Waldorf Quantum MKII 61-Key Polyphonic Digital/Analog Synthesizer

Product Description

When Waldorf introduced the Quantum in 2018, it immediately found its way into the studios and hearts of the most acclaimed film composers, producers, musicians, and sound designers. Now five years later, the Waldorf Quantum MK2 further expands upon this incredibly powerful platform. Quantum MK2 adds 61-key polyphonic aftertouch from Fatar, increased sampling storage, and improved mechanical design and display. The new 3.0 firmware allows for up to 16 digital filters, or up to 8 analog + 8 digital.

POLYPHONIC AFTERTOUCH

The Quantum MK2 is the first instrument with a Fatar TP8/SK polyphonic aftertouch keybed. With increased possibilities for musical and gestural expression the keybed the Quantum synthesis engine can be more deeply modulated and texturally explored. The polyphonic aftertouch is highly customizable in multiple dimensions globally as well as for individual keys. The high-resolution graphical display supports visual feedback and control for the customization process. In addition to its internal poly aftertouch keybed, the Quantum MK2 can be controlled by any MPE capable controller by directly connecting to Quantum’s USB host port.

16 VOICES OF POLYPHONY

Based on an 8-voice analog dual-filter architecture, the Quantum MKII delivers 16 voices of polyphony in any combination of using digital dual multi-mode filters with the 8 analog ones. Moreover, the combination of analog with digital filter opens new sonic possibilities of what Waldorf Music stands for since its beginning: Hybrid digital and analog synthesis. A new set of allocation modes gives the musician an easy control.

59GB Sampling Storage

Another cornerstone of Quantum MK2 is its increased internal sampling storage from a few GB to 59 GB. The Quantum has quickly become the instrument of choice for modern advanced sampling capabilities for sound enthusiasts and cinematic composers from Berlin to Los Angeles. From firmware 1.0 to 3.0 Waldorf Music has listened to the requests and needs of musicians to extend it polyphonic granular sampling engine as well its traditional multi-sample engine.

DESIGN AND DISPLAY

The updated mechanical design and a classy naval blue presents the musician an instrument of beauty and inspiration. The improved mounting of the high-resolution touch display provides wider viewing angles and an intuitive way of controlling the more advanced features of the Quantum synthesis engine.

SOUNDS AND SAMPLES

Highly acclaimed sound designers from all over the world have contributed to the huge library of factory presets and initial sample content of 2GB. Waldorf Music is proud to have sounds from designers like Richard Devine, Howard Scarr, Reinhold Heil, BT, Matt Johnson, Joerg Huettner, Kevin Schroeder, Sascha Dikiciyan, Kurt Ader, Mike Huckaby, Thorsten Quaeschning and many more. All sounds are compatible with Waldorf’s Iridium instruments in both directions.

SYNTHESIS PLATFORM

Waldorf Music has updated and improved its Quantum firmware continuously adding new synthesis capabilities and many feature requests by musicians. The Quantum firmware builds together with the Iridium firmware a "Waldorf Synthesis Platform.“

FEATURES:

GENERAL

• Digital-Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer
• 61 Keys high-quality Fatar TP/8SK keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch
• 16 voices of polyphony
• Dual timbral: split or layered mode with separate stereo audio outputs
• 3 stereo digital oscillators each capable of five synthesis algorithms

SYNTH ARCHITECTURE

• 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 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.
• New Kernel synthesis with possibilities from classic 6 operator FM to innovative audio rate wavetable modulations
• 16 digital filters total, with ability to have up to 8 analog; (8A + 8D, 4A + 12D, 16D, etc.)
• Digital former: Additional digital algorithms per voice like comb filter, high-pass, band-pass & notch filters (Nave, Largo or PPG models), bit-crusher, drive and more
• Flexible routing system for order of analog filters & digital former and individual oscillator routings
• 6 LFOs in poly and global mode with 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

SAMPLING CAPABILITIES

• Stereo Multi-Sampler with looping and reverse playback
• Granular Sampler with extensive parameter set
• Resonator model using sampler as exciter
• Samples are organized using key and velocity maps, selections rules like round robin, random, and individual pitch, gain and pan settings Internal Flash memory of 59GB capacity with 3.4GB loaded for presets
• Recording of samples from audio inputs or self-recording of audio outputs

PHRASE GENERATION

• Step sequencer with step recording, parameter automation and scale-based pitch quantization
• Arpeggiator: 7 Algorithms to choose from like up, down, random etc.
• Arpeggiator: Octave range, 7 Sort Orders, Velocity Modes, Gate length, Swing, Beat Division

EFFECTS

• Five Master effect location per timbre
• Select any configuration of phaser, flanger, chorus, reverb, drive, eq and more
• Compressor for main output

CONNECTIONS

• 2x stereo audio out for main and aux timbres
• Stereo audio input for sample recording and real-time processing
• High-Quality 24bit A/D and D/A converters
• Headphone out with separate level adjustment
• Sustain pedal input
• Control pedal connector also capable of CV input (0-5V sensitivity)
• USB type A for interfacing MIDI controller or USB drives for sample/preset exchange and software updates
• USB device B for interfacing computer or other class-compliant MIDI USB
• SD Card for sample/preset exchange and software updates
• DIN MIDI In, Out & Thru
• Integrated power supply unit, IEC connection

MISCELLANEOUS

• Chord and latch buttons
• Unison mode
• Microtonal pitch configurations capable of importing Skala scl files
• Single-function potentiometer and encoder controls for intuitive editing
• Visualization 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.
• Automation of sound parameters from MIDI inputs via MIDI CC learn function
• On board audio file editor
• Export & import of presets, sample & wavetable via SD card or USB drive
• Import of Nave presets and selected legacy FM .syx files