Waldorf Iridium Core: A Synthesis Monster! Test & Sound Design!

The Waldorf Iridium Core is the latest in the family of Waldorf synthesizers (Quantum Mk1/Mk2, Iridium Keyboard/Module) which all feature the same sound engine but with a different form factor.
1:52 Hardware & User Interface
3:16 Audio Input Mangling & FX
5:01 Hardware I/O
6:22 Sound Design from Scratch

[@danijeldanko4498]

Exploring the Vast World of Synthesizer Modulation Combinations
Synthesizers are powerful tools in music production, offering a vast array of sounds and textures through their complex modulation systems. At the heart of their versatility is the ability to modulate various parameters, creating intricate and evolving sounds. To appreciate the depth of sound design possible with modern synthesizers, it's essential to understand how these modulation systems work and the sheer scale of possible combinations they offer.
The Basics of Synthesizer Modulation
Modulation in a synthesizer refers to the process of varying a parameter over time or according to another signal. Key parameters that can be modulated include oscillator pitch, filter cutoff frequency, filter resonance, envelope settings, and LFO rates. Modulation sources might include low-frequency oscillators (LFOs), envelopes, random generators, and even external MIDI controllers. Each of these sources can be used to dynamically influence the parameters, adding movement and complexity to the sound.
Understanding the Complexity
To grasp the complexity of sound design possibilities, consider a sophisticated synthesizer with multiple modulation sources and parameters. For simplicity, let’s assume the synthesizer has the following features:
Number of Parameters (P): 20
Number of Modulation Sources (S): 10
Depth Settings (D): 10
Routing Options (R): 5
Modulation Destinations (M): 5
Here’s a breakdown of how these factors contribute to the total number of possible combinations:
Basic Modulation Combinations:
Each modulation source can be assigned to multiple parameters, with varying depth settings and routing options. To calculate the total number of combinations for each modulation source, you multiply the number of parameters by the number of depth settings and routing options:
𝐶
source
=
𝑃
×
𝐷
×
𝑅
C
source
​
=P×D×R
Plugging in our numbers:
𝐶
source
=
20
×
10
×
5
=
1
,
000
C
source
​
=20×10×5=1,000
With 10 modulation sources, the number of possible combinations becomes:
𝐶
total
=
(
1
,
000
)
10
=
1
0
30
C
total
​
=(1,000)
10
=10
30
This represents an astonishingly large number, specifically:
1
,
000
,
000
,
000
,
000
,
000
,
000
,
000
,
000
,
000
,
000
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
This theoretical number reflects the vast potential for sound design in a complex synthesizer setup.
Considering Modulation Destinations:
Each modulation source can affect multiple parameters. If each modulation source can be routed to 5 different parameters, with each parameter having 10 settings:
𝑇
parameter
=
𝐷
×
𝑅
T
parameter
​
=D×R
𝑇
parameter
=
10
×
5
=
50
T
parameter
​
=10×5=50
For 20 parameters and 5 modulation destinations:
𝑇
total
=
(
50
)
20
×
5
T
total
​
=(50)
20
×5
The number is:
2.8
×
1
0
34
2.8×10
34
This further emphasizes the immense variety of possible sound combinations.
Practical Considerations
While these theoretical calculations highlight the enormous potential for creating unique sounds, the practical number of useful combinations is often lower. Not all combinations are musically meaningful or practical. Synthesizers are designed with user interfaces that streamline the process of sound design, making complex systems more accessible and intuitive. The vast number of combinations allows for unprecedented creative freedom, enabling musicians and sound designers to explore new sonic landscapes.
Conclusion
The potential number of combinations in a complex synthesizer is staggeringly large, illustrating the depth and versatility these instruments offer. From simple parameter adjustments to intricate modulation routings, synthesizers provide a playground for creativity. By understanding the scale of these possibilities, musicians and sound designers can better appreciate the power of synthesizers and the endless opportunities they present for crafting unique and compelling sounds.

[@danijeldanko4498]

Mini Quantum without analog filter with high voices. Fundamentales are same but no one can give robust tutorial on Udemy or other site tutorials where all combination have to learn from basic to advance like encyclopedia of this sound engine.

[@spectre.garden]

Thanks for the overview/teaser. Looking forward to any tools you will create.😊

[@user-kx5fs9jy1g]

100%! Tools for the Iridium would be awesome. I am still dreaming that one day Waldorf will release a vst controller for it for easier automation, patch recall, and manging patches/samples.

[@OdoSendaidokai]

YEAH .. Iridium Driven by Moss! :)

[@Dangerousdaze]

Just needed a kick drum under that at the end!

[@mossgraber]

Already used it in a new song yesterday! 🙂