Waldorf Quantum 8-Voice Analog/Digital Hybrid Synthesizer

Description

The 8-voice Waldorf   Quantum is the company's flagship polyphonic analogue/digital hybrid synthesiser, well suited for sound designers, musicians, and synthesiser enthusiasts. The Quantum combines the raw power of classic digital and analogue synthesisers with futuristic sounds that are only possible with today’s intensely programmable soft-synths, in a sleek and accessible user interface with a multi-touch display, which features an on-screen spectrum analyser and oscilloscope for deep, visualised editing.

Each of the instrument's eight voices utilises three digital oscillators and two analogue filters, adding up to a whopping 24 oscillators and 16 analogue filters. For even more versatility, the voices can be split or layered multitimbrally between two parts, while the two sets of stereo outputs (main and aux) were designed specifically for use in multitimbral mode. Additionally, there are five master effect slots for each timbre, providing the full breadth of sound design options.

Each oscillator is capable of four synthesis algorithms including Wavetable, Waveform, Particle, and Resonator. What's more, the instrument can generate custom wavetables using audio that can either be routed into the Quantum’s audio input, or loaded from the internal memory or removable sample memory.

The Quantum has a massive modulation section with six LFOs, six multi-stage envelopes that are loopable, an onscreen step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and a chord play mode with hold and latch. The 61-key Fatar TP8 keyboard features an advanced, synth-weighted keybed for a durable and high-quality playing experience.

Additional features include an SD card slot for importing and exporting samples and sounds and performing software updates. Also on board is a USB computer connector (Type-B) and a USB controller connector (Type-A) for further expansion and control. The Quantum has an integrated power supply unit and includes a standard IEC power cord.

Features

General Features

• Digital-analogue hybrid architecture
• 61-key Fatar TP8 keybed
• Eight-voices, plus two-part multitimbrality
• Three stereo digital oscillators per voice, each capable of four synthesis algorithms
• Wavetable: Waldorf style with latest additions from Nave including speech synthesis, wavetable generation from audio, and other features
• Waveform: Up to 8 simultaneous waves per Oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard-sync, warp, and PWM
• Particle: Granular sampler with multi-sampling and traditional sampling mode
• Resonator: Exciter plus filter bank sound model
• Wavetable creation from audio and sample based synthesis
• Two analogue low-pass filters per voice
• Visualisation and deeper sound editing via multi-touch display
• High-quality key controls, arpeggiator, and step sequencer
• Multistage LFO/Env Modulator:
• Six LFOs
• Six loopable envelopes
• Mater effect rack with five slots for each timbre including reverb, phaser, flanger, chorus, drive, AEQ, and more
• Extensive Suite of Inputs and Outputs:
• Main Output: 2 x 1/4"
• Aux Output: 2 x 1/4"
• Headphone Output: 1 x 1/4" with separate level adjustment
• Inputs: 2 x 1/4" for sample recording and real-time processing
• USB Computer: Type-B
• USB Controller: Type-A
• High-Quality 24-bit A/D and D/A convertors
• Sustain pedal input
• Control pedal connector also capable of CV input (0-5V sensitivity)
• SD card slot for sample/preset exchange and software updates
• DIN MIDI: In, Out, and Through
• Integrated power supply unit
• 4 GB internal Flash memory for presets, samples, and wavetables plus expandable SD slot for firmware and samples

Sampling Capabilities

• Each of the 3 Oscillators of a single timbre can be used in one of three modes using samples
• Stereo Multi-Sampler with looping
• Granular Sampler with extensive parameter set
• Resonator model using sampler as exciter
• Samples are organised using key and velocity maps, selections rules like round robin, random etc., and individual pitch, gain and pan settings
• Samples are stored in internal Flash memory of about 2GB capacity pre-filled with over 1GB specially made for Quantum factory samples
• New samples can be recorded from external stereo audio inputs, or from self-recording Quantum's own engine
• Samples can also be imported and stored to internal Flash via SD card using WAV file format (44.1kHz sample rate)
• The Quantum allows for a huge range of sample-based sound design capabilities from classical synth sounds to uncharted territories. It’s worth noting that the sample use in the Quantum is always within a synthesiser's sonic context, and it is not meant to work as a “bread and butter” sample keyboard to play back like traditional sampling instruments or third party libraries

Arpeggiator Parameters

• Seven algorithms to choose from including up, down, random etc.
• Octave range
• Seven sort orders
• Three velocity modes
• Gate length
• Swing
• BPM
• Beat division
• Rhythmic patterns
• Reset modes
• Keyboard Latch: Chordal and non-chordal
• Individual patterns can be created in the step-sequencer including transpositions and scale quantisations