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Description

The Waldorf Q is a powerhouse in the realm of digital-analog synthesizers, celebrated for its versatility and depth. Designed for musicians seeking both precision and creativity, this synthesizer combines advanced sound synthesis capabilities with user-friendly controls. At the heart of the Waldorf Q is its sophisticated sound engine, which offers a wide array of modulation options and a robust effects section, making it an ideal choice for both studio and live performances.

With 16-voice polyphony, the Waldorf Q allows for complex layering and deep sound sculpting, ensuring that every note resonates with richness and clarity. The intuitive interface is packed with dedicated knobs and buttons for real-time manipulation, giving performers the flexibility to shape sounds on the fly. Its built-in arpeggiator and sequencer add layers of complexity and rhythm to compositions, while the robust connectivity options, including MIDI and audio outputs, ensure seamless integration with other gear.

Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes, driving dance grooves, or intricate lead lines, the Waldorf Q delivers the tools and inspiration needed to push your musical boundaries.

Key Features:

  • 16-voice polyphony for complex sound layering
  • Extensive modulation capabilities including LFOs and envelopes
  • Built-in arpeggiator and sequencer for dynamic performances
  • Comprehensive effects section with reverb, delay, and more
  • Intuitive interface with dedicated control knobs for real-time sound shaping
  • Seamless connectivity options including MIDI and audio outputs

Product specs

Brand Waldorf
Model Q 61-Key Synthesizer
Finish Blue, Yellow
Year 1999 - 2011
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

Is the Waldorf Q synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Waldorf Q synthesizer offers 32-voice polyphony, allowing you to play complex chords and layered sounds simultaneously.

What type of keys does the Waldorf Q have?

The Waldorf Q features a 61-key full-size keyboard with semi-weighted action, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience.

Does the Waldorf Q support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Waldorf Q includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with a wide range of external MIDI devices and DAWs.

What are the standout features of the Waldorf Q's sound engine?

The Waldorf Q is known for its powerful virtual analog synthesis, offering a wide range of modulation options, multiple oscillators, and dynamic filters to create rich and complex sounds.

Is the Waldorf Q suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Waldorf Q is designed for both studio and live performance use, with robust build quality and versatile sound-shaping capabilities ideal for dynamic, on-stage sound manipulation.

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Waldorf Q - FREE presets (demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb)

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Q  - FREE presets (demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb) by Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Waldorf Q - FREE presets (demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

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

Waldorf Q Demo&Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Q - the sound of by Riktenstein

Waldorf Q - the sound of

Riktenstein

Riktenstein

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Q 32voice Demo & Review by musictrackjp

Waldorf Q 32voice Demo & Review

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Q | Transmission Coefficient by Alex Ball

Waldorf Q | Transmission Coefficient

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for WALDORF Q - Synth Review, Sounds & Demo | A Powerful Digital Synthesizer From 1999 by synth4ever

WALDORF Q - Synth Review, Sounds & Demo | A Powerful Digital Synthesizer From 1999

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Q: Review and Demo by wedream2

Waldorf Q: Review and Demo

wedream2

wedream2

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Q - favourite sounds by Miguel d'Oliveira

Waldorf Q - favourite sounds

Miguel d'Oliveira

Miguel d'Oliveira

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Q Sand Dunes Ambient sound demo by Snupps Synth channel

Waldorf Q Sand Dunes Ambient sound demo

Snupps Synth channel

Snupps Synth channel

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Owners mention the unique "babyshit yellow" finish, which elicits mixed reactions but is undeniably distinctive and recognizable.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Waldorf Q boasts 3 oscillators with 2 having wavetables, FM, osc sync, and dual FX engines, offering deep sound design capabilities.

    Source
  • The synth includes a 16-part multi-timbrality feature, with 4 instruments available directly on the front panel for live performance versatility.

    Source
  • The Waldorf Q offers blending between filter routings, allowing for parallel or serial configurations, enhancing sound design versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Users have noted that the endless encoders require some adjustment after prolonged periods of non-use, needing a "massage" to function smoothly again.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Waldorf Q's 16 or more rare 32 voice version is compared to the Q+ and Phoenix editions, which have up to 100 voices and analog filters, highlighting rarity and expansion options.

