All user reviews for the Waldorf Blofeld

The Waldorf Blofeld is a digital synth that comes with over 1,000 sounds and presets. You can use up to 25 voices on the Waldorf Blofeld and it only cost 700 dollars. The interface on the Waldorf Blofeld is very easy to use and understand. It is very self explanatory, you will not need a manual to understand this synth. It can hook up to your computer through USB and you can use your MIDI connections to control the sounds from your MIDI keyboard. The arpeggiator on the Waldorf Blofeld is so good, it makes standard keyboard arpeggiators look like a kids toy.

UTILIZATION

You can get some really good sounds with the Waldorf Blofeld. You can start building your sounds from the presets that it provides or you can pretty much build a sound yourself from scratch. The only downfall of the Waldorf Blofeld is that the interface does not have all of the knobs for the parameters on it. It would be nice if all of the knobs were right on the face of the unit and then you could tweak everything in real time until you had a sound that you were happy with.

SOUNDS

Setting up the Waldorf Blofeld is simple, you will just need to make sure that all of your connections are set up right. The Waldorf Blofeld does have some effects on it like flanger, phaser, delay, reverb, overdrive and chorus. Since I have been using the Waldorf Blofeld I have been able to get way better sounds than any VST that I have used.

OVERALL OPINION

The Waldorf Blofeld cannot be racked, it will need to be placed on a desktop surface but that is ok because it is not that big. It is less than a foot wide which makes it the perfect desktop size. If you don’t want just the module you can purchase the full keyboard version.

I own a number of synths including a Roland JP-8080 and Virus Snow, but this is my favorite along with the DSI Tetra. I have had it for about eight months and use it constantly. The unit is compact but solid as a rock. It is also the best looking desktop synth on the market. It sounds beautiful, and its patches range from harsh basses to shimmering pads. While it is digital, it can be warm, too.


UTILIZATION

Most parameters are easy to access, and it is especially fun to mess with the wave forms to create moving effects. Even so, my biggest complaint is that it lacks a VST interface like the Virus Snow. Also, the operating system tends to be buggy, although the latest software revision has fixed a number of minor problems.

SOUNDS

If you want something that can mimic natural instruments like a guitar or a flute then forget it. This little beast is meant to sound synthetic and is great for emulating later day Kraftwerk-style songs (think Tour de France). Despite the limited number of knobs, programming is easier than I first expected. The display is big and the programming matrix benefits from a logical layout. Blofeld has a unique sound of itself. At the same time, it gathers different synthesis approach in one box which is good. The best part of the synth must be the Wavetable and the filter (the comb filter). Built like a brick! Quality Product and Good Sounding. Best Synth i have used


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, I would recommend the Blofeld to anyone interested in making music that ranges from minimal tech or dance anything to industrial to ambient to eighties revival. I highly recommend this desktop synth for everyone who can afford it, it does cost a lot though. But its worth every cent with out a doubt.

(Originally written by nth206/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

Some important details:
- 1 Midi In port, Midi Out managed via USB port - Audio output on TRS jack
- 16 multi-timbral parts but no Midi Off selection (see below for part muting)
- About 1000 sounds of all sorts organized in 8 banks (if I recall correctly)
- 2 menu knobs and 4 controls

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use for those who already know Waldorf synths like MicroQ, etc. On the contrary, newbies will need some time to get use to it.

Lots of editing possibilities, it's a Waldorf!!! Even if the menus and sub-menus seem tedious, it's not really a problem, except for live applications. Since all parameters are editable via Midi, you'll quickly get used to automating everything to get the best out of the unit.

The user's manual is clear, period.

SOUNDS

No surprise for those who already know Waldorf.

For everybody else, it's a digital synth with a particular sound character. This synth sounds rather loud compared to other digital instruments I already tested (even the famous E-mu range). The factory presets are good. We're talking about real synthetic sounds (forget the trumpets!!). I believe the unit is conceived for hard house, hard trance, progressive or even ambient music producers. The presets are so many that you can get the impression that they are endless...

Delay and reverb effects are average but the distortion is excellent (big German sound!!)

OVERALL OPINION

In spite of all these qualities, it is still possible to criticize the Blofeld. (see the high amount of posts on the forum)

First of all, the unit keeps on having lots of bugs even after the 4th upgrade. (which, by the way, can take a long time to solve and become a real headache before installation)
The theory according to which "distorted and crackling sounds are normal" may have to be reviewed because presets do sound much better after updating the unit. Some presets are designed to sound distorted or with crackles but you'll notice immediately the difference between them and a preset that's being distorted because the unit is not working properly.
The synth sometimes freezes during playback and all your editing gets lost!
(it is really bothersome to have to always look for updates in order to get the unit to work properly)

Concerning the use of the unit, I was really surprised to learn that it's not possible to use only 3 or 4 parts in multimode, it's either 16 or one. As a result, if you have a system with several instruments (as in my case), you'll have to use the synth's USB MIDI interface to increase the Midi Outs and use all your gear. But if you want to play live without a PC (like me), it will be exasperating because you'll need 2 Midi Outs on your sequencer. I actually wrote to Waldorf about this and their answer was that the unit was not conceived for such applications! Great!

To wrap it up, I'll say the unit is good for studio use or as a complement in live situations if you already have a sequencer. Its performance problems don't really undermine its enormous potential, they only are irritating.

I'm really happy with this synth, I really like its warm and powerful sound. This unit fits perfectly in any synth rig thanks to its plentiful presets and its compact size... and it looks really nice!!!

Synth polyphonic format tabletop, well made solid (made in germany requires) look but its qualities stop there. Radin connectors: MIDI IN, USB, stereo audio out + phone out.
Ability to edit the sounds via its editor mac / pc dedicated, but I've never understood why go through an app so that at the hardware on hand, it always seemed contradictory.

UTILIZATION

This machine is synonymous with menu and sub menu. I have a virus b with which it is often compared, that is what I decided to bought it but I was disappointed. Editing sounds is tedious, the knobs are somewhat bizaroïde reactions and compared to the ergonomics of virus there is a world! A good controller midi + vsti to better possibilities to view games.

SOUNDS

It is cold, metallic, the effects are toy. The output level is low it takes at a compressor ass to incorporate a mix. Levels between the filters are unstable short compared to a virus once again there is a world.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for three months non-stop, hoping to draw a few things but nothing works the sound is not there and ergonomics either. If you are new and want a synth controller via an app go is cheap but I still advise you to go for a ride on the side of access is more rounded, warmer, more stable and level fun games there is no picture!

Polyphonic and multi-timbral synthesizer analog modeling.
- 3 oscilloscope Voice
- Modeling analog waveforms (sine, sawtooth, triangle, square)
- Tables inherited Q waves
- Noise Generator
- Sampling (optional on the block version as of one hundred euros)
- 2 multimode filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, cut tape, comb)
- 4 envelopes
- 3 LFO
- FM
- Modulation Matrix
- Effects (chorus, delay, distortion ...)
- Arpeggiator

The construction is robust with its metal frame, it is far from existing plastic toys that we currently serve Korg or Roland in these price ranges.

UTILIZATION

My copy came with the OS v1.15, this is no longer the plant bugs as was clearly the case in the past, but there are still crashes from time to time (it's happened to me a few Once I have to turn off the machine because more way to change the patch), there are always variations in the volume of factory presets a floor to another, which can be quite annoying.

Editing is less straightforward than a Nord Lead or MS-2000 because it is not "one button, one function", but the clever link between the matrix and silkscreened the screen allow quick access parameters (bloated) without losing too much in the menus / submenus.

A good knowledge of the synthesis is preferable before tackling such a device, although dissect the factory presets can give ideas.

SOUNDS

Engine power and well thought out ergonomics allow for complex and evolving sounds an instrument of choice for industrial, experimental music. The arpeggiator is great ADDITION Blofeld and makes a machine of choice for electro punchy.

By against the grain Waldorf hard enough, is not ideal for big bass to Moog filters sounding pretty metal, it is more in the spirit of the PPG Wave that old analos.

The effects are not great, especially the reverb, good external effects will not be a luxury.

OVERALL OPINION

I have since about a year, quite curious about the Waldorf grain and quite attracted by the price (less than 400 € new) and its compact and robust format that can take them anywhere.

Hopefully the next version of the OS (currently still in beta) correct the remaining bugs to consider use with confidence on stage, which will further improve the quality / price ratio, already great, this instrument.

When is a multiplayer bug?

I love this synth but this is my second (the first has not withstood a dump at twelve o'clock precisely an update)
and repetition precisely because of bug ...

The second I took, keyboard version is less stable than my VA is no longer manufactured for 10 years ...

This shape opinion rant against this society which I named Waldorf t ratchet after having col. It's good ... But ...

Who plays out of the synths (pulse 2) which is still awaiting the release ...
Who plays out a synth on the iPad last summer is still not out ...
Whose version 1.16 of the bone is for 1 year in beta ... And who bug again and again ...

Pissed !!!

This box may run again.
Too bad for them and for lovers of the brand, like me ...

This synth can be well deserves its commercial name after all ...
It would have been the usurper named 007 ...

Because he never loses.



USE

So ... The note is not good that's for sure ... it's A shares on menu menu ...

SONORITS

Very good. I love it.

NOTICE GLOBAL

I have a lot of other synth VA nums plugs, analos.
This is my second Blofeld so ...

With no experience.

ThE FEATURES ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE WHITE !!!!
BANK OF SONS WERE BETTER BUT IS DOWNLOADABLE FOR OWNERS
OLDEST MODELS THAT MAY BE UPDATED AND ALSO BE A PAGE:
THEREFORE IDENTICAL 100%

USE

ThE FEATURES ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE WHITE !!!!
BANK OF SONS WERE BETTER BUT IS DOWNLOADABLE FOR OWNERS
OLDEST MODELS THAT MAY BE UPDATED AND ALSO BE A PAGE:
THEREFORE IDENTICAL 100%

YOU CAN PROGRAM YOUR OWN ARPEGIO WITH ULTRA SPEED VIA THE EDITOR Blofeld Virtual Editor 0.8.3 Beta
DOWNLOADABLE HERE: http://www.softknobs.com/content/blofeld-virtual-editor-083-beta
New downloadable sound library here:
http://www.waldorf-music.info/en/downloads-blofeld.html

SONORITS

ThE FEATURES ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE WHITE !!!!
BANK OF SONS WERE BETTER BUT IS DOWNLOADABLE FOR OWNERS
OLDEST MODELS THAT MAY BE UPDATED AND ALSO BE A PAGE:
THEREFORE IDENTICAL 100%

YOU CAN PROGRAM YOUR OWN ARPEGIO WITH ULTRA SPEED VIA THE EDITOR Blofeld Virtual Editor 0.8.3 Beta
DOWNLOADABLE HERE: http://www.softknobs.com/content/blofeld-virtual-editor-083-beta
New downloadable sound library here:
http://www.waldorf-music.info/en/downloads-blofeld.html

NOTICE GLOBAL

ThE FEATURES ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE WHITE !!!!
BANK OF SONS WERE BETTER BUT IS DOWNLOADABLE FOR OWNERS
OLDEST MODELS THAT MAY BE UPDATED AND ALSO BE A PAGE:
THEREFORE IDENTICAL 100%

iN BLACK SLAP IT !!!!!!

YOU CAN PROGRAM YOUR OWN ARPEGIO WITH ULTRA SPEED VIA THE EDITOR Blofeld Virtual Editor 0.8.3 Beta
DOWNLOADABLE HERE: http://www.softknobs.com/content/blofeld-virtual-editor-083-beta
New downloadable sound library here:
http://www.waldorf-music.info/en/downloads-blofeld.html

Expander polyphonic and multitimbral desktop VA. A single MIDI IN and one audio output.

