Waldorf Music introduces the Iridium Desktop MK2, the new generation of the highly acclaimed Iridium Desktop synthesizer, originally launched in 2020. Used and embraced by countless artists and sound designers since its release, Waldorf Music is now, six years later taking its sonic success story even further.
Based on the legendary multi-engine design of the Quantum and Iridium product line, this new generation innovates even further, fitting perfectly into Waldorf’s forward-looking synthesizer design philosophy.
The MK2 features a new design and an upgraded CPU board with expanded RAM and flash storage, allowing for larger sample capacity and opening a whole new world of synthesis capabilities.
Per-Note-Parameter-Locks (ft. Aphex Twin)
In this MK2, users can enjoy a very special feature called Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, which is the result of a collaboration with legendary Aphex Twin, a long-term Iridium Desktop user. With this feature, each of the 128 notes can be assigned up to 16 individual parameter variations by simply holding a note and turning knobs. This system allows each note to have a different set of parameters. Users can even change the synthesis mode of oscillators for each note or change effect parameters. Per-Note-Parameter-Locks are saved with each patch and can be inspected and edited on a dedicated page.
"Seeds": The Sixth Synthesis Sense
The added RAM further allows a new sixth synthesis method for each of the three oscillators. Inspired by wavetable synthesis, in which each wavetable represents a timbral journey, Waldorf has found a way to base these timbral journeys not only on static waveforms but also to dynamically synthesize each waypoint from sub-oscillators called "Seeds." These can be controlled and recombined using techniques like Ring Modulation, Frequency Modulation, Wavetable and Partials, and enriched with noise and other non-pitched material. Similar to wavetables, while a set of predefined timbral journeys is included, users can also edit and create their own.
Protein’s "Flavour" Knob
The new knob called "Flavour" adds sonic liveliness using Waldorf's new concept of micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch and a whole set of additional parameters, which we recently introduced with Protein synthesizer.
Expanded Universe of Sound: More Memory, More Layers
With the increased memory capacity, changing the multi-timbral layer count from 2 to 4 is now possible. In addition to the layered and split modes, the new MK2 also features more advanced multi-timbral modes, such as round-robin and random-robin. These additions bring greater timbral richness and variety, letting users build deep and complex sonic landscapes. A dream-come-true for all sound designers, sonic explorers and cinematic artists.
A general update of the Iridium and Quantum operating system will be available soon. This upcoming version 4.0 will provide some of the new features for all existing Quantum and Iridium models, including the Mutator patch randomizer we introduced in the Microwave plugin, a new polyphonic arpeggiator, and new microtonal features saved in patches, among others.
Specification
- Compatible with the Waldorf Quantum synth engine
- Software: Waldorf Synthesis Platform OS 4.0 or later
Oscillators
- 3 Oscillators each capable of 6 synthesis modes:
- Wavetable
- Waveform
- Particle in Multi-Sampling and Granular mode with extended Sample RAM
- Resonator
- Kernels (up to 6 sub-oscillators which can be interlinked through FM, AM or Wavetable-position at audio rate)
- Seeds: Waypoint synthesis providing timbral journeys using sub-oscillators based on various methods like Ring Modulation, FM, Wavetable, Partials and various Noise/Dirt Types.
Dual Stereo Filters per voice
True stereo path Dual Digital Filter with independent modes:
- 12/24dB LP/HP/BP in all combinations
- Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum and StateVariable models
- Analyzer displayed in Filter view
- Filter curve animation when modulated (optional)
- Sophisticated filter routing options with modulatable panning and levels
Digital Former
- Filter models like State Variable, Raiser, Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG in HP/LP/BP/Notch
- Comb filters, Bit-Crusher, various Drives, Ring-Modulation, Formant Filters
Modulators
- 6 Envelopes
- 6 LFOs
- Komplex Modulator (LFO/Envelope combination with user-definable shape and morphing)
- Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, allowing individual parameter variations per note inspired by Aphex Twin
- ‘Flavour‘ control for micro-variations in timing, pitch, and timbre
Mod Matrix
- 40 slots
- Fast assign mode
- One additional control amount per slot
- Identical Sources and Destinations can be used multiple times until the matrix is full
Effects
- 5 slots per layer
- Various parallel and sequential routing options
- Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Drive, EQ, Compressor, Tremolo
Performance features
- Advanced Arpeggiator
- New polyphonic Arpeggiator modes
- Step-sequencer with up to 64 steps for notes and parameters
- 4×4 silicon pad matrix with RGB backlights assignable to notes, scales or chords
- Favourites screen for quick patch recall
- XY control on touchscreen
- Wheels touchscreen for MIDI controls like mod wheel, pitch bend, aftertouch and velocity
- MPE capable
Screen
- Industrial-grade highly responsive touch screen with Brightness control
- 1024x600 pixels
Voices
- 16 voice polyphony
- Multi-Timbral with 4 layers
- Advanced multi-timbral modes such as round-robin and random-robin
- Mono, Legato and Unisono
Patches
- Over 1750 factory patches
- Capacity of 7000 patch memory slots (numbers 0000-9999 can be used)
- Patches from Quantum and other Iridium variants can be loaded and vice-versa
- Category filter for patch list
- 4 GB sample flash memory preloaded with 2 GB factory samples
- ‘Mutator‘ patch randomizer
Connections
- Stereo Audio Out: 2x TS jacks
- Stereo Audio In: 2x TS jacks
- Headphones TRS output with level control
- DIN MIDI In, Out & Thru
- USB Type B (device) for MIDI connection to computer
- USB Type A (host) for storage media and MIDI devices
- MIDI 2.0 compatible
- MicroSD slot
- 4 high-resolution CV Inputs which can be used as modulation sources in the Mod-Matrix
- Analog clock In & Out with clock divider settings
- Analog gate and start inputs
- Kensington® compatible lock
Overall
- Sturdy metal case with aluminum knobs
- Dimensions: 440 mm wide by 305 mm depth by 85 mm height (including controls)
- Weight: 4.8 kg
- VESA 75 receptacle on the bottom (mountable on monitor stand using the VESA standard)
- 19″ rack assembly parts available
- External Power Supply: Input 100-240 V / AC 50-60 Hz, Output 12 V DC / 3 A
What’s In the Box?
- Iridium Desktop MK2 Synthesizer
- Power Supply
- Printed Quick Start Guide
