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Description

The Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer is a powerhouse for sound designers and electronic musicians seeking an expansive sonic palette. Known for its distinctive wavetable synthesis, this module is a modern twist on its classic predecessor, offering a blend of analog warmth and digital versatility. At its core, the Motorola 56303 DSP processor provides the computational muscle to handle complex sound manipulations, making it a favorite among those who crave intricate textures and evolving soundscapes.

This synthesizer is equipped with 44 knobs, ensuring intuitive control over your sound parameters, allowing for real-time tweaks and creative experimentation. The Microwave XT features a robust MIDI implementation, making it a seamless addition to any studio setup. Its sound engine supports 10 voice polyphony, allowing for rich layering and dynamic performance possibilities. With 256 user memory slots, you'll have ample space to store and recall your custom patches.

Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or driving electronic beats, the Waldorf Microwave XT delivers unparalleled depth and character. Its unique sonic capabilities make it a staple for those who demand more from their synthesizers.

Key Features:

  • 44 knobs for hands-on control
  • Motorola 56303 DSP processor for advanced sound manipulation
  • 10 voice polyphony for rich sound layering
  • Extensive MIDI implementation for versatile connectivity
  • Wavetable synthesis for creating complex textures
  • 256 user memory slots for patch storage
  • Multi-mode filters for diverse sound shaping
  • Real-time modulation capabilities for dynamic sound creation

Product specs

Brand Waldorf
Model Microwave XT Rackmount Wavetable Synthesizer
Finish Orange
Year 1998
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 10 Voices

FAQs

What is the sound engine of the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer based on?

The Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer uses a digital wavetable synthesis engine, allowing for a wide range of complex and evolving sounds.

How many voices of polyphony does the Waldorf Microwave XT offer?

The Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer provides 10 voices of polyphony, enabling rich and layered soundscapes.

Is the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Waldorf Microwave XT is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its robust build and versatile sound capabilities.

What MIDI connectivity options are available on the Waldorf Microwave XT?

The Waldorf Microwave XT offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, providing comprehensive connectivity for integration into various setups.

Does the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer have built-in effects?

Yes, the Waldorf Microwave XT includes built-in effects, such as reverb and delay, enhancing its sound design capabilities.

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Waldorf Microwave XT Demo

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave XT Demo by Perfect Circuit

Waldorf Microwave XT Demo

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave XT Sound Demo PART 1 by alexnova85

Waldorf Microwave XT Sound Demo PART 1

alexnova85

alexnova85

Video thumbnail for Waldorf M vs Microwave XT // The Definitive Comparison by Starsky Carr

Waldorf M vs Microwave XT // The Definitive Comparison

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Video thumbnail for From The Studio - Microwave XT : A Digital Classic by clubbingtvofficial

From The Studio - Microwave XT : A Digital Classic

clubbingtvofficial

clubbingtvofficial

Video thumbnail for Exploring sounds on the Waldorf Microwave XT by CGMAGIK

Exploring sounds on the Waldorf Microwave XT

CGMAGIK

CGMAGIK

Video thumbnail for Waldorf MicroWave XT by Analog Prophet

Waldorf MicroWave XT

Analog Prophet

Analog Prophet

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique sound not replicated by modern synths

  • Exceptional for ambient pads, crazy FX, evolving drones

  • Highly versatile modulation options akin to a modular synth

  • Four assignable outputs enhance multitimbral capabilities

  • Includes an audio input for extended sound design

  • Features a wide variety of efficient and creative filters

  • More tactile control with numerous knobs

CONS

  • Requires effort to create good sounds

  • Sounds somewhat cheap in mid-low frequencies

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners find that turning the synth's endless rotary encoders for about 20 minutes can resolve issues with jumpy or unreliable numbers.

    Source
  • Silicone oil-based shampoo is suggested by Waldorf for cleaning the Nextel coating without damaging graphics, though results may be temporary.

    Source
  • Owners recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant spray for cleaning and maintaining the knobs, restoring them to near-new condition.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Microwave XT and XTK are confirmed to be identical in functionality, providing an affordable option for those considering the more expensive XTK.

