Waldorf Quantum MK2 16-Voice Hybrid Synthesizer
With special nods to legendary Waldorf synths of the past plus a highly engineered interface and a whole host of features never before seen on hardware synths, Waldorf Quantum MK2 represents the culmination of decades of development and is truly the flagship synth of the future.
Quantum combines the raw power of classic digital/analog hybrid synthesizers with futuristic sounds that are only possible with today's intensely programmable softsynths together in a sleek and accessible user interface designed with the modern synthesist in mind. With a huge, attractive screen, inviting control panel and top-notch keybed with polyphonic aftertouch, Quantum MK2 is an instant legend in all possible ways.
- 8 voices with analog filter, up to 16 voices with digital filters
- Dual timbral: split or layered mode with separate stereo audio outputs
- 3 stereo digital oscillators per voice, each capable of five synthesis algorithms
- 61-key high-quality Fatar TP8S/SK keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch
- Wavetable: classic Waldorf style with additions from Nave including speech synthesis, wavetable generation from audio and more
- Waveform: waveform with up to 8 simultaneous waves per oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard-sync, warp & PWM as well as tunable noise
- Particle: sampler in traditional and granular mode using multi-samples or live input
- Resonator: exciter using multi-sampling plus filter bank sound model
- Kernel: modular-style synthesis lets you combine up to six audio kernels into a single oscillator
- Two analog low pass filters per voice each in 24dB or 12dB configuration using innovative link modes, or alternatively two digital multi-mode filters
- Digital former: additional digital algorithms per voice like comb, high pass, band pass and notch filters (Nave, Largo or PPG models), bit crusher, drive and more
- Flexible routing system for order of analog filters, digital former and individual oscillator routings
- Extensive modulation options including 6 LFOs in poly and global mode with extensive parameter set, 6 loopable envelopes and Komplex multistage LFO/envelope modulator
- Extensive modulation matrix with 40 slots and easy control assignments
- 'Module-based' preset system for effects, oscillators and Komplex modulator
- Visualization and deeper sound editing via context-sensitive high-resolution capacitive multi-touch display
- Spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope at various processing stages
- 4GB internal flash memory for presets and wavetables, preloaded with approximately 2GB of sample data, plus 59GB internal sample storage
- Export and import of presets, samples and wavetables via SD card or USB
Quantum expansion
When Waldorf introduced Quantum in 2018, it immediately found its way into the studios and hearts of the most acclaimed film composers, producers, musicians and sound designers. Quantum MK2 further expands upon this incredibly powerful platform, adding 61-key polyphonic aftertouch from Fatar, increased sample storage and improved mechanical design and display. The 3.0 firmware allows for up to 16 digital filters, or up to 8 analog + 8 digital.
Polyphonic aftertouch
Quantum MK2 is the first instrument with a Fatar TP8/SK polyphonic aftertouch keybed. With increased possibilities for musical and gestural expression via the keybed, the Quantum synthesis engine can be more deeply modulated and texturally explored. The polyphonic aftertouch is highly customizable in multiple dimensions globally as well as for individual keys. The high-resolution graphical display supports visual feedback and control for the customization process. In addition to its internal poly aftertouch keybed, Quantum MK2 can be controlled by any MPE-capable controller by directly connecting to Quantum's USB host port.
16 voices of polyphony
Based on an eight-voice analog dual-filter architecture, Quantum MK2 delivers 16 voices of polyphony in any combination of using digital dual multi-mode filters with the eight analog ones. Moreover, the combination of analog with digital filters reinforces what Waldorf Music has stood for since its beginning: hybrid digital and analog synthesis. Flexible voice allocation modes give the musician easy control.
59GB of sample storage
Another cornerstone of Quantum MK2 is its increased internal sampling storage, going from a few GB to 59GB. Quantum has quickly become the instrument of choice for sound enthusiasts and cinematic composers from Berlin to Los Angeles thanks in no small part to its modern advanced sampling capabilities. All along, Waldorf Music has listened to the requests and needs of musicians and added a polyphonic granular sampling engine alongside its traditional multi-sample engine.
Design and display
The updated mechanical design and a classy naval blue finish presents the musician an instrument of beauty and inspiration. The improved mounting of the high-resolution touch display provides wider viewing angles and an intuitive way of controlling the more advanced features of the Quantum synthesis engine.
Sounds and samples
Highly acclaimed sound designers from all over the world have contributed to the huge library of factory presets and 2GB of sample content. Waldorf Music is proud to have sounds from designers like Richard Devine, Howard Scarr, Reinhold Heil, BT, Matt Johnson, Joerg Huettner, Kevin Schroeder, Sascha Dikiciyan, Kurt Ader, Mike Huckaby, Thorsten Quaeschning and many more. All sounds are compatible with Waldorf's Iridium instruments in both directions.
Digital/analog hybrid architecture
Waldorf's famed wavetable oscillator technology forms the basis for Quantum MK2, descended from legendary synthesizers like Waldorf Wave. Quantum MK2 goes beyond what was previously possible, however, with more oscillators, more algorithms and more ways to modulate them. Combine that with Waldorf's incredible analog filters and a hybrid synth like no other is born.
16 voices, plus multitimbrality
Quantum MK2's 16 voices can also be split or layered multitimbrally for even more sound versatility. Quantum MK2 has a second pair of audio outputs specifically for use in multitimbral mode. And with Quantum MK2's wealth of algorithmic oscillator power under the hood, that means sonic possibilities like no synthesizer ever before.
