Waldorf has released a new soundset, Attack, that turns the Blofeld into a drum machine sound module.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
Thanks to deep, multitimbral programming Blofeld acts as 16-piece electronic drum module.
With Blofelds extensive VA engine, we were able to recreate those lovely analogue drum sounds, but we didn’t stop there. FM and wavetables create exotic percussions, perfect for more aggressive styles of electronic music or experimental ethnic tunes. To round everything up, Attack sound set includes over 27mb of percussive samples ranging from acoustic drums and cymbals to vintage drum machines and weird ambient noises. Samples are then mangled in the Blofelds guts; filtered, pitch stretched, FMed and layered with other sound sources for unheard-of sonic textures.
All sounds are logically sorted for quick and painless navigation. Attack sound set contains: 20 kicks, 20 snares, 5 claps, 8 hihats (each one in open and closed version), 12 crash cymbals, 9 rides, 7 tom sets (each made of 3 drums), various tambourines, shakers, cowbells and 8-bit blips. Two ‘init’ sounds are included for easy creation of new drum sounds and sample based hits.
The Attack Blofeld soundset is available for 30.00 Euro at the Waldorf site.
via Piotr Jablonski
Anyone know what ipad app is being used in this video? Thx
The app is nord beat 2.
Does this work with the first generation iPad also ??
It’s free, give it a shot. I used to use it on an ipad 1 with no problems. It’s just a sequencer so it’s not very processor-intensive.
note you require the licence SL if you have the desktop blofeld so you can load up the sample wavs.
also go to the site as there’s a much better audio demo there.
Right, you have to buy the 99.00 € SL first, then the 30€ samples.
Seems a little pricey for 808 samples/VA emulations.
Maybe. That’s one way to look at it. But if you already have the SL license or own the keyboard version which comes with SL – it’s a steal. My girlfriend got me the SL license for my birthday and overall it’s cool. It definitely expands the sonic capability of the Blofeld. I just figure that since I invested the money into a Blofeld that I don’t Ghibellines it a waste to further invest in the gear that I already own and use. I got away from the Blofeld for a couple of months, cause I got a little lazy and the iPad wa alway in my hand. But having gone back to the Blofeld over the past month, I’m glad to be using it again. Luckily I’ve got a good one and the latest OS seems fairly reliable…before 1.6 I had some volume problems with a number of patch presets. But 1.6 OS seems to have solved much of that. And if/when I encounter a low volume patch I recently learned you can turn up the drive in the filter section ( if I remember correctly.).
The Blofeld IMHO is a wonderful synth with perhaps an acquired taste for some. Some will love or hate the sound, but whatever side you’re on I think most of us would agree its different and fairly distinctive from many synths. It’s definitely a Waldorf sound. The blofeld can be cold, metallic, scream-y, bell-like, ethereal…and yet it can be warm sometimes too but usually in an atmospheric sort of way. It’s not the fattest synth out there but I don’t think it’s fair to say it sounds thin either. It can do some fat sounding basses, and leads too. It’s very versatile but it’s always going to sound Waldorf-ian. All of this is the reason why I got the Blofeld. I don’t think calling the Blofeld a VA synth is really accurate. It can sometimes be analogue-ish if you require it, but again it’s not going to be a Moog or a Pulse even. It’s quite Digital, but in a very unique sounding Wavetable kind of way.
These drum kits btw sound awesome!!! But honestly I’m not that surprised that the Blofeld can be a good drum module as well. This synth always did have good kick drums, an interesting metallic sounding hits….couple these kits with the Blofeld’s filters and you’ve got quite an awesome sounding beast! I’m definitely going to pick up this sound bank. I really think this sound-set is too notch and I think it’ll be fun as he’ll to mess with the filters on those drum sounds. I like that he used a free sequencing app..there’s so many things you can do! Tenori-on hooked to blofeld or Ableton Live MiDI sequence. And even just the fantastic arpeggiator on the Blofeld in multi-mode and the possibilities get very interesting. 2014 and this synth is still an evil monster to contend with…quirky, a villainous screamer of a synth with a sense if humor to match. I love this synth!!
