I am the proud owner of Waldorf Q and Waldorf Micro Wave xt, they are as Jean-Michel Jarre once said about synthesizers their quality will be much sort after and equal in time to the beautiful "Stradivarius" string instruments. The engineering of this Waldorf company still fascinates me even beyond 20 years, the sounds constantly evolving and it is always pleasure to perform and listen to these living works of art. Thank you for the presentation Miguel, its quite a gem. Take Care. Keep the Synths Alive!! Jeff Ps I was always looking forward to one day seeing a Green Waldorf, as the Q = Yellow, Micro Wave xt = Orange.
This is hands down the best video on explaining wavetable synthesis to the uneducated listener. Thank you so much for sharing. Now it's starting to make sense! 😊
How come you only have 1k subs?! Amazing video, and explanation. I am no expert on wavetable synthesis but I know the subject and that's why I am saying amazing video. Plus: all the historical background, it's invaluable. Bravo Miguel!
the waldorf microwave xtk is one of the greatest instruments in my opinion - i love this beautiful treasure since over twenty years - thx for your videoupload - very good job . best greetz from austria!
The wave sweeping graphics were great, really demonstrated how to understand what the sound sculpting possibilities can be like. Thank you for this video!
The company that builds synth that crate „sounds nobody has ever heard before“ namely waldorf is the reason I am making music today. The microwave and later the Q blew me away as a teen. I own a Q+ and it’s the only synth I would never sell for anything. I’d love to pair it with a microwave xt but they are so expensive and hard to track down nowadays.
wavetable synthesis has come so far since even the microwave blofeld was my introduction, which added many new features the waldorf M seems to be a revisit of the ppg wave, with a VERY pretty front panel my favorite in terms of hardware has been the korg modwave, which I really think youd enjoy in terms of software things have gone to unimaginable lengths, ofcourse serum really changed the game, but now vital and phaseplant have taken wavetables to another level some new software innovations are wavetable lfos, where the lfo shape is described by a table position, and now wavetable distortions, where a wavefolder shape is described by table position wolfgang palms legacy lives on in some of the most cutting edge synthesizers to this day with zebra 3 on the horizon, taking the frame by frame approach and bringing it into the future with full vectorized tables, to remove all stepping edit: I should note that when I say fully vectorized tables, I do not mean "vector synthesis" which I personally believe is a poor name by fully vectorized tables I do mean wavetables, but with infinite resolution between frames, as values are calculated not approximated think bitmap vs svg image files
Miguel, I love hearing your take on synth history and I find you inspiring when my own mind is blank. Many thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
Good lord... you know that machine inside out. I have a gazillion questions for you. 😅 I'm lucky that still have machine but I get lost many times in it. I used a software that you can lock or unlock some parameters for the random sounds generator. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. You're too funny with you organs on the racks 😂
I have an entire bank on my Blofeld dedicated to randomized sounds. You're are right that the vast majority are not useful, but every once in a while you get something that's either so beautiful or so frighteningly alien sounding that you have to save it. It looks like this feature is much better implemented on the XT, though, as it takes numerous button presses to do on the Blofeld.
Lovely hearing you love the Xt . I personally never found my connection with XtK I had . The Q( I owned the same as your yellow rack unit but it was blue ) was more my thing .
Brilliant video Miguel. Might be picking up a shadow XT tomorrow, fingers crossed. I have an iridium that is just so incredible, I think the XT will be a great addition 😊
Ah the old Waldorfs back before the 08 crisis I had a big multi color rack with the Xt, Q, Pulse + , Rack Attack , and a cute but powerful little 37key Micro Q kB to control them . The Xt was the last and hardest to let go . Truly a special beast that industrial, dystopian, ethereal worlds portaled out of Great vid . Cheers !
