Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,314

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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 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 Karl Hyde uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Karl Hyde

Singer, Guitarist

Freur

...
Verified via Archive

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.

See how Paula Temple uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Paula Temple

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo posted by Paula on her facebook page, to the left, one can see the Waldorf XT.

See how Graham Massey uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via Photo

In a Facebook post dated September 10, 2020, Graham Massey of 808 State is shown using the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer.

See how Phaeleh uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Phaeleh

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Dubstepforum

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! :)

See how Blush Response uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Blush Response

Music Producer

...
Verified via 15questions

"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."

See how Mirwais uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Mirwais

Music Producer

Taxi Girl

...
Verified via Geocities

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."

See how Fabian Del Priore uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Fabian Del Priore

Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

"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.

See how Peter Connelly uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Peter Connelly

Composer

...
Verified

"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."

See how 69db uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

69db

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

The Waldorf Microwave XT can be seen in this photo of 69db in front of his live setup.

See how Gokosoul uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Gokosoul

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Synthetix uses Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer

Synthetix

Music Producer

...
Verified via Imgur

In a studio image from Synthetix's datacenter, the Waldorf Microwave XT Synthesizer is visible, highlighting its role in their setup.

R

Ralf Hildenbeutel

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

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

Show yours
M

mandatorygnome

Gear IQ 210

pergamoon

pergamoon

Gear IQ 157

sammy_merayah

sammy_merayah

Gear IQ 75

More Waldorf Synthesizers

Waldorf Iridium

$1,643.82 - $3,999.00

 
Jordan Rudess Tim Hecker BNYX
10 artists using
Sequential Prophet-6

$3,283.92 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Mike Shinoda
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Deadmau5 Dominic Fike Martin Garrix
52 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides