Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,886
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Waldorf Iridium". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Waldorf Iridium Synthesizer is a compact powerhouse of sound, boasting the advanced tonality and futuristic functionality of its sibling, the Quantum Synthesizer. This desktop module brings to your fingertips a world of unique and dynamic sound generation, making it a perfect companion for musicians and sound designers alike.
With its three oscillators offering five different synthesis modes, the Iridium Synthesizer is capable of creating a wide array of sonic landscapes. From the sweeping grandeur of Waldorf's proprietary wavetable oscillator to the raw, innovative possibilities of its Resonator, Particle Generator, and Kernel Synthesis modes, this synthesizer is poised to take you on a sonic exploration like no other.
The Iridium doesn't stop at sound generation. It also offers an abundance of powerful modulators and a dual filter, allowing you to sculpt your sound with precision and flexibility. Yet, despite its depth and complexity, the Iridium remains user-friendly. Thanks to its intuitive multi-touch display and its array of tactile control knobs, you can easily navigate through its numerous parameters and settings.
The Iridium Synthesizer is also packed with a host of other features that will inspire countless hours of creativity. These include a 32-step sequencer, an arpeggiator, a 40-slot modulation matrix, and a Master FX section. And with its internal memory and expandable SD slot, you can conveniently store your patches, samples, and firmware.
Key Features:
- 16 voices polyphony; dual-timbral in split or layered mode
- 3 stereo digital oscillators per voice, each capable of five synthesis algorithms
- Wavetable creation from audio and sample-based synthesis
- Digital dual resonant filter with selectable 2-pole and 4-pole slopes
- Visualization and deeper sound editing via multi-touch display
- 6 LFOs, 6 envelope generators, and multi-curve LFO
- 32-step sequencer and arpeggiator
- 40-slot modulation matrix and 4 x 4 pad matrix
- Master FX section with time-based and modulation effects
- Internal Memory plus expandable SD slot for firmware and samples
Owner's manual
Waldorf Iridium User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Desktop Synthesizer and Sequencer |
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
| Pads | 16 x RGB Backlit Pads |
| Polyphony | 16-voice, Multitimbral |
| Presets | Over 1000 Factory, 7000 Patch Memory Slots |
| Oscillators | 3 x Stereo Digital Oscillators, 5 x Modes (wavetable, waveform, particle, resonator, kernels) |
| Waveforms | Sine, Sawtooth, Triangle, Square ; Warp Parameter |
| Noise Generator | Pink Noise, White Noise |
| Envelope Generator | 6 x EG ; Looping, Curve Control, Modulate Timings |
| LFO | 6 x LFO |
| VCA | Yes |
| Filter | 3 x Stereo Filters per Voice, Independent Modes ; Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum, State Variable |
| Sample and Hold | Yes |
| Effects Types | Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Reverb, Drive, Bitcrusher, Comb Filter, RingMod |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Sequencer | 32-step Sequencer |
| Analog Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (L/R) |
| Analog Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (L/R) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out/Thru/USB |
| Other I/O | 4 x CV In, Clock In/Out, Gate In, Start In |
| USB | 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A |
| Memory | 2GB Internal Sample Flash Memory, microSD Card Slot |
| Power Supply | 12V DC power supply (included) |
| Height | 3.34" |
| Width | 17.32" |
| Depth | 12.00" |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs. |
FAQs
-
Is the Waldorf Iridium synthesizer polyphonic?
-
Yes, the Waldorf Iridium is a 16-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing for complex and layered sound creation.
-
What types of synthesis does the Waldorf Iridium offer?
-
The Waldorf Iridium features five oscillator modes: wavetable, waveform, particle, resonator, and kernels, offering a wide range of sound design possibilities.
-
Does the Waldorf Iridium have analog filters?
-
No, the Waldorf Iridium is fully digital, including its filters, which allows for twice the polyphony compared to hybrid models.
-
Can the Waldorf Iridium be used as a sampler?
-
Yes, the Waldorf Iridium functions as a sampler, allowing users to load and manipulate samples within their patches.
-
How many factory presets does the Waldorf Iridium include?
-
The Waldorf Iridium comes with over 1000 factory presets and offers 7000 patch memory slots for extensive sound storage.
-
What connectivity options are available on the Waldorf Iridium?
