Waldorf - Iridium

Waldorf's Iridium could become your go-to desktop synth: plenty of synthesis types, a huge mod-matrix and polyphonic aftertouch (also: MPE).

The Waldorf Iridium offers essentially all common synthesis forms and more: wavetable, virtual analog synthesis, resonator, particle, kernel, and sampling. Iridium's engine allows you to access a broad spectrum of sounds, ranging from classic (virtual) analog tones with warmth and character to more complex and evolving digital textures made possible by wavetable synthesis. And then there are Particle and Kernel, which even experienced synth enthusiasts would need to get acquainted with. Through this... let's call it a "multi-synthesis approach," a versatile tool is created, allowing you to generate a very wide range of sounds. It makes this synth suitable for various music genres and styles: something completely new or synth wave, prog rock, digital hardcore, film scores, ambiences, and of course: techno!

Iridium has a matrix of 4*4 pads that can also serve as "keyboard". It also features: Lots of Encoders, macros, a fantastic touch display. The macros allow you to quickly access important parameters. Iridium supports Polyphonic Aftertouch/MPE for expressive playing. This way of interacting with the sound is becoming (again) more common. It allows for a much more nuanced playing experience, almost like with acoustic instruments. Additionally, the Iridium has a truly massive modulation matrix with 40 slots. There are 6 LFOs, as well as 6 envelopes and an LFO with freely drawable shape. In this regard, it even surpasses the ASM Hydrasynth. To seamlessly integrate into your studio, there are CV inputs and outputs, MIDI Din In, Out, and Thru, as well as USB-B to connect to your computer.

We have come a long way! For the late 2010s/early 2020s, the Iridium, along with the Quantum from the same manufacturer, sets the benchmark for synthesizers.

Features:

• Polyphonic synthesizer with analog and digital synthesis
• 16-voice polyphonic, duo-timbral
• Compatible with the synth engine of the Waldorf Quantum
• 3 oscillators (wavetable, waveform (VA), particle (sampling and granular sampling), resonator, kernels)
• 3 stereo filters per voice (12/24dB LP/HP/BP) (Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum and StateVariable as models)Digital Shaper (Comb Filter, Bitcrusher, Drive, RingMod, Analyzer display in the filter view, filter curve moves with modulation (optional), flexible routing options for filters with modulatable panning and levels)
• Modulators (6 envelopes, 6 LFOs, complex modulator)
• Mod Matrix with 40 slots
• Arpeggiator
• Step sequencer with up to 32 steps for notes and parameter lines
• Modwheel, pitch bend and aftertouch can be operated via touchscreen
• MPE capable
• 6 macro buttons
• touch screen
• 2x 6.3mm jack output (TS)
• 2x 6.3mm jack input (TS)
• DIN MIDI In/Out/Thru
• USB Type B for MIDI connection with computers / DAWs
• MicroSD slot
• 4 CV inputs plus Gate In, Trigger In, Clock In, Clock Out (inputs appear as sources in the mod matrix)