Waldorf M Wavetable Synthesizer

[Gadget Fiend]

Quantum sounds way too clean compared to the M. They're not even close.

You're spot on. I can't believe people are spending over $4K on a Quantum when they can purchase super hi-fi, extremely complex (in terms of mod routings, etc.) plugins that do most of what Quantum does at a fraction of the cost.

Up until the M, it seems like Waldorf instruments have gotten more and more digital and thin sounding.

EDIT: Although I don't have any direct experience with the Quantum other than online demos I have heard, Quantum can't be any worse than the Blofeld (which preceded it). The Blofeld is just awful, truly awful. I put it with the original Massive from Native Instruments as one of those shrill, grating synths that is incomprehensibly popular.

[EvilDragon]

Blofeld can sound really great, and there are soundbanks that showcase it. Same with OG Massive, you can't say that Leap into the void soundbanks all sound shrill and grating. There's real depth there.

Quantum... while you can do stuff it does in plugin world, it's not available all in one plugin. Not in the same way. Also, you can't beat all those knobs, really.

[pdxindy]

I have a Quantum and the M.

The Quantum sounds quite good. But not really something I don't have in software sonically speaking. Of course it takes multiple software instruments to cover it all. I mean, a single Osc in the Quantum can be a 6 operator FM voice and you can use wavetables as an operator!! And that is just 1 of 3 osc's. It is a unique hardware synth. And yeah... all those lovely knobs and colors... and an excellent keybed. There is nothing else like it.

The M sounds gorgeous... effortlessly dynamic and lively. I was disappointed with the Quantum from day 1 (had it 3 years now) cause I wanted the character and tonality of the M which to me is the classic Waldorf sound. I had the Quantum boxed up to sell for many months now. Now that I have the M, I unboxed the Quantum and have it setup in my studio. I am appreciating it for what it is, rather than wishing it were something else and am finding it impressive now. I still may sell it cause it takes prime studio space and I can get the same character and sounds in software, or close enough.

The M is a keeper. Nothing I have in software gets there and the UI is a pleasure to use.

[pdxindy]

There is an experimental firmware for testing (over on Gearspace M thread) that adds LP/BP/HP filters from the MW2 to the M. The plan as I understand it is to finally have all the filter types from the MW2.

[_leras]

There is an experimental firmware for testing (over on Gearspace M thread) that adds LP/BP/HP filters from the MW2 to the M. The plan as I understand it is to finally have all the filter types from the MW2.

It's quite the effort and I hope they can pull it off. If they do, then I hope they take a step further and add some other digital filters as well.

[Gadget Fiend]

There is an experimental firmware for testing (over on Gearspace M thread) that adds LP/BP/HP filters from the MW2 to the M. The plan as I understand it is to finally have all the filter types from the MW2.

That would be awesome to have all the digital filters from the MicroWave II. Especially, the odder (but great sounding and very musically useful) filters.

[Biome_Digital]

I have a Quantum and the M.

The Quantum sounds quite good. But not really something I don't have in software sonically speaking. Of course it takes multiple software instruments to cover it all. I mean, a single Osc in the Quantum can be a 6 operator FM voice and you can use wavetables as an operator!! And that is just 1 of 3 osc's. It is a unique hardware synth. And yeah... all those lovely knobs and colors... and an excellent keybed. There is nothing else like it.

The M sounds gorgeous... effortlessly dynamic and lively. I was disappointed with the Quantum from day 1 (had it 3 years now) cause I wanted the character and tonality of the M which to me is the classic Waldorf sound. I had the Quantum boxed up to sell for many months now. Now that I have the M, I unboxed the Quantum and have it setup in my studio. I am appreciating it for what it is, rather than wishing it were something else and am finding it impressive now. I still may sell it cause it takes prime studio space and I can get the same character and sounds in software, or close enough.

The M is a keeper. Nothing I have in software gets there and the UI is a pleasure to use.

What is it exactly that software doesn't do, for you, that the M does?

[pdxindy]

There is an experimental firmware for testing (over on Gearspace M thread) that adds LP/BP/HP filters from the MW2 to the M. The plan as I understand it is to finally have all the filter types from the MW2.

That would be awesome to have all the digital filters from the MicroWave II. Especially, the odder (but great sounding and very musically useful) filters.

That is the developers wish (he frequents the M thread on Gearspace). He also said it is not promised as there may be issues in trying to squeeze them. So basically he is trying and don't depend on it.

[pdxindy]

What is it exactly that software doesn't do, for you, that the M does?

I think I answered that earlier in the thread.

[Biome_Digital]

What is it exactly that software doesn't do, for you, that the M does?

I think I answered that earlier in the thread.

Can you link please? Very interested.

[kobal]

i listened some audio demo of the mw1 and M comparaison, mw1 has more dirt and caractere.

i don t see much point of comparing these 2 different beast but will check the video for sure as a fan of both

edit :they sound closer than i tought, M sound brighter

just for curiosity i wonder how nave compare it might be in same ballpark , it can be close to the Xt and it s same person who worked on it

[kobal]

[kobal]

from the sample i think a microwave 2 might sound right between a microwave and a M .

i posted sample of tooro synth that sound great as well and that is made by a waldorf employe.
the xt the m and tooro sound all really good to me .

[stikygum]

from the sample i think a microwave 2 might sound right between a microwave and a M .

i posted sample of tooro synth that sound great as well and that is made by a waldorf employe.
the xt the m and tooro sound all really good to me .

I didn't realize the Tooro was made by a Waldorf employee.

I think the Tooro sounds really good too, closer to the Microwave 1. I haven't had the chance to play one in person, but it always sounded really good to me. I really don't need any more Waldorf wavetable synths, but this one intrigues me. I like the M too for it's really nice interface. But being that I'm fine with the XT interface, I wouldn't replace my XT or MW1. Maybe at some point I'll get to try the M and see if the interface inspires me.

[Uncle E]

The audio examples of the ZeKit sound great, too.