Samples are organized using key and velocity maps, selection rules like round-robin, random, etc., and individual pitch, gain, and pan settings
• Samples are stored in internal flash memory of 59GB capacity prefilled with 2GB specially made for Quantum factory samples.
• New samples can be recorded from external stereo audio inputs, or from self-recording Quantum s own engine.
• Samples can also be imported and stored to internal Flash via SD card or USB drive using WAV and AIFF file format (44.1 kHz sample rate).
• The Quantum MKII allows for a huge range of sample-based sound-design capabilities from classical synth sounds to uncharted territories.
• It s worth noting that the sample use in the Quantum is always within a synthesizer s sonic context. It is not meant to work as a bread-and-butter sample keyboard to play back like traditional sampling instruments nor third party libraries.

Arpeggiator Parameters

• 7 algorithms to choose from like up, down, random etc.
• Octave range
• 7 sort orders
• 3 velocity modes
• Gate length
• Swing
• BPM
• Beat division
• Rhythmi