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Waldorf Protein Wavetable Desktop Synthesizer

Wavetable Synthesizer Module with 8-voice Polyphony, 4 Timbral Layers, 2 Oscillators, Wavetable Catalog, Analog-style Filters, 3 Envelopes, 2 LFOs, Arpeggiator, FX, USB, and MIDI
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Item ID: Protein
Waldorf Protein Wavetable Desktop Synthesizer
Price:$399 and 00 cents
Special Financing - Ends Aug 2, 2026. $12/month with 36 month financing*

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Waldorf Protein Wavetable Desktop Synthesizer
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Price:$399 and 00 cents
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A Building Block of Musical Muscle

Pushing the envelope of Waldorf's revered wavetable synthesis technology, Protein returns to the foundation of the maker's instrument design process to reimagine the frontier through conscientious engineering and contemporary utilities crafted to exceed the needs of modern synthesists and music producers alike. Armed with an easy-to-use, hands-on interface like Protein, summoning sonics via original Microwave 1 wavetables yields a wealth of creative possibilities, ranging from mallet-style stabs to evolving pads, textured effects, and everything in between. Easy integration within your setup is just as seamless to obtain, thanks to Protein's expansive I/O and USB-C power capabilities. Further equipped with an onboard utilitarian arsenal, including advanced arpeggiator and step-sequencer engines, an onboard effects bank, over 150 factory presets, a 250-slot patch memory bank, and complete MIDI and MPE compatibility, Protein is fundamental, expansive, and sure to become the atomic backbone of your musical production.

Reviving legendary Waldorf circuitry

From its two powerful oscillator engines to its expansive collection of Microwave 1 wavetables, Protein is dedicated to adhering to the sonic profile of units past. Both oscillators are based on Waldorf's unique Microwave ASIC chip, which is similar to an onboard digital noise generator utilizing the same ASIC technology. Likewise, each oscillator operates internally at the ASIC's original 250 kHz sampling rate, resulting in tonal authenticity from the very start of every sonic creation. Similarly, every Microwave 1 included wavetable has been meticulously designed with original 8-bit quantization and aliasing in mind. If sonic authenticity is of importance, Protein is a fitting addition to your existing rig.

Exploratory wavetable manipulation

Protein's advanced synthesis potential begins within two vintage-inspired oscillators that are based on Waldorf's Microwave ASIC chip. Complete with the original Microwave 1 wavetable catalog, dozens of foundational sonic possibilities are placed at your fingertips. Protein's faithfully modeled CEM analog-style filters are each equipped with adjustable cutoff, resonance, and modulation control, along with creative Dirty modes to add a touch of texture to your patches. 3 onboard envelopes, 2 LFOs with tempo sync and sample and hold operation, and an 8-slot modulation matrix complete the package, delivering a bounty of customizable avenues for dynamic experimentation.

Looking to get even more creative? Two effects slots per patch place profound tail-end possibilities at your disposal. Protein's onboard effects bank also comes well-equipped with reverb, delay, chorus, EQ, compression, and much more — offering near endless ways to define and differentiate every patch you create.

Reputable performance utilities

Synthesists seeking to maximize the potential of the sounds they craft will appreciate exploring Protein's extensive operational capabilities. Tasteful melodics and rhythms are seamless to conjure with Protein's onboard arpeggiator and 32-step sequencer engines. Likewise, onboard Chord and Scale modes make for easy on-key play when tackling complex performance rigs. Topped off with complete MPE compatibility and MIDI CC Learn functionality, Protein allows you to dictate your performance preferences, regardless of the environment.

Conveniently compact chassis

Despite Protein's massive operational potential, integrating it within your current rig is a seamless feat, thanks to the module's impressively compact footprint. Likewise, Protein's expansive I/O, which includes DIN MIDI In/Out connectivity, 1/4-inch TRS stereo outputs, and a mini TRS headphone output, supplies a completely versatile interface for performing in virtually any environment. Finally, an onboard USB-C connector serves as the unit's power supply port, an optional USB MIDI connection, and a convenient way to update firmware. Sweetwater synthesists seeking a comprehensive module capable of expansive sonics, reimagined traditionalism, advanced experimentation, and seamless rig integration have found a kindred spirit in the Waldorf Protein wavetable synth.

