Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2
Product information "Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2"
With the Iridium Desktop MK2, Waldorf presents the next generation of its renowned Iridium Desktop synthesizer, originally introduced in 2020. Since then the instrument has become established with numerous artists and sound designers. Six years later, Waldorf Music consistently continues this sonic success story.
Based on the legendary multi-engine design of the Quantum & Iridium product line, this new generation goes a step further and integrates seamlessly into Waldorf's forward-looking synthesizer design philosophy.
The MK2 features a new design as well as an upgraded CPU board with expanded RAM and flash memory. This enables larger sample capacities and a significantly expanded world of synthesis possibilities.
Iridium Desktop MK2 is being released together with a general update to the Iridium and Quantum operating system. Version 4.0 will provide new features for all existing Quantum and Iridium models, including the Mutator patch randomizer (introduced in the Microwave plugin), a new polyphonic arpeggiator, new microtonal features that can be saved in patches, and more.
Highlights:
More memory, more layers: Thanks to the expanded memory, up to 4 multitimbral layers are now possible. In addition to layer and split modes, Round-Robin and Random-Robin modes allow the creation of rich, complex soundscapes – perfect for sound designers, sonic explorers and film composers.
“Seeds” — the sixth synthesis sense: Additional RAM enables a sixth method of synthesis per oscillator. Inspired by wavetable synthesis, where each wavetable represents a sonic journey, Waldorf has found a way to build these journeys not only from static waveforms but to dynamically synthesise every intermediate point from sub-oscillators – the so-called “Seeds”. These are controllable, can be combined with ring modulation and FM, and can be enriched with noise and non-tonal material. Similar to wavetables, users can use and edit the included predefined sonic journeys and create their own.
“Flavour” control: Introduced with Protein, it adds sonic liveliness through micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch and other parameters.
Per-note Parameter Locks (feat. Aphex Twin): As a special new feature from the collaboration with Aphex Twin, each of the 128 notes can now receive up to 16 individual parameter variations, including the oscillator synthesis mode and effect parameters. The changes are saved per patch and are editable on their own page.
Additional features:
Dual stereo filters per voice
True stereo path: Dual digital filters with independent modes:
• 12/24 dB LP/HP/BP in all combinations
• Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum and State Variable models
• Analyzer is shown in the filter view
• Filter curve animation during modulation (optional)
• Sophisticated filter routing options with modulatable panning and levels
Digital Former
• Filter models such as State Variable, Raiser, Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG in HP/LP/BP/Notch
• Comb filter, bit-crusher, various drives, ring modulation, formant filter
Modulators
• 6 envelopes
• 6 LFOs
• Complex Modulator (LFO/envelope combination with user-definable shape and morphing)
• Per-note parameter locks allowing individual parameter variations per note, inspired by
Aphex Twin
• “Flavour” control for micro-variations in timing, pitch and timbre
Mod Matrix
• 40 slots
• Quick assignment mode
• An additional knob per slot
• Identical sources and targets can be used multiple times until the matrix is full
Performance features
• Advanced arpeggiator
• New polyphonic arpeggiator modes
• 4×4 silicone pad matrix with RGB backlighting, assignable to notes, scales or chords
• Favourites screen for quick patch recall
• XY control on the touchscreen
• Touchscreen wheels for MIDI controls such as modulation wheel, pitch bend, aftertouch and velocity
• MPE-capable
Patches
• Over 1750 factory patches
• Capacity of 7000 patch memory slots (numbers 0000–9999 can be used)
• Patches from Quantum and other Iridium variants can be loaded and vice versa
• Category filters for the patch list
• 4 GB sample flash memory, preinstalled with 2 GB factory samples
• "Mutator" patch randomizer
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 440 x 305 x 85 mm
- Display: Touchscreen, 1024 x 600 Pixel
- Effects: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Drive, EQ, Kompressor, Tremolo / 5 Slots pro Layer, Verschiedene parallele und sequenzielle Routing-Optionen
- Includes: Operating instructions, power supply unit
- Memory: MicroSD slot
- Other in/outputs: Stereo-Out (2x TS), Stereo-In (2x TS), Kopfhörer, MIDI In, Out & Thru, USB Device, USB Host, 4x CV-In, Analog Clock-In- und Out, Analoge Gate- und Start-Ins
- Polyphony: 16 voices
- Power supply: Externes Netzteil: Eingang 100–240 V / AC 50–60 Hz, Ausgang 12 V DC / 3 A
- Sequencer: Step-Sequenzer mit bis zu 64 Steps für Noten und Parameter
- Subcategory: Expander
- Synthesis: 3 Oszillatoren mit je 6 Synthesemodi (Wavetable, Waveform, Particle), Resonator, Kernels (bis zu 6 Suboszillatoren), Seeds: Waypoint-Synthese mit Suboszillatoren, basierend auf bspw. Ringmodulation, FM, Wavetable, Partials und div. Noise/Dirt-Typen
- Weight: 4,8 kg
- 16-stimmig polyphon, 4 multitimbrale Layer
- sound generation: digital