-
The Waldorf Iridium includes MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, analog inputs and outputs, CV inputs, and more, ensuring versatile connectivity for various setups.
Videos
Matt Johnson Jamiroquai
Exclusive!! Waldorf Iridium Synthesizer keyboard version
Reviews
PROS
-
Powerful synthesis capabilities with a variety of oscillators and filters
-
Intuitive and user-friendly interface, including touch screen
-
Solid, durable build quality
-
Offers deep sound design tools, including granular synthesis
-
Capable of importing DX7 patches and personal samples
-
Features comprehensive effects and modulation options
-
Unique sound that cuts through mixes well
-
Suitable for a broad spectrum of genres and soundscapes
-
Firmware updates potentially enhancing future functionality
-
Swivel mount option for ergonomic use
CONS
-
Occasional software bugs, including screen issues
-
Modulation assignment could be more straightforward
-
Limited to studio use due to reliability concerns live
-
Some reported hardware quality issues with buttons and encoders
-
Program change limited to 128 "favorite" patches
-
Patch and sample management can be cumbersome
-
No envelope triggering from an external gate for CV interaction
-
High price point compared to some alternatives
-
Customer service response may be lacking
-
Some features may have a steep learning curve for new users
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings
205
Almost too powerful.
With three oscillators (including resonators and a pretty powerful granular implementation), a bunch of LFOs, and almost too many routing and modulation options, this is about as close as it gets to putting Massive X in a box. I ended up picking up a Minifreak in part because the Minifreak is more constrained and therefore accessible. But the Iridium is a beast and worth what it costs.
Well The First One DIdn't Work
We ordered a Waldorf Iridium unboxed it, plugged it in. 4 hours later the screen started going out, and the buttons on OSC 1 stopped working. It took close to 3 months to get my replacement. An almost $3000 synth should not start having issues when it is only a few hours old. Other then the issues with the first one this has turned out to be a very useful synth with a wide range of abilities.
Artist usage
Add artist
Tim Hecker mentions in this post how he's doing some scoring projects. Which if you're going to score a movie, a Moog One and/or Waldorf Iridium are the best ways to go about scoring with synthesis and sound design.
BNYX can be seen adjusting parameters on his Waldorf Quantum Synthesizer while live on Twitch, as he creates a beat for Seddy Hendrinx. This was documented in a YouTube video by ONB, titled "BNYX and @AMAARAE (w/ @SEDDYHENDRINX)" from February 9, 2025.
At the 18:38 mark of this YouTube video, Mat Mitchell confirms using the Waldorf Iridium to replicate the vintage Fairlight CMI sounds.
It doesn't have a keyboard. It is all buttons. It forces you to think a little differently with it. It has a really powerful synth engine. It's got crazy effects, and bit crushers and filters and all kinds of knarly stuff.
In this interview with JakoJako at https://inverted-audio.com/mix/jakojako/ the waldorf iridium is not named in the text, but it can be seen on her desk at the far right.
Throughout this video, Martin can be seen using the Waldorf Iridium. It is the large black synth at the bottom left to centre of the video, below the Elektron Analog Four, with the touch screen display and the gaudy coloured pads.
Merkaba/Kalya Scintilla posted a full studio walk-through. The Waldorf Iridium Synthesizer can be seen right at the beginning.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waldorf Iridium, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation6 alternative and related items for Waldorf Iridium, curated by the Equipboard community.
$749.00 - $849.00
For wavetable synthesis the ASM Hydrasynth is right on par with the Iridium. Both offer massive nod matrix options, and Euro CV inputs and outputs.
They Hydrasynth does not offer, granular or particle synthesis like the Iridium, but it does offer a strong alternative when looking for digital synthesis with a large mod matrix, but not overly complex.
$3,699.00 - $6,499.00
The synth Iridium is based on. The major difference are no keys, and to help with the size the analog filters were swapped for digital. Though in Waldorf style you can't really tell.
$2,915.00
$509.00 - $599.00
A similarly vast palette of oscillator choices (albeit more curated and without wavetables or samples (yet)), a similarly powerful (albeit more constrained) set of modulation options, and a similarly clean, digital sound without sounding tinny.
$2,222.00 - $2,599.00
More Waldorf Synthesizers
Accessories & Related Items
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synthesizers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
alexander_babikovGear IQ 2713
-