Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole

$829.94 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (2)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

$829.94 1 available Used

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Average Price: $830

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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This cute but rare creature comes from a time, when software still had a hardware shell. The 4-pole’s basic purpose is to process any audio signal with a 24db low-pass filter, identical to the one the Waldorf MicroWave uses. Its complex modulation capabilities can be used not only to control cutoff frequency and resonance but also to manipulate volume and stereo-position of audio material. And its comprehensive MIDI-implementation lets you conveniently control it from any keyboard or sequencer.

Product specs

Brand	Waldorf
Model	4-Pole Miniworks MIDI Modulation Controller
Finish	Black
Year	1993
Categories	Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole use?: The Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole is an analog effects processor, known for its rich, warm sound character, typical of analog circuitry.
Can the Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole be controlled via MIDI?: Yes, the Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing for extensive MIDI control and integration with other MIDI-compatible equipment.
What kind of modulation capabilities does the Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole offer?: The Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole provides extensive modulation options through its MIDI Modulation Controller, enabling dynamic sound shaping and real-time control over various parameters.
Is the Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole suitable for live performances?: While primarily designed for studio use, the Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole's compact size and MIDI capabilities make it a versatile tool for live performance setups, offering dynamic sound processing.
What year was the Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole released?: The Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole was released in 1993, making it a classic piece of gear with a longstanding reputation for quality sound processing.

Videos

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Genshi Media Group

Stylophone S2 thru Waldorf Miniworks 4-Pole Filter

Genshi Media Group

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole.

Setup and maintenance

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Potential issue with 7812 voltage regulator when wrong power supply is used; may need replacement if reverse polarity occurred.
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Diode near power jack may need replacement if it no longer conducts properly after reverse polarity incident.
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Possible damage to CEM3387 chip could be costly; replacement may require sacrificing another valuable unit.
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Features and functionality

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The Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole may produce a medium-high pitched noise at certain VCA envelope release settings, likely due to zipper noise from CV generation.
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Unlike other synths of its time, the Waldorf MiniWorks does not cap envelope responses, allowing for snappier envelopes but potentially introducing artifacts like zipper noise.
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The Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole is noted for its remarkable sound enhancement capabilities for digital synths, making it a sought-after option for those looking to add analog warmth.
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Use cases and applications

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Despite its quirks, the Waldorf MiniWorks' unique noise artifacts have been creatively repurposed by musicians, such as in the case of the artist Pole using a broken unit for music.
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The Akai MFC42 is frequently integrated with digital setups, praised for its high-pass filter, 8-pole mode, and analog phaser, making it a versatile tool.
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Comparisons

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The Sherman Filter Bank is praised for its ability to add aggressive distortion, contrasting the cleaner sound of the Electrix Filter Factory.
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Value and pricing

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The Electrix Filter Queen, initially priced at $150, was negotiated down to $75, highlighting its affordability with potential for further modifications.
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Critic Reviews

Waldorf Miniworks

soundonsound.com

The Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole offers superb analog filtering with a rich array of modulation options, making it an attractive choice for enhancing digital synths. However, its cumbersome programming interface, limited user memory, and awkward desktop design detract from the experience. While it excels in sound quality and MIDI capabilities, the user interface may test your patience. Consider trying it out before committing to see if its sonic benefits outweigh the usability challenges.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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mineral_walter

1248

about 10 years ago

Nasty

The only disadvantage is that it got only a single mono input. Otherwise it got an envelope follower, LFO, you can push it to overdrive, all midi controllable and very nice sounding low pass filter. I process some softsynths with it to give them a bit of real analog bite. It come is 2 different versions a 12V which has a ladder filter designed by waldorf or a 9V version which has a curtis filter similar to the one in the microwave 1. There is the waldorf x-pole filter too which is stereo but you may need to look for it for years to find one for sale. It is not to be confused with the current 2-pole filter waldorf is offering.

Roles:

Bassist Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Electronica

Artist usage

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Daft Punk

Music Producer

Verified via Enmore Audio

The Enmore Audio article lists the Waldorf MiniWorks 4-Pole among the equipment Daft Punk used to record their album "Homework."

Nujabes

Music Producer, DJ

Urbanforest

Verified via Photo

A Waldorf 4-Pole can be seen in Nujabes' studio in this picture, sitting on top of a Roland A-80 keyboard. The image comes from this 2003 Sound & Recording interview (of which the magazine printing can be found here), which has been translated into English here.

メインの作業スペース。モニターはFOSTEX NF-1Aで、面に立ち上がっているのはSTEINBERG Cubase VST（APPLE PowerMac G4/500MHzを使用）。マスター・キーボードのROLAND A-80の上にはWALDORF 4Poleが置かれている

Nujabes’ main workspace. The monitors are Fostex NF-1A’s, and seen running on the screen is Steinberg Cubase VST (through an Apple PowerMac G4/500MHz). Set up on top of his master keyboard, the Roland A-80, is a Waldorf 4Pole.

Gareth Jones (producer)

Music Producer

Depeche Mode

Verified via Garethjones

Gareth Jones' hardware: "Akai S3200; Novation SuperNova, BassStation and DrumStation, Nord Micro Modular; Doepfer MAQ 16/3, Regelwerk, MS404 and Pocket Control; Apogee 500e A/D; Focusrite ISA115HD and ISA 131; TC Finalizer; B&K 4006 mics; Schoeps Collete series mics; Genelec 1029A monitors; Sherman Filterbank; Line6 POD; Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo; Waldorf 4-Pole filter; Apple G3 PowerBook; Digigram VX pocket; E-Magic Unitor II; and the wonderful MT4. My Soundcraft Spirit Folio Notepad is in daily use. Palm Pilot is also a major part of my life, and my Creative Nomad MP3 player and Sony CD Walkman are great tools."