Waldorf Quantum MK1 vs MK2

[cryophonik]

I've been giving the Quantum a hard look/listen lately and I'm starting to think that it might make a good 61-key master keyboard for my studio (i.e., not interested in the 49-key Iridium), but have some questions for Quantum (mk1 or mk2) owners to help me decide which version. A secondhand mk1 can be had for less than half the price of a mk2 - that's certainly a consideration, but not a deciding factor for me. It comes down more to differences in features with the latest firmware and whether or not the mk1 meets my needs. I've seen some references to the different firmware updates, but I'm still unclear as to how the mk2 differs from the mk1. I'm also aware that the mk1 has a Fatar keybed with channel aftertouch, and the mk2 has a Fatar keybed with poly AT. That's certainly a consideration, but poly AT is not a high priority for me and won't be the deciding factor.

- The mk2 has far more internal storage, but I believe that the mk1 now has the ability expand its storage via USB and/or SD card. I read one comment somewhere from a guy who claimed that the USB stick was faster loading than the internal drive? Anyone have any input, confirmation, clarification on this?

- I've read a few comments about the screen on the mk2 being improved, and possibly some issues with the mk1's screen?

- It appears that there is a new-ish beta firmware that doubles the voice count of the mk1, presumably by adding digital filters. Has anybody tried this beta and, if so, does it essentially level the playing field between the mk1 and mk2 filters and voices?

- I'm also still unclear about the stereo filters on the mk1 and mk2. My understanding is that the analog filters are mono only, but I'm unsure about the digital filters with the recent firmware updates.

- any other differences/similarities between the two that I should be aware of?

Thanks!

[Constructed Identity]

Mark 2 has a screen with better viewing angles, although I didn't have any issue with viewing the mark I's screen. Mark II has the same analog filter as the old one, a single mono filter. Some have said that the touch sensitivity is better on the mark II. Pretty sure firmware updates apply to both versions. Another difference between mark I and mark II is the Waldorf logo- they have changed it.

[Uncle E]

Confirming that the MK1 can have memory expanded with an SD card. It works great.

[cryophonik]

Another difference between mark I and mark II is the Waldorf logo- they have changed it.

That’s the number one factor that has me leaning toward the mk1

Confirming that the MK1 can have memory expanded with an SD card. It works great.

Great! Thanks for the input guys! I’m leaning toward the mk1.