Waldorf Q

Waldorf Q Image

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.

Waldorf Q Rack Image

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.

Waldorf Q+ Image

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.

45 Visitor comments
Alexis_Nembrode
June 27, 2012 @ 6:40 pm
Please correct me if im wrong, but I think that Boards of Canada used this one a lot on "Geogaddi".
werner
April 10, 2012 @ 3:37 am
The q rack is an immediate buzz for my ears and able to fit in a mix very nicely. I enjoy all the knobs and for once I find that the available patches are actually useful and hard to improve on sometimes. This is a work of art IMHO and a great synthesiser.
javier
October 1, 2011 @ 4:53 pm
Oh, by the way, I think this qualifies this synth as "used by NIN":

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2009/12/04/nine-inch-nails-synthesiz ers-up-for-auction/
Javier
September 29, 2011 @ 9:51 pm
If you notice too agressive highs with the Q lowering the OSCs level usually works fine.
It's so satisfying how just one OSC sounds so full with this synth.
Blofeld is a great achievement by Waldorf too, it should have a review on this site, is not vintage but neither mopho and others.
Eric
August 17, 2011 @ 11:35 am
The Q is my all time favorite synth. It sounds absolutely spectacular, and programming it REALLY is the most fun you can have naked. Love it to death! :-)
 
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  • 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

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