Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $224
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$500
$1501+
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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
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Is the Waldorf Rocket synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Waldorf Rocket is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for lead sounds and basslines.
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What kind of sound engine does the Waldorf Rocket use?
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The Waldorf Rocket features an analog sound engine, providing rich and warm tones typical of analog synthesizers.
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Does the Waldorf Rocket synthesizer have MIDI connectivity?
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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.
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Can the Waldorf Rocket be used as a desktop synthesizer?
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Yes, the Waldorf Rocket is designed as a desktop synthesizer, making it compact and easy to integrate into various studio setups.
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What are the standout features of the Waldorf Rocket's sound capabilities?
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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.
Videos
Perfect Circuit
Waldorf Rocket Demo
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
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The Waldorf Rocket's digital oscillator is noted for its powerful and unique timbre, distinct from other synths.
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The absence of menu diving allows for quick sound tweaks, making it ideal for users who prioritize hands-on control.
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The Rocket’s paraphonic mode requires detuning to achieve, limiting chord capability to 3 notes due to excessive detuning beyond that point.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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Users have successfully integrated the Rocket into DAW-less setups, controlling it with a Digitakt II for complex patch management.
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Owners run Rocket audio through UAD Apollo interfaces and use Thermionic Culture Vulture plugins for added tonal depth.
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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.
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Value and pricing
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One owner found the Rocket worth the €160 investment due to its unique oscillator and filter capabilities.
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Software and compatibility
Other
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Sweetspots for sound settings on the Rocket differ greatly from those on other synths, requiring a learning curve for optimal use.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 34 Ratings
165
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.
Beaut - Simple but Beaut
Love this piece of kit. Can knock up most sounds I'm after pretty quickly.
Artist usage
Add artist
The Waldorf Rocket is shown beside the Waldorf Streichfett in the top left of this photo
"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."
The pedal can be seen in the upper right hand corner of the attached picture
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.
(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.
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
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