29 thoughts on “Waldorf Iridium Promises Quantum Power In Desktop/Rackmount Format”

1. Attn: Loopop

   1. So nick will have more time to focus on what is really interesting.

      1. So true. That sums up why it’s Sonicstate for me.

         1. Nick is great for clarifying what makes a unit stand-out and is likely more useful in the buying phase. Loopop’s video are borderline or out-right tutorials that are of extreme value to new owners of a unit.

            I feel like they fill 2 different needs, both exceptionally well. However, I personally prefer Ziv’s emphasis on the unit’s total functionality.

   2. SMP is listed on Waldorf’s site at €2,300 ? $2,600.

      https://www.waldorfmusic.com/en/buy-iridium

2. Now they’ve got my attention

3. this looks Kyra-ish (form factor) . Hopefully it isn’t priced Kyra-ish. Interested to hear it.

4. Plese god let this one be priced aggressively! Always wanted a quantum but cant afford one

   1. Agreed! Hopefully they actually want to compete with the Argone8M and the Hydrasynth Desktop.

   2. on matrixsynth they are saying 1995 euros / 2300 usd. it also says it will probably be absent the analog filters.

      1. That’s a shame if true. That dual analogue filter was what made the Quantum truly unique.

      2. It’s a shame that they won’t include the analog filters.

      3. That would be a blocker for me at the assumed ~2k price tag. I don’t particulalrly like e.g. the blofeld filters. Wavetable synthesis etc. benefits greatly from good analogue filters.

      4. That is true, analogy filters will make Iridium unique and unlike any VST.

5. Software in a box? I already have a MacBook.

   1. Which Macbook model has 55 knobs? Genuine question. I’d buy one.

      1. The one with a couple controllers plugged in.

6. I am thinking if the middle row of silver knobs will affect hand movement.

7. Good that there will be a desktop! I’m not a keyboard buyer and its a interesting synth.

   At first sight the interface looks not that appealing.
   It needs more endless encoder instead of these rotary encoders. I prefer the display to the right side because i’m right handed or in the middel at least. Maybe beter to move it under the massive amount of direct parameter controllers so they ar not in the way. Also put a 16 step sequencer at the bottom would be nice.
   That al done before and a interface like that works really well so i don’t get why they mix it up here, will see maybe current layout is better

8. Looks awesome….waiting patiently for more details on this desktop n pricing….I have the Hydrasynth Desktop and in love with it….

   Crossing my fingers on the pricing for this Waldorf desktop!!!

9. Twice the polyphony of Quantum, bi-timbral. Digital filters bc 16 analog filters would put this back in “luxury” price range.

10. My guess is, $600 less than the Quantum, or there abouts. If you look at the Sequential US pricing as a rough guide. For any US shops offering the Quantum on offer, then the difference will be more like $350/$400…

11. Someone on the Dawless Jammin’ Facebook group talked about it as being potentially “affordable” which is likely to still be around 2kUSD. Sure, it may be worth it, so it’d be a good deal. It’s just that synth prices are pushed down by so many factors, these days and “affordable” doesn’t mean what it used to mean.
    Not that Waldorf absolutely needs to hit a lower entry point for this type of synth. They have their target market.

12. Tasty looking beast

    Well Done Waldorf ?

13. Its a surprise that Waldorf still surviving financially.

14. Some companies seem to forget it was the sale of budget equipment that got them started and established.
    This looks interesting but again we see style over substance. I have had synths since the early 80s and if you where to do a blind test most synths sound pretty much the same. I have owned a lot and still use a lot of synths.
    Functionality is the issue for me . These days high end (reasonably high end) effects are the area where money is worth spending. I remember the Waldorf Wave etc that was the flagship super duper synth back in the day. I can not see from hearing the demos of the quantum (and playing on one in a Berlin music shop) that this synth is a big deal. Rich kids synths.

    1. I’m with Brandon on synths sounding “the same” up to a point. You can get most of them to cross over into other territories if you program a bit. A Quantum, Kyra, Argon8 AND Hydrasynth in one rig would be wasteful duplication. Any one of those, plus a few other types of synthesis, will cover the whole buffet. Once I saved up enough for a major flagship, I learned how easy it was to use it as the connective ‘bandleader’ for other synths. When you drop two large or more on a powerhouse like that & feel the lightning when you play, it changes your whole perspective. No one needs all of these, but everyone needs at least ONE.

15. I think this is a neat Wavetable, FM, Granular… synth if you don’t compare it to the almost double-priced Quantum. And no, LIVE’s wavetable is great but with this hands-on machine you’ll find joy in crafting your next sound!

16. Please send all info and spec. with total price $ and where the Iridium can be bought.