Sampletank 4 MAX V2 no brainer! 18,000 instruments - 600GB content for only $49.99! - 00 Days 00 Hours 00 Minutes 00 Seconds

Waldorf announces the Iridium desktop synthesizer based on the Quantum engine.

Waldorf Iridium has made the impossible possible. The mighty synth engine from Quantum is now available in a compact form. Tracing the footsteps of its bigger brother, Iridium features all the synthesis elements of Quantum as well in a rack-compatible format. The combination of the powerful engine, incredible flexibility and detailed sound shaping facilities creates sheer endless possibilities of sound. Yet, the comprehensive layout and easy-to-understand structure lets you design your own sounds in no time. Sporting a solid metal casing and the same high level of craftsmanship like Quantum, Iridium is now ready to take over studios and stages throughout the world.

 

Contributing another entry in Waldorf’s rich history, Iridium joins the family as a direct descendant of the PPG Wave. Though, Iridium offers much more than its ancestor. Five different synthesis models are provided by Iridium for each of the three oscillators:

  • Wavetable
  • Waveform (Virtual Analog)
  • Particle (Sampling and Granular Sampling)
  • Resonator
  • Kernels

Kernel mode has been introduced with the OS 2.0 of Quantum. This huge upgrade allows one oscillator to be turned into up to six sub oscillators. These can be interlinked through FM at audio rate and arranged in user-definable constellations. Just this upgrade alone would have provided enough additional features to create a synthesizer on its own. Now, all those functions have been integrated into Iridium as well.

Up to 7000 patches can be saved in Iridium. Patches from Quantum can be loaded in Iridium and vice-versa.

Iridium features three digital filters per voice. Two in the Dual Filter section and another one in the Digital Former. Several types are available to choose from:

  • 12 or 24dB and Lowpass/Highpass/Bandpass with optional saturation or dirtiness.
  • Various filter models are available including those from Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG 3V.
  • The Dual Filter section can be controlled independently or together in several different link modes.
  • The Digital Former offers all the filter types and models from the Dual Filter plus unusual models like Comb, Drive, Bitcrusher and more in addition.

All filters retain a true stereo signal throughout the entire structure of the instrument.

Up and down, back and forth
6 Envelopes, 6 LFOs and many more are just waiting for being used as sources in the 40 slots of the Modulation Matrix. Each slot has one additional control amount. Modulations can be directed to almost every numerical value in Iridium. All sources and destinations can be used as many times as desired until the Modulation Matrix is full. If you ever happen to run out of LFOs or Envelopes, you can use the Komplex Modulator for generating a custom shape LFO or Envelope.

Complex, but not complicated
Even though Iridium features a staggering amount of parameters to control, everything is organized in a logic structure which is easy to master. The major controls have their own dedicated knob, while the rest is accessible through the touch screen and the encoders around. There are no long menus keeping you from doing what you had planned. Instead, you will find a workflow which you will soon miss on other synthesizers.

Hands-on
Embedded in the front panel, a 4×4 silicon pad matrix invites you to launch notes, chords, arpeggios and sequences with up to 32 steps for notes and multiple parameter lines. Direct access to the parameters is granted by the seven encoders to the left and the right hand side of the touch screen.

Take a look inside!
Iridiums large color touch screen keeps you informed at all times. Upon moving a knob, Iridium gives you an optical feedback of your changes in real-time. Filter curves move, Particle grain sizes change, Envelopes warp and much more:

  • Komplex Modulator curves can be drawn with your finger
  • Envelopes show at which point the voices currently are
  • Wavetables are displayed in comprehensive view modes
  • VU meters show which voices are used and the individual voice levels
  • Different Analyzers show the audio signal at different points

Get connected
Two Audio Outputs allow you to listen to Iridium, while two Inputs allow Iridium to process external signals. 4 CV inputs plus Gate In and Trigger In are ready to forward external signals to the Mod Matrix. Furthermore, Clock In and Clock Out will get your gear in sync. MIDI connections can be made through USB and DIN MIDI. Iridium is also equipped with a USB Host port for MIDI devices. This port also handles data exchange, in addition to the MicroSD card slot.

Once again, Waldorf have underlined their status with a new and exciting synthesizer.

Iridium is designed, constructed and made in Germany. All components used are industrial grade quality to create a reliable studio device that is made to last for many years.

Iridium has been released and is now available from a dealer near you. Please inquire at our distributor for your country.

  • Going Deep with Music Marketing and Management – Interview with Thomas Gerbrands

    Today, we are taking the dive with Management and Marketing in Music! This is the perfect ‘tips’ and ‘insider info’ for those coming up, as much as those already established. Thomas Gerbrands is the manager of SHOOK (you may know SHOOK from his legendary Synth Funk style, quirky videos, or his Sample Pack “Shook Synth […]

    View Article
  • Sequential announces the PRO 3 synthesizer at NAMM 2020

    A Three-Generation Legacy The Sequential Pro 1 and Pro 2 mono synths achieved nearly legendary status in their time. So it was only natural that we build on their strengths with an even more worthy successor. Enter the Pro 3, Sequential’s 2-VCO + wavetable mono/paraphonic synth — a new benchmark for raw sonic power and […]

    View Article
  • Using sound design to break through writers block

    Using sound design to break through writers block by Jake @ Cryonaut Media That Awful Feeling Writer’s Block. Maybe you’re trying to come up with a good hook to complement the chords you just arranged, or maybe a bridge. No matter what you do though, you can’t seem to come up with anything that works. It […]

    View Article
  • Going Deep with Plugin Development – Interview with Marc Adamo

    We all use them. We all know about them. But what really goes on behind the scenes (and hood) of plugins and plugin development? Since 1992, with Waves first audio plugin called the Q10 Paragraphic EQ, we have seen a massive rise, and overall must-have scenario for audio plugins. It is surreal to think back […]

    View Article