Waldorf Q
The Waldorf Q is a professional virtual analog synthesizer well suited for demanding performance and studio work! The Q was a large and bright yellow beast but now they come in a sleek dark grey look. Through digital emulation the Q faithfully reproduces the sounds and programming characteristics of virtually any sophisticated analog synthesizer with state of the art control and precision.
With 16 to 32 voices and 16 multitimbral parts, the Q is well adapted for reliable live use. Waldorf's excellent analog sound emulation is complemented by sophisticated yet familiar analog-type controls and parameters. There are 3 oscillators per voice, 3 LFOs with ramp, sine, square, etc. and 2 12/24dB Filters (Low pass, band pass, hi pass, notch, comb, ring mod and more). A powerful arpeggiator and sequencer are also on-board for creating complex accompaniment or arpeggios. There are 58 knobs to aid you in tweaking away at creating amazing sounds! All knobs and edit parameters are MIDI controllable. The Waldorf Q is topped off with 8 effects processors (2 per sound that include Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Overdrive, AM, Delay, Reverb, etc.), 2 analog audio inputs, 6 outputs and 1 S/PDIF output (44.1kHz / 48kHz switchable) and vocoding capability. The Q is a professional-grade virtual analog synth that combines the raw power of analog synthesis with modern technology, stability and creativity. It has been used by Überzone and Kekko.
In addition to the Q there is also a Waldorf Q+ (pictured above) synthesizer, wich is similar to the Q Keyboard but adds 16 analog filters and up to 100 voices polyphony.
- Demos & Media
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Video 1 - Waldorf Q - demo (1 of 2) by WC Olo GarbAudio Clip 1 - A couple of pads and arpeggios from the Future Music CD, Issue 88.
Manual - Waldorf have made manuals for many of their products available on-line!
- Specifications
- Polyphony - 16 to 32 voices
- Oscillators - 3 per voice (sawtooth, triangle, sine, PWM, new oscillator algorithms, waves and a noise generator)
- Memory - 300 single programs, 100 multi programs
- Filter - 2 12dB/24dB Filters (Low pass, band pass, hi pass, notch, comb, ring mod and more; FM and distortion)
- VCA - 4 envelopes (ADSR with loop and one shot function, bipolar)
- Keyboard - 61 notes (velocity and aftertouch)
- Arpeg/Seq - Arpeggiator: Many user patterns (accents, timing, swing, glide, chords and more); Sequencer: 100 user patterns; 32 steps per pattern, polyphonic
- Control - MIDI (16 parts), CV
- Date Produced - 1999
- Resources & Credits
Images from Perfect Circuit Audio.
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Take apart your Q until you get to the encoders (knobs). You will see 4 metal tabs which hold the case of each individual encoder down. Prize them to the side enough to take the top off the encoder (including plastic shaft). Get some servisol (or similar contact cleaner) and give the top part of the encoder a good spraying for a couple of seconds (DON'T spray the bottom part attached to the board)!
Dry excess contact cleaner from the encoder, but still leave a good amount on there. Replace the top part of the encoder, push back the metal tabs, re-assemble and play. :o)
Now I have a Q and another level has been reached. Gorgeous sparkling, rich, clean, thick, DEEP sounds can be achieved effortlessly. 6 outputs takes it even further again than the Blo (which sounds quite narrow beside the Q).
No it's not analog, but it's the best impression I've heard and it does a hella lot more too!