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Average Price: $1,314
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$500
$1501+
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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
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What is the sound engine of the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer based on?
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The Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer uses a digital wavetable synthesis engine, allowing for a wide range of complex and evolving sounds.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Waldorf Microwave XT offer?
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The Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer provides 10 voices of polyphony, enabling rich and layered soundscapes.
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Is the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Waldorf Microwave XT is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its robust build and versatile sound capabilities.
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What MIDI connectivity options are available on the Waldorf Microwave XT?
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The Waldorf Microwave XT offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, providing comprehensive connectivity for integration into various setups.
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Does the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer have built-in effects?
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Yes, the Waldorf Microwave XT includes built-in effects, such as reverb and delay, enhancing its sound design capabilities.
Videos
Perfect Circuit
Waldorf Microwave XT Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Unique sound not replicated by modern synths
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Exceptional for ambient pads, crazy FX, evolving drones
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Highly versatile modulation options akin to a modular synth
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Four assignable outputs enhance multitimbral capabilities
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Includes an audio input for extended sound design
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Features a wide variety of efficient and creative filters
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More tactile control with numerous knobs
CONS
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Requires effort to create good sounds
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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
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Owners find that turning the synth's endless rotary encoders for about 20 minutes can resolve issues with jumpy or unreliable numbers.
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Silicone oil-based shampoo is suggested by Waldorf for cleaning the Nextel coating without damaging graphics, though results may be temporary.
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Owners recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant spray for cleaning and maintaining the knobs, restoring them to near-new condition.
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Comparisons
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The Microwave XT and XTK are confirmed to be identical in functionality, providing an affordable option for those considering the more expensive XTK.
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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.
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Mods and upgrades
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Vinyl wrap kits are available as an alternative to repainting, offering a custom appearance without text loss from stripping the paint.
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Replacing the original knobs can be beneficial as some models come with already upgraded knobs, reducing maintenance concerns.
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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.
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Build quality
Value and pricing
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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.
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Software and compatibility
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The Electra One patch editor is recommended for enhanced patch editing with community presets available for the XT, adding interactive screen functionality.
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Features and functionality
Other
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An external input and dual outputs allow for layering of sounds, further enhancing the synth's flexibility in sound design.
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User experience
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Owners enjoy the "random patch" function for generating unexpected and creative sound variations.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 27 Ratings
96
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.
2130
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
In this archived version of a December 2000 article from Sound On Sound, there is a sidebar toward the bottom that lists Hyde's then-current studio gear: ·Access Virus synth. ·Akai S3200 sampler. ·Behringer Composer compressor/limiter. ·Behringer Ultrafex 2 enhancer. ·Clavia Nord Lead synth. ·Joe Meek VC1 voice channel. ·Novation DrumStation drum module. ·Sherman Filterbank. ·Sony MP5 multi-effects. ·Spirit Absolute 4P monitors. ·Waldorf Microwave XT synth. ·Yamaha SPX90 multi-effects.
In this photo posted by Paula on her facebook page, to the left, one can see the Waldorf XT.
In a Facebook post dated September 10, 2020, Graham Massey of 808 State is shown using the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer.
wub wrote: May as well get the basics out the way;
What's your setup, hardware & software?
Fair first question!
Hardware: Event TR8XL Monitors, Shitty Midiman style 2 Octave Keyboard, Presonus Firebox, Focusrite Compounder, Borrowed Nord Lead 2, Korg MS2000, Waldorf XT, Vermona DRM1 mk2, Presonus TubePre, JSH Drum Synth, Line6 Pod, and amongst various instruments my pride and joy is a PRS Custom 24.
Software: Cubase 5, Audiomulch, Granulab. My softsynth folder is a bit of a mess, but like the sound of Rob Papen stuff, but mainly seem to be into multi-samples and resampling at the moment! At the moment it's all running off a £166 barebones PC from novatech, but hoping I can invest in a decent machine next year!
Hope that that answers the question! :)
"My first proper setup was out of my college dorm room. I had an Access Virus TI, Waldorf Microwave XTk, Waldorf Pulse, Korg MS20, and Dave Smith Evolver."
The organ-like suspended voicings behind the vocal are from the Waldorf Microwave XT [8]. "It's a kind of fake Rhodes sound on the Waldorf," he says. "The part is kind of a church organ vibe, but the church organ sound was too obvious; there was too much characteristic of the sound in the track. We needed something more dreamy and discrete."
"We used Chris' music studio equipment, which were synths and samplers like Kurzweil K2000RS, Roland JV1080, Korg 01R/W, Korg Wavestation A/D, Akai S1000, Emu Ultraproteus, Ensoniq SQ80, Ensoniq VFX, Korg MS10, Oberheim Matrix 1000, Quasimidi Quasar, Roland JD 990, Waldorf Microwave, Yamaha SY77, Yamaha YS 100 and lots more, mixed on a Yamaha ProMix 01 and a Yamaha 02R digital mixing consoles. We loaded my GM midis into Chris' Cubase and from there it was easy to assign new sounds to the GM sounds. Eating pizza in Chris' studio too, awesome times to make game music! Thanks for your interest! :) Cheers, Fabian"
Can be find in the YT comments in the video link below.
"Hardware: Sound/Instruments - Roland XV3080 (fully expanded), Roland JV1080 (fully expanded), Akai S3000XL, Korg Trinity (V3 Pro), Novation Supernova, Waldof Microwave XT. Outboard/FX - TC Electronic M2000, TC Electronic Fireworx, TC Electronic Finalizer, TL Audio Valve Compressor, TL Audio Valve EQ, Ensoniq DP/4. Mixing Console - Soundcraft GHOST (56 Channel). Software: We used Cubase VST 5 to write the music, Soundforge 5 to edit sounds/sound effects, Vegas Audio to edit FMV's."
The Waldorf Microwave XT can be seen in this photo of 69db in front of his live setup.
In an Instagram post by Gokosoul, the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer is featured during a studio recording session, highlighting its role in creating diverse vocal vibes.
In a studio image from Synthetix's datacenter, the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer is visible, highlighting its role in their setup.
On this picture https://www.amazona.de/wp-content/uploads/2030/01/studio-detail.jpg from an article on Amazona.de showing Ralf Hildenbeutels studio we can see the Waldorf Microwave XT in a rack behind the equipment in the foreground.
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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