Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,946

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the Waldorf microWAVE XTk, a versatile synthesizer that brings the iconic wavetable synthesis to your fingertips. Tailored for both professional and aspiring musicians, this synthesizer merges advanced digital technology with intuitive controls, delivering a sound palette that's as expansive as your creativity. The microWAVE XTk features a robust interface with 49 velocity-sensitive keys, making it ideal for expressive performances and intricate sound design.

Equipped with the Waldorf Digital ASIC, the microWAVE XTk boasts unparalleled sound quality and precise modulation capabilities. Its architecture supports 10-voice polyphony, ensuring lush, layered sounds that can fill any sonic space. The onboard 44 knobs provide direct access to essential parameters, allowing real-time manipulation for dynamic live performances. Whether you're crafting ambient textures, aggressive leads, or evolving pads, the microWAVE XTk is up for the task.

The synthesizer also offers an extensive modulation matrix that empowers users to create complex, evolving sounds with ease. With over 1,000 factory presets and the ability to store custom patches, you'll have a vast library of sounds at your disposal. Connectivity is seamless with MIDI In/Out/Thru and audio outputs, making it a versatile addition to any studio setup.

Key Features:

  • 49 velocity-sensitive keys
  • Waldorf Digital ASIC for superior sound quality
  • 10-voice polyphony
  • 44 knobs for real-time control
  • Extensive modulation matrix
  • Over 1,000 factory presets
  • MIDI In/Out/Thru connectivity
  • Audio outputs for versatile setup options

Product specs

Brand Waldorf
Model Microwave XTk 49-Key Wavetable Synthesizer
Finish Orange
Year 1999
Made In United States
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 10 Voices

FAQs

Is the Waldorf microWAVE XTk suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Waldorf microWAVE XTk is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build, intuitive interface, and expressive sound capabilities, making it a favorite among performing musicians.

What type of synthesis does the Waldorf microWAVE XTk use?

The Waldorf microWAVE XTk utilizes wavetable synthesis, allowing for complex and dynamic sound generation ideal for both experimental and traditional music styles.

How many voices of polyphony does the Waldorf microWAVE XTk offer?

The Waldorf microWAVE XTk provides 10 voices of polyphony, offering ample capability for intricate sound layering and rich harmonies.

Does the Waldorf microWAVE XTk integrate well with MIDI setups?

Yes, the Waldorf microWAVE XTk features MIDI Input, Output, and Through connections, ensuring seamless integration with existing MIDI setups for enhanced control and flexibility.

What are the key features that set the Waldorf microWAVE XTk apart from other synthesizers?

The Waldorf microWAVE XTk stands out with its unique wavetable synthesis, distinctive orange finish, and user-friendly interface, making it a versatile choice for both studio production and live performance.

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Waldorf Microwave XTK In Action

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave XTK In Action by Doctor Mix

Waldorf Microwave XTK In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Waldorf MicroWave XTk Digital Wavetable Synthesizer Demo by zibbybone

Waldorf MicroWave XTk Digital Wavetable Synthesizer Demo

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave XTk / XT by Veell__old

Waldorf Microwave XTk / XT

Veell__old

Veell__old

Video thumbnail for Waldorf MicroWave Xtk Demo&Review [English Captions] by musictrackjp

Waldorf MicroWave Xtk Demo&Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave XTK (Anthony Rother) by Anthony Rother

Waldorf Microwave XTK (Anthony Rother)

Anthony Rother

Anthony Rother

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave Xtk Demo by synthlegends

Waldorf Microwave Xtk Demo

synthlegends

synthlegends

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique sound design capabilities with a wide sonic palette

  • Combines digital harshness with lush, warm tones

  • Hands-on control enhances the sound design experience

  • Rare, with a collector's item potential for specific models

  • Offers other-worldly, evolving, and sparkly textures

  • Performs well beyond traditional waveforms, ideal for unique sounds

  • Has a better physical appearance and sound quality than perceived online

CONS

  • Not suitable for those seeking traditional sounds (e.g., grand piano patches)

  • Learning curve can be steep for those new to wavetable synthesis

  • Limited production makes it harder to find, increasing its rarity

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The XTk includes a keyboard with layer buttons, simplifying layering tasks compared to the rack version.

    Source
  • The XT's mod matrix allows one envelope or LFO to control multiple parameters, a feature missing from the M, which uses a different modulation approach.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The XTk's power supply resembles a rack's 12V wall wart integrated inside, prone to failure but relatively simple to replace.

    Source
  • Replacing XTk displays with OLEDs can affect stability by drawing excessive current from +5V rails, demanding careful power management.

    Source

Build quality

  • XT rackmounts are noted for their heavy, solid steel enclosures, contrasting with the cheaper-feeling plastic knobs.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Cloning expansion boards resulted in 30-voice upgrades, with ongoing efforts to adapt version 2 boards for enhancements.

    Source
  • monstrumWaveXT software can upload user wavetables and draw custom waveforms for the XT, although some find the existing waveforms more than sufficient.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners frequently highlight the XT's onboard random patch generator for creating intriguing soundscapes and learning synthesis.

    Source
  • The XT's parameter randomizer can generate uniquely complex patches, creating sounds that are difficult to replicate with other synths.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • A VST plugin emulates the XT's dsp563 chip, requiring a firmware dump for operation, providing a digital alternative to the hardware experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The M replicates the Microwave I's functionality, including its ASIC bug, and doesn't aim to replicate the XT, despite having some XT digital filters.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The XT is praised for its digital glitchy sounds, making it ideal for experimental and unusual soundscapes that stand out in music production.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Charlie Clouser uses Waldorf microWAVE XTk

Charlie Clouser

Keyboardist, Composer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Spitfire Audio titled "Creative Cribs - Charlie Clouser (Saw)," Charlie Clouser demonstrates his custom painted grey Waldorf microWAVE XTk at the 1:31 mark.

See how Christopher Franke uses Waldorf microWAVE XTk

Christopher Franke

Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Christopherfranke

from the equipment list on his website

See how Rebekah uses Waldorf microWAVE XTk

Rebekah

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The Microwave XTk is visible in the background at the 2:29 mark, below the Moog

See how Assemblage 23 uses Waldorf microWAVE XTk

Assemblage 23

Music Producer

...
Verified via Assemblage23

Assemblage 23 has confirmed the use of the Waldorf microWAVE XTk synthesizer on their albums "Storm," "Defiance" and "Meta" as detailed on their official gear page.

Album Usage

The Waldorf microWAVE XTk has been featured on the following albums:

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 XTk, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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