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Description

The Waldorf Microwave is a powerhouse for musicians seeking to explore the depths of digital synthesis with a touch of vintage allure. As a key player in the realm of wavetable synthesis, this sound module is celebrated for its unique ability to blend digital precision with an analog warmth, courtesy of its distinctive filter section. Originally launched in the late 1980s, the Microwave has become a staple in electronic music production, appreciated for its innovative sound-shaping capabilities.

This synthesizer stands out not only for its historical significance but also for its modern functionality. With a unique wavetable architecture, the Microwave offers a wide array of sonic possibilities, allowing you to shape and sculpt sounds like never before. Its intuitive interface is designed to cater to both seasoned synth enthusiasts and newcomers alike, ensuring that your creative workflow is as smooth as it is inspiring. Whether you're crafting lush pads, aggressive leads, or evolving textures, the Waldorf Microwave provides the tools you need to bring your sonic ideas to life.

Key Features:

  • Wavetable synthesis with extensive sound-shaping capabilities
  • Digital oscillators paired with analog filters for classic warmth
  • Comprehensive modulation matrix for dynamic sound manipulation
  • Multi-timbral operation for complex arrangements
  • Robust MIDI implementation for seamless integration with digital workstations
  • Intuitive user interface for easy navigation and sound editing

Product specs

Brand Waldorf
Model Microwave Rackmount Wavetable Synthesizer
Finish Blue
Year 1989
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 10 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Waldorf Microwave use?

The Waldorf Microwave is a digital rackmount synthesizer that utilizes wavetable synthesis, allowing for complex and evolving sound textures.

How many voices of polyphony does the Waldorf Microwave offer?

The Waldorf Microwave provides 10 voices of polyphony, enabling the creation of rich, layered sounds.

What are the MIDI connectivity options for the Waldorf Microwave?

The Waldorf Microwave features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible gear.

Is the Waldorf Microwave suitable for live performance?

Yes, the Waldorf Microwave's rackmount design and MIDI capabilities make it suitable for live performance setups, especially for those looking for unique digital textures.

Can the Waldorf Microwave be used with modern DAWs?

Yes, with its MIDI connectivity, the Waldorf Microwave can be integrated into modern DAW environments, providing distinctive wavetable sounds for digital music production.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Waldorf Microwave "Wavetable Synthesizer" (1989)

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave "Wavetable Synthesizer" (1989) by RetroSound

Waldorf Microwave "Wavetable Synthesizer" (1989)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Waldorf MicroWave I vs. MicroWave II Synthesizer battle by RetroSound

Waldorf MicroWave I vs. MicroWave II Synthesizer battle

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave 1 - Presets/Patches Demo by Sonic Freaks

Waldorf Microwave 1 - Presets/Patches Demo

Sonic Freaks

Sonic Freaks

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave Wavetable Synthesizer (1989) Sound Demo - PPG Wave Sounds by RetroSound

Waldorf Microwave Wavetable Synthesizer (1989) Sound Demo - PPG Wave Sounds

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Microwave 1 Demo: Pads Strings Analog Brass by Rob World

Waldorf Microwave 1 Demo: Pads Strings Analog Brass

Rob World

Rob World

Video thumbnail for Waldorf microWAVE 1: THE RAW SOUND by Supah Dupah

Waldorf microWAVE 1: THE RAW SOUND

Supah Dupah

Supah Dupah

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile synthesis suitable for any electronic music genre

  • Unique raw and gritty sound reminiscent of PPG Wave

  • Extensive modulation capabilities for deep programming

  • Recognizes polyphonic aftertouch for enhanced expressiveness

  • Excellent bass and ambient soundscapes

  • Simple yet efficient analog LPF architecture

  • Built like a tank with durable construction

  • Offers rich and warm sounds, akin to vintage synths

  • Capable of creating powerful strings and fat brass

  • Highly recommended by long-time enthusiasts

CONS

  • Can experience significant aliasing at high frequencies

  • Lacks built-in knobs, requiring external programmers for full potential

Critic Reviews

Waldorf Microwave 2.0

soundonsound.com

The Waldorf Microwave 2.0 is a unique synthesizer that stands out for its distinctive wavetable sounds and powerful analog filter. While it lacks built-in effects and is limited to 8-note polyphony, it excels in producing raw and rich tones from subtle to aggressive. The ongoing upgrades and support for six years highlight its appeal, though the factory sounds are underwhelming, requiring users to delve into programming for the best results. Ideal for those seeking something beyond standard synth presets, its quirks are outweighed by its sonic capabilities. A solid choice for sound designers who crave a gritty edge.

positive

Waldorf Microwave (SOS Dec 89)

muzines.co.uk

The Waldorf Microwave is a modern synthesis marvel, blending the legendary PPG Wave's sound with contemporary MIDI capabilities. It's an 8-voice, 2-oscillator synthesizer boasting dynamic spectral wavetable synthesis and a powerful 4-pole analogue filter. The Microwave excels in sound design flexibility, though its factory presets disappoint. The unit's unique sound and modulation possibilities shine as users dive into programming their own patches. However, its limited polyphony and underwhelming presets mean it's not suited as a primary studio expander. For those seeking to create distinctive, expressive sounds, the Microwave is a compelling choice.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 13 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thorsten Quaeschning uses Waldorf Microwave

