Waldorf Iridium | A Cursed Holy Grail Synth?

Let's talk about the Waldorf Iridium.
SHOP: www.alamomusic.com/waldorf-ir...
0:00 Intro/Specs
6:01 Demos
18:26 Final Thoughts
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[@DonLeino]

Love your uncut takes on synthesizers keep going!

[@jenslempke7501]

I just love Waldorf. So much feel, punch, usable, deep synthesis. I've owned the Blofeld and use Nave today. They really put their heart in their products and give us as producers/songwriters extensive oppertunities to explore, advance, amd sounddesign our tracks beyond the usual bread 'n butter soundbanks.

[@wishusknight3009]

I feel the same about my Q. Its my goto when I want a distinct and original sound. I wished the interface were a little different and a bit more focused, but int seems made in such a way i feel compelled to dive into it as far as I can. And craft the exact sound I want. There is a method to the madness.

[@AdamsBrew78]

I’m still hoping Waldorf gives iOS some more love and update Nave and Attack with AUV3 support. Despite all the great plugins that have hit the platform in the intervening years, those two still hold their own with the best.

[@DSZI.ShyHunterBB]

Waldorf synthesizers are really cool!

[@jst4curiosity704]

The Irridium is a fine piece of gear! I prefer the "desk modular" version though.

[@dirkkeersmaekers4343]

Only for the place

[@neilloughran4437]

I just got mine yesterday. While I am not that impressed by 90% of the presets (I can never get my head around how bad some of the sounds are on modern synths) but I can definitely see how creating your own sounds could lead to really fantastic discoveries.... Love the keys and the ergonomics and can't wait to get lost in it...

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Your analysis is spot on! I have an Iridium desktop, connected to a 76 key keyboard - this 4-octave Iridium, despite the poly-aftertouch, doesn’t make the upgrade worthwhile IMO. That said, this synth is the most powerful and sonically amazing currently available.

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

I have their Kyra. Waiting on my Iridium. They're back ordered from a lot of distributors. Owning the Kyra, I will say this much, the interface was very intuitive and easy to learn. I hope Waldorf doesn't go out of business. The Kyra has so much potential and a software update was supposed to coming out for that synthesizer.

[@drydessert4198]

I think it is selling well, especially the module (without keyboard). I've been seeing this in many studios in artist interviews and youtube live concert streams.

[@Xul]

The two important words: Buy it! Waldorf really has dramatically improved in the last few years. Their synths were always amazing but now, after years of smaller and bigger issues, their QA and general product management is gradually becoming better and better. And also, their support has improved: I had some issues with my desktop version (turning randomly off) and was afraid that I would not be able to fix it (since I heard some horror stories of endless repairs) or that they would just refuse to fix it because I was already out of warranty and I got it second-hand. But they actually fixed everything for a low price and were really friendly and competent. The Iridium is just amazing and there is really not much else that is both this utterly complex and still accessable. Aside from a lot of serious music production that is possible it is also just a nice "get home from work, fiddle around with sounds" synth .. I love to layer some komplex pads with my stage piano and just relax ... such a bliss.

[@beroshima1]

nice feature. you nailed it. waldorf goes deep into the rabbit hole like no other. i still use the PPG 2.2 for most of my productions and i have only touched the surface . the iridium is amazing. i havent tried the quantum mk2 yet .

[@blpfrk]

I own one and it's amazing. Best digital synth out there. Insanely deep, but at the same time the interface design makes it very intuitive and easy to use, which is not common on complex synths. I really hope they sell well, because they did an amazing job, and the price tag is not bad when you realize you have so many great sounding and deep synth engines (and sampler/granulator) in one unit. It is great, and definitely the only synth I would own if I had to choose one.

[@ChazSeamus28]

the Waldorf sound has always seemed top notch to me

[@rabbithole1227]

I’ve always thought of the Waldorf sound as the most /unique/. Even the rack mount Microwave series were pretty great synths.

[@ge0rgeharris218]

I will say one thing, it sounds tremendous!!!

[@AlbertYoutub]

This is the first time I looked at you channel and already I feel the need to comment to your video. Let me start that I am very positive about your demo and about your insight into the capabilities of the synth. But the journalistic approach where you "predict" the future of the company is very weak in my opinion. You need to have the facts right to go that path. First there is no direct relationship business wise and legally between the current company and the company that Wolfgang Palm started in 1975 and that created wavetable synthesis and the legandary Wave 2.2. The Wave range did also not cause the company to fail, that was a later project developing a workstation type of a machine that should have costed 60.000 USD. But that company disapeared in 1986. Except for the technology the current company which started in 2006 has no direct legal relationship with the company of Wolfgang. You also at 5:00 mention Korg as playing a role in the development of the synth. Korg USA is the distributor in the USA and had no role in the development. As to the risk of insolvency the current company could run you did not tell the whole story. The story should start with the Quantum. There was certainly a financial risk there. It was the first new flagship synth and certainly a guess about what the market would do. But by now after introducing amongst others the Moog One in this top range it is clear there is a market for high end synthesizers. The Iridium Keyboard is the third incarnation of the synth engine of the Quantum. Therefor the risk due to development cost is not high. Also the fact that the synths are produced in relative small runs in Europe reduces the risks. And also makes sure that even when there is a big problem in the delivery chain Waldorf has been able to bring three new machines to the market in a crisis situation where others are unable to bring any new products to the market. Considering the size of the organisation and the fact that they have long running succesfull products like the Blofeld on the market does not give any factual ground for your assumption that the Iridium keyboard threathens the existence of the company. I even dare to predict that several new products will follow in the near future. Love to see your reviews of those products when the time comes :-) .

[@barthvis]

Hear, hear... 👏

[@geoffk777]

I agree with you that the Iridium and Quantum are awesome synths that are really unmatched in the hardware world (although Omnisphere and Serum are competitors). But I don't see the point of the bankruptcy scare-monering at all. The Quantum has been on sale since 2019 and the Iridium, in desktop, and now keyboard form, has been sold for a couple of years too. The Quantum just got a major software update in May and another one is expected soon. The cheaper Iridium line repackages the Quantum technology at a more affordable price point and has helped Waldorf to expand their market share and sales, without a lot of new technology investment. So I don't see them as being in any special difficulty. They don't move as much kit as Roland or Korg, but they have a solid market base and some of their gear is even backordered.

[@pizzagogo6151]

Love Waldorf(, even though I only own a humble blofeld ☺️, ) they really do create super interesting synths on a relative shoestring. Iridium seems amazing my only real complaint is price v skimping on 61 keybed.

[@Robbinsffxi]

Thing is. You can go as deep as you want. The waldorf also suits people that wants to tweak presets. It being deep is not an argument for not buying one. In comparison, the Jupiter X has a bit confusing interface because of the multiple engine mapping. The waldorf seems very intuitive.

[@arxaaron]

Avid synth fan since their mainstreaming in the late 1960's. I've owned and have been exploring the Iridium for about 7 months now -- still in the "load a preset and tweak" stage, but looking forward to climbing the learning curve since this one synth seems capable of anything. Alamo music's tutorials on the Iridium are appreciated! A real pinnacle instrument, but definitely a niche audience.