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The Waldorf M is an excellent eight-voice polyphonic, four-part multitimbral Wavetable Synthesizer for your desktop.
The predecessors of the M still enjoy a highly esteemed reputation to this day. A good reason for Waldorf to stay close to the classics. This means that the M follows the same hybrid concept for sound generation, with wavetable oscillators and analog low-pass filters (24 dB/oct), and is even SysEx-compatible with the old Microwave I. The filter circuitry is based on a modern SSI 2144 chip, an evolution of the SSM2044 VCF found in many classics, including the PPG Wave 2.3, Korg Monopoly & Polysix, and the Simmons SDS V. In addition to the analog filter, the audio path also includes controllable analog saturation and a true analog stereo VCA with panning option. This is all very promising, but what sets the M apart are the small details that aim to bring its sound as close as possible to its predecessors.
Let's dive into the details: The two sound generation modes – Classic Microwave 1 and Modern Microwave II/XT – each feature two wavetable oscillators, but behave differently. Here, you have two distinct sonic realms at your fingertips, seamlessly switchable at the touch of a button. In Classic Microwave I mode, you'll experience the raw energy of 16-bit wavetables, condensed into 8-bit format. Delivered with a sample rate of 240 kHz ...and no anti-aliasing. No hard sync or ring modulation here – what you get is this kind of breathing Waldorf sounds! In Modern Microwave II/XT mode, sounds are created with a sample rate of 40 kHz. Wavetables are band-limited, and there is hard sync. The M can cover everything from ultra-clean sound to gritty 8-bit textures!
This visually pleasing desktop unit features a high-resolution graphic display with four endless encoders and numerous controls for direct manipulation of sound generation and modulation – a fantastic feature for fast and creative work, setting it apart from its predecessors. However, there is still a small (Waldorf-)matrix bottom left. This includes the extensive arpeggiator, boasting 16 preset patterns, chord mode, and MIDI sync. Four programmable envelopes and two LFOs serve as modulation sources, and they deliver admirably.
On the connectivity front, the M doesn't disappoint, offering many assignable outputs, classic MIDI trio, USB-MIDI, an SD card slot for firmware updates and fresh wavetables, and a solid headphone output with separate volume control.
You can feel the weight of the legacy the Waldorf M is inheriting, but in a positive sense. It impresses with simplicity, clarity, and remarkably good sound. There's no massive modulation matrix or a myriad of effects. Nothing feels overloaded or crammed in. Full access (vintage) Wavetable-Synthesis. We can not not like this!
Hybrid sound generation – Wavetables and analog filters
8-voice polyphony, 4-part multitimbrality
Five analog stereo outputs (MAIN OUT L/Mono and R, AUX OUT A, B, C, and D)
