All user reviews of 5/5 for the Waldorf Blofeld

See manufacturer.


USE

Manuel too light. But this synth enjoys magnificent ergonomics. To display the monochrome display anything you run on your sound, so you have directemment the visual understanding of what you apply (filter, envellope, LFO, arpeggiator, ... really awesome). Thus the blofeld is the most intuitive synth it is given me to see.

SOUNDS

Sounds ...
extraordinnaire for a synth that price ... and for a very short synth btw. It is located in the top of what it does best (eg virus ti ... I have both and it did not turn pale in comparison away from). He has his personality and it really is typed. Try urgently you will love if you like the synths that make sounds of ... SYNTHE.

NOTICE GLOBAL

Least

-A Single midi output
-The update must go through a sequence (on PC at least, I know Apple)
-We Do not know place it in a 19 "rack

Most

-the SON !!!
Visual -l'ergonomie
-l'ajout of sample (unfortunately sold a part to the rack ...)
-the PRICE incredibly low for such Machine ...
-Its personality
-the Multisound

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

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.

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.

Waldorf Blofeld Synthesizer
Warning: no midi out
Many of the infinite, all customizable and editable. Programming is very simple, very visual interface.
Connection very easy on Mac.

UTILIZATION

General configuration simple.
Manual clear whether they speak English or German (to my knowledge, not available in French)

SOUNDS

Syntéhtiques sounds, if you want realistic sounds, then look elsewhere.
I love it.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a year. I tried two or three other models in the same price range, but the Blofeld is one that most closely matches my desires in terms of ease of use and versatility of the tyle.
Excellent value for money, even if some bugs are still to be deplored the latest OS.

Analog Modeling Synths semi-modular (modulation matrix 16X16)

16 by 50 multi-voice polyphony

by voice:

3 osc including all wavetables waldorf

FM + 2 multimode filters, three LFOs, four envelopes, two effects drive

UTILIZATION

Synthesis part easier to program if you are used to synthesizers modulation matrices.
However the multiplayer is a little less ergonomic and particularly buggy.
for my part I never needed to open the manual.

SOUNDS

I never use the presets, as the appreciation is subjective, I will not believe it.
filters and envelopes are effective forms of many different waves (wavetable and the PPG Wave XT), the effects of distortion approtent additional colors for stamps.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since May 2010, for its low price it's a VA synth really great if we merely use it in single mode, multi mode for the time being still very buggy. can be a next update to deliver the order in the multiplayer mode. in this case the Blofeld is a synth really exceptional for a ridiculous price, from 16 to 50 multi-voice polyphony to 380 € qd is the same dream!
I also appreciate the small footprint of the machine.

there is also an option that allows SL License to upload their own samples via an editor PC / MAC. I did not purchase this option (60 €). version of the Blofeld keyboard includes this option home.

already said lower

UTILIZATION

very very simple, there is a very good editor software to work, otherwise I find the general configuration: managed, simple, intuitive
Blofeld's screen is very readable drawings wave very well reproduced

SOUNDS

ah come on to the interesting things, Waldorf in 2007 we presented the Blofeld, destop small, bright white, aluminum knobs, screen printing simple but effective, with inside a monster full of wavetable and grain to the Waldorf, after the famous microQ the Blofeld alone represents what Waldorf is doing well: A Synth!
After listening for the first time demos I fall to the ground and shouted "I want" I was among the first to spend the first day of my pre-order, 3 month wait! But the icing at the end .....
critics are put off this synth off dirty from the start by saying it was shit, an unstable OS, a low manufacturing qualitée (I read here on AF compared to the cover metal sheet to a common folded and painted for € 30!)
unlike the "when do we say" the Blofeld was well attended by Waldorf, the updates to the OS frequent, various improvements, and finally the OS version 1.15b SL that allows the injection of sample wav format again with the filters! demand that other people for less than € 600 over nine synth license? frankly?
I'm with deep bass to the limit of infrabass, leads to blush norlead "word games" ambient groundwater at will, the fx crazy is not it on to the piano accordion and bagpipes! but buy a synth for that? The Blofeld is made for synthetic sound design research

OVERALL OPINION

I put 10 to Blofeld is one of the few synths that I bought new and kept, I am not to throw for another,
I have another one from a MS2000 JP8080, a raft, a Micron, a Tetra, a supernova, an EX5, a Morpheus, and I just tell you it is different, does not duplicate, when I try to create a sound My first thought little special: THE BLOFELD!
with experience of course I would remake the same purchase

last word: bravo Waldorf

It's a real synthesizer for those who want to make the sound.

The utililtaire pc.

UTILIZATION

Very complex as any real musical instrument.
Many menus and sub menus but fluid and intuitive. With a little practice we found it fast enough.
The editor pc is really cool. (I emulates Linux).

