Waldorf returns to its roots with hybrid wavetable desktop synthesizer M
The sleek synth is a modern reimagining of the Microwave I, II and XT.
Image: Waldorf
Waldorf has returned to Superbooth 2021 with a sleek new hybrid synth for desktops simply named M, which can be thought of as a spiritual successor to the brand’s Microwave series of wavetable synths.
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M is an eight-voice, four-part multi-timbral synth equipped with two wavetable oscillators, which run in either Classic Microwave 1 and Modern Microwave II/XT modes. 96 wavetables come factory loaded; you’ll also get to import your own via an SD card slot.
The two modes are consistent with the original synths they’re inspired by; while hard sync, ring modulation and 16-bit wavetables are accessible on Modern Microwave II mode, they aren’t on Classic Microwave I mode, which runs 8-bit wavetables.
This digital synth engine is paired with an analogue SSI 2144 ladder-type filter with resonance and saturation controls, as well as a true stereo analogue VCA with panning. On top of that, you get an arpeggiator, two global LFOs and four programmable envelopes to manipulate parameters through rate or timed modulations.
Original Microwaves are both hard to come by and can fetch a pretty penny on the used market these days (a refurbished one in ‘excellent’ condition lists on Reverb for £1,774). The Waldorf M may be a more viable option for music-makers to get their hands on the sounds popularised by Vangelis, Hardfloor, Jimmy Edgar and others.
M also makes the welcome decision of sporting many more knobs and buttons than the original, which was minimal to say the least.
The Waldorf M is available now at €1,879.
Learn more at waldorfmusic.com