Sorry for typos… ‘Top notch’ …I think the drum sounds through the Blofeld’s filters are sounding fantastic!
I agree, one of the best value synths around, even with the memory add on 🙂
Awesome! I just have to buy this for the “AMEN – set designed around Amen Brake hits.” so I can make some EDM!!! 😀
On a more serious note, this sounds great, and +1 for NordBeat – considering it’s free I think it s one of the best beat sequencers for iPad and particularly suited to live edits – good fun!
I bought the akai mpx 8 well worth the cash and is easily a great drum machine.
I could never justify the price of a blofield. Makes me appreciate teenage engineering for giving their new OS and features for free.
you are kidding right ?
where are you at? ive never seen an OP1 cheaper than a blofeld, even used.
The OP-1 and Blofeld are very different animals really. I own both…and like both for their strengths, and am learning to accept their shortcomings. Other than the size of OP-1 and desktop Blofeld, there is not much in common unless you consider the fact that they’re both digital, have ability to use samples (albeit very different uses for samples), are quirky and unique, and contain a sense of humor.
Their approaches to synthesis are very different. Their sounds and styles are very different. The OP-1 has an awesome virtual cassette recorder with some really fun features. OP-1 effects are mostly awesome including the CWO. And the sequencers included are interesting and useful. But, OP-1 can only play one sound patch at a time, and can only process 1 MIDI channel independently at a time. Whereas the Blofeld can potentially handle 16 MIDI channels simultaneously although it will probably be less due to complexity of the sound and use of internal effects. As cool as that is, it’s easy to mess up and there’s no way to save your multimode settings. And it only has stereo left, right and headphone outputs. More outputs would drive up the price. The blofeld filters are fantastic as you can hear in the above demo and blofeld has an awesome distortion crunch effect but the reverb kind is kind of dull. The visual display of the filters is wonderful. The OP-1 has an even better screen for most functions. Op-1 has a gyroscope, and a lot of other cool quirky features but only has USB MIDI. Blofeld has only MIDI In and USB MIDI. Sadly, neither have audio pass thru USB. OP-1 allows incoming live audio in many ways. Blofeld doesn’t allow audio in sadly because if it did – it would have been a killer feature considering Blofeld’s filters. It will allow loaded samples for use as Wavetables. While it’s an awesome idea and proves great results, the Spectre program is not so great. Blofeld has a huge patch memory and it’s fairly easy to find patches given the amount it holds. OP-1 can’t hold nearly enough patches and you’ll fill it up quickly, but -it handles/transfers patches and samples much easier and faster. OP-1 can be plugged in or run on a charge and charged thru USB. Blofeld must be plugged in. Both have had OS issues some solved and some not. The OP-1 price is initially puzzling until you own one and appreciate its uniqueness. It’s strength and weakness is that it seems toy-like. It encourages play and has a game quality to its approach – but it’s not a toy. Blofeld is a bit more serious minded and has very complex functionality but if you don’t like menu diving you can drown. However, when you spend some time with it, the menues are logically laid out. Also some folks slag on Blofeld because calling it a Virtual Analog synth is misleading and only shows a fraction of the many personalities of this synth. It’s Wavetable, can use samples as Wavetables, and is designed digital..intentionally, and uniquely. It’s an awesome synth and an OK VA synth. Calling it ‘fat’ or ‘thin’ is not accurate as the typical descriptors for most bread and butter synths. Also, blofeld desktop is around $499 and you can find better deals on it too. OP-1 is around $849. I love them both but most synths can’t do what Blofeld does for it’s price and in such a unique way and sound. And, I love a good deal. I like apps too but I still like the feel and personality of hardware. In the end… You like what you like and if it works for you the price is justified.
Def. I love my Blofeld,and have everything from Mellotron choirs,to fairlight drum samples loaded in it..I can make wicked wobble basses,or airy,dream-like pads..It’s excellent,and unique all around..I’d love to pair it with a pulse 2 soon,a ton of character,and power,in a tiny footprint..