Waldorf IRIDIUM Keyboard Synthesizer

Waldorf IRIDIUM Keyboard at a glance:

• Digital Synthesiser
• High-quality 49-key Fatar keyboard
• Polyphonic aftertouch
• Velocity sensitive
• Dual timbral: split, layered or unison mode
• 16 voices
• 3 stereo oscillators with five synthesis modes each
• WavetableWaldorfstyle with the latest Nave technology including voice synthesis and generation of wavetables from external audio sources
• Waveform: Waveform with up to 8 simultaneous waveforms per oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard sync, warp, PWM and pitchable noise
• ParticleGranular sampler with multi-sampling and traditional sampling mode
• ResonatorExciter with multi-sampling and filter bank modelling
• Kernela meticulously structured tool for creating futuristic experimental and FM-like sounds
• Two digital multimode filters per voice with innovative link mode
• Digital shaper: additional digital algorithms per voice such as comb filter, high, low & bandpass as well as notch filter (Nave, Largo or PPG models), bit crusher, drive and more
• Flexible routing system for the arrangement of digital filters, digital shapers and oscillator routing
• 6 LFOs
• 6 loopable envelopes
• Complex modulator
• Arpeggiator
• Extensive modulation matrix with up to 40 entries
• Master effects with 5 slots each for both timbres with effects such as phaser, flanger, chorus, reverb, drive, EQ and more
• Step sequencer with parameter automation and scale-based pitch quantisation
• Visual sound editing via the high-resolution multi-touch display

Synthesis

At the heart of the Iridium are its three digital oscillators, each with five selectable synthesis modes:

• Wavetable: Waldorf-style with the latest Nave technology including voice synthesis and generation of wavetables from external audio sources
• Waveform: Waveform with up to 8 simultaneous waveforms per oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard sync, warp, PWM and pitchable noise
• Particle: Granular sampler with multi-sampling and traditional sampling mode
• Resonator: Exciter with multi-sampling and filter bank modelling
• Kernel: a meticulously structured tool for creating futuristic experimental sounds and FM-like sounds

Some of the oscillators are incredible in their own right and offer an enormous range of different sounds. As there are even more parameters under the bonnet, which can also be modulated many times, new sound creations are likely to be an ongoing process in the best sense of the word. The Iridium's filter is an excellent dual multimode filter of digital origin and covers a wide spectrum of resonant and damped sounds. The elaborate signal chain is completed by five simultaneously available effects such as delay, reverb, chorus, flanger or phaser and the master compressor.

Modulation

With six loopable envelopes and LFOs as well as the complex modulator, which is a mixture of two LFOs with waveforms that you can draw yourself(!) and an envelope, you have enough options at your fingertips to fill the 40-entry modulation matrix and thus breathe life into the sound at almost any point, in addition to the usual modulation sources such as velocity or aftertouch.

Access

The high-resolution multi-touch display allows easy access to every parameter and visualises every movement on the control panel. With impressive precision, it shows real-time changes in the sound at various stages of the synthesis process. It is the same size as that of the Quantum and is surrounded by the same set of knobs and buttons.

Sequencer, Arpeggiator, Chord & Macros

To the left of the keyboard is the so-called performance section, in addition to tried and tested standards such as the octave selection and the two handwheels for pitch bend and modulation, as well as the hold button (latch), there are some direct access options here. Mono switches between monophonic and polyphonic play for the current patch. Chord allows you to create a chord. Seq/Arp takes you directly to the appropriate menu page on the touchscreen and switches between sequencer and arpeggiator when pressed again. The six self-definable macros are a great help when using the IRIDIUM keyboard, as you can specify which function or action you want to access most quickly. For example, you can jump directly to the recording area of the sequencer or switch glide on/off.