A New Stage of Quantum Performance
Waldorf debuted their groundbreaking Quantum synthesizer to critical acclaim, back in 2018, known for its unique, analog/digital hybrid architecture and deep, yet accessible, sound design capabilities. Now, synthesists at Sweetwater are elated to introduce the next generation of Waldorf’s sound: the Quantum Mk2. Erected upon the same powerful bedrock, the Quantum Mk2 doubles the polyphony from its predecessor, armed with a robust new operating system, a massively expanded onboard sampling library, and flexible suite of connectivity options, letting you enjoy the augmented expressivity of the new keybed in any arrangement.
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Unmatched versatility with hybrid-architecture design
Compared with its predecessor, the Quantum Mk2 immensely broadens the capabilities of its predecessor, and it all starts with the all-new 3.0 firmware. Waldorf worked extensively with an international array of artists, composers, and sound designers to hone the possibilities of the Quantum’s architecture into something even more powerful and flexible. The 3.0 firmware expands the polyphony to 16 voices, allowing you to use up to 16 concurrent digital filters or any combination of eight multimode digital and eight analog filters. Moreover, the onboard sampling storage was increased to 59 gigabytes, drastically reimagining the possibilities of the polyphonic granular synthesis sampling engine and the classic multi-sample engine.
Explore new realms of expression
With so much of Waldorf’s design ethos predicated on innovation, it should be no surprise that the Quantum Mk2 is the first instrument to implement a 61-note TP8/SK polyphonic aftertouch keybed. Expressivity has always been a cornerstone of Waldorf’s audio engine, and this innovative combination of form and function lets you engage textural design and subtle modulation like never before. The newly redesigned, high-resolution display provides real-time feedback and deep customization options to personalize the flexible, reactive keybed. If that weren’t enough, the Quantum Mk2 can be easily controlled with any MPE-capable controller with a simple connection to the USB host port, guaranteeing flexible integration into any arrangement without compromising the sonic integrity of the Mk2’s impressive aural offering.
A spectrum of sonic possibilities
Each of the Quantum Mk2’s three digital oscillators can accommodate five synthesis algorithms, and Waldorf’s Nave Wavetable model returns, now updated with plenty of new features that include speech synthesis, the ability to generate wavetables from audio, and plenty more. Then, there’s the Mk2’s kernel synthesis, allowing for a gauntlet of possibilities, from 6-operator FM to audio-rate wavetable modulation. Multi-stage LFO and envelope modulation return with Komplex, while poly and global modes accommodate six concurrently operating LFOs. Filters can be configured in an innovative, per-voice configuration, letting you freely mix and match lowpass analog filters with digital multimode filters. Of course, Waveform ups the ante by delivering up to eight simultaneous waves for each oscillator, with extensive sculpting capabilities through warp, hard-sync, PWM, and more, playable in detuned and chordal modes.
Sampling redux
With the massive onboard storage, the Mk2’s sampling abilities take the granular and multi-sample synthesis engines to even greater heights. Stereo audio inputs can be used to record your samples or imported via SD or USB connections with a high-fidelity 44.1kHz sample rate. Conversely, self-recording allows you to probe the depths of the Mk2’s sonic architecture and reorient yourself to its massive array of sampling tools, including the Resonator sampler-as-exciter model.
Waldorf Quantum Mk2 16-voice Polyphonic Hybrid Synthesizer Features:
- 16-voice polyphony greatly expands scope of performance and multitimbrality
- Unique analog/digital architecture lets you develop and work with distinctive sonics that would otherwise be impossible to create
- 61-note Fatar TP8/SK keybed allows for polyphonic aftertouch and MPE for unmatched expression of the Quantum engine
- Multimode filters can simultaneously utilize analog and digital filters to carve out new sonic frontiers
- 59GB onboard sample storage provides massively-increased opportunities for multi-sampling, granular sampling, new OS, and more
- Redesigned multi-touch display includes real-time feedback, Spectrum Analyzer, and Oscilloscope for unmatched accuracy in sound design
- Onboard presets were carefully crafted in collaboration with cutting-edge artists and sound designers
- Quantum Mk2 is engineered to work seamlessly with Waldorf’s Iridium firmware, designing and playing sounds in both directions
- Comprehensive I/O suite includes USB, MIDI, pedal, footswitch, and audio accommodations that let the Quantum Mk2 easily integrate into any system
- Control pedal connection can accommodate CV inputs at 0-5V for Eurorack compatibility
- Built-in 24-bit A/D and D/A converters ensure high-quality audio across any mode
- Multi-algorithm arpeggiator is designed with deep management tools to fine-tune aspects like gate length, velocity, sort orders, pitch range, rhythmic patterns, and more