Waldorf Protein Features:

  • Widely-acclaimed Waldorf wavetable synthesis is employed in a travel-friendly, modern desktop chassis
  • Organize an 8-voice architecture in up to 4 independent layers for maximum sound-building potential
  • 250kHz sample rate matches the performance of the original ASIC chip for utmost operational authenticity
  • 2 oscillators based on the Waldorf Microwave ASIC chip facilitate versatile, historic wavetable tone
  • Built-in noise generator adds interesting texture to any patch
  • Original Microwave 1 wavetable catalog with algorithmic and speech wavetables supplies endless sonic possibilities
  • Faithful modeling of CEM analog filters, with adjustable cutoff and resonance, modulations, and Dirty operating modes
  • 3 ADSR envelopes for seamless sculpting of your created sounds
  • 2 onboard LFOs with tempo sync and sample & hold functionality
  • 8-slot modulation matrix paves the way for engaging sonic dynamics and movement
  • Onboard Flavour knob adds a touch of organic behavior and micro-fluctuations for extra liveliness and character
  • Built-in FX suite with reverb, delay, chorus, drive, EQ, compressor, and more
  • Advanced arpeggiator and 32-step sequencer engines for in-depth construction of rhythms and melodies
  • 150+ factory presets provide immediate creative inspiration and playability
  • 250 onboard patch memory slots with a category filter allow you to easily save and recall your favorite presets
  • MIDI-split layer modes for creative tonal experimentation
  • DIN MIDI In/Out connectivity with optional USB MIDI operation
  • Full poly-aftertouch support for expressive playability
  • 1/4 in. TRS stereo outputs and mini TRS headphone output for versatile use in any performance environment

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Protein Wavetable Synthesizer
  • Analog/Digital: Digital
  • Other Controllers: Flavour Knob, Volume Knob
  • Polyphony: 8-voice, 4 x Timbral Layers
  • Oscillators: 2 x VCO
  • Envelope Generator: 3 x Envelopes
  • LFO: 2 x LFOs
  • Effects Types: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Drive, EQ, Compressor, Tremolo
  • Arpeggiator: Yes, Advanced
  • Sequencer: 32-step with Chord/Scale Modes
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/8" TRS (rear)
  • MIDI I/O: 2 x 1/8" TRS (in, out), USB
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • Features: 2 x 1/8"-to-DIN MIDI Adapters Includes
  • OS Requirements - Mac: macOS 10.9 or Later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or Later
  • Height: 1.88"
  • Width: 9.92"
  • Depth: 6.69"
  • Weight: 1.98 lbs
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-PROTEIN

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Reviews

Best bargain in synths anywhere

I've been playing Waldorf synths since 1992, starting with the Microwave I. I love their sound and they've been my secret weapon for years.

Because of this, I jumped on getting a Protein as soon as it was announced. This is so cheap for what they deliver. This thing sounds incredible as I work through the presets, and I've spent the last week going through the presets and just playing. This is the greatest bang for the buck I've ever gotten on new gear.

That said... it is a shame there is no dedicated editor/ librarian for this, because the operating system is the most opaque one I've ever tried to deal with, and I was an early user of the DX7! I've downloaded the manual, but that's not much help. Having a dedicated editor would be a real game changer for the usefulness of this synth, because I can't wrap my head around how to program this at all, which will definitely impact how much I actually use it.

Got an extra $ and a need for a unique sounding synth? Step right up. But be ready to use a lot of presets.

Music background: Started playing gigs at the age of five. Started on synths in 1975. Also an accordionist, pianist, guitarist, Chapman Stickiest, bassist. 75 musical theater productions. Over 2 decades as university professor. Currently playing with 4 groups and 3 symphon