SOUNDS

The creative potential is immense and this is a superb machine and super serious.
It started in the ultimate synthesis sound but the beginner may be exceeded.
The sounds are good but frankly "small", they deserve further processing as a good compression output.

OVERALL OPINION

I have 2 years and I use it occasionally. Every time I find a little more interesting. It's true that at the beginning it was just shots in the head when you buy a synth, the kind the big analogue bass killer ... but to use this machine reveals many other possibilities.
For the price is unbeatable and I would do this choice without hesitation.

Hello all, I would not give the CHARACTERISTICS that are available on the net.
Even know when the Blofeld can operate in multi gnrer is the number at the same time.

UTILIZATION

The Blofeld is quick to set up and does not pose a problem for his installation.Vous'll have to connect a pc to squence sounds and a midi keyboard for another couts.Sans hardware it is impossible to listen (expander).'s edition of the sounds is not bad, but given the lack of knob in a limited faade ditable custom settings at the same time.

SOUNDS

This is especially I wanted to let my mind ... It is clear that the sounds of this small BCAN surprised a bit and is better than a synth (vanguard, v-station, predator etc.).
Trs good in the ground, but lack of lead basse.En effect even with a good basic sound you will definitely have to play the qualisation back to its presence in basse.Les effects are no more . The waveforms are included in other BCAN trs bien.Pour rsum good sound but lacks a bit of basse.Et then we should not forget that it is therefore a numrique expect you to have the effect of notches on the filter or a click on some rglages audio (cut off bottom = small crak audio) of certain sound but not all.

OVERALL OPINION

Ben good for the price finally there's nothing to say because you can not beat the market in this price range.

Nice unit, caring and enjoyable finish.
Technical specifications trs many INTERESTED Store: 3 oscillators, 3 LFOs, wavetable historical and new number, sample import, 2 multimode filters with filter PPG and comb, abundant modulation matrix , arpgiateur full effects ............

UTILIZATION

Use a comfortable thanks DEFINITIONS clear menus and buttons to select Defines well.
Only concern, I think: just 4 potentiomtres inciting to walk around in the menus at times and sometimes lead to wrong paramtre edit (especially for the heads up like me <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="wink" /> ). Just over t knobs would be welcome but given the size and price .............( however inadmissible on the keyboard version)


SOUNDS

Regular at the Microwave XT, Waldorf I find the universe, though some say. For me, I did not feel like a VST plug-in the hands but rather a good synth. His sound world is fascinating and rich due to the wavetable, its multimode filters and its modulation matrix for imports between (a true modular? ). It sounds crystal plutt of Manir qu&#39;pais but I noticed that it cre ds a bass sound basis for sawtooth and applying a good distortion output filter, has become quite massive and bold. That those who say it lacks punch, do not be lazy, do not limit yourself to the presets and put your hands dirty! If you fly, you will ct something.
The Blofeld possde a tighter range in the treble than the bass, the one o my Virus B, as I chris, fits the reverse. Moreover, the sawtooth and square waves through the sound clearer than in the Blofeld Virus, more mt. However, the low round deaf aisment obtained with more synth Access from home.

They wonder compltent

OVERALL OPINION

For those who want to engage in the Fast Fashion noise in the true sense of the term (that&#39;s boom boom and big bass sounds techno), the Blofeld is complete. It does not require that be programmed (you can do without the presets that are often arbitrary and do not value the potential of the machine). However, it will add it to a midi interface Annex bnficier over potentiomtres to gain a little time in handling.

J&#39;apprcie much this little Blofeld even if I blame him for things such as:
- The effects section except trs average distortions and delays: reverbration very intuitive program and to the result mdiocre, chorus / flanger many ways, phaser does not work on mine (ing stocky, trs leads on a strong modulation)
- Stereo fields just by my gots rtrci
- Arpgiateur ultra paramtres complete but some such as the glide does not work
- Missing MIDI OUT (USB cable blah, blah)
- Dynamic Drout sometimes, too much or not enough (I noticed that the mixing effects, as a chorus, the dynamics of its decline)
- A few bugs par-ci/par-l. With my squence (DP6), the arpgiateur not often catch the right timing and DCALL or the management of sustain pedals is catastrophic (when plugged directly into my matre keyboard everything works smoothly)

Apart from these few dsagrments, which catch the mix in a squenceur, the sound engine of Blofeld calls for it shall adopt. It is simply fascinating.

