Why I got a Blofeld in 2018
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- I talk about why I got a Waldorf Blofeld synth in 2018 and give you a basic overview of what the synth is capable of. This synth has a really nice keyboard with aftertouch. It can also handle lots of synthesis types including wavetables, subtractive, FM, physical modeling and sampling. It's definitely a digital-sounding synth (and that's a good thing in this case).
Blofeld keyboard: amzn.to/2EEJeyX
Blofeld module: amzn.to/2JF7V1C
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You’re not weird. The aesthetics totally matter. One of the main reasons that draws me to hardware when there are almost unlimited soft synth options now. Great vid. I’ve always been curious about Blofeld
This was the video that convinced me to buy a blofeld in late 2019
nice one. I'm considering this as an addition to my Virus Indigo, MS2000BR, and Akai MPC Live. I was thinking about Korg Minilogue XD, but new one costs as much as Bloefeld Keyboard. For electronic / minimal / techno kind of things would you recommend it ?
This video wasn't why I got a Blofeld in 2019, but I did anyway... and I don't regret it. Got a desktop module brand new for $400, and it does as much as a whole table full of other synths. I should have gotten one a loooong time ago. Pair it with a decent sequencer, and it's pretty much everything I need to make complete songs without a computer.
I got a Blofeld four years ago and I'm still learning how to make the most of it. It's an amazing instrument.
I just found a great deal on a Blofeld and was looking for a serious overview of what the thing can do. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
Common guys... The talk at the beginning was awesome! I have seen tons of videos about the Blofeld like for years and this one is really cool.
Also.. for sounds just go to Jexus videos
I totally agree. Even the title is "Why I got a Blofeld" not "Listen to my Blofeld"
plus he did a listen to my blofeld video a couple of days ago
yeah he gave us his experience so at least he is not just blowing smoke
Totally agree...I dont understand why people don't want verbal context with the video. You dont watch the TV on mute do you?!
Waldorf Blofeld is like Access Virus; it doesn't get old-- _just more experienced._
The sounds of the Blofeld are Exquisite, Unique and Otherworldly.
Beautiful instrument!!
The Blofeld is my favorite synth I own. Absolutely love it.
Awesome video and a very clear explanation of the different synthesise forms and options! This has rekindled my interest in this synth again!
Your exact words from your intro speak my mind exactly as to why I'm looking into getting this keyboard now. I went through the same vintage analog road, have tons of Moog-sounding mono-synths, modular, etc. but I now want as you so perfectly put, something "unapologetically digital." I do own an Access Virus KC and like it but I to me the Blofeld seems consistently beautiful for ambient string, icy cold sounds. Correct me if I'm wrong.
I am glad he talks about the phases, i'm going through a 90s digital phase currently
This is awesome, I was just looking at getting the desktop synth yesterday! Now I definitely have to get one!
After watching this video and almost every demo on YT.. you made me buy one!
I love my Blofeld. I had a good midi controller already, so I just purchased the sound module. It's great. I like that I have the ability to go in and tweak all the parameters.
Good to hear the updates have fixed bugs! This piece of gear sounds great I may just buy it.
The Blofeld synth has an exquisite otherworldy sound to it. I have the desktop version and it is truly one of my favorite synths.
Nice video.
Thanks! Agreed.
I just got a Blofeld. I didn't actually know it's age lol. I had been listening to various synths on YT for quite a while, wondering what to get next, and when I heard the Blofeld I ordered mine the next day. Just really liked the sound. It was that different from the usual.
Same story here. Plugins led me to modern analog, which led me to vintage analog, and now I just enjoy everything. Its a maturation process.
I got a Blofeld a little over a year ago, and I love it. It is unashamed about its digital sound. It is a pleasure to program. The mod matrix and modifier section put it into another universe from any other polysynths.
Great keybed! Also, if you order from Europe, they sell for a few hundred dollars less.
Stereo filters, MSEGs, loopable envelopes, and a huge amount of THE Waldorf Wavetables.
The only drawback for me are the FX, which are kind of weak, but I am covered with great guitar pedals and HW fx so its a lot of fun.
Nice, we seem to have similar outlooks and journeys when it comes to synths. I live in Canada, so buying from Europe would probably cost more in terms of shipping/taxes/etc. even if the initial cost is less.
Plugins led me to making my own plugins :)) Then a good friend pointed to how cool C64 6581 SID sounds... I've spend some bit of nerves and money... and about few months to get it connected to my monitor, my PC and (that's important) midi-cized (what's the word for that?).
And C64 led me to the analog synth building...
in a parallel process actually. C64 is in my build-in wardrobe with three joysticks and one (useless basically) mouse controller :))) I put it out very seldom. Because the "custom mono-synth" (on breadboards+protoboard modules that looks weird) is practically ready. And sounds like nothing I've ever heard before... Somewhere (in sound) It can be compared to CS-80 but it has sine only on the filter (self-oscillating) and the filter is MS-20 clone actually... But this pure analog FM gives really naturalistic experience in tweaking different patches.
Now I'm about to buy Pickit3 to make PIC based envelopes and LFOs :D It will save a lot of space further. And I'll stop when a motherboard PCB will be formed and made (after voice PCBs of course). Yes, I want my own polyphonic pure VCO synth.
Tiergrinder is the best inspiration to me about DIY polyphonic.
Kevin Harris Have you tried the StudioLogic Sledge? It’s halfway a Blofeld (has a Waldorf engine) but is a little beefier and slightly better at VA synth sounds.
Haut Strange I have bot tried it, but was seriously considering the black on black, “murdered out” Sledge. The only things that held me back was not having two filters per voice, and no modulation matrix. If money was no object, I’d probably get one anyways.
It definitely sits alone in the market, as the poky VA/wavetable synth that is basically knob per function.
Does the Sledge have all of the Blofeld’s distortion algorithms? Thats one feature that was pleasantly surprising. Normally not a fan of digital distortion, but in this case, applying a little bit of different algo’s to each filter, and then again at the output, can really open up some sounds and at interest.
As we all know, a good synth stands out easily even after twenty years.
I guess I'm pretty off topic but does anyone know of a good place to watch newly released movies online ?
@Hector Kyson I would suggest flixzone. You can find it by googling :)
@Harlan Kingston Yea, been watching on flixzone for since april myself =)
@Harlan Kingston thank you, I signed up and it seems to work :) Appreciate it!!
@Hector Kyson no problem =)
This synth especially the desktop are great value for the money you pay, they can do mostly any sound you want, the sound is amazing and the build quality is second to none, also its multitimbral :) its defiantly the best mid range synth out there :)
Nice video, bought this synth ten years ago, still my main/master keyboard.
I picked up a desktop Blofeld a year ago. Wanted a polyphonic digital synth with a lot of functionality. Great synth. Tons of fun. Extremely versatile. I still feel like I've barely scratched the surface. It's overall potential is kind of mind blowing. Glad to hear your take on it.
Same here, got the desktop Blo in April 2017. My love of it has only grown as I've learned more of the indepth capabilities. I'm working on a web based patch editor / librarian for it now, as all of the current options suck IMHO.
Right there with you.i would like to be able to have an input to plug other instruments into it (guitar)
Thank you. Very interesting. I have a desktop version but never looked at it from this angle.
Hi. Why I still love this thing in 2019? It's sooo versatile and has all the goodies from the micro Q and micro wave on board. Sounds awesome and the mod matrix is fantastic. The sound design possibilities are bottomless. Have joy.
I own one and this thing is total dope :)
Your video is great and in depth.
Joyful modulation
Great. Just great and I cannot wait for the tutorials you hinted in the video. I will for sure use them to re-discover my unit.
Thanks. I will post some tutorials shortly, maybe even tomorrow!
@@onceuponasynth i have looked, can't seem to find
A lot of gear has passed through my studio over the years .The Blofeld has always remained ,even today it stands the test of time .
I very like your videos. Super that you got a Blofeld and that you will make some videos about it.
I also got one as you as a "counterbalance" to my other pure analogue synths.
I'm looking forward to your next videos. Keep your style explaining many things.
Thanks man!
really looking forward to this series, fresh blofeld owner as well right here
Nice!