A really great video Miguel :D Such a great synth! I was surprised to find the Blofeld was a lot closer to the XT than the Quantum.. BTW if you are bored one day check out my Fairtlight build clip #5 where I use the Fairlight CMI to create wavetables (which is what it was originally designed to do)
Lmao you are a funny dude. I also much prefer the lack of background music. That can get a bit irritating when I’m listening to vids like this in the background
Great overview thanks! Don’t have any of the “classic” waldorfs...not sure I really make the sort of music for Waldorf wavetable ( the new M is interesting!) but certainly a company with a great history & unique approach.
Thank you. I am very impressed by the XT and your telling of the Wavetable story. Thank you. I found this video after searching for comparison video with the Iridium and M synthesisers from Waldorf. I am nervous of buying second hand so I ould be interested to know if you have had a chance to explore either of these two devices.
LOL. I've been a Waldorf user for 10 years, and the second I heard the soundtrack on that awful doc, I was like "This is Max Waldorf". Thank you for verifying my suspicions.
Had an XT.. sold it ,had Blofeld...sold it ...loved them... tryed Largo,Nave, but now for abstract stuff i prefer doing sound design in the computer with granular & spectral softwares.. so many possibilities for futuristic sounds..the best solution would be Kyma.But of course,not as fun as hardware :)
My understanding is PPG instruments change the clock frequency in order to read off the wavetable at the pitch being played. PPG DACs are not the same as the kind of DAC chips used now. Today's instruments have a fixed clock frequency like all digital audio, and create the required pitch mathmatically, through sample dumping, sample doubling and interpolation. I want to try a Waldorf M before I buy!
I find myself searching for this depth in my synths. I'm currently working with a Super JV-1080 and some outboard effects. Is there a new Waldorf model that you might recommend? Great video good sir. Thank you for sharing.
The xt is just such an awesome synth theres just something about those old converters I love, and I also really love the digital filters, and the ones on the Q as well. Even though I got the limited black version which looks pretty cool the Nextel version with the fat knobs is just awesome and how an XT should look in my book. They really didnt do it any favours ditching the nextel and the display bubble. But an XT is an XT. Even if its the ugly paint and the "better" converters.
I returned the XT to the shop due to very slow envelopes for techno in the late 90´s at clearance price ( I wanted fast as SH101) . But the power of the machine are slow sounds, damn. I regret it
@@maxine2798 I got an XT for 1000 euros 3 weeks ago, sadly the one who I sold my sh 101 modified with 7 in-outs more asked me 1700 for it, I sold it for 450, so no way! I yet got my MC 202 since 1994.
me too, can not sell mine, bought it the day it came out- so i have the same encoders like yours, they are great.did yours get a free repaint too back then?
Oh. Wasn't aware that was thing. Sadly when this beauty came out I ws in medical school and had no knowledge of Waldof - so bought mine a bit inflated in ££ 10 years ago.
@@migueldoliveiracomposer yes, i think it was only the first batch. the surface was very rubber like, totally different to the other waldorfs i have which have a more carlike surface paint or plastic like on the streichfett. i think i have a video i made at messe in 1998 when they showed the xt, should upload it one day ;-)
How well does Largo vst stack up to these I wonder....can the Q be recreated in vsts.....I like some of the sounds you got here....sometimes I get tempted by the micro q keyboard
What do you think of Waldorf M? Really hard to appreciate this synth without these context. Also the Waldorf M has the ability to "replay the transition" in osc 2. It sounds very weird and purcussive. Don't know what is good of it and why it has been wavetable fans "dream" according to the manual. Thanks for the vid!
Great video I had the XT I do miss it as it looked fantastic ❤ but it does sound very thin and scratchy or at least My One did And that is the reason I would never buy another one
You say @11'00" that you can have a single wave per note (61) and that we should not try that... UhmUhm. There's wavetable made for that purpose. If you want to make the infamous PPG choir that's the way to do, as each wave is a formant.
How do you feel about the waldorf M compared to the XT... After 20 years, I'm finally going to buy XT or an M. But no matter how many videos I see, the XT just sounds more alive and just has more presence. Specially for industrial which is what I make.
So why are Waldorf sounds so generally noisy and distorted, whereas PPG sounds were conceptual and otherworldly? That's ever been a disappointment to me.