Thorsten Quaeschning

Singer, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Thorstenquaeschning

Equipment & Software used on 'SYNTHWAVES':THORSTEN QUAESCHNING: Software: Steinberg Cubase 8 &8.5Hardware: Manikin Schrittmacher Step-Sequencer x 2Manikin MemotronRoland Jupiter 8 synthesizerRoland JD800 synthesizerDave Smith Prophet 8 synthesizerARP Solina MK2 string synthesizerKorg Wavestation Ex synthesizerWaldorf Microwave synthesizerMoog Voyager monophonic synthesizerModular synthesizerRoland V Synth synthesizerKorg Z1 synthesiserKorg Prophecy synthesiserKorg M1 synthesizerClavia Nordwave synthesizerYamaha TG77 synthesizer moduleRoland System 1 synthesizerRoland JU06 synthesizer moduleKorg MS20 monophonic synthesizerRoland JP08 synthesizer moduleRoland TR-8 Rhythm Performer drum machineOberheim DMX drum machineRoland Promars synthesizerFender Starcaster guitarFender Telecaster guitarFender Stratocaster guitarScrewdriver on wood and contact microphones,Several boxes with contact microphonesA field recording of bees in Thorsten's garden, edited on Cubase and then treated with Melodyne & Halion - and finally used for the lead melody line on 'A Calm But Steady Flow'.(Software synthesizers): Spectrasonics Omnisphere synthesizer, Spectrasonics Keyscape

See how Jun'ichi Masuda uses Waldorf Microwave

Jun'ichi Masuda

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

You can see the Microwave next to the TX-802 and modular.

See how Graham Massey uses Waldorf Microwave

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

A token nod to contemporary keyboard equipment comes courtesy of the Waldorf Microwave and Proteus 1.

"We've had them for over a year. The Waldorf is just horrendously complicated, but generally I find we're using about four sounds out of it; the 'Scanalogue' is a good one. The big crunchy sound in 'Cubik' is made up of about three or four sounds from the Waldorf, put in an FZ1 and multi-sampled. We still use the FZ because we've got a big library for it, and it's a lot easier to use than the Akai. The Proteus is pretty bog standard - we don't tend to use it a lot, mainly because a lot of people use it. We used the Moog sound on it before we got the Moog."

See how Boris Blank uses Waldorf Microwave

Boris Blank

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Yello

...
Verified via Photo

you can see his 1st edition microwave above the waldorf pulse in the rack behind him

See how :wumpscut: uses Waldorf Microwave

:wumpscut:

Music Producer

...
Verified via Sonic-boom

In a 1997 interview with Sonic-boom, :wumpscut: (Rudy Ratzinger) lists the Waldorf Microwave among his gear, highlighting its role in his music production.

See how Bryan Erickson uses Waldorf Microwave

Bryan Erickson

Keyboardist

Velvet Acid Christ

...
Verified via Archive

Wow, i owned a microwave 2 and a pulse +, and this thing destroys them hands down, the envs are kinda clicky on the fast attack settings, but this is kinda cool for industrial music in my book. The sounds are pretty and digital with a glow to them that is powerful. The analog cem filters really shine. I prefer the bass sound out of this to the pro one, and to an extent even the juno 106. The bass sounds are awesome and fit in a mix better in a lot of cases than even mono synths.. Wavetable scanning is great for ambience and weird industrial stuff. this synth reminds me of depeche mode, and juno reactor.. even tho it aliases, it does it in a good way. This is my favorite hybrid next to the prophet VS. Used heavily on just about every wumpscut song ever made.

See how Jerome Froese uses Waldorf Microwave

Jerome Froese

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Jeromefroese

Found on Jerome's Website.

See how Steffi uses Waldorf Microwave

Steffi

...
Verified via YouTube

At 7:40 we see Steffi beginning to dial in a sound on the waldorf microwave rev. A (with black text on green LCD)

See how Rick J. Jordan uses Waldorf Microwave

Rick J. Jordan

Keyboardist, Composer

Scooter

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 2:35 we can see Waldorf Microwave

See how Skudge uses Waldorf Microwave

Skudge

...
Verified via Photo

"@skudge_elias_landberg Racking it up. #rack #gear #waldorf #yamaha #tx8iz #wavetable #waldorfmicrowave #ensoniqesq1 #oberheim #matrix1000 #cheetah #inthestudio #hardware #2015"

See how Mumdance uses Waldorf Microwave

Mumdance

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Mumdance shows it in this studio tour @6:07

See how Martin Stürtzer uses Waldorf Microwave

Martin Stürtzer

Music Producer

...
Verified via BandCamp

Quote from the artist: "Recorded in the night from October 8th to 9th 2018. All sounds played and sequenced live with Waldorf Microwave I, Oberheim Matrix 1000, Yamaha TG77, Kawai K5000R. Moog Sub37, Eurorack Modular, Access Virus TI, Yamaha DX7."

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, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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