For hackers, do yourself a favor <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="wink" />
For "techno-men", look elsewhere, a lack of buttons and presets really INTERESTED <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt="sad" />

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">
ADDITION OF 25 OCTOBER 2009</span>

In order to overcome the effects of mdiocres Blofeld, until I passed by the unit from Alesis MIDIVERB but that gave me little satisfaction. Today I plug the DCID Blofeld through the effects of my Motif XS and it is perfect. Not only the colored pattern perfectly the sounds of Blofeld with his large variety of FX but in addition, he brings a bit of punch and finally opens the damn fields Stereo, too Triqui my got. So, I feel like a Virus deuxime but with a color Waldorf. This is the APRS rvlation this afternoon in my home studio.
<img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="biggrin" /><img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="biggrin" /><img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="biggrin" />
If you have a Blofeld and a Motif XS, do like me and you will not be due. This is a new Blofeld I now discovering. <img class="smiley" src="/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_wink.gif" alt="wink" />

Desktop Expander 2 mono 6.35 jack for audio output, a headphone jack 6,35, 1 in afternoon, 1 USB. Updating firmware via USB or MIDI (USB and PC recommended) banks A to H of 128 sounds each. Some sounds are muffled qualifier "mono" meaning that they are monophonic. For the rest see manufacturer&#39;s data.

UTILIZATION

The general config is very simple except for one thing: the update of firmwire. The downloadable pack on the waldorf site provides 2 MIDI files and an executable for mac. Nothing was found. Xp pc, same thing. I&#39;ve finally succeeded in reading the file "slowmidi" with windows media player (as with cubase, even in slow tempo, it did not matter) The manual suffers from a flaw in my taste: no sound list of works, practical check her favorites. Editing sounds is very intuitive, it&#39;s true forte. +: Edition of sounds and perspectives of sound creations. +: Number of Sosna +: + materials used: design and compactness -: output converters -: sounds mixed (with respect to the gain) -: firmwire capricious, roof upgrade -: bugg on older versions of the bones

SOUNDS

Ay it&#39;s the rub A PRIORI (Update: after having fiddled a little gear and make some settings, it is difficult to understand how a machine as small and inexpensive little do so !!!). Take time to edit at least the speed to win a little fishing (even to lose a little velocity) sounds quite a suitable one of my styles of music if they were not as unequal. I said. a sound al the other difference is enormous momentum, barely audible over the one with the gain and volume background, ready to blow the speakers on the following (especially in the high mids ...) It&#39;s a shame because the machine has the potential to edition, (added after a few days of use: an old korg stage echo just a colorful and thicken the sound, with a test tube preamps ... so the matter could be a bit steep initial become an asset if you take the time to find what we want to give her the craft) No sounds are not to be realistic because we are in an analog modeling synth has. The term is random, haphazard chance. on some rhodes, without playing with velocity, slamming some notes much louder than others (notement when you arrive at the end of the reasonableness of a prior note / / CF SHIFT Notice INGRES offering a solution to this pb)) significant differences depending on the version of os (added after a few days of use: I&#39;m still on my first impression, the audio quality is slightly below the factory presets, but the results obtained by fiddling legerment gain, leaving on effects of vintage etc., suggests a potential for an excellent value for money despite these faults. In fact if the beast is "not finished", it is because it is our creativity to finish the job and to personalize the device. )

OVERALL OPINION

I used it for 6 days and therefore may be I&#39;ll have better ssurprises. It&#39;s time for the module that owns the sound quality output "right" the worst of my set while in the same time he has in his stomach as many sounds that I like. J have tried many models before, including some that I have acquired new or OCCAZ. (Korg x50, MicroX, emu orbit, roland jx3p ...) even some synths sound wider (DiscoDSP Discovery) My criticism on the relative coldness of her are closer to those made on their time sampler akai s1000; it their reproaches their coldness. But thanks to this neutrality, the matter is more malleable. It requires more work, but offers more possibilities. This flat is provided with a take precautions. J loves his compactness, however, metal, sboutons, beautiful screen. The value for money is not bad in nine (J stays more skeptical the first day), really good on occasion! The competition level compared alesis micron moved a small keyboard for the same price, korg MicroX buried level sound presence and control in real time, and has a variety of sounds and general compatibility gm. But once that rule is a bit more if it is waldorf obvious. Do not stop at the first impression ...) (but the waldorf edition has arguments which makes it even more rallied his lack of defects in layers of sounds. (Added after a few days of use: however, for edition of the sounds, the blofeld that buries the Korg, and I think that term can be quite a thing out of the machine is not cooked but c may be more creative ... - ) I understand better wash my predecessor, who directs the technomens to spend their way) For the small price and despite my short bursts of reds, it&#39;s still interested in a machine: s to initiate the synthesis has to go on a trip, and test with a wind controller, subject to a test for me very soon. In addition there is access to the Waldorf for a small fee. For nine leprix I advise trying to shop and compare with the alesis micron (same price) Mopho Dave Smith Instrument (same price) the korg MicroX (slightly more expensive) and according to your needs make informed question. On occasion a virus or access one of the first rack north could also be an alternative or even a roland jx3p. For my part I will ever have that choice time to tweak, but I do not recommend this purchase Musicians Press. (No more than did the real analog synths) Final Score: 9 for that time (I spend more time on it, jaime more and more I found how to correct small defects which bothered mavaient early) 6 for the Musicians Press.