That's simply because the XT has a lot more synthesis resources than the PPG... On the XT you can do FM, hard sync, ring modulation, filter FM, waveshaping, distortion, etc. But you can perfectly make PPG sounds by ignoring all those functions.
I am the proud owner of Waldorf Q and Waldorf Micro Wave xt, they are as Jean-Michel Jarre once said about synthesizers their quality will be much sort after and equal in time to the beautiful "Stradivarius" string instruments. The engineering of this Waldorf company still fascinates me even beyond 20 years, the sounds constantly evolving and it is always pleasure to perform and listen to these living works of art. Thank you for the presentation Miguel, its quite a gem. Take Care. Keep the Synths Alive!! Jeff
Ps I was always looking forward to one day seeing a Green Waldorf, as the Q = Yellow, Micro Wave xt = Orange.
This is hands down the best video on explaining wavetable synthesis to the uneducated listener. Thank you so much for sharing. Now it's starting to make sense! 😊
I do love Waldorf gear. Even on the old synths you still know you can dial in a sound with a really striking character.
How come you only have 1k subs?! Amazing video, and explanation. I am no expert on wavetable synthesis but I know the subject and that's why I am saying amazing video. Plus: all the historical background, it's invaluable. Bravo Miguel!
"like a sweet ripe orange filled with hate" A+ sir
the waldorf microwave xtk is one of the greatest instruments in my opinion - i love this beautiful treasure since over twenty years - thx for your videoupload - very good job . best greetz from austria!
The wave sweeping graphics were great, really demonstrated how to understand what the sound sculpting possibilities can be like. Thank you for this video!
The company that builds synth that crate „sounds nobody has ever heard before“ namely waldorf is the reason I am making music today. The microwave and later the Q blew me away as a teen. I own a Q+ and it’s the only synth I would never sell for anything. I’d love to pair it with a microwave xt but they are so expensive and hard to track down nowadays.
WHOA 15:03 is a mind blowing sound
wavetable synthesis has come so far since even the microwave
blofeld was my introduction, which added many new features
the waldorf M seems to be a revisit of the ppg wave, with a VERY pretty front panel
my favorite in terms of hardware has been the korg modwave, which I really think youd enjoy
in terms of software things have gone to unimaginable lengths, ofcourse serum really changed the game, but now vital and phaseplant have taken wavetables to another level
some new software innovations are wavetable lfos, where the lfo shape is described by a table position, and now wavetable distortions, where a wavefolder shape is described by table position
wolfgang palms legacy lives on in some of the most cutting edge synthesizers to this day
with zebra 3 on the horizon, taking the frame by frame approach and bringing it into the future with full vectorized tables, to remove all stepping
edit: I should note that when I say fully vectorized tables, I do not mean "vector synthesis" which I personally believe is a poor name
by fully vectorized tables I do mean wavetables, but with infinite resolution between frames, as values are calculated not approximated
think bitmap vs svg image files
This is incredibly well put together.
Miguel, I love hearing your take on synth history and I find you inspiring when my own mind is blank. Many thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
Thank you. Really lovely to read that.
amzing video man
Good lord... you know that machine inside out. I have a gazillion questions for you. 😅
I'm lucky that still have machine but I get lost many times in it.
I used a software that you can lock or unlock some parameters for the random sounds generator.
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. You're too funny with you organs on the racks 😂
What an entertaining, insightful and overall entertaining video! Very well done!
really well explained and put together. Thanks!
I have an entire bank on my Blofeld dedicated to randomized sounds. You're are right that the vast majority are not useful, but every once in a while you get something that's either so beautiful or so frighteningly alien sounding that you have to save it. It looks like this feature is much better implemented on the XT, though, as it takes numerous button presses to do on the Blofeld.
I'm fascinated by Waldorf synths. I wish I had them all! Just discovered the Rack Attack. didn't even know it existed.
wavetable synthesis is really beautiful for ambient music. Thanks for this superb video - just subscribed 👍
Only synth I regret selling is my XT! Great vid. Thanks.
