All user reviews for the Waldorf Streichfett

It's a string machine sound module. Having had several of them, Solina, RS 09, lambda, and elka rhapsody, the rack format is wise, because it's not the kind of sounds you use all the time, it's just another color and a dedicated keyboard often takes up space, even if it provides a vintage touch and you can put keyboards and effects on top! Total polyphony and a mix between, roughly speaking, chords and more lead-oriented sounds (for once, you get closer to the lambda spirit).

UTILIZATION

There's no real need for a manual, editing is easy.
Animate is not very useful and, even if well-designed, I would've liked better to be able to select each type of voice rather than to have algorithms.

SOUNDS

The famous chorus is well replicated and gives a it a mushy touch! The sounds, even without chorus, can sound fine (personally, I like the raw sound of my rs09 without chorus, because the latter has a somewhat "artificial" drift) and, while being typical, the sound palette available is pretty vast.
Yes, sometimes it lacks softer highs, but you can filter them, and I can perfectly imagine a DEP 5 behind it.
The lows are incredibly granular for strings and the choirs are interesting.
The envelopes are very useful and more comprehensive than on the Streichfett's older siblings.
The sounds are vintage, but you can also change that. However, be careful since it's easy to go into bad-taste cheesy territory!

OVERALL OPINION

I think it's adequately priced, I wouldn't have spent more given the editing possibilities, which can't be compared to a synth. The window of opportunity is now open, other brands can jump into it and a keyboard version will certainly find a good response.
I've had it for one month and I don't regret my purchase, even if I sometimes wish I still had something vintage because the Streichfett sounds a bit too proper.

No special remarks in this section, except that it's great that it's USB powered, but you don't have the possibility to connect a pedal to vary an effect or a filter, it has only the bare minimum to offer a rock-bottom price.

UTILIZATION

Does it have user's manual? Okay, it isn't necessary, since the device is simple and self-explanatory and there's that quickstart guide, but I like to read and reread why things are the way they are, I like that someone explains to me the whole process, the types of waveforms, even though I did recognize the squares (or maybe I read it in a review), with pictures, names, diagrams, references. I'm a fan of the Microbrute manual, in fact.
And if someone knows how to find the software bundled with it, which isn't inside the box, and doesn't seem to want to install on a Mac after trying to download it from the Waldorf site, the perfect opportunity to confirm the firmware version, although the update seems to have worked fine.

SOUNDS

To repeat what has been said everywhere, this Streichfett IS NOT a Solina, not at all. Not really a Korg Delta nor an Omni. It sounds fat, it trickles, it's all over the place, pretty far from thin and ethereal sounds, although, at the same time, that's what's expected from a string machine. Once again, it's a style of its own, you need to get used to it. I wanted all vintage machines on the market inside a portable box, for $250, but the Streichfett isn't that. Big expectations, big disappointment. I spent all day thinking about sending this useless product back to Germany. So, in a desperate act, I saw what other people have done ─ there's a very good demo on the waldorf site. Finally, I made it undergo the final test, reserved as a last resort before putting up the "for sale" sign and reselling it on AF: The review of my favorite effects, a good phaser, not the one on the machine, which isn't bad (yes, I know I'm really hard to please), and what had to happen happened: I spent an hour with it, doubling the strings of the song I'm currently writing. In the end, I'll keep it!

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it since this morning. I'm passionate about strings machines and know quite a few of the most famous ones. Excellent value for money, obviously. I'm not sure that everybody will keep it, though. It has a particular sound and it won't replace your favorite strings machine. There will be lots available secondhand on AF, who needs such a sound? Or maybe a new music wave will adopt it. It's nevertheless something you should try, the machine sounds really good. I spent several hours telling myself that with a couple of oscillators I would be able to achieve the same result...But failed! In my opinion, the guys at Waldorf did a great job with the sound sources, when you see that an oscillator sells for the same price as this machine in Eurorack format...

- The Streichfett is a module "desktop" powered by USB (+ wall outlet adapter) interface.
- It has 2 distinct sections that generate the sounds.
- The sounds range from ethereal to "percussive" or otherwise.
- Effects are classqiues for this type of machine, but unstoppable, I'll come back (Ensemble / Chorus + Reverb Phaser + + Animate (for the latter see below)).
- There has all controllers facade (10 knobs, selectors 6 and 5 buttons).
- Connectors Stereo out (or mono, of course), midi in and out (saw).
- No publisher to my knowledge but no need, actually.
- Polyphony 128 voices on the String part and 8 votes out of the solo part, if I'm not mistaken (not enough fingers to test), short ample.

UTILIZATION

- The general configuration is very simple since all editing functions are under the fingers via the above-mentioned controllers.
- The manual is complete, amber, but complete.
- Some functions rely on a combination of buttons / actions (midi channel, split noon dump Pitch Bend etc. ..)
- The unit has 4 slots on three preset banks, for a total of 12 presets. The backup is very simple, it consists of a long press on the desired selection with the bank's support preset button (A, B or C) via the dedicated switch.

SOUNDS

- Sounds suit me perfectly, the effects are clearly formidable.
- I love all the sounds of this module.

In detail:

We can obviously get strong strings / pads / drawn sounds and "space" effects, but to my surprise I was able to get the string with beautiful lead "housey" through the casing section and unconventional strumming chords , a little at a Walt J, great and really great though!

In terms of its purpose (making rope), I have no basis for comparison on hand (machine-string) but a musical culture imprint of this type of machine, for comparison with the Strechfeitt, and I find it stunning anyway!

The String section has been created with great attention to detail with regard to sound quality. Select the type of basic sound via the knob "registration" by putting in a sound type to another imppecc, especially since this knob (registration) is seen wearing a LFO via the Animate effect) turning the rotary "Depth" by selecting in advance the effect of "Animate" and you begin to feel the life that infuses this cheap black and pink module and that's good. When we chose her his (yes), remains to be determined the effects (phaser / reverb / animate and together). Left hand extended like a string right hand like a wandering sucks on the leg of a hitchhiker and there, there, LA ..... magic, close your eyes and you can see through the angels of the past, c ' is beautiful, dreamlike, disturbing or even almost bucolic, sometimes I dream!

Solo section, to the chagrin of Master Cappelo (which is stila?) Offers 8-voice polyphony, can be played in split with choosing the lowest score / high, and layer. This section provides a dedicated envelope with selector envelope type (with or without sustain, ideal for sculpting sounds of percussion or keyboards).
To choose the type of sound in this section, we are offered a rotary "tone" the aptly named. It will slide like the string section of a sound to another smoothly and is frankly for our happiness. This section will be increased by two effects. Tremolo add movement and give a more organic side to this part, the reverb of the string section also applies, as well as its settings, this generator.

I still have to find an analog stereo filter now ..

OVERALL OPINION

- I use it since yesterday morning.
- This is my first machine string (Paris Hilton).
- I like everything in this module, and nothing has been disagreeable to me.
- The Q / P is totally unexpected.
- With experience, I would do this choice.

One might regret:

It lacks settings for different effects, it generally has a button that dose depth / delay and sending into effect. Fortunately, as stated in the manual, these "presets" have been well developed and are actually very nice: they also give character to the whole, and we will recognize of 1000, with the usual.
It also lacks a filter, but given the price of the device, I quibble.


It does not seem to have already put the maximum rating to a device, but this time, I give up!

Features that are not ordinary:

The good news:
- Integral polyphony in the String section
- CC and sysex implementation (which is rarer everyday...)
- No exotic power supply required, the USB port is enough

The bad news:
- Insensitive to velocity and aftertouch
- 12 memories... which means you can save 24 parameters * 12 patches = 288 bytes!! In a time when a 1GB USB key costs about $1, this is taking the vintage concept way too far...
- No volume control via midi (cc 7 is not recognized) nor sysex. Since the velocity doesn't affect the volume, there is no way to influence it. So if you use MIDI from a DAW you'll need to write down somewhere the position of the volume control for each song...

UTILIZATION

Excellent! No need of a control surface, editor or even an LED indicator, it has everything!

The only drawback is that to edit effects you need switch + a knob. So, when you "switch" to another effect you don't know where you the knob was... I would've preferred something more obvious, like three knobs.

In the same line, the mix of 4 buttons + selector 1-3 to choose a pad is a bit complicated. Why can't you simply have 12 buttons instead? There is enough place and that shouldn't be too expensive.

SOUNDS

It might seem I'm raving about it, but not only is the sound very inspiring, I can see a new musical wave spawning around this incredibly awesome device!

I predict that in 2015, Roland, Korg, Yamaha, and Akai will have their own PCM-based "string machine" ("yeah!").

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it for a week and, in my opinion, it will be a collector's item and a turning point for 2014!

The firmware still needs to be improved to solve some issues: Sysex problems, no volume via midi, a bit of velocity that can be activated at will to control the level, cutoff or percussive attack of the solo part...

Well, as much bothered by that, to avoid redundancy, I invite you to refer to both the test Synthwalker for technical details and reviews petitsynthé.

I just would add that, more accustomed to the "junk" I was surprised at the quality a little fake plastic used for the bottom of the box. But it's still anecdotal.
On the facade quality is very honest: good screen printing on a matte black paint that should not attract too much dust, the color we like it or not, each his own. Me I do not care as long as it makes music, my wife love it! (Bona fide)

The knobs are slightly rickety but provide reasonable resistance to rotation, the switches are nice to handle.

UTILIZATION

One of the strengths of the machine: ultra simple installation, you plug, play, and especially the game fun is now! The handling is very intuitive, it invites exploration and experimentation.

The three effects (animate, phaser and reverb) are easily accessible. For now I am using some of the animate, but the reverb is very good, never obtrusive, and phaser settings wisely factory preset. However, as petitsynthé, I would have appreciated (even via a key combination), to act on the scanning speed of the phaser.

The Streichfett comes with a quickstart guide in German and English, which clearly explains all the controls and action. It is complemented by a downloadable manual on the site of Waldorf.

The 12 presets enough for me, some will see perhaps a limitation ...

There is no software publisher to my knowledge. If such a project is being planned, it could be useful in providing access to additional features as mentioned a few lines above, as well as for viewing on the screen settings to a preset. Indeed the values ​​of the knobs are not recalled by physically display, so you have to find them "in the dark" when you want to change a setting.

SOUNDS

An avid groundwater well planing, sounds agree ... what I was looking for! The sound quality itself is excellent. My ISP allows me to accurately assess this criterion, I can say: no audible breath, waves remarkably clean cut with a scalpel!

Selection by morphing the "strings" is a very good idea, immediately directing style while offering subtle nuances enough to quickly find "the" sound. Mixing with the "solo" beautifully complements the strings.

It is true that there is some aggression in the treble, but firstly I am OS 1.07 and 1.08 should come correct this, and secondly there is no reason to pass through a low pass filter out there and / or equalize in post-prod. Nevertheless aggressive does not mean screaming and it's not to me a fatal flaw.

Realistically I do not know. We are dealing with an emulation assumed a melting pot of string machines I do not have, for modeling. Provided my first tests allowed me to move relatively easily and accurately tablecloths and sometimes leads Oxygen and Equinox for example ... So it seems promising and, as far as I can tell, yes, realistic.

OVERALL OPINION

I received the Streichfett there is less than a week. I had to explore from 15 to 20% of its ability not to mention his connection still possible with external effects (pedals, filters, ...) that I think could generate excellent surprises.

I've never had a string of machinery in his hands, just VST so no, no pre-testing ...

At the end, if the qualities that I found on the Streichfett its price is reported, I love everything! The few regrets expressed in the chapter use are details of ergonomics that do not interfere with the game fun and expressiveness of the machine. With a little luck and ingenuity they can even probably be improved by updating OS.

Oh yes, I would do this choice without hesitation!

The Streichfett (what a name!) Is small enough to be portable but big enough to handle so nice (to give you an idea of ​​its size, it is a square with each side is the length of an outstretched hand) .

Its size also makes it can be put on the side of too much synths provided with knobs (eg a Kronos 88): This is very convenient!

The overall build quality seems pretty good against a small square buttons transparent sound select me seem fragile: robustness check on time.

As for the quality / price ratio, it looks very good to me.

To avoid confusion, I recall that this is not an analog machine, but a kind of VA (ie digital) specializing in string machine sounds.
(No samples either).

I have bone 1.07, OS 1.08 available soon should improve the sound and eliminate a relative "aggressiveness" in the treble.



UTILIZATION

In terms of ergonomics: it can not be simpler and efficient, comes to hand (except 2 or 3 settings like choosing the midi channel).

SOUNDS

I said that although they had a lot of vintage synths and hovering adoring sounds, I have never owned a string curiously machines era (or imitating VST). But I can make a comparison with the sounds of string embedded in my workstation (so based on samples) machine:

- Vintage roland SRJV-04 card on my Roland XP-50 (well, ok this time!) Patch Solina was not bad at all, but being stuck on a single registry setting that limits a little ... from plus he was suffering from acute aliasing in octaves that made it unusable in this frequency range. This is obviously not the case on the Streichfett!

- As for the Korg Kronos, I just looked for Outer Banks dedicated "string machine" but they do not exist (I point against an excellent mellotron!)
In Kronos, the internal sounds of string machines are very few and I must say pretty average although you can certainly greatly improve things through the power of synthesis and effects.

- Regarding my Yamaha Motif XS, like, two or three sounds passable string machines.

Compared with samples machines cited above we have:

- A much better presence across the spectrum, especially in the treble.
- We have all the records of string Machine is so much more diverse!
- We all just settings (although to quickly tailor the sound to a song or to test a sound).

Some still negative as regards the effects (but certainly correctable in future OS) point

The effect of "all" is essential to machine strings is successful but I wanted to make some adjustments or at least be able to measure its effect.

Too bad that one can also adjust the speed of phaser regardless of its depth because I like when he scans both long and deep.

Musically speaking, the fact Streichfett on immediately evokes a lot of music of 74-81 years, it's going to progressive music (eg pink floyd "whish you were here", "animals"), to the space music (eg klaus schulze "Timewind" tangerine dream "Force Majeure" and "Tangram" jar "oxygen") at the beginning of the new wave / cold wave (eg, joy division "atmosphere" / "love wil tear us apart", "closer").

But it does not stop there since the machines were present in string also quite generic TV (eg Francois de Roubaix), Japanese cartoons and even movies "olé Oles" (or just those girls take off their strings!).

In short, both say they have marked the time when it was the only way to get closer to the sound of a set of acoustic strings without breaking the bank. In fact, it did poorly because too synthetic but in hindsight what makes their charm! (Much like the mellotron).

But the machines string were discontinued in the 80s precisely because too connoted 70's: the first samplers, better mimicking the real strings, and the breaking DX7 have been there ...

It seems to me that there was still a slight "revival" in the late 90's with bands like Air ("moon safari") and other groups of the same style.

Somewhat forgotten nowadays so these sounds have a strong personality and grit of their own: they immediately evoke memories for those who lived through that era.



OVERALL OPINION

I'm always amazed that no one had the idea before Waldorf string out a machine dedicated hardware, so we have an abundance of new analog synths often recreate sounds "retro."

This type of machine is definitely a niche market but since this niche is completely empty, I think Waldorf ultimately may not sell bad!

Personally I love is the complement machine I had been waiting a long time but it may not suit everyone as strongly linked to specific styles of music.

And as it is a very typical machine, it will obviously be used with some parsimony in your tracks.

It is certainly highly recommendable for "nostalgic" or lovers of musical styles in a certain time.

This emulation is specialized in old string machines

If, like me, you lived the heyday of progressive bands that used them profusely (Ange, Genesis, Francis "Bilitis" Lai, and even Jean Michel Jarre, to name a few) you will adore it...

The sounds are strictly identical to those produced by machines like
the excellent ELKA RHAPSODY, or even the SOLINA, CRUMAR, LOGAN, WELSON
to name just a few!

Some sounds even bring to mind the good old MELLOTRON!

UTILIZATION

Very intuitive! You only need a couple of minutes to master the unit and it sounds big, very big...

I'd say the user's manual is virtually useless!!!

Very comprehensive, it features its own reverbs, chorus, phasing (which has a tendency to be too upfront and is hard to deactivate completely: That's the machine's only flaw, in my view, and it's the reason why I don't give it the best mark.
That said, I still need to learn how to use it right...)

SOUNDS

One thing is for sure, this machine is VERY specialized!

A must for fans of the aforementioned devices!

I'm not sure whether a modern music producer would agree with the concept.
Even if it's a matter of trends and all trends are progressive and, very often, cyclic...

Don't trust the demos available on YOUTUBE, the guy doing the demos is pretty bad (I would like to ask him if he know anything else other than BILITIS!!!)
Go hear it or try it at a music store.

One last remark: It is reasonably priced, so why deprive yourself!!!

OVERALL OPINION

I got it yesterday and I am convinced it is really useful for the kind of music I like.... Progressive rock and "psychedelic" music.


In short: Hear it and make up your own opinion.
As far as I'm concerned, I love it and recommend it!