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Average Price: $224

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$500

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

Dive into a world of sonic exploration with the Waldorf Rocket, a compact powerhouse that delivers vibrant soundscapes at your fingertips. Perfect for electronic music enthusiasts and seasoned synth players alike, this aggressive monosynth is designed to inject energy into any setup. Despite its small size, the Rocket boasts a robust sound palette, thanks to its intuitive controls and dynamic features.

The Rocket's unison mode lets you create up to eight detuned oscillators, producing lush chords and captivating leads. Its continuous variable oscillator shapes allow for an impressive range of sound design possibilities, from sharp basses to ethereal pads. The built-in arpeggiator fuels creative spontaneity, while the smooth analog filters offer a rich, warm feel to your creations.

With its external input, the Rocket isn't just limited to its own sounds; it can also integrate and process external audio, expanding its versatility. Whether you're crafting tight basslines or expansive leads, the Waldorf Rocket is an inspiring tool for musicians eager to push the boundaries of sound.

Key Features:

  • Monophonic synthesizer module with USB and MIDI I/O
  • Two oscillator shapes with variable waveshaping and pulse-width modulation
  • Unison mode for up to eight detuned voices
  • Built-in arpeggiator with preset patterns
  • LFO with three wave shapes and speed control
  • External filter input for processing external audio
  • Minimal control set for fast sound creation
  • USB connectivity for control and saving sound data

Product specs

Brand Waldorf
Model Rocket Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 2013 - 2020
Made In Germany
Categories Analog Synths, Desktop Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Waldorf Rocket synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?

The Waldorf Rocket is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for lead sounds and basslines.

What kind of sound engine does the Waldorf Rocket use?

The Waldorf Rocket features an analog sound engine, providing rich and warm tones typical of analog synthesizers.

Does the Waldorf Rocket synthesizer have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Waldorf Rocket offers MIDI Input and Output as well as USB MIDI, allowing for easy integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.

Can the Waldorf Rocket be used as a desktop synthesizer?

Yes, the Waldorf Rocket is designed as a desktop synthesizer, making it compact and easy to integrate into various studio setups.

What are the standout features of the Waldorf Rocket's sound capabilities?

The Waldorf Rocket is known for its powerful oscillators, multimode filter, and the ability to produce a wide range of sounds, from deep basses to soaring leads.

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Waldorf Rocket Demo

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Rocket Demo by Perfect Circuit

Waldorf Rocket Demo

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for JayB and his Waldorf Rocket (Sound demo) by JayB

JayB and his Waldorf Rocket (Sound demo)

JayB

JayB

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Waldorf Rocket - Analog/Digital Hybrid From Hell??? by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Waldorf Rocket - Analog/Digital Hybrid From Hell???

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Rocket Synthesizer "official" Produktvideo by Jürgen Driessen by Jürgen Driessen

Waldorf Rocket Synthesizer "official" Produktvideo by Jürgen Driessen

Jürgen Driessen

Jürgen Driessen

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

Waldorf Rocket Demo&Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Rocket Arpeggiator by AudioCentralMagazine

Waldorf Rocket Arpeggiator

AudioCentralMagazine

AudioCentralMagazine

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Rocket Paraphony Test by AudioCentralMagazine

Waldorf Rocket Paraphony Test

AudioCentralMagazine

AudioCentralMagazine

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Rocket by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Waldorf Rocket

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Rocket Synthesizer guided synthesis walkthrough. by Nu-Trix The Synth Guy

Waldorf Rocket Synthesizer guided synthesis walkthrough.

Nu-Trix The Synth Guy

Nu-Trix The Synth Guy

Video thumbnail for Modal Craftsynth 2.0 vs Waldorf Rocket - Battle of the Mini Synths! by Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Modal Craftsynth 2.0 vs Waldorf Rocket - Battle of the Mini Synths!

Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech

Video thumbnail for WALDORF ROCKET: Sound and Functions - [direct high quality sound] [Full HD] by Penishead

WALDORF ROCKET: Sound and Functions - [direct high quality sound] [Full HD]

Penishead

Penishead

Video thumbnail for RS012 Waldorf Rocket: Rocket fuelled Fun by rejected synths

RS012 Waldorf Rocket: Rocket fuelled Fun

rejected synths

rejected synths

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Waldorf Rocket's digital oscillator is noted for its powerful and unique timbre, distinct from other synths.