3 stereo digital oscillators per voice, each capable of 5 synthesis algorithms
- Wavetable: 'Waldorf style' with the latest additions from Waldorf's Nave virtual instrument including speech synthesis, wavetable generation from audio and other new features
- Waveform: Waveform offers up to 8 simultaneous waves per oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard sync, warp and pulse width modulation
- Particle: granular sampler with multi-sampling and traditional sampling mode
- Resonator: exciter plus filter bank sound model
- Kernel: added in Quantum OS 2.0, this is a modular approach to synthesis in which up to six audio kernels can be freely combined into a single oscillator.
Wavetable creation from audio and sample-based synthesis
No Waldorf synth would be complete without the Wavetable oscillator technology for which Waldorf is known the world over. Quantum MK2 follows that iconic heritage with not only classic wavetables, but also the ability to generate custom wavetables using audio that can either be routed into Quantum MK2's audio input or loaded from internal or removable sample memory.
8 analog filters + 8 multi-mode filters
Waldorf's filters are second to none. With both a standalone analog filter in the form of the 2-Pole desktop module and a uniquely powerful eurorack filter module, Quantum MK2's analog resonant low pass filters come from a highly respected progeny and afford users sonic possibilities completely unheard of when combined with Quantum MK2's massive modulation routing section, wealth of LFOs and envelopes.
Visualization and deeper sound editing via multi-touch display
Quantum MK2's onscreen spectrum analyzer allows users to precisely visualize their sound and an onscreen oscilloscope is available at various processing stages.
Superior key controls, arpeggiator and step sequencer
Quantum MK2 provides users with tools to best utilize and expand upon the playability of its keybed, such as an arpeggiator, an onscreen step sequencer as well as a chord play mode with hold and latch.
6 LFOs and 6 loopable envelopes with multistage LFO / envelope modulator
- 6 LFOs in poly and global mode with extensive parameter set
- 6 loopable envelopes
- Komplex: multistage LFO / envelope modulator
5 master effects with separate sections for each timbre
When in multitimbral split or layer mode, both timbres can have separate effects chains applied to them so that Quantum MK2 can provide the maximum breadth of sound design options.
Internal memory plus SD card slot for firmware updates and sample storage/transfer
Quantum MK2 not only comes with four gigabytes of internal flash memory and 59GB of internal sample storage, it also has an SD card slot that can be used to load and save user wavetables and samples.
Extensive suite of inputs/outputs including USB host/device and multiple stereo outs
With multiple stereo outputs for multiple timbres as well as headphones and a stereo audio input for recording/creating user wavetables, Quantum MK2 offers every possible I/O that users could possibly need to utilize all of its powerful features. Quantum MK2 also contains both USB host and device ports so that it can host external USB MIDI devices and communicate MIDI over USB to a Mac or PC.
| SKU | WAL-QUANTUMMK2 |
| Vendor | Waldorf |
| Aftertouch | Yes |
| Analog Digital | Hybrid |
| Built In Speakers | No |
| Included From Manufacturer | Power cord |
| Keys Weighted | Semi-Weighted |
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Key Size | Full Size Keys |
| Midi | In, Out, Thru, and USB |
| Mono Poly | Polyphonic |
| MPN | QUANTUMMKII |
| Product Unique Features |
|
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Control Connections | 1/4" sustain pedal input 1/4" control pedal input |
| Onboard Controllers | Pitch wheel Modulation wheel |
| Effects | 5 × master effects slots with separate sections for each timbre Tremolo, phaser, chorus, flanger, delay, reverb, EQ, drive, compressor |
| Expansion Options | SD card slot for sample transfer/storage and firmware updates |
| Audio Inputs | Dual 1/4" stereo input for recording/creating samples and user wavetables |
| Audio Outputs | 2 × dual 1/4" stereo outputs, one for each timbre |
| Key Action | Fatar TP8S/SK keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch |
| Multitimbral Capability | Dual timbral with split and layer modes |
| Oscillators per Voice | 3 |
| Product Weight | 39.24 lb |
| Programs/Presets | 4GB internal flash memory for presets and wavetables, preloaded with approximately 2GB of sample data |
| Sampling | Recording of samples from audio inputs or self-recording of audio outputs 59GB internal sample storage Pre-loaded with approximately 2GB sample data Import samples via SD card or USB drive |
| Sequencer | Step sequencer with step recording, parameter automation and scale-based pitch quantization |
| USB Flash Drive Port (to Device) | Program/Preset Storage;Sample Import |
| USB Port (to Host) | MIDI;System Updates;File Transfer |
| Voices of Polyphony | 16 |
| Width | 39.61" |
| Depth | 15.78" |
| Height | 5.16" |
Waldorf Limited Warranty
This warranty covers all defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original purchase.
During this time, Waldorf Music will repair or replace the product without charge for materials or labor, provided the product was first inspected and found faulty by Waldorf Music or an authorized service center.
You must first contact your dealer or distributor by telephone. Products that were mailed without prior agreement cannot be exchanged or repaired free of charge. The unit must be insured and sent prepared in its original package. Please include a detailed description of the defect. Products that were not send prepared or in the original package will be returned unopened. Waldorf Music reserves the right to upgrade the unit with the latest technological advances if necessary.
This warranty does not cover defects due to abuse, operation under other than specified conditions, or repair by unauthorized persons. The warranty covers only those malfunctions caused by material or workmanship defects that occur during normal operation.
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