Waldorf Quantum 8-Voice Analog/Digital Hybrid Synthesizer

The 8-voice Waldorf Quantum is the company’s flagship polyphonic analog/digital hybrid synthesizer, well suited for sound designers, musicians, and synthesizer enthusiasts. The Quantum combines the raw power of classic digital and analog synthesizers with futuristic sounds that are only possible with today’s intensely programmable soft-synths, in a sleek and accessible user interface with a multi-touch display, which features an on-screen spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope for deep, visualized editing.

Each of the instrument’s eight voices utilizes three digital oscillators and two analog filters, adding up to a whopping 24 oscillators and 16 analog filters. For even more versatility, the voices can be split or layered multitimbrally between two parts, while the two sets of stereo outputs (main and aux) were designed specifically for use in multitimbral mode. Additionally, there are five master effect slots for each timbre, providing the full breadth of sound design options.

Each oscillator is capable of four synthesis algorithms including Wavetable, Waveform, Particle, and Resonator. What’s more, the instrument can generate custom wavetables using audio that can either be routed into the Quantum’s audio input, or loaded from the internal memory or removable sample memory.

The Quantum has a massive modulation section with six LFOs, six multi-stage envelopes that are loopable, an onscreen step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and a chord play mode with hold and latch. The 61-key Fatar TP8 keyboard features an advanced, synth-weighted keybed for a durable and high-quality playing experience.

Additional features include an SD card slot for importing and exporting samples and sounds and performing software updates. Also on board is a USB computer connector (Type-B) and a USB controller connector (Type-A) for further expansion and control. The Quantum has an integrated power supply unit and includes a standard IEC power cord.

General Features
Digital-analog hybrid architecture
61-key Fatar TP8 keybed
Eight-voices, plus two-part multitimbrality
Three stereo digital oscillators per voice, each capable of four synthesis algorithms
Wavetable: Waldorf style with latest additions from Nave including speech synthesis, wavetable generation from audio, and other features
Waveform: Up to 8 simultaneous waves per Oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard-sync, warp, and PWM
Particle: Granular sampler with multi-sampling and traditional sampling mode
Resonator: Exciter plus filter bank sound model
Wavetable creation from audio and sample based synthesis
Two analog low-pass filters per voice
Visualization and deeper sound editing via multi-touch display
High-quality key controls, arpeggiator, and step sequencer
Multistage LFO/Env Modulator:
Six LFOs
Six loopable envelopes
Mater effect rack with five slots for each timbre including reverb, phaser, flanger, chorus, drive, EQ, and more
Extensive Suite of Inputs and Outputs:
Main Output: 2 x 1/4″
Aux Output: 2 x 1/4″
Headphone Output: 1 x 1/4″ with separate level adjustment
Inputs: 2 x 1/4″ for sample recording and real-time processing
USB Computer: Type-B
USB Controller: Type-A
High-Quality 24-bit A/D and D/A converters
Sustain pedal input
Control pedal connector also capable of CV input (0-5V sensitivity)
SD card slot for sample/preset exchange and software updates
DIN MIDI: In, Out, and Thru
Integrated power supply unit
4 GB internal Flash memory for presets, samples, and wavetables plus expandable SD slot for firmware and samples
Sampling Capabilities
Each of the 3 Oscillators of a single timbre can be used in one of three modes using samples
Stereo Multi-Sampler with looping
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 etc., and individual pitch, gain and pan settings
Samples are stored in internal Flash memory of about 2GB capacity pre-filled with over 1GB specially made for Quantum factory samples
New samples can be recorded from external stereo audio inputs, or from self-recording Quantum’s own engine
Samples can also be imported and stored to internal Flash via SD card using WAV file format (44.1kHz sample rate)
The Quantum allows for a huge range of sample-based sound design capabilities from classical synth sounds to uncharted territories. It’s worth noting that the sample use in the Quantum is always within a synthesizer’s sonic context, and it is not meant to work as a “bread and butter” sample keyboard to play back like traditional sampling instruments or third party libraries
Arpeggiator Parameters
Seven algorithms to choose from including up, down, random etc.
Octave range
Seven sort orders
Three velocity modes
Gate length
Swing
BPM
Beat division
Rhythmic patterns
Reset modes
Keyboard Latch: Chordal and non-chordal
Individual patterns can be created in the step-sequencer including transpositions and scale quantizations

In the Box
Waldorf Quantum 8-Voice Analog/Digital Hybrid Synthesizer
Power Cord
2-Year Warranty