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Average Price: $1,325
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Description
The Waldorf Q Keyboard Synth is a robust and versatile synthesizer designed for both professional musicians and synthesizer enthusiasts. Featuring a 61-key keyboard with semi-weighted keys, this synth offers an intuitive user experience, combining classic analog warmth with modern digital capabilities. The Waldorf Q stands out with its unique sound engine, which allows for the creation of complex and dynamic sounds, ideal for a wide range of musical styles.
This synthesizer is equipped with a powerful voice architecture, offering up to 16-part multitimbrality and 32 voices of polyphony. It includes a variety of filters, including classic analog models, to shape your sound precisely. The Waldorf Q also features an extensive modulation matrix, enabling intricate sound design and experimentation. Additionally, its arpeggiator and step sequencer provide creative options for live performances and studio work.
With its comprehensive control panel, the Waldorf Q Keyboard Synth allows for real-time manipulation of sounds, making it a perfect tool for live performances. The integration of MIDI and external control options ensures seamless connectivity with other gear in your setup.
Key Features:
- 61-key semi-weighted keyboard
- Up to 32 voices of polyphony
- 16-part multitimbrality
- Extensive modulation matrix
- Multiple analog-modeled filters
- Real-time control panel for sound manipulation
- Built-in arpeggiator and step sequencer
- MIDI and external control options for connectivity
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
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Is the Waldorf Q Keyboard Synth polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Waldorf Q Keyboard Synth is polyphonic, offering 32 voices, which allows for complex layering and rich soundscapes.
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What type of keyboard action does the Waldorf Q Synth have?
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The Waldorf Q Synth features a semi-weighted keyboard action, providing a balance between the responsiveness of a synth-action and the feel of a weighted piano.
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Does the Waldorf Q Synth support MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Waldorf Q Synth supports MIDI connectivity with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it versatile for integration into various setups.
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What are the standout features of the Waldorf Q's sound engine?
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The Waldorf Q's sound engine is known for its powerful virtual analog synthesis capabilities, offering a wide range of sounds from lush pads to aggressive leads, ideal for both studio and live performance.
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How many keys does the Waldorf Q Keyboard Synth have?
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The Waldorf Q Keyboard Synth is equipped with 61 full-size keys, providing ample range for expressive playing.
Videos
Martin Peters
Exploring the Waldorf Q Keyboard
Exploring the Waldorf Q Keyboard
Martin Peters
Official Waldorf Q demo
emptyvessel
WALDORF Q - Synth Review, Sounds & Demo | A Powerful Digital Synthesizer From 1999
synth4ever
Waldorf Q: Review and Demo
wedream2
Waldorf Q - favourite sounds
Miguel d'Oliveira
Waldorf Q Multis: Sequences and Arpeggios
wedream2
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waldorf Q Keyboard Synth.
Comparisons
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The Quantum's user interface is considered cluttered and less intuitive than the Q for virtual analog and wavetable synthesis due to its multi-engine design.
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The Blofeld is favored for its extended wavetables and sample capabilities, whereas the Micro Q's sound is often described as more mature and unique compared to the Blofeld's colder digital tone.
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The Q+ is noted for its analog filters, differentiating it from the Waldorf Q and aligning it closer to the Quantum in terms of feature set.
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The Bass Station 2, despite being a monosynth, can be programmed for multi timbral use, similar to more complex synths like the Waldorf Q.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Despite the Blofeld's broader features, some users still prefer the Micro Q for its unique sound, which they find preferable over digital VSTs for certain audio textures.
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The Q is praised for its ability to cut through a mix, with some owners highlighting its effectiveness for creating complex ARP sequences.
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The Q excels in producing bizarre, unique sounds from its wavetables, making it a favorite for those creating unconventional soundscapes.
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Software and compatibility
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The Blofeld offers a similar sound and functionality to the Micro Q, but users can enhance its capabilities further with additional wavetables and samples not present in the Micro Q.
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User experience
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Some users find the traditional small form factor of Waldorf's UI, including the Micro Q, cumbersome, leading to a love-hate relationship with its usability over the years.
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Some users find the sound patches on the Q to be harsh, with an edge that may not suit all preferences.
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Owners note that the endless encoders on the Waldorf Q might require occasional adjustment after prolonged disuse to ensure smooth operation.
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Features and functionality
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The Micro Q's polyphony can reach up to 25 voices, expandable to 75, but this decreases with more CPU-intensive patches, unlike the consistent polyphony of the original Q.
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The Waldorf Q offers 3 oscillators, 2 with wavetables, FM, ring mod, and dual FX engines, enabling deep sound design with pristine quality.
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The Waldorf Q offers dedicated front panel knobs for oscillator crossmod, shape modulation, and filter FM, avoiding the need for menu diving.
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The Waldorf Q includes a 16-slot mod matrix and 16-part multi-timbrality, appealing for live performances with multiple instruments accessible from the front panel.
Source
Value and pricing
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A Q+ with a broken key is considered overpriced at 1400€, especially given the availability of newer alternatives like the Iridium for similar or slightly higher prices.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waldorf Q Keyboard Synth, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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