Pleased to announce the new firmware V1.25 has fixed the encoder issue ( I had two encoders that would freeze or freak out ), I have a 2018 model - Waldorf are still developing fixes for this which means there is mileage in this module 11 years on. This synth is deeeeep and now all interactions are smoooooth! Thought I should share the good news.
Yeah I was surprised to see the very recent firmware update, I updated mine as soon as I got it.
Awesome!!! That seals the deal for me. I'm going to order one very soon.
Do it!!!! for the price you get a lot of synth, especially in multi mode where you can build your own deep sound. I have the desktop module and it has no midi out which is an issue. For big/phat trance sounds this is perfect.
I am with you on the elegance of the look
Thanks for this, I found your explanations really clear and useful.
Thanks, glad it was helpful!
I got my Blokey 3 days ago ... perfect!!! I'm very happy.
I got my Blofeld from Moog Audio around 2016, when I first played with it, I was really impressed, I can get sounds that are similar to those crisp lush pads from the prophet 12.
It quickly became my favorite synth.
I was also pleased with the high built quality , all metal with black painted wood ends underneath each sides.
My only downside is that I noticed one of the rotary encoders is loose and has almost no mechanical resistance to it, I like when you have to apply a certain amount of force to turn them.
Encoders known issues. Changed manufacturing in 2017. Can be replaced, no not "by user"
Just picked up one myself and haven´t had the chance to wrap my head around it yet - hopefully you will be able to help out! Seem like a nice guy as well, keep it going.
Thanks! I plan to post some tutorials soon
I’m watching this and thinking “why did I sell my Blofeld”. Really good information here and I wish I had seen this - even though you hadn’t made it yet!
hehe, you can always get it back! The prices have been pretty steady.
A very honest video in my opinion. Thank you
Nice to see this on my feed. I just pre-ordered one (my second) last week.
Nice!
I am kind of an analog purist..I have an SCI Pro One, Moog Sub 37, Moog Minitaur, Waldorf Pulse +, and a DSI Evolver in my studio and the Waldorf Blofeld is still my digital synth of choice that gets just as much attention as those others mentioned. It's one of the best digital polysynths out there along with the Q.
02:25 yes.. everything matter.s, the look, the feeling, the touch, the sound, the aesthetics, the color, the smell, the size, the psychological effect.. everything matters and it brings up the whole experience in a totally different level
"Why did I pick up an 11 year old synth" ...... because that's what we do, we're synth enthusiasts! If it sounds nice, we buy it!
Here once again to celebrate this box of wonders for musicians.
I bought a virus Ti almost 8 years ago. It was alway very “digital” I sound, but the quality of it and being so easy to model with it’s been hard to move on past. The blofeld is very high on my list for the same reason you love fm and wavetable. Hats off to you though. This was very informative.
you got a blofeld cuz its a dope synth hahaha - I didnt get mine until the end of 2015, but damn! its bad ass. It actually has a great rich sound for how old the software is-but i'm sure there is much more that goes into "depth" and "warmth" than just software. Great vid!
Thanks for this! Looking for a flexible synth that has an actual nice keyboard to double as a midi controller and thos is what I've learned towards. You video made up my mind. Oh and netted you a subscriber!!! Thank you!
So does the blofeld work just as a midi controller, if you want it to?
I really appreciate your overview at the beginning. Selfishly wish the used prices would drop a little more so I could get one. Now there is the korg wavestate to investigate too.
My second hardware synth was a Waldorf Pulse 2. It had a great build quality and sounded great. I sold it because I was trying to find something more "different" but if I do miss that one. I wish I could keep them all. I really liked the filter on it. Wish it didn't have the menus and more knobs though.
LOVE Blofeld!
Thanks for this!
I just got the module version (already have a NI Komplete Kontrol 49 midi keyboard) - it sounds so damn good. It compliments the Streichfett too; both provide me that "something", which sounds good and sits atop the analog gear I have.
Never smashed the sub button so hard!
haha, thanks, and welcome!
I totally get what you mean by the psychology part behind it. Some thing behind having a synth that lights up and you can touch it is just different.
Great piece of kit. Check out the Don Solaris Analog Voltage sound set.
i understand what you mean about the aesthetics/feel of an instrument. Im looking for a new midi controller and while i maybe should get the novation sl mkiii because it can do more things like sequencing, i keep coming back to the arturia keylab mkii because of the build quality, key bed and design. And it really does effect how well i gel with the instrument/controller.
