Description

Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2Advanced Multi-Engine Synthesizer

With the Iridium Desktop MK2, Waldorf Music introduces the next evolution of its powerful multi-engine synthesizer platform. Building on the success of the original Iridium Desktop released in 2020, the MK2 version expands the capabilities of the Quantum and Iridium architecture for modern sound design and music production.

A redesigned CPU board with expanded RAM and flash storage enables significantly larger sample capacities and more complex synthesis processing. This allows the Iridium Desktop MK2 to deliver an even broader sonic palette for producers, composers and sound designers.

At its core remains Waldorfs renowned multi-engine synthesis architecture, combining several synthesis techniques in a highly flexible system. The new Seeds synthesis introduces a unique approach inspired by wavetable synthesis, generating dynamic sonic journeys from controllable sub-oscillators.

With support for up to four multitimbral layers, advanced layering modes and powerful performance tools, the Iridium Desktop MK2 is designed to create complex evolving textures and cinematic soundscapes.

A standout feature developed in collaboration with Aphex Twin is Per-Note Parameter Locks, allowing each of the 128 notes to store up to 16 individual parameter variations, including oscillator synthesis modes and effect parameters.

Released alongside the synthesizer, OS version 4.0 brings additional features such as a Mutator patch randomizer, a new polyphonic arpeggiator and microtonal tuning support that can be stored directly in patches.

The Iridium Desktop MK2 continues Waldorfs tradition of innovative sound design tools, delivering one of the most versatile hardware synthesizer platforms available today.

Features:

• Expanded RAM and flash memory for larger sample capacity
• Up to 4 multitimbral layers with layer, split, round-robin and random-robin modes
• Advanced multi-engine synthesis architecture
• New Seeds synthesis for dynamically generated sound journeys
• Flavour control for micro variations in timing, pitch and timbre
• Per-Note Parameter Locks with up to 16 parameter variations per note
• New polyphonic arpeggiator
• Microtonal tuning support with patch storage
• Mutator patch randomizer for experimental sound design
• Compact desktop format for studio and live performance

Synthesis Engine

• Compatible with the Waldorf Quantum synthesis engine
• Software: Waldorf Synthesis Platform OS 4.0 or later

Oscillators

• 3 oscillators per voice, each supporting 6 synthesis modes
• Wavetable
• Waveform
• Particle (granular and multi-sampling mode with extended sample RAM)
• Resonator
• Kernels (up to 6 sub-oscillators with FM, AM or wavetable position modulation)
• Seeds waypoint synthesis using sub-oscillators with FM, ring modulation, wavetables, partials and noise

Filters

• Dual stereo filters per voice with true stereo signal path
• 12 / 24 dB LP, HP and BP filter combinations
• Filter models: Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum and State Variable
• Analyzer displayed in filter view
• Animated filter curve when modulated (optional)
• Flexible filter routing with modulatable panning and levels

Digital Former

• State Variable filter
• Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG filter models
• Comb filters
• Bitcrusher
• Drive / distortion
• Ring modulation
• Formant filters

Modulation

• 6 envelopes
• 6 LFOs
• Complex modulator combining LFO and envelope with morphing
• Per-Note Parameter Locks inspired by Aphex Twin
• Flavour control for micro-variations in timing, pitch and timbre

Modulation Matrix

• 40 modulation slots
• Fast assign mode
• Additional control amount per slot
• Identical sources and destinations can be used multiple times

Effects

• 5 effect slots per layer
• Parallel and serial routing options
• Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger
• Drive, EQ, Compressor and Tremolo

Performance Features

• Advanced arpeggiator
• New polyphonic arpeggiator modes
• Step sequencer with up to 64 steps for notes and parameters
• 4×4 RGB pad matrix assignable to notes, scales or chords
• Favorites screen for quick patch recall
• XY touchscreen control
• Virtual wheels for pitch, modulation, aftertouch and velocity
• MPE support

Display

• 1024 × 600 high-resolution touchscreen
• Brightness control
• Industrial-grade responsive display

Polyphony & Multitimbrality

• 16-voice polyphony
• 4 multi-timbral layers
• Round-robin and random-robin modes
• Mono, Legato and Unison modes

Sounds & Memory

• Over 1750 factory presets
• Capacity for 7000 user patches
• Compatible with Quantum and other Iridium patches
• Category filter for patch browsing
• 6 GB sample flash memory (2 GB factory samples)
• Mutator patch randomizer

Connections

• Stereo audio outputs: 2× TS jacks
• Stereo audio inputs: 2× TS jacks
• Headphone output with level control
• DIN MIDI In / Out / Thru
• USB Type-B for MIDI connection to computer
• USB Type-A for storage devices and MIDI controllers
• MIDI 2.0 compatible
• MicroSD slot
• 4 high-resolution CV inputs for modulation sources
• Analog clock in & out with clock divider
• Analog gate and start inputs
• Kensington lock compatible

Bundle incl. 2x Cordial CFD 3 AA