In this video, Waldorf CTO and developer Rolf Wöhrmann does a deep dive into the inner workings of their Iridium synthesizer.
The Waldorf Iridium requires a deep dive, because it builds on the Quantum’s synth engine, and features five synthesis models for each of its three oscillators per voice:
- Wavetable
- Waveform (Virtual Analog)
- Particle (Sampling and Granular Sampling)
- Resonator
- Kernels
Kernel mode lets you turn an oscillator into 6 suboscillators that can be interlinked through FM. Add three filters, six envelopes and six LFO’s per voice and you’ve got some massive possibilities.
This kind of synth is far more interesting than any of the analog machines that get a long string of fanboy comments here.
I agree. I can’t wait to get my hands on one.
stating what is more interesting decisively is the essence of being a “fanboy”
how many filtered saws and squares do you need? 😉
Easily the greatest synthesizer in production for ambient and textural music
i love waldrof, they always do things differently but i don’t trust their quality control. especially with a very complected product like this one. seems many users on gearslutz complains about different issues.
I would read too much into the complaints. Most of the problems have been resolved and the operating system is very solid. Rolf is still actively involved in making it better.
I would. seems allot of the problem are physical defects that missed on the qa.
I had many problem with all my waldorf synth in the past included the quantum i received half broken, the pulse2 that is still buggy (version 1.2 is the latest os from about 5 years old) and my streichfett that one day refuse to turn on. when i looked into solutions i found that many had the same issues.
but I love the sound and the features. i learn to work around the bugs and ignore the physical defects or send it to my technician every 2-3 years when he have the time to deal with it (mainly clean or replacing knobs and buttons)
seems waldorf products are not perfectly build but the sound and option are so good you learn to live with it.
it’s good to hear waldorf getting help with the iridium os and able to respond to user demands. I can just hope they are getting better.
I find it interesting that its digital synths which interest me more these days. I still have some analogue gear on my ‘to buy list’ (Behringer 2600 Blue Marvin and Poly D for starters), but I’m finding its digital synths that inspire me. But the Iridium is very expensive down in Australia – $3999. A shame because I could really enjoy exploring its sonic capabilities.