    Source
  • The XT is compared to the older Microwave Rev A and B, with users often preferring the Rev A for its unique sound due to different Curtis chip sets.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Vinyl wrap kits are available as an alternative to repainting, offering a custom appearance without text loss from stripping the paint.

    Source
  • Replacing the original knobs can be beneficial as some models come with already upgraded knobs, reducing maintenance concerns.

    Source
  • Encore Electronics offers an expansion card to increase the XT from 10 to 30 voices, but requires board version 3 running OS 2.29 or higher.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Nextel paint on the Microwave XT is known to degrade over time, resembling suede initially but becoming a maintenance challenge as it ages.

    Source
  • The paint on some Waldorf Microwave XT units can deteriorate easily, with even minor scratches causing visible damage.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A purchase price of $750 for a local find is considered a good deal in today's market compared to prices from 8-10 years ago.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Electra One patch editor is recommended for enhanced patch editing with community presets available for the XT, adding interactive screen functionality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Microwave XT's envelope times can extend into minutes, providing extensive control over sound shaping with its deep modulation matrix.

    Source
  • The synth includes a multimode filter and waveshaper, which can be powerful yet potentially harmful to ears if not used cautiously.

    Source

Other

  • An external input and dual outputs allow for layering of sounds, further enhancing the synth's flexibility in sound design.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners enjoy the "random patch" function for generating unexpected and creative sound variations.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for creating techno, industrial, and ambient music, the XT is noted for its versatility in producing pads, metallic sounds, and complex textures.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 27 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
benoitgilles

A digital modular synthesizer with wavetables and no cable

This is my favorite digital synthesizer. The sonic possibilities are really insane, this is the king for ambient pads, crazy FX, evolving drones... You can modulate everything with everything, it's a modular synthesizer. With the 4 assignable outputs, it's a beast in multitimbral mode. The audio input is a big plus two. There is a ton of different filters which are very efficient and creative. This machine is really a sound design weapon and you're gonna enter a totally new sonic world with it.

seducsyn

Wavetable Beauty

Forget about the vst wavetables and let's have a Waldorf wavetable synth anything it can be! Mine is Microwave XT. Which have more knobs and tactile facilities.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hans Zimmer uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer & Klaus Badelt

...
Verified via Photo

From a Sound On Sound article, the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer can be seen in Zimmer's large rack of synths in his studio (http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct02/articles/hanszimmer.asp).

See how Underworld uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Underworld

Music Producer

Freur

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Part of Karl Hyde's Studio.

See how Oneohtrix Point Never uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Oneohtrix Point Never

Music Producer

Ford & Lopatin

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"I have the Juno-60 that I mentioned, an Alesis Andromeda, which is very popular these days. Everybody's putting out analogue synths again and the Andromeda is a late 90s synth but all analogue. It's probably somewhat anachronistic today because there's so much around like it now, but I love how it sounds. I have a Waldorf Microwave XTC that I worship and control with a software editor called Monstrum XT that allows me to randomise its parameters, as I'm not very good at programming synths. I've also got an Elektron Analog Four, but the rest of the stuff's been decommissioned. If I'm not using something, I tend to sell it and move on, so I'm not too sentimental about hardware synths."

See how Vince Clarke uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Synthtopia

In the Synthtopia article "Vince Clarke And The Temple of Synth," Vince Clarke is noted for using the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer.

See how Venetian Snares uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Venetian Snares

Music Producer

Speed Dealer Moms

...
Verified via Photo

In this article from Trash Audio Venetian says his latest piece of gear was "a Waldorf Microwave XT off this guy I know a couple months back. It’s in my rack where my Prophet 08 with the world’s wonkiest pots used to live. I’m pretty into what you can do with multis, can take 8 patches and layer them together in really interesting ways."

See how Benjamin Goldwasser uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Benjamin Goldwasser

Keyboardist

MGMT

...
Verified via Emusician

"In addition to the ever-present Fenix (going through OTO Biscuit pedals), Goldwasser also had control of the Roland Chorus Echo delay guitar effect pedal, the Waldorf Microwave, and a rackmount Jupiter."