+ I use it as an expander (......), is a real synth. (Not like my 303 ...)

- It lacks the "TAP TEMPO" for a "live performance, .. even the keyboard version have not equipped I believe ...

UTILIZATION

* The general configuration is simple?

yes should read the manual ... (Just to mention k'il be plugged into a USB MIDI and not to avoid the "noise "...) (unless it have been already corrected ...???)

* Editing of sounds and effects is easy?

we can not express ... on the other hand function is not "morph" to change effects ...

* The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

ke is still stuff I do not get it, even if the manual is provided.

(Hence my 7 / 10 ...)

SOUNDS

* The sounds they are suitable to your style of music?

is not an expander!

+ Groundwater textures are ..... how can I say? ..

+ ............ I can say a lot ..

- On some bass sounds it sounds a bit 'electro' ... while others sounded downright acoustic! (Guitar, "guitars" .......)

- Sound effects "trash" or false ... but it takes away not a 10/10 its side ... (Just need a limiter / compressor behind ...)

- Note that I do not use the extension SL (which to play samples is unnecessary), I think next sampler is much better ... (But that is only my opinion, we'll see.)

OVERALL OPINION

* For how long have you been using it?

I use it for about a year even more ...

this is my first REAL keyboard (not a koi nimporte blofeld!).

So ... Raport excellent price / quality / ........

* Why this choice?

bein .... FM .... and 28-voice polyphony with multi therefore very versatile ... + The "creative side".

is a specialized synth "ds flexible" I think ... (Tablecloths organs, house, deep, progressive textures ...... ...)
it's been a little while even that ki does not exist. (But it can be very low on some VERY AGGRESSIVE ..)

I've never even touched a ki synth, I come out weird things even soundproof ,..... it's like meeting the 3rd type ds.

* What thing do you like most/least about it?

on:

+ I would say 1 - ergonomics .. Pure and Simplicime, the "4" buttons and replace enough virus to 500 buttons ... (Is accessed by all - a touch of a button) 2 - very easy to transport ........ 3 - the design is more than nice ..

- There's no LED to light up the black ds, you need a lamp .... not very "class "......

conclusion, but as has already been said for the price you will find no better.

See other reviews or site builder

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is not very complicated, but requires a little patience and go into the device.
Editing sounds is easy, but does not (as stated below) to techno dj live, but to the tonal style upscale.
The manual is in English or German is not what might be called the handbook of our dreams.

SOUNDS

The preset sounds (1000) are already very interesting. You can change them to infinity.
For anyone who slows the keyboard problems, you type Shift + Global access to system settings. you can set the keys in linear and not "exponential" which eliminates the problem of keys stronger than others.
All sounds are pure analog.
Synth (keyboard or in rack) is well above the microkorg, roland gaia or alesis micron.
In my opinion, the best synth at this price, and sounds really upscale.
They can rework a vst later anyway. Finally, everything is possible with this type of machine.
The arpeggiator is certainly what is best and over the lot. Especially for the price.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a month and it's really good.
Do not believe the reviews on the forums on the keys. We must think about this set as you want. The problem is that everything is customizable, everything can be too much, and the failure of this synth while the metal will be fewer knob, and all submenus hidden. Some probably prefer to have more buttons and more direct access.
However, it is, I think to be reserved for professionals (keyboard version) and advanced users and rigorous (rack).
Some racks are easier to use.
But quality issue, whether the keyboard version and 700 Euros, or rack Motie cheaper, it's worth two or three times its price.

see manual


UTILIZATION

it is a very powerful synthesizer level synthesis and modulation matrix, but it can be used simply and gradually enter into the complex.

ergonomics screen / buttons is very well done, which makes editing "easy"

Manual is sufficient to understand

SOUNDS

the factory sounds are not at all to my taste, but I bought this machine to mine!

through the modulation matrix, we can make the sounds very much alive (velocity, etc. ... Keytrack)

effects are not up to the rest, I prefer to pass the output of a multi-effect external Blofeld.

SL allows the license to use its own samples, which further opens the field of possibilities.

The filters are very good and allow a multitude of variations due to distortions included.


OVERALL OPINION

I possess 3 years,
I used it as a main synthesizer and now live as a sound source in a project of improvised music.
it has its own character but at the same time makes a huge sonic palette.

its price / quality ratio is excellent.

I do it again this election

(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!!!