Next-gen Waldorf Synthesis in a Desktop Module
With Iridium Desktop MK2, Waldorf has taken their forward-looking synthesizer design philosophy to exciting new heights. Boasting a bold new design, bolstered by an upgraded CPU, expanded RAM, and increased flash storage, this formidable desktop module allows for larger sample capacity and unlocks exciting new synthesis capabilities. The increased memory supports up to four multitimbral layers, along with advanced multitimbral modes, such as round-robin and random-robin, leading to complex, evolving soundscapes, from brilliant celestial pads to bone-shaking synth bass and laser beam leads. The new wavetable-inspired Seeds synthesis mode yields ear-grabbing timbral textures using sub-oscillators. Moreover, the Flavour knob leverages micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch, and other parameters to add sonic liveliness to your sonic textures. You also get per-note parameter locks, developed in collaboration with Aphex Twin, allowing individual parameter variations per note. Synthesists at Sweetwater found Iridium’s numerous parameters and fathomless tweakability easy to access via its tactile control knobs, high-resolution display, and 16-pad touch matrix. Ultimately, Waldorf’s Iridium Desktop MK2 is a profoundly powerful sound‑design instrument, ready to push creative boundaries for anyone willing to explore its depths.
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Expansive sound generation
With three oscillators capable of operating in six different modes — Wavetable, Waveform, Resonator, Particle, Kernels, and the new Seeds synthesis, Iridium Desktop MK2 starts the signal chain with a bang! Like the Waldorf Quantum, Iridium features Waldorf’s proprietary wavetable oscillator, which produces dramatic, sweeping sound-generation. Standard waveforms, such as sawtooth, triangle, and square, are available, with additional waveshaping options, including warp, which lets you dynamically morph between waveforms. Resonator, Particle, and Kernels modes push the boundaries of synthesis, providing revolutionary ways for manipulating raw sounds into never-before-heard auditory emanations. Finally, Seeds delivers waypoint synthesis, providing you with sub-oscillators based on various methods like Ring Modulation, FM, Wavetable, Partials, and various Noise/Dirt Types.
Limitless signal manipulation
Waldorf’s Iridium Desktop MK2 is a sound designer’s dream synth, packed with a slew of powerful modulators. Leveraging its digital topology, Iridium serves up a dual filter, six envelope generators, six LFOs, and a Komplex Modulator, exhibiting a level of precision and flexibility unavailable on other synths. Additionally, Iridium’s Digital Former gives you access to even more modulation tools — comb filtering, bitcrushing, and ring modulation, among others. Gritty and grimy, clean and surgical — Iridium’s modulators can do it all. Moreover, per-note parameter locks, inspired by Aphex Twin, allow individual parameter variations per note, while the Flavour control enables you to create micro-variations in timing, pitch, timbre, and more. Finally, Iridium empowers you with limitless routing options through its 40-slot Modulation Matrix.
Immersive controls and multi-touch display
With a synth this deep, one might expect to encounter convoluted menu navigation that can bog down the creative process. However, Waldorf went out of their way to deliver a streamlined experience. With its numerous knobs and classic synthesizer layout, Iridium Desktop MK2 is an impressive instrument that can be played like the subtractive synths of yore. But if you want to fully immerse yourself in Iridium’s sonic potential, dive into its gorgeous and intuitive high-resolution multi-touch display, which is designed to keep pace with your creativity and inspire you to sculpt evermore complex sounds.
Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2 Features:
- A formidable desktop module with an upgraded CPU, expanded RAM, and increased flash storage
- 16 voices polyphony; multitimbral with 4 layers, advanced multitimbral modes, mono, legato, and unisono
- 3 stereo digital oscillators per voice, each capable of 6 synthesis algorithms
- Wavetable-inspired Seeds synthesis mode yields ear-grabbing timbral textures using sub-oscillators
- Wavetable creation from audio and sample-based synthesis
- Digital dual resonant filter with selectable 2-pole and 4-pole slopes
- Digital Former gives you access to comb filtering, bitcrushing, ring modulation, and more
- Visualization and deeper sound editing via multi-touch display
- 6 LFOs, 6 envelope generators, and multi-curve LFO
- Per-note parameter locks, inspired by Aphex Twin, allow individual parameter variations per note
- Flavour knob leverages micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch, and other parameters to add sonic liveliness to sonic textures
- 32-step sequencer and arpeggiator with polyphonic modes
- 40-slot modulation matrix and 4 x 4 pad matrix
- Master FX section with time-based and modulation effects
- 1,750+ factory patches; 4GB sample flash memory preloaded with 2GB factory samples
- Mutator patch randomizer generates unique sounds and presets quickly
