Waldorf Q

(Originally written by Bill3107/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
I use it with my Macbook Pro + RME Fireface (to reduce the CPU load)

under boot camp, but I only use Midi and audio from the RME.

UTILIZATION

It's a war machine and in spite of its 50 controls it remains logical and intuitive... it's a delight for sound editing. One control = one function...

Clear user's manual.

SOUNDS

Nearly everything is possible regarding the sound... just spend some time with it.

When you listen to the presets the first time you'll immediately think of the 80's, but you can also get modern sounds. The device has an analog and digital feel... That's its main advantage (compared with a Virus, which is more expensive). Very good keyboard and metallic wheels...

You can also use it as a control surface for your favorite VSTi...

I love the lead sound, and you can also create good pads... Ideal if you want to embellish your songs. It's very versatile (you can use it for any music style unlike the Virus that only provides modern sounds) but it also has its own sound character. It's exactly what I was looking for!!!

OVERALL OPINION

Pro: sound

Pro: versatility

Pro: playability

Pro: controller number

Con: you need to work your butt off to get the right sound!

Con: you need a computer (or a Qcard) to save your presets.

Con: it requires you to spend a long time with it (but that's the purpose isn't it?)

Waldorf Q model Nextel / 16 votes

UTILIZATION

Even if there are several sub-menus, widely accessible by pressing Shift, we can say that almost all parameters are available on the front (the Nordlead 3 is a model in this area). This is a great comfort. Just having the three oscillators available, with potentiometers for their assigned functions, is very significant. It is quite easy to design sounds quickly. on the other hand, take a little time to master routing oscilloscope / white noise / ring modulator to the filters and routing filters between them. At first, we can sometimes lose a little but once acquired, it becomes very logical.

SOUNDS

I consider Waldor Q as one of the best Virtual Analog, failing to say he is the best. The sound palette is really larfe through a modulation matrix with multiple interconnections, oscillators with two wavetables (for two), four envelopes (some with loop points), several types of filters that sound good (PPG filter emulation is very musical and really brings another color), a routing oscilloscope / filters and also well-designed in addition to the programmable arpeggiator, sequencer analog to 32 steps. Happiness!

The day I got mine (two years ago), I spent the whole day in the program. It is a bit difficult to understand at the outset and programming habits to make patches "types" do not sound necessarily immediately. But once one has tamed the subtleties of the instrument, we discover very quickly sounds rich, full and high quality.
They say "cold", I challenge this apriori. It may sound well, especially if one focuses on wavetables. on the other hand, if you take a Saw, which sends a low-pass filter, then in series, Comb + filter (with cutoff at 127), we gain the thickness and dynamics (especially for bass sounds). I dare say it sounds "fat"! That said, any proportion, it will never be as thick as a real analog synthesizer, of course. However, it does not really demerit and suggests a grain of its own.

The sequencer is interesting to program and easy enough since we took the time to read the instructions a minimum. If the patch is complex, and the modulation matrix is ​​sought, can lead to very good results, they are "musical" or experimental.

The arpeggiator is programmable. It serves its purpose but is not as successful, in my opinion, than a Virus B / C / IT.

Small regret though: the effects section. It is a bit dated. Chorus, Flanger and Overdrive are a little flat and not very customizable. Difficult to give a little more depth to the sound, it is better to opt for an external processor. Against by the reverb has "his" color and I find of interest.

OVERALL OPINION

An excellent synthesizer with a real personality and a grain of its own (since I have my Virus TI seems very "flat" of the coup). In addition, nothing to spoil, he has the mouth. A pleasure to program and always surprises at the turn of a knob that you turn a little too hard. A safe bet in my opinion for Virtual Analog

So, I would like to put my fingers on a Q + in order to assess the contribution of the analog filters.

Superb.
If the pots were more bright it would be the best of the best. I have the blue version. It is beautiful. Whatever some entries are a little difficult to read in low light, but it's a detail.
Nothing is missing.

UTILIZATION

Super simple. This is the classic "function -> a knob" It could not be simpler. I am reading the book (English or German only) but if we have the basics of synthesis is quite easy. Great.

SOUNDS

Fantastic.
These are sounds I was waiting for years without knowing they were leaving this type of machine.
It's pure synth, not copper, grand piano or the such. So it's not a synth to do everything.
Its a huge, rich, fabulous filters, etc ... The music produced by this kind of synth becomes very typical and can not mix with everything.

OVERALL OPINION

This is the latest addition to my studio, but I think it will not come out first.

Everything has already been said, Aregai keyboard, blue steel body, very strong and its grip is an incentive and almost irrational iraisonnée, what up!

UTILIZATION

The manual is quite stealthy on certain issues but overall it presents a good starting point.

The setup is easy and editing sounds, despite the small screen, is almost "natural"

SOUNDS

So I must say that the sound level, it rises, it hovers briefly inspiration is a true joy on this machine!

The factory presets are generally very good and impressive ability is indecent!

A machine very well thought, the sound that is undeniably addictive and sensational! When fishing in the sounds!

OVERALL OPINION

The "Q" subsequent Waldorf is truly worthy of its reputation, highly focused electro / techno, this synth is a little jewelry for the ears and a true instrument in the sense, or your sensitivity, your creativity is like transcended!

For those who hesitate, once the fingers on the keyboard as you trapped, you're warned

A centerpiece to use without moderation, your nights will be shorter!

Waldorf thank you!

(Thanks Regis)