    Source
  • The absence of menu diving allows for quick sound tweaks, making it ideal for users who prioritize hands-on control.

    Source
  • The Rocket’s paraphonic mode requires detuning to achieve, limiting chord capability to 3 notes due to excessive detuning beyond that point.

    Source
  • The filter can be used as a standalone unit with an audio input, requiring a note trigger and specific pulse width settings to isolate the filtered signal.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users have successfully integrated the Rocket into DAW-less setups, controlling it with a Digitakt II for complex patch management.

    Source
  • Owners run Rocket audio through UAD Apollo interfaces and use Thermionic Culture Vulture plugins for added tonal depth.

    Source
  • It's possible to achieve 303-style basslines with the Rocket, though it lacks the step edit and accent features typically associated with the 303’s sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner found the Rocket worth the €160 investment due to its unique oscillator and filter capabilities.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • MIDI control through DAWs like Ableton is common, offering flexibility for post-recording manipulation.

    Source
  • The Rocket can be automated via MIDI, though the filter type is not automatable; cutoff and resonance are adjustable through MIDI.

    Source

Other

  • Sweetspots for sound settings on the Rocket differ greatly from those on other synths, requiring a learning curve for optimal use.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the Rocket's sound versatility and compact size make it ideal for space-constrained setups prioritizing quick, hands-on programming.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 34 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jurgendriessen

Underrated Synth

Many people think this one sounds cheap or more like a toy. But this is not true! I created a product demo song for Waldorf just using this Rocket and I just can say "it rocks". It#s more versitile then you may think. And the "detune/chord" function the the osc section makes it sounding unique.

andrew_porritt

Beaut - Simple but Beaut

Love this piece of kit. Can knock up most sounds I'm after pretty quickly.

arthurelectric

Great hardware synth module for Chord sounds

Artist usage

Add artist
See how George Daniel uses Waldorf Rocket

George Daniel

Drummer, Composer

The 1975

...
Verified via Instagram

The Waldorf Rocket is shown beside the Waldorf Streichfett in the top left of this photo

See how Moderat uses Waldorf Rocket

Moderat

Music Producer

...
Verified via XLR8R

"I have a mixer [that receives] a lot of split signals from Sascha and Gernot, and I have distortion, two delays, and a little Waldorf Rocket synthesizer, which is very simple."

See how Al Cisneros uses Waldorf Rocket

Al Cisneros

Singer, Bassist

Sleep

...
Verified via PhotoBucket

The pedal can be seen in the upper right hand corner of the attached picture

See how JayB uses Waldorf Rocket

JayB

...
Verified via JayB - Official Web Site

Waldorf Rocket on the list

See how STATIK SKY NL uses Waldorf Rocket

STATIK SKY NL

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

STATIK SKY NL humorously refers to their Waldorf Rocket synthesizer as an "illegal weapon of mass destruction from Germany" on their Facebook page, highlighting its powerful capabilities in their music production.

See how Phelios uses Waldorf Rocket

Phelios

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

(c) Martin Stürtzer - Döppersberg. (equipment) Sequencer: Elektron Octatrack Elektron Analog Four Korg SQ-10 Synth: Korg MS-20 Waldorf Rocket Live recording, no overdubs. Thanks to Waldorf & Uni Wuppertal FB Musik for borrowing stuff.

R

Ralf Hildenbeutel

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Ralf Hildenbeutel has a Waldorf Rocket in his studio setup. Source: Interview on Amazona.de https://www.amazona.de/interview-ralf-hildenbeutel-from-techno-to-score/ Image: left side, beneath the keyboard https://www.amazona.de/wp-content/uploads/2030/01/ralf-hildenbeutel-2016.jpg

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

Community setups

Show yours
davor_tosovic

davor_tosovic

Gear IQ 108

dkdivedude

dkdivedude

Gear IQ 199

patrickwolf

patrickwolf

Gear IQ 604

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