Very nice. It's worth it digging through all the small YT channels and drop all the PR sites. Here, get my Non-Gulf Monaco upvote!
I love my xTk...totally unique. It is a nice juxtaposition to the Andromeda A6
Lovely hearing you love the Xt . I personally never found my connection with XtK I had . The Q( I owned the same as your yellow rack unit but it was blue ) was more my thing .
Amazing video! Just bought a Q and now i have a dangerous urge to buy an XT... Cheers!!
Love my XT, brought it new in the late 90's or very early 2000's. Bit of a vague memory now.
Just got to keep that Nextel from melting....
Brilliant video. Thank you
Just my dream synth so glad I bought it years ago, still enjoy it!!
Brilliant video Miguel. Might be picking up a shadow XT tomorrow, fingers crossed. I have an iridium that is just so incredible, I think the XT will be a great addition 😊
Ah the old Waldorfs back before the 08 crisis I had a big multi color rack with the Xt, Q, Pulse + , Rack Attack , and a cute but powerful little 37key Micro Q kB to control them . The Xt was the last and hardest to let go . Truly a special beast that industrial, dystopian, ethereal worlds portaled out of Great vid . Cheers !
I just ordered an M desktop. I can’t wait to play it
One of the best video of the XT
"The second sound you hear will be their heads exploding" pfffhaha great. Very nice I learned a few things.
A really great video Miguel :D Such a great synth! I was surprised to find the Blofeld was a lot closer to the XT than the Quantum.. BTW if you are bored one day check out my Fairtlight build clip #5 where I use the Fairlight CMI to create wavetables (which is what it was originally designed to do)
Thank you. I love your videos.
Brilliant! 👍
Subscribed.
Lmao you are a funny dude. I also much prefer the lack of background music. That can get a bit irritating when I’m listening to vids like this in the background
Great video.
great video!
Amazing vid bro. I learned a lot. I never really understood wavetable until now. So now I have to get one!
It can make lovely sweet sounds as well as sharp nasty ones. Very versatile
Great overview thanks! Don’t have any of the “classic” waldorfs...not sure I really make the sort of music for Waldorf wavetable ( the new M is interesting!) but certainly a company with a great history & unique approach.
really entertaining, informative too..subscribing
great info..thank you.
Thank you. I am very impressed by the XT and your telling of the Wavetable story. Thank you. I found this video after searching for comparison video with the Iridium and M synthesisers from Waldorf. I am nervous of buying second hand so I ould be interested to know if you have had a chance to explore either of these two devices.
LOL. I've been a Waldorf user for 10 years, and the second I heard the soundtrack on that awful doc, I was like "This is Max Waldorf". Thank you for verifying my suspicions.
Had an XT.. sold it ,had Blofeld...sold it ...loved them... tryed Largo,Nave, but now for abstract stuff i prefer doing sound design in the computer with granular & spectral softwares.. so many possibilities for futuristic sounds..the best solution would be Kyma.But of course,not as fun as hardware :)
nice! Thanks
My understanding is PPG instruments change the clock frequency in order to read off the wavetable at the pitch being played. PPG DACs are not the same as the kind of DAC chips used now. Today's instruments have a fixed clock frequency like all digital audio, and create the required pitch mathmatically, through sample dumping, sample doubling and interpolation. I want to try a Waldorf M before I buy!
awesome video - subdcribed! I got all the uncool waldorfs - pulse 2 and uQ rack. Love them both.
Nice video. Good sounds.
I have an Iridium Keyboard and Waldorf M but don't know what I am doing.
The history of PPG and Waldorf was very interesting.
Great!
Waldorf M. 8 voices, one monster sound. Don't need much more.
Great video. What are you running the XT into when recording? I can see some 500 series modules. Do you use those?
Thank you. Just stereo out of xT going into NEVE pre amps, and they pass through compressors below threshold = no compression.
I want to give you an award for your dad jokes 🤠
Very interesting, thank you! Can Waldorm M replace that Microwave nowadays?
nice
You get such smooth sounds out of the Xt... are you running it through preamps or the like?
