The Top Products of Namm 2018
Waldorfs’s New Quantum Synth
Featured as one of the top products at the Namm 2018 convention, this $4000 synth, despite its huge price tag, is a no-compromise instrument that lives up to its place near the top of the market. This synthesizer combines classic digital & analog hybrid aspects with futuristic sounds only possible on modern software to give you an amazing instrument. The Quantum is an investment for those serious about taking their sound and playing ability to the next level. Currently, there is a large selection of synths on the market. Think carefully before choosing your next upgrade.
Quantum’s Features
This product contains three oscillators with four algorithms each. These include:
- Waldorf-style Wavetables with the latest additions from Nave, including speech synthesis and wavetable generation from audio
- Classic Synthesizer Waveforms with multiple waves for an ultra fat sounds right out of the oscillators
- Granular Sampler with multisampling plus traditional sampling mode
- A resonator for virtual sound sculpting
This modulator synthesizer has the ability to take you across the sound spectrum all in one instrument. Precise playback with classic analog sounds is just as effortless as sequence clusters and even the harsher animated patches. Overall, this instrument gives you command over whatever sound for whatever occasion.
Appearance
The Quantum is made with elegance and effectiveness in mind. Featuring aluminum knobs and encoders around a multitouch central display, musicians get ultimate control in a sleek look. With all the tactile features, one might think it possible to get confused over the controls. However, the engineers at Waldorf added LED light backing to all the controls making the interface intuitive and quick to use.
Specifics*:
- Digital-Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer
- 61 Keys high-quality Fatar TP8S keybed
- 8 voices
- Dual timbral: split or layered mode with separate stereo audio outputs
- 3 stereo digital oscillators each capable of four synthesis algorithms
- Wavetable: Waldorf style with latest additions from Nave including speech synthesis, wavetable generation from audio and new features
- Waveform: Waveform with up to 8 simultaneous waves per Oscillator in a detuned or chordal mode with hard-sync, warp & PWM as well as tunable noise
- Particle: Sampler in traditional and granular mode using multi-samples or live input
- Resonator: Exciter using multi-sampling plus filter bank sound model.
- Two analog lowpass filters per voice each in 24 or 12 dB configuration using innovative link modes
- Digital former: Additional digital algorithms per voice like a comb filter, high-pass, band-pass & notch filters (Nave, Largo or PPG models), bit-crusher, drive and more
- Flexible routing system for the order of analog filters & digital former and individual oscillator routings
- 6 LFOs in poly and global mode with an extensive parameter set
- 6 loopable envelopes
- Komplex: multistage LFO/envelope modulator
- Extensive modulation matrix with 40 slots and easy via-controller assignments
- Intuitive modulation assignment via panel elements and control LEDs
- Master effect rack of 5 slots for each timbre choosing from FX like phaser, flanger, chorus, reverb, drive, eq and more.
- Compressor for main output
- Step sequencer with step recording, parameter automation, and scale-based pitch quantization
- Microtonal pitch configurations capable of importing Skala scl files
- Capable of polyphonic aftertouch via external MIDI inputs
- Chord and latch buttons
- Unisono mode
- Module-based preset system for effects, oscillators, step-sequencer and Komplex modulator
- Single-function potentiometer and encoder controls for intuitive editing
- Visualisation and deeper sound editing via context-sensitive high-resolution capacitive multi-touch display
- Spectrum Analyzer and Oscilloscope at various processing stages
- Up to 10,000 sound patch capacity organized by banks, attributes, author, and patch number.
- Favorites lists for quick recall of sound patches like for set-lists etc.
- Pre-loaded with a wide variety of patches by acclaimed sound designers like Howard Scarr
- MIDI output of local keyboard, wheels and assignable panel elements
- Automation of sound parameters from MIDI inputs via MIDI CC learn function
- Recording of samples from audio inputs or self-recording of audio outputs
- 4 GB*) internal Flash memory for presets, samples and wavetables
- Pre-loaded with more than 1 GB sample data
- Export & import of presets, sample & wavetable via SD card
- Import of Nave presets
- Mod wheel can be assigned to any parameter which can be modulated in the matrix or via quick assign
- Pitch wheel can be assigned to each oscillator individually
*Thanks to the folks at Synthotopia for compiling such an extensive list. You can read more about their thoughts on the product at the link below.
Check out what others are saying:
https://waldorfmusic.com/en/quantum
https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-of-namm-2018-musicradar-awards