Waldorf has officially introduced the Iridium Desktop MK2, a new generation that features a new design, an improved CPU board with more RAM and flash storage, and feature created in collaboration with Aphex Twin, Per-Note-Parameter-Locks.
Here’s what’s new in the Waldorf Iridium MK2:
More Memory, Layers & Sound
With the increased memory capacity, you can change the multi-timbral layer count from 2 to 4. In addition to layered and split modes, the new MK2 also features more advanced multi-timbral modes, such as round-robin and random-robin.
Per-Note-Parameter-Locks
The Iridium MK2 features Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, a feature created in collaboration with Aphex Twin (Richard D. James), a long-term Iridium Desktop user.
With this feature, each of the 128 notes can be assigned up to 16 individual parameter variations, by simply holding a note and turning knobs.
This system allows each note to have a different set of parameters. You can even change the synthesis mode of oscillators for each note or change effect parameters.
Per-Note-Parameter-Locks are saved with each patch and can be inspected and edited on a dedicated page.
Seeds – The Sixth Synthesis Sense
The added RAM also allows a new sixth synthesis method for each of the three oscillators.
Inspired by wavetable synthesis, Waldorf has found a way to dynamically synthesize waypoints from sub-oscillators, called “Seeds”. These can be controlled and recombined using techniques like ring modulation and frequency modulation, and enriched with noise and other non-pitched material.
Protein’s “Flavour” Knob
The new knob called “Flavour” adds sonic liveliness using our new concept of micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch, and a whole set of additional parameters, introduced with the Protein synthesizer.
Waldorf Iridium mk2 Sound Demos:
Pricing and Availability:
The Waldorf Iridium mk2 is priced at 2.399,00 €, but is currently listed as out of stock.
Quite a few of these latest hardware synths are AMAZING…..BUT the sticking point is ALWAYS polyphony 🙁 Novation ( supernova ) Access Virus and even the KYRA (a sort of sister Waldorf Synth ) had far greater polyphony counts etc etc. Waldorf have put all this immense power into this new updated iridium instrument but kept it throttled/held back at a measly 16 notes of polyphony, If the hardware synth titans of old could do it years ago and at the same cost then don’t tell me they can’t do it now. ALL these latest and greatest hardware synths are hostage to the most pathetic polyphony counts it beggars belief.
With all it’s bells, buttons and knobs Waldorf should have just made this their own version of more powerful full blown workstation, it’s kinda what it’s trying to be but isn’t.
I think for a lot of people, high voice count and multitimbrality aren’t really priorities, since they don’t use synths like this as a supplement to traditional workstations and are used to recording tracks consecutively in a DAW. I assume this is a case where manufacturers deliberately sacrifice a feature that most users never really use in favor of other features that are more important to the majority of buyers. Keep in mind that, adjusted for inflation, the Iridium 2 costs almost the same as a Virus B did in 1999, but is significantly more complex and feature-rich.
No velocity sensitive or poly aftertouch pads. Very lame.
Also btw, Waldorf says to e-mail them if you are interested in upgrading your mk1 to mk2.
“Waldorf says to e-mail them if you are interested in upgrading your mk1 to mk2.”
Where did you hear or see that? I cannot find any information anywhere about it (I’m curious about the price and if it happens to be DYI)
It was mentioned by Rolf, CTO, in a German interview. They would actually prefer to do chipset upgrade options vs having to fabricate all new lineups since they are a very small shop.
Thanks!
Per-Note-Parameter-Locks!
Is this kind of the same as the AFX mode on the Novation Bass Station?
Kind of but the BS AFX Mode stores a patch/preset per note. This one can have parameter variations for each of the 128 notes within the same preset, kind of like elektron parameter locks but with notes instead of steps.
So every note can behave like a different timbre variation of the same patch
It seems really cool – like a ramped-up version of how trackers work.
I always kick myself that I got rid of my AFX Bass Station. Ugh. That thing was awesome, and I didn’t appreciate it.
Nice synth, nice features.
I appreciate The deep dive, but. The ceo has a very thick accent that is hard to understand at times. He would’ve been great for the German video, I would opted for am English native speaker for the english version..
I’m not a native english speaker but I didn’t have any issue understanding. I like that the actual designer presented it, he did a good job.
What are you talking about? It’s completely understandable!
Using “ Aphex Twin features” as a marketing branding feature is Odd 🙂
This feature is so him, anyone into Aphex Twin would get it.
Ah the silly VST in a box no serious musician would ever choose over a VSTi. So glad I followed the advice of those hundreds of expert commenters on synth forums with a collective musical output of zero tracks , and didn´t get that useless “fake” synthesizer. Otherwise, I might have ended up being the most universally respected electronic musician of the past 4 decades.
I was surprised to read he uses this VST in the box, I thought he only used real instruments to create true music.
He does, as evidenced by his use of this real Waldorf instrument and his extensive discography. People just need to learn that “Eeewe I don’t like that synth” is not a credible synonym for “That is not a real synth”, except within an echo chamber of inward-looking unknowns.
Serious musicians are usually more practically minded and use whatever gets the job done best for them, never bothered by the unwarranted ideological bias of a very unimportant and insignificant part of the poorly educated audience.
Mu only issue with this synth is you spend so much time on it just programming it that you never end up making any music with it, it’s why I sold mine. I now have dedicated synths that do what this does but more fun to use
So. Damn. Many. Presets.
Between this, my Peak, and my OB-6 I have 10,000+ patches that I’ve never even heard.
Waldorf are a great company and I have used there equipment. This is a big machine but I am not at all impressed by it sonically. As synth use for 40 years there is no difference to my ears ( I have looked after them ) with synths of 40 years ago to now . Z Plane synthesis, Physically modelling etc just hype and brand prestige marketing for rich kids .
I can definetly praise Waldorf for their budget products . Respect .I write this not out of bitterness but this pair of honest ears hear nothing new.
Looks cool, but for me celebrity partnership puts me off.