I’ve got a Q rack and I know it’s smooth but even then.
Thank you.
It goes straight into a pair of Neves (in a lunchbox) + I use the Microwave's onboard Chorus a fair bit.
WOW!
I find myself searching for this depth in my synths. I'm currently working with a Super JV-1080 and some outboard effects. Is there a new Waldorf model that you might recommend? Great video good sir. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Mike.
I'm afraid I have never tried a Waldorf from this century.
The xt is just such an awesome synth theres just something about those old converters I love, and I also really love the digital filters, and the ones on the Q as well. Even though I got the limited black version which looks pretty cool the Nextel version with the fat knobs is just awesome and how an XT should look in my book. They really didnt do it any favours ditching the nextel and the display bubble. But an XT is an XT. Even if its the ugly paint and the "better" converters.
cirrus logic DAC
I returned the XT to the shop due to very slow envelopes for techno in the late 90´s at clearance price ( I wanted fast as SH101) . But the power of the machine are slow sounds, damn. I regret it
Luckily I got an SH101 and MWII when they came out. Both are still in my studio. I don’t have many synths but these are definitely 2 of my favourites.
@@maxine2798 I got an XT for 1000 euros 3 weeks ago, sadly the one who I sold my sh 101 modified with 7 in-outs more asked me 1700 for it, I sold it for 450, so no way! I yet got my MC 202 since 1994.
me too, can not sell mine, bought it the day it came out- so i have the same encoders like yours, they are great.did yours get a free repaint too back then?
Oh. Wasn't aware that was thing.
Sadly when this beauty came out I ws in medical school and had no knowledge of Waldof - so bought mine a bit inflated in ££ 10 years ago.
@@migueldoliveiracomposer yes, i think it was only the first batch. the surface was very rubber like, totally different to the other waldorfs i have which have a more carlike surface paint or plastic like on the streichfett. i think i have a video i made at messe in 1998 when they showed the xt, should upload it one day ;-)
How well does Largo vst stack up to these I wonder....can the Q be recreated in vsts.....I like some of the sounds you got here....sometimes I get tempted by the micro q keyboard
What do you think of Waldorf M? Really hard to appreciate this synth without these context. Also the Waldorf M has the ability to "replay the transition" in osc 2. It sounds very weird and purcussive. Don't know what is good of it and why it has been wavetable fans "dream" according to the manual. Thanks for the vid!
Great video
I had the XT
I do miss it as it looked fantastic ❤
but it does sound very thin and scratchy or at least My One did
And that is the reason I would never buy another one
You say @11'00" that you can have a single wave per note (61) and that we should not try that... UhmUhm. There's wavetable made for that purpose. If you want to make the infamous PPG choir that's the way to do, as each wave is a formant.
Why not the new M from Waldorf?
How do you feel about the waldorf M compared to the XT...
After 20 years, I'm finally going to buy XT or an M. But no matter how many videos I see, the XT just sounds more alive and just has more presence. Specially for industrial which is what I make.
Never tried the M.
Can’t imagine any Waldorf is better than the XT (well, the Wave. But I enjoy having 2 kidneys)
I'll have your juno 6 'organ' if you dont want it! 😜
😎
are you using the kemper for guitar or keys?
Guitar and hurdy gurdy
So why are Waldorf sounds so generally noisy and distorted, whereas PPG sounds were conceptual and otherworldly?
That's ever been a disappointment to me.
That's simply because the XT has a lot more synthesis resources than the PPG... On the XT you can do FM, hard sync, ring modulation, filter FM, waveshaping, distortion, etc. But you can perfectly make PPG sounds by ignoring all those functions.
you are calling classic synths a glorified doorbells? im in
Nice voice yours
What about the Q compared to the XT my friend is it good?
I received a Q today, so will know soon, sadly is not yellow.
You never mentioned the brilliant 😂 cheetah ms800 a 🥴to program.
Haha. That’s some seriously obscure gear 😎
Nothing worse than organ sounds on a synth, yuck!
I have those two. They go beyond.