Waldorf Iridium has made the impossible possible. The mighty synth engine from Quantum is now available in a compact form. Tracing the footsteps of its bigger brother, Iridium features all the synthesis elements of Quantum as well in a rack-compatible format. The combination of the powerful engine, incredible flexibility and detailed sound shaping facilities create sheer endless possibilities of sound. Yet, the comprehensive layout and easy-to-understand structure lets you design your own sounds in no time. Sporting a solid metal casing and the same high level of craftsmanship like Quantum, Iridium is now ready to take over studios and stages throughout the world.

Contributing another entry in Waldorf’s rich history, Iridium joins the family as a direct descendant of the PPG Wave. Though, Iridium offers much more than its ancestor. Five different synthesis models are provided by Iridium for each of the three oscillators:

• Wavetable
• Waveform (Virtual Analog)
• Particle (Sampling and Granular Sampling)
• Resonator
• Kernels

Kernel mode has been introduced with the OS 2.0 of Quantum. This huge upgrade allows one oscillator to be turned into up to six sub oscillators. These can be interlinked through FM, AM and Wavetable positions and arranged in user-definable constellations. Just this upgrade alone would have provided enough additional features to create a synthesizer on its own. Now, all those functions have been integrated into Iridium as well.

Up to 7000 patches can be saved in Iridium. Patches from Quantum can be loaded in Iridium and vice-versa.

Iridium features three digital filters per voice. Two in the Dual Filter section and another one in the Digital Former. Several types are available to choose from:

• 12 or 24dB and Lowpass/Highpass/Bandpass with optional saturation or dirtiness.
• Various filter models are available including those from Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG 3V.
• The Dual Filter section can be controlled independently or together in several different link modes.
• The Digital Former offers all the filter types and models from the Dual Filter plus unusual models like Comb, Drive, Bitcrusher and more in addition.

All filters retain a true stereo signal throughout the entire structure of the instrument.

Up and down, back and forth
6 Envelopes, 6 LFOs and many more are just waiting for being used as sources in the 40 slots of the Modulation Matrix. Each slot has one additional control amount. Modulations can be directed to almost every numerical value in Iridium. All sources and destinations can be used as many times as desired until the Modulation Matrix is full. If you ever happen to run out of LFOs or Envelopes, you can use the Komplex Modulator for generating a custom shape LFO or Envelope.

Complex, but not complicated
Even though Iridium features a staggering amount of parameters to control, everything is organized in a logic structure which is easy to master. The major controls have their own dedicated knobs, while the rest is accessible through the touch screen and the encoders around it. There are no complex menus keeping you from doing what you have in your mind. Instead, you will find a workflow which you will soon miss on other synthesizers.

Hands-on
Embedded in the front panel, a 4×4 silicon pad matrix invites you to launch notes, chords, arpeggios and sequences with up to 64 steps for notes and multiple parameter lines. Direct access to the parameters is granted by the six encoders to the left and the right hand side of the touch screen.

Take a look inside!
Iridiums large color touch screen keeps you informed at all times. Upon moving a knob, Iridium gives you an optical feedback of your changes in real-time. Filter curves move, Particle grain sizes change, Envelopes warp and much more:

• Komplex Modulator curves can be drawn with your finger
• Envelopes show at which stage the voices currently are
• Wavetables are displayed in comprehensive view modes
• VU meters show which voices are used and the individual voice levels
• Different Analyzers show the audio signal picked up at different points

Get connected
Two Audio Outputs allow you to listen to Iridium, while two Inputs allow Iridium to process external signals. 4 CV inputs plus Gate In and Trigger In are ready to forward external signals to the Mod Matrix. Furthermore, Clock In and Clock Out will get your gear in sync. MIDI connections can be made through USB and DIN MIDI. Iridium is also equipped with a USB Host port for MIDI devices. This port also handles data exchange, in addition to the MicroSD card slot.

Once again, Waldorf have underlined their status with a new and exciting synthesizer.

Iridium is designed, constructed and made in Germany. All components used are of industrial grade quality to create a reliable studio device that is made to last for many years.

Specifications

 

• 16-voice polyphonic, duo-timbral
• Compatible with the synth engine of the Waldorf Quantum

 

3 Oscillators

5 Oscillator modes:

 

• Wavetable
• Waveform (VA)
• Particle (sampling and granular sampling)
• Resonator
• Kernels (up to 6 kernel sub-oscillators, that can be linked by FM, AM, PD, Ring-modulation or wavetable positions and influenced by modulating at audio rate)

 

3 filters per voice

2 Digital filter

 

• True stereo signal processing, independently adjustable
• 12/24dB LP/HP/BP in all combinations
• Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum and StateVariable as models
• Analyzer display in the filter view

• Filter curve moves with modulation (optional)
• Flexible routing options for filters incl. modulation of panorama and level

 

Digital Former

 

• Filter models from Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG in HP/LP/BP/Notch, Comb Filter Bitcrusher, various drive modes, ring modulation, StateVariable

 

Modulators:

 

• 6 envelopes
• 6 LFOs
• Complex modulator (LFO/envelope combination with user-definable shape and morphing)

 

Modulations Matrix

 

• 40 slots
• Quick assignment
• One additional controller per slot
• The same sources and destinations can be used as often as required until the matrix is full

 

Effects

 

• 5 slots per layer
• Various parallel and serial routing options
• Reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, drive, EQ, compressor, tremolo

 

Pads

 

• 4×4 silicone pad buttons with RGB lighting
• Pads can play notes, chords, arpeggios and sequences
• Latch mode

 

Performance features

 

• Extended arpeggiator
• Step sequencer with up to 64 steps for notes and parameters
• Favorites display for quick patch recall
• Modwheel, pitch bend, aftertouch and velocity can be simulated via touchscreen and their MIDI assignments can be controlled
• MPE-capable

 

Display

 

• Robust industry standard quality
• Responsive touchscreen with brightness control
• 1024×600 pixels

 

Polyphony & Playmodes

 

• 16-voice polyphonic
• Duo-timbral
• Mono, legato and unison modes

 

Patches

 

• Over 1500 factory patches
• Capacity for up to 7000 patches (slot numbers 0000-9999 can be used)
• Patches from Quantum can be loaded into Iridium and vice versa
• Category filter for patch list
• 2.6 GB user sample memory

 

 

Connections

 

• 2x 6.3mm jack output (TS)
• 2x 6.3mm jack input (TS)
• Headphones output with gain control
• DIN MIDI In/Out/Thru
• USB MIDI
• USB host for memory and MIDI devices
• MicroSD slot
• 4 high-resolution CV inputs which can be used as modulation sources in the Mod-Matrix
• Gate In, Trigger In
• Analog clock In & Out with clock divider settings
• Kensington® lock

 

Overall

 

• Sturdy metal housing with aluminum knobs
• Dimensions: 440mm wide, 305mm deep, 85mm high (including controls)
• Weight: 5.4kg
• VESA 75 mount on the underside (can be mounted on a monitor stand according to VESA standard)
• Adapter for installation in 19″ rack available