sK3LeTvM « Waldorf Q /32 voice Phoenix edition is becoming a collectors synth »
Published on 10/11/25 at 01:46
Best value:
Excellent
Audience:
Advanced Users
The Waldorf Q is a direct descendant of the famous PPG 2.3, but with extra features. It differs a lot from the Microwave or XT/K in that way that the Q has 3 oscillators of which 2 are independent Wavetable OSC's (not so with the Microwave or XT/K)
The Q has a phenomenal filter section, and a very extensive Matrix Modulation.
The sound of the Q is extraordinary, super quality, aggressive, but also can be honey sweet, warm analogical like.
It simply is a top-tier synthesizer. I wanted to trade my Q Phoenix for a newer Quantum, but after trying in my studio, I decided not to do so because although the Quantum offers a zillion possibilities, but sound wise doesn't even come near a Q Phoenix.
There are of course downsides like with every synth. That is the power supply that can break. Skipping pots if you are unlucky with buying a second hand unit. But of course, they can be repaired easily. Then there is the Nextel coating which is a nightmare on following Q types: original blue Q Keyboard, some of the dark blue Q Rack units, the "Halloween Edition" Q, and the early yellow Q versions. The Nextel coating is a nightmare and becomes dirty, peels off. Repaint is the only option.
But again, sound quality wise, the Q is a monster and has not many competitors in that sense...
Finally, the one to have as only about 300 units were made is the Q Phoenix 32 voice or the Phoenix Q+ (with analog filters)
However, the Q+ tend to have problems and bugs and the analog filters don't do much different than the digital version. These last versions 2 will become true collectors.
The Q has a phenomenal filter section, and a very extensive Matrix Modulation.
The sound of the Q is extraordinary, super quality, aggressive, but also can be honey sweet, warm analogical like.
It simply is a top-tier synthesizer. I wanted to trade my Q Phoenix for a newer Quantum, but after trying in my studio, I decided not to do so because although the Quantum offers a zillion possibilities, but sound wise doesn't even come near a Q Phoenix.
There are of course downsides like with every synth. That is the power supply that can break. Skipping pots if you are unlucky with buying a second hand unit. But of course, they can be repaired easily. Then there is the Nextel coating which is a nightmare on following Q types: original blue Q Keyboard, some of the dark blue Q Rack units, the "Halloween Edition" Q, and the early yellow Q versions. The Nextel coating is a nightmare and becomes dirty, peels off. Repaint is the only option.
But again, sound quality wise, the Q is a monster and has not many competitors in that sense...
Finally, the one to have as only about 300 units were made is the Q Phoenix 32 voice or the Phoenix Q+ (with analog filters)
However, the Q+ tend to have problems and bugs and the analog filters don't do much different than the digital version. These last versions 2 will become true collectors.