See how Ulrich Schnauss uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Ulrich Schnauss

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via YouTube

featured using the Waldorf microwave synth in this studio video.

See how Robert Del Naja uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Robert Del Naja

Singer

Massive Attack

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Underneath a picture (second half of article) of his private studio for Massive Attack it says: "The keyboards at the far end are a Moog Prodigy, a Waldorf Microwave XT, and a Roland Juno 60"

See how Chris Vrenna uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Chris Vrenna

Drummer, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Mixonline

In terms of keyboards, Vrenna notes, “I just like big, shiny keyboards with lots of lights. My sampler is still an E-mu: the E4 Ultra. I still use it every day of my life. They discontinued them because they've gone software, as well with the new E-mu X Series, so I've been picking up used E-mu's out of the Recycler and eBay and building a couple more hardware samplers just so I have them.” His arsenal also includes a Waldorf Microwave XT, Kurzweil K2000/R, Roland V Synths, an old Virus updated “as far as it will go,” a Nord Lead 2, Alesis Andromeda A6 and “a good old trusty JP8000.”

See how Harry Gregson-Williams uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Harry Gregson-Williams

Composer, Music Producer

Kind Heaven Orchestra

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Harry Gregson-Williams's LA studio complex, Wavecrest Music, commenced operations in Venice Beach in August 2003, and comprises three floors of editing suites, mix rooms and a live room, as well as Harry's own studio on the top level. This houses the following gear:

Sequencing and digital audio

*Steinberg Cubase SX and Ableton Live running on dual 3.6GHz Xeon server with 4GB RAM, two RME HD*SP 9652 soundcards, 75GB mirrored SATA system drives and 400GB mirrored SATA audio/sample storage drives. MIDI is streamed over LAN to Gigastudio PCs, and an Emagic Unitor 8 and AMT8 are used for hardware synths. *Pro Tools HD Accel system running on dual 2GHz Apple G5, with one 192 Analog and seven 192 Digital interfaces.

Samplers

*14x Emu E4X. *24x Roland S760. *7x 3.0GHz Pentium 4 PCs with 80GB SATA system drives, RME HDSP 9652 soundcards and 250GB SATA sound drives with custom and commercial sound libraries, running Tascam Gigastudio 3.

Software synths and plug-ins

*Arturia ARP 2600, Minimoog V and CS80. *Antares Filter and Auto-Tune. *Applied Acoustics Lounge Lizard. *Gmedia Imposcar and Oddity. *GRM Tools. *Korg Legacy Collection. *Native Instruments Absynth 3, Battery 2, FM7, Kontakt 2, Pro 53, Reaktor 4. *Ohm Force Ohm Boyz. *Spectrasonics Stylus RMX, Atmosphere and Trilogy. *Steinberg D'Cota, X-Phraze, Virtual Guitarist, VG Electric Edition, Groove Agent and Halion.

Hardware synths

*Access Virus, Indigo 2 and Redback. *Clavia Nord Rack, Nord 3 KB and Nord Modular. *Korg Trinity Pro X, Wavestation A/D and M1R. *Novation Supernova II Pro. *Roland JP8080, JD990, JV1080 and MKS80. *Studio Electronics SE1, ATC1 and Omega 8. *Waldorf Q, Microwave II, Microwave XT and Pulse.

Recording, mixing & outboard

*Avalon 727 preamp. *Eventide DSP4000 effects. *Lexicon PCM80 and 90 reverbs. *Quested HQ108 speakers in 5.1 setup. *5x Yamaha 02R digital mixers.

See how Scooter uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Scooter

Music Producer

Dance United

...
Verified via YouTube

In a studio tour video on YouTube by FanScooterchannel, Scooter is shown using the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer.

See how Ellen Allien uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Ellen Allien

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Ellenallien

The producer states: "Weiterhin haben wir häufig die Roland SH-101, den Waldorf Mircowave und den Clavia Micro Modular sowie alte Samples vom Ensoniq ASR-10 eingesetzt." You can see the yellow rackmount synth in the last pics at the bottem of the interview.

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 Microwave XT Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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mandatorygnome

Gear IQ 210

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