    Source
  • The Waldorf Q uses three DSPs for better on-board reverb compared to the Virus, which employs a single faster DSP.

    Source
  • Users note the Waldorf Q has a fixed polyphony of 16 or 32 voices, unlike the Micro Q, which varies, highlighting a key differentiator.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hans Zimmer uses Waldorf Q

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard & Klaus Badelt

...
Verified via Photo

A Waldorf Q is seen in this photo of Hans Zimmer's studio.

See how Ferry Corsten uses Waldorf Q

Ferry Corsten

Music Producer, DJ

S.O.A.

...
Verified via YouTube

2:37 into Ferry's WKNDR Episode 27 (as well as various other shots in the episode), the Waldorf Q appears to the right-hand side of Ferry's screen.

See how Harry Gregson-Williams uses Waldorf Q

Harry Gregson-Williams

Composer, Music Producer

Kind Heaven Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen briefly around 11:06 near the bottom of his equipment rack.

See how Magne Furuholmen uses Waldorf Q

Magne Furuholmen

Keyboardist

A-ha

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of "Take On Me" at Live 8 in Berlin in 2005, Magne Furuholmen is seen using a Waldorf Q synthesizer. This was one of his primary synthesizers in the early 2000s, before he transitioned to a vintage Roland Juno-106 around 2005 or 2006.

See how Eskil Simonsson uses Waldorf Q

Eskil Simonsson

Singer

Covenant

...
Verified via Photo

Eskil has a Waldorf Q sitting in the background of this image.

See how Überzone uses Waldorf Q

Überzone

Music Producer

...
Verified via Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

Überzone is listed as using the Waldorf Q synthesizer in the Instrument List featured in the Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias article.

See how Firechild uses Waldorf Q

Firechild

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

the Waldorf Q Rack can be seen in the background in the bottom right corner at the start of this video

See how Stephen Duffy uses Waldorf Q

Stephen Duffy

Singer

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Soundonsound

'Tripping' "That was written in LA in the end of 2003, and getting it right took months. One of the first things Rob wrote when he picked up a bass was the bassline to 'Tripping'. We had this Daft Punk drum-machine line going on and he played this bass line, and immediately we had a song. I wrote the 'want you to love me' section, and I was thinking that it sounded really nice and melodic, but immediately Rob trumped me with the falsetto line, which was, of course, a much better hook. We used a Waldorf Q for the bubbling sequential thing underneath the track. It was the only time that machine worked. But it had served its purpose."

See how Drew Neumann uses Waldorf Q

Drew Neumann

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via SoundCloud

"SEA WITCH VS THE ALIENS" by Drew Neumann c2010 Droomusic ASCAP

"The story so far--fresh from their easy victory over the brainless Zombies, the Aliens dive into the Pacific Rim of Fire to raid the earth's resources and steal Methane Hydrates. They encounter something deep underwater that can actually fight back, and she is on her own home turf...

This cue features the Euro and Frac system set up in this simple patch--the one on the left is called Morbeus, it is an Emu/Paia homebrew made from Emu SSM evaluation boards and Paia EKX series boards. On the right top to bottom is an Encore Expressionist, Analogue Systems modular, Blacet, and Doepfer A100 modulars. Below that is a Powertran Digital Delay and an Alesis Quadraverb. These synths are backed up by 2 Waldorf Microwave 1, WAVE, and Q+, a Minimoog, 2 Minimoog Voyagers, Studio Electronics Omega 8, 2 Oberheim SEMS, a Tom Oberheim New SEM, Access Virus B and C, Arturia Origin, 2 MacBeth M3X, Jomox Sunsyn, Alesis Andromeda, and the 5U Knob Grotto. Mixed live off of all of the synths, this used 63 tracks and a couple of hundred voices. It probably should be titled the battle against noise floor and ground loops, but I won that battle!"

Album Usage

The Waldorf Q 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 Q, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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M

mandatorygnome

Gear IQ 210

keyhead

keyhead

Gear IQ 126

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