Waldorf M Wavetable Synthesizer is here and already available!

Waldorf introduces the M Wavetable Synthesizer to the world. The M immediately brings back memories of the wavetable classics Microwave and Microwave II. Waldorf brings the Microwave and Microwave II sound generation as a hybrid wavetable synth and a new look into the present.

In terms of its structure, the Waldorf M is an eight-part polyphonic or four-part multitimbral wavetable synthesizer which, with the help of two wavetable oscillators and wavetable generation modes Classic Microwave 1 and Modern Microwave II / XT, allows the oscillators to work in different ways at the push of a button.

In the Classic Microwave I mode, in which 16-bit wavetables are reduced to 8-bit and a non-antized sample rate of 240 kHz is offered, there is neither hard sync nor ring modulation, in contrast to the Modern Microwave II / XT mode, which delivers a sample rate of 40 kHz with band-limited wavetables, although both oscillators – OSC 1 and OSC 2 – offer the same panel parameters.

Modulations are generated in the ‘M’ by two LFOs that dispense with a modulation matrix, the settings for this are made on the corresponding display page – as a homage to the 1989 Microwave. Waldorf M also offers an analog low-pass filter with 24 dB/oct. VCF – SSI 2144 Improved Ladder Type – with resonance and analog saturation function, a real analog stereo VCA with panning option, and much more, housed in a compact desktop housing.

There are 2,048 sounds available (16 banks of 128 sounds each), which all microwave sound sets (MW1 Factory Sound Set, MW1 Soundpool 1-5, Analogue and Bassco as well as PPG Wave 2.3) offer, plus current sounds that use the new functions of the Use Waldorf M. Thanks to an integrated arpeggiator with 16 patterns, chord mode and the option of being synchronized to the MIDI clock, sounds can be animated extensively.

On the output side, M offers six analog stereo outputs: Main Out (L / Mono and Right) and AUX OUT (A, B, C, and D). AUX OUT can also be used to individually output the channels that are in multi-timbral use. M also has a headphone output with its volume control.

On the MIDI side, communication with the outside world takes place via the standard 5-pole Din-MIDI-Trio (IN / OUT / THRU) and via USB-MIDI. The latter is also used to update the firmware and establish the connection with the computer. Own wavetables can be imported via SD card via a dedicated SD card slot. A slot for a Kensington-compatible security lock ensures security in unsecured areas.

Waldorf M Wavetable Synth price and availability

Waldorf M Wavetable Synthesizer has been priced at $2,499.99, and it can be purchased via the Adorama.com, and Bhphotovideo.com websites.

At the NAMM Show 2021, Korg has introduced the Modwave wavetable synthesizer, which is equipped with wavetables, offers a sequencer, and has a Kaoss pad for modulation purposes. And is priced at $799.99.