UTILIZATION

The use may not be simple given the infinity of possibility to the small craft ultra powerful. Fortunately the design is very intelligent and can quickly retourver them (a look at using a software publisher still to see the concept as a whole). The little knob makes editing sounds a bit laborious but sufit to use "live". The English manual is very well done.

SOUNDS

The factory presets are for the most part, not to my taste. The possibilities are endless, as mentioned above, can do what you want. The oscilios sound good, and you can quickly get very good things. The effects are not to my taste.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for half a score of months, I bought it for its attractive price and to give me a hand on anything other than synth softwares. I like the contact with the machine solid and well screwed. I am not satisfied with the digital sound that can be drawn. I find wrong and I would appreciate the effects of other audio outputs for multitimbral engine. For the bargain price, it's worth Blofeld. I am now eyeing a 2x Nord Rack.

Polyphonic and multitimbral synth rack.
Connectivity: USB and noon (there is no MIDI Through!), Audio out.

UTILIZATION

The edition is rather simple despite the limited number of encoders. The srigraphie can easily corrected himself.

SOUNDS

The factory presets are partly flat, and have enough volume Ingal. But the possibilities of this synth are such that we can get out more. The modulation matrix and oprateurs can choose almost any source imaginable and to assign them some prs every destination imaginable. The DIFFERENT types of filters (LP, HP, PPG LP, BP, comb, etc.) with distortion as possible on the resolution (in addition to the distortion found in the effects section) and DIFFERENT possible routings (Parral the, SERIES) also offer many possibilities.

OVERALL OPINION

This is synthtiseur trs powerful for its price. Some may compare it to the Virus. I do not allow it since I never possd Virus. Nanmoins, given the data sheet, we are facing a synthtiseur srieux. At this price there s no real competition with this degree of modularity.
I sold nanmoins APRS have acquired analog (Alesis Andromeda, Systm Doepfer A100). It is, against another world for the price ...

I keep a good memory of trs Blofeld even if I have to evokes some worry that I faced. Ractive dropped his ds when I sent him the midi-clock. May be a concern in the installation of my studio, but better to be careful, because it makes use for live tweaking with trs difficult and hazardous.
In addition, I had a problems with an encoder (which is unfortunately more frquent in this price range) that Waldorf me of course replaced under warranty ... An encoder for a Crant deuxime return has t Necessary for putting the right encoder.

In hindsight, if I had a budget of around 400 and if j'tais looking for a powerful device many opportunities, I would do probably the choice.

Waldorf Blofeld Desktop White (+ the license SL) = € 440

I think we all know ...

4 envelopes, 3 oscilloscope, FM, Wavetable, matrix of 16 parameters for the routing, four modifiers, two multi filters, 3 LFO's 2 simultaneous effects ... Characteristics of pro!

UTILIZATION

Ok, here we enter the sinthés "Not so simple", ie, there so many variables to manage the programming of the sounds going to be a "piece of cake" to be a "game of adults. "

It is very graphic, very pretty and it gives off sounds incredible ... but you know what we do.

there in 1024 you can edit sounds, reset (to start the basic sound of 0) or randomized (random)

16-channel multi-mode (note the polyphony)

The manual is nice, but you have to have knowledge in the synthesis.

The license SL (adds samples to use as oscillators) is great!

effects a little complicated to edit, moderate quality. still nice

Sometimes it is complicated to use, but with perseverance, we get to do what we want.

SOUNDS

the original sounds are top, it's better to take time to build its sounds!

Sounds very peculiar to him, digital, crystal clear, sometimes FM, sometimes organic and evolving over time.

Volume of different patches sometimes with large variations

Sounds unrealistic, perfect for electronic and experimental music.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a year and a half. I love the sounds it can generate, but sometimes you have to pass long time to build them (a lot of parameters!)

Premium-market prices.