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Waldorf STVC String Synthesizer and Vocoder

Name: Waldorf STVC String Synthesizer and Vocoder
Brand: Waldorf
Rating: 5 (5 reviews)

49-key String Synthesizer with 2 Sound Engines, Vocoder, and Onboard Effects

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Item ID: STVC

Waldorf STVC String Synthesizer and Vocoder

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The Streichfett Keyboard

The Waldorf Streichfett Keyboard (STVC) is a string synthesizer and vocoder based on the company’s popular Streichfett String Synthesizer. The STVC starts with the String Synth's unique vintage-flavored strings, and adds a smooth-playing aftertouch-enabled 49-note keybed and a bevy of new features that take the Streichfett engine to new levels of sound and performance potential. The STVC is equipped with pitch bend and mod wheels in an all-metal chassis with an OLED display, which lets you easily access the 126 programmable patches in three banks. In addition to the engine enhancements, the STVC adds a new Vocoder function that features outstanding speech intelligibility, a freeze mode, a fully polyphonic carrier, and gender modification.

Next-gen String Machine

Back in the late '70s, synthesists desperately tried replicating strings, failed miserably, and came up with many of the most iconic synth sounds of all time. The Waldorf Streichfett Keyboard delivers this same kind of sound in a way few of us at Sweetwater have seen in decades, and it's absolutely astonishing. From solo sounds to massive layered ensembles, the STVC gives you an impressive range of tone and character, while onboard effects give you unlimited freedom to explore your creativity. And with both MIDI and USB connectivity, integrating a Waldorf Streichfett into your rig is a piece of cake.

Build a rich and lush sound bed with the Strings section

Smoothly morph through a set of five sound styles as well as a combination of voices with the use of a single knob in the String section, one of two sound engines onboard the Waldorf Streichfett Keyboard. It's amazing how broad the STVC's range is with just this single control, and yet you can further define the sound by adjusting the Crescendo (attack) and Release knobs, and a dedicated Ensemble control lets you add incredible dimension to the sound by running it through either a string machine effect, a chorus effect, or both. All told, the Strings section is one of the most powerful yet totally intuitive synthesizers you're likely to ever play.

Add definition to your program with the Solo section

On the Solo side of the STVC, you'll find another continuously variable tone control that lets you morph between five classic synth voices, allowing you to create leads, basses, or other more defined sounds. A 1-knob tremolo control lets you add energy into the solo sound, and a set of envelope controls lets you set the attack and release plus two decay/sustain options, so you can dial in a range from fast and percussive to long and languishing tones. One of the things Sweetwater synth mavens find particularly cool about the STVC's Solo section is the Split control, which lets you define any key as either the high or low cutoff for the Solo tone, allowing you to get two separate instruments when you play.

Get crazy and creative with the Effects section

The STVC's Effects section may look simple, but Waldorf certainly didn't scrimp on the sound-enhancing mojo. There are three effects settings, Animate, Phaser, and Reverb, plus a single knob to control the intensity of the effect. The Animate effect adds an LFO modulation to the Strings section's Registration control, shifting the character of the base sound faster and more dramatically as you push the Depth knob. The Phaser setting works the same way, increasing the feedback, depth, and rate with a single control to add anything from a subtle shimmer to pure insanity to your sound. Lastly, there's a lush reverb onboard to add dimension to your tone. And to top it all off, the Memory section next door gives you 12 slots to save your favorite sounds.

Waldorf STVC 49-key String Synth Features:

Fully polyphonic synth with a world of classic synth strings and more
Smooth-playing, velocity-sensitive, aftertouch-enabled 49-note keybed
Vocoder function features outstanding speech intelligibility, freeze mode, fully polyphonic carrier, and gender modification
Blend between two sound engines to create anything from edgy solo voices to rich ensembles
The Strings section lets you create wide and full string section sounds
The Solo section lets you add a separate lead or bass sound to the mix in a layer or split
Enhance your sound with one of three cool onboard effects (in addition to tremolo on the Solo voice)
Save your favorite sounds in 12 memory slots
USB and MIDI connectivity provides ample integration options

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Tech Specs

Type: Keyboard Synthesizer with Vocoder
Sound Engine: Streichfett engine
Number of Keys: 49
Type of Keys: Synth Action
Aftertouch: Yes
Velocity Sensitive: Yes
Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod wheel
Polyphony: 16 Notes
Effects Types: Animate, Ensemble/Chorus, Phaser, Reverb
Audio Inputs: 1 x XLR (vocoder mic)
Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (main)
Headphones: 1 x 1/8"
USB: 1 x Type B
MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
Pedal Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (expression, damper)
Power Source: USB powered
Manufacturer Part Number: AMS-STVC-KEYBOARD

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Reviews

4.9

Customer Photos & Videos

Don't think of the STVC as "not quite a synthesizer", but rather "more than a string machine".

When I saw this machine reviewed on YT and read reviews on various sites, I hesitated for a number of erroneous reasons:

1. "I'm an analog guy, the best string machines are analog." I've been playing string machines for a long time. I've had Yamaha SK series, played Korg Deltas and Lambdas, I even bought the Behringer VC340 (which I'll still hang onto). In my mind, there was no way a string machine could be other than pure, lush analog. In fact, I still think the world of the the aforementioned machines - even if they are getting on 40 to 50 years old.

2. "Waldorf? For strings? And what's a Waldorf anyway? Real strings come from ARP, or Yamaha... you get the point." True enough. Waldorf seems to have built its reputation on machines like the Blofeld (and other boxes that do not sport actual keyboards). All seems very unconventional to me.

3. "I already have a Behringer VC340. Do really need another vocoder/string machine?" Also true, in this day and age, keyboardists don't have an arsenal of different types of keys. In fact, even having a dedicated piano or organ is a sign of "old" thinking. So... TWO string-vocoders?

4. "What fool is going to pay over a grand for a string-vocoder? Especially when Behringer is selling one for substantially less?" Well. There's that. And the video comparison is pretty damning for the STVC.

Well, here's why we should rethink these biases:

1. Digital has come a LONG way since the DX7's and M1's. Don't cling to a memory. Use your ears. Check it out for yourself. Play one. Or watch all of the videos, especially the ones on this site (my favorite is the last one that shows you how to make a choir).

2. Waldorf is an industry leader in what it is doing, and not all of its boxes lack keyboards. One of those boxes is called The Streichfett. This is a highly sought-after string sound crammed into something the size of a cigar box. They know strings.

3. OK, does anyone need a VC340 AND an STVC? That's up to you. Personally, I'd say the VC340 is a good modern take the old Roland V330, but it stops there. It barely approaches the Yamaha SK series, and Solina? Not even close. So if you want that one sound, save the bucks. Maybe. But if you want everything from JMJ to Zeppelin to Styx to Vangelis, maybe look REAL HARD at this.

4. That video comparison with the VC340 is a good one. EXCEPT, the conclusion is based on some slightly-flawed preconceptions. Firstly, the vocoder is way better than it was portrayed in the video. Swallowing the mic and using low-harmonic waves will produce a poor product every time. Also, it's as if the real question they're asking is "which sounds more like a Roland V330", instead of "which is the more versatile stringcoder". Honestly, I've already beat that point to death, so I'll only add this: complement the stringcoder with a nice solo instrument and a poly arrangement from voice to organ to string to saw - all on a sliding dial! This is just plain fun, but useful fun. Now how much is it worth?

All that being said:
- It's well built machine. Solid box, knobs, and connections
- It has presets and user-assignable banks (others don't)
- While of a different design, the new interface takes less than an hour to learn well (if you read the manual as you go)
- It's not a synth, like a Prophet, or Juno; but it's FAR more that a string-vocoder, especially if like to sound design.

In conclusion, if we stop thinking of it as less than a polysynth; and start seeing this as a string ensemble/vocoder on steroids, we'll only have one question: "Why don't I have one already?"

The STVC is a great instrument for anyone looking for those timeless string machines sounds that will do fine with today's music and for as long as music is made on this planet or beyond. Beefed-up with classic synth waves, the STVC will make you smile even wider :-)
It's not a fully featured synth, and it does not need nor it was supposed to be like that.
I say thank Goodness and thanks to Waldorf engineers for designing it that way :-)
Simple, friendly interface, great keyboard with aftertouch, vocoder, plus simple but effective 5-slot modulation matrix make it so much fun to play!

Pads… washy, glitchy, phased sounds for hours and hours of excitement.

Steel body, vocoder, 49 key Fatar keybed (bought immediately after finding out it had a Fatar keybed). The keys are a dream compared to low priced midi controllers. I could play faster right away. My fingers would bounce with the keys and the keys just feel like nothing else. I would just want to brush my hands against the keys just to feel the quality. Nothing cheap with the keys.

The knobs? Sure. They wobble. Dealbreaker? God Honestly? Still going with 5 stars. Why? Steel chassis, Fatar keybed. This thing is legit. Two buttons and take local control off and it is now a midi controller. Easily map vst parameters using the registration knob and the parameters will easily be automated.

But yeah. Expect vintage string machines… not warm analog sounds or pads. This is digital and it sounds digital. The glitchy Waldorf sounds are unmatched. I love controlling my Waldorf Microwave 1 virtual synth with this. It is the sound I'm after. Hoping to pick up a Waldorf M next.

But yeah. Very happy with this synth. It is my main controller for virtual synths. Can't wait to control some desktop synths with this. I paid up for the nice keybed so I won't need to buy anything with a Fatar. It costs an extra $to buy an Oberheim or Sequential with a 49 key Fatar keybed. So this is gonna save room, money, and I've got a vocoder and string machine pads, so I'm glad I went this route. Love it. Hoping to have it for 20 years. I will update this if anything changes.

I've always been a fan of the vocoder effect. I've owned at least 3 vocoder 'knock offs', but was never satisfied with any of their performance. I would have purchased this relatively inexpensive Waldorf synth just for it's vocoder - I'm in love with it. It is really fun to riff with chords and melodies while using your voice to create the rhythmic envelope. The vocoder effect is nearly instantaneous, I don't sense any real lag from vocal to output signal modulation. The STVC sounds well complement my Waldorf Quantum - which is an incredible beast in and of itself. Thanks Waldorf !

I'm an old analog guy, with emphasis on the old part. My first synth band was in 1981. I still have an ancient Roland RS-09, as well as some gear from the late 90s/early 2000s

A year ago, isolation was getting me really badly. My main musical project, a folkie band with my wife, and become a strain. Performing online just is not the same as getting in front of an audience.

I needed something to get the interest back, so I pulled out my old synths. I worked with them for awhile, realized they were no longer up to the task, and started looking for modern machines that made old sounds. I found my lead synth, my bass synth, my drum machine, and started making bits of music, using my wounded, rickity old Micron for pads.

I wanted something else.

I watched the videos on this and the Behringer VC340. The Behringer did one thing really well, but I already had an old Roland String Synth.

The STVC did so much. Yeah, it's got a bit of a digital sheen to it, but you can roughen that up with just what it has onboard, and more so if you run it through some other signal processing.

I got to play one last summer when we passed through town. I hadn't been to Sweetwater in quite a few years, my wife had never been. She went looking for pedals for her violin, we ended up buying her a guitar.

And I knew that the STVC was what I wanted, and all I did was run presets.

Going through the controls over the last week has been marvelous. It's so simple, but there is a depth to it as well. I've already used it a bit on some of the music I am working on, and over the next weeks to months will use it a lot more.

It is the best instrument of it's type on the market right now (I know, there are only three, and one of those is the same basic engine). It's a bit pricey, but oh so worth it.

See also: Key Synths, Waldorf, Waldorf Synthesizers