One of the baddest ass synths made.
Circular Gates had a new virus 2 I was not that impressed. In my opinion its just a overpriced toy the Blofeld has crazy crazy hidden power I'm telling you this. The virus is most definitely "powerful" in the sense of processing power, poly, and 24 + the high end effects section. I think its modulation routing are redundant and certain gripes I just get let go it kicked that thing right out my studio. I'll be linking a pulse 2 to this desk top Blofeld of mine.
I love the Blofeld but I have been thinking about the Studiologic Sledge 2.0 Black, it is at the same price range, has wavetable capability and seems to have better sound quality...what is your opinion?
Very nice synth.
Can't wait for the STVC (Streichfett+vocoder).
Was to buy a Streichfett, but maybe I'll wait for the STVC to come out.
I found a new Desktop Blofeld for a really good price. I love the sound of it. Its a great hybrid synth that's unbeatable for the value. It works great with LPX.
Got mine to try a wavetable synth, but kept it for the keyboard. Wish all synths had such a good keybed.
Yeah I got my Blofeld last year myself. Got a white one ..... reminded me of a Fairlight 😁 I went from all analog i.e. Jupiter 8, Minimoog D, Elka Rhapsody, DynoMy Rhodes, B3/Leslie 900. Then to the modern analog stuff like Voyager, Mother 32's, Minilogue, MS-20, Arp Odyysey, Dave Smith, etc., and now I'm big into the iPad synths and VST synths on the computer. If I was being exiled to the island of Patmos and could take only one rig from my past 40 years of gear it would definately be the computer and Novation SL61mkII keyboard ..... that or my folks Steinway 😁
Im thinking about getting the desktop version and im wondering if its still worth it
I bought it to use with my Casio dg-20 and am glad I did.
I had a module early on, played with it a lot, then sold it for about $500. I found a new black module from a vendor in the UK a week or so ago for $350 shipped and it spoke to me. It arrive today and I just finished playing with it for about an hour. I like it because it is small, familiar, and really easy to program. I have a nice controller already. It filled and killed my GAS for a Quantum. One thing the Blofeld (and the Q) have that Largo does not is a decent PPG filter model, and it is my favorite filter model on both units. Of course you can always buy a license for Waldorf’s PPG emulator.
Why not the Access Virus as one option? I am struggling between the 2. The Blofeld is short on built-in effects.
Correct me if I am wrong but the newest Waldorf engine atm is within the Studiologic Sledge 2. It should sound as the Blofeld but has more knobs to directly play with.
Thanks for the vid. Did you end up exploring the sample loading in depth? What's your take on this synth almost two years later? Does it still have a place in your setup?
I'm looking at the Studio Logic Sledge 2.0, but I'm new to synths and (correct me if I'm wrong) I think it would be a little bit easier to find sounds on the Blofeld with it's presets and menu's as starting point, than on the Sledge since I still don't understand that well all the triangle, square, saw waves, LFO's, etc, etc...
blofeld newbie here. Can anybody explain why most of the build in sounds generate clipping - specially if I play more than one note at a time, or sustain pedal?. I have tried turning the output volume of the blofeld down, but it seems that the clipping is generated in the synth. Maybe something to do with velocity of my controller? (Im using a weighted Roland keyboard with a blofeld module connected via midi). Thanks friends :3
Bought my blofeld in 2016, specifically for the pads. For me, versatility is a paramount factor in 'keeping' it, the blofeld does way more than pads to my surprise. I'm unabashedly anti-vst, computers are simply unreliable, fact(I do play with toys on my computer sometimes, don't get me wrong, but a toy is just that, not serious). Other synths I have that seem like cousins to the blofeld: Ion/Micron/Miniak, Ultranova, Peak. 3 osc's/voice is a lovely garden, you can grow really cool stuff. Cool vid.
I've been debating on picking up the desktop version of the Blofeld because of the MPE opportunity. MIDI sound modules that have a MONO mode or sometimes called GUITAR mode often have a chance to work with MPE to go with my Roli Seaboard. While the Roli a great controller, and can work with most synths set to a monophonic patch if you can make the pitch bend go preferably to at least 24 semitones, if you are looking for Poly After Touch, you really need to check the specs of the synth. You can sort of do it with VST software, but a hardware machine is often easier to edit even if it's only a few controls.
I was so upset that you were second-guessing your extremely relatable feeling of instrument aesthetics being important to you. :3
Still building on some of the waves from Wolfgang Palm and the sounds from the early ppgs, this synth is something special. The Kraftwerk synth! Wonderful video and I`m glad you share it with us. I wonder if Waldorf will release a bluefeld to celebrate over 10 years on the market with this model. Otherwise I will pick a white one in a near future. 😀
hehe, a bluefeld would be cool.
Can it be compared to Virus Ti? At least in FM section. (Virus has some limitation in FM amount).
these kinds of videos are great do more
Thanks. Will try.
I got a the desktop version a few months back. Its an amazing and deep synth. If you love synthesis and sound design you can nerd out on this thing for hours and hours. The amount on synthesis you get for the money is really incredible. Even though its several years old, theres no modern hardware synth that really offers as much for the price, and the thing just sounds amazing in my opinion (if you take the time to program it). There's some good presets in there, but I will eventually delete a big chunk and just program my own. I have it hooked up to my Digitakt. The Digitakt has 8 midi tracks to control whatever you want. And the Blo can be split into 16 separate part each on its own midi channel. It takes a little bit to set up the multi parts, but once you're done those two make for a perfect endless jam machine. I highly recommend anyone that has both machines try this out. Think 8 sample tracks, 8 separate instruments from the Blofeld, and the Elektron sequencer to put it all together.
Nice! I have a Digitakt and I was actually planning on trying this out too! 8 synth channels + 8 sample/drum channels seems very powerful. I still need to figure out how the multi patches work.. one step at a time.
I scratched my head a couple of times getting it set up, but a flip through the manual cleared it up. Once you run through it a couple of times youll wonder why you thought it was confusing to begin with. :)
I have the same combination, it is indeed great. The next thing I want to try with my Blofeld is setting up a multi with 11 drum sounds (of which Blofeld has surprisingly many presets, some of which are pretty good) and using my Drumbrute as a sequencer for Blofeld drum sounds.
Craig Z: That's an awesome idea!
I'll post a vid if it turns out good. Need to set up a mapping from the notes the drumbrute produces to each of the separate channels of the multi, but that should be pretty simple with my MOTU device.
I've sometimes been tempted to get a Blofeld desktop module. It has a good and versatile sound, and lots of features. I think I care more about the ease of creating new sounds though, and it's a bit weak there due to the limited amount of physical controls and using menus instead. Same basic issue as my Microkorg XL, except the Blofeld is significantly better at everything. I'd probably end up using it mostly as a library of presets rather than a blank canvas. Still, as far as digital synths go, it's the top one I've pondered getting. Would be nice if I had gotten a Blofeld instead of a Microkorg.
It's getting old in digital synth terms, but the deep modulations and the wavetables mean it can still sound wonderful.
Would it be stable or sturdy enough to mount a Digitakt on the flat top area of the Blofeld?
The Blofeld is great if you want a digital synth in the PPG Wave vein. Tons of power for its price.
I love Waldorf .. but did you try Largo or Nave ? would like to have your opinion on those.. can't decide between blofeld and largo if they are similar or not..
How does it compare to the Deepmind 12? I'm in the market for my first synthesizer, with a $1000 budget. I'll be playing live with a worship band, mainly pads and some leads or brass
The DM12's effects are much better and more versatile, so if that's important maybe that might sway you. The Blofeld is much more powerful in terms of synthesis. For standard basses, pads, leads either synth will suit your fine in a live setting.
On the looks things.....the white keyboard looks fantastic.....suits it's icy digital heart
I am in LOVE with this synth sound, especially after seeing your "melodyic synth demo" on it (GREAT job). The only thing that keeps me from pulling the trigger on it is the thought that it's 10+ years "Old"... So my question is: what would be a "Newer" option that would "compete" with it?
Thanks in advance.
I just don't understand why Waldorf can't use proper encoders. I bought a white desktop and loved the sounds but it went fast into the encoder quagmire. I have 20 years old Yammy and Korg synths with encoders/pot that works perfectly, but not on the Waldorf. Sadly, I had to sell it for a lower price.
Apparently they’ve fixed it on newer ones and a lot of the older ones never had this issue. I bought a used one years ago, loved it and never had issues. I sold it during a move and now own a new one, and it’s fine as well. Now saying the issue doesn’t exist, it’s just not as widespread as people seem to think.
nice explanation
didn't touch a Blofeld...but when I bought Waldorf Nave and setup it on iPad...its change the way that I produced, completely
You and Sufjan have such a likeness.. In sound too..🙂
You are actually making me consider this. I too am stacked with Prophets, Oberheim, ARP, Moog, Tempest And really want to find a synth that can do those FM, PPG and VS type tones to mix with my analog stuff. Everything you said in this video I have echoed internally. Can’t wait for more videos!
Nice, sounds like quite the collection! Glad you liked the vid. So far I'm really digging the blofeld, it's really refreshing to have so many modulation possibilities, especially after having played analog and mono synths for so long. Let me know what you end up going with.
For sure man. I'm also looking at the Prophet 12 as well but I'm also waiting to see what DSI come up with next. If it's a new Poly Evolver then I'm going to jump on that the day it's announced. Of course the Waldorf Quantum also looks nice too. Just have to wait and see what the year brings.
A new PEK would be sweet. Quantum looks like a powerhouse, but that price tag tho... 😱
I was shocked that the Quantum was only bi-timbral and yet the much cheaper Blofeld is multitimbral.
Did you see the new DSI trailer? Prophet X! A freaking collaboration with 8Dio (KONTAKT) sampler synth!!!
wondering how you got that perfect piano sound..
Your patches!... the Blofeld community needs you!
I bought one too 2 weeks ago, best decision in my synth repertoire.... I hope it gets a successor though, as the processing speed is the main problem for me
Perhaps the Quantum.. but it's 4x the cost 😵
I am keeping my kidneys.... For now... How about the Valkyrie?
I think this video is still relevant. Thinking of buying one. Can’t decide between white or black. Did you have a preference or was the black only available at the time?
Welcome to the Blofeld Club. I had the very same thoughts before deciding to get one. It definitely compliments an analog or virtual-analog collection and by now all the nasty firmware bugs are gone. You'll have fun with it, I promise.
I'm still using my old Wakdorf Micro Q a lot. It goes well with my newer analog synths. Thinking about buying the Blofeld in the near future, they sound similar, but I would miss my MicroQ when It breaks down.
same patch in microQ sounds better vs Blofeld
I also recently picked one up. Got the desktop because that was in my budget but I kinda wish I had the keys. I agree with your overall take completely. I think it's a really unique and characterful instrument but it doesn't do everything well. But where it shines, it shines. Good to hear your thoughts on it!
Thanks man and congrats on the Blofeld.
What do you think are its best qualities (and worst aspects maybe)?
It's a great sounding synth with multitimbrality and a great keybed, too. I sold the keyboard to afford an OB-6 key but I'll get another Blofeld as soon as my budget permits. I really don't get why Waldorf wouldn't bother to make sample transfer easier like on Nord Keyboards and stuff... but then again, it can do so much so well that it doesn't matter too much in the long run. If you're a demanding sound designer and you love working with hardware you'll be hard pressed to find a better value for your money.
does the key version have any skipping encoder issues?
Without a demo of the actual sound possibilities, this demo is unconvincing.
thanks for this great insight! (from a blofeld-newbee :-)
Again, nice video. Thanks for sharing your info/feelings about blo.
I got a question, is amazon paying you or something? (No intention to offend)
Nope, nobody is paying me to make these vids. But full disclosure, the amazon link in my description is an affiliate link, so I get a small commission if you buy from there (no extra cost to you though).
I see. I honestly hate Amazon.
In my humble opinion it's very sad that these companies make so much money due it's unfair competition at the expense of the harsh working conditions of their employees. As always, use and throw I guess.
Of course I'm not blaming you. Globalization has it's price, maybe.
Greetings and keep on going man!
great channel!! that symbol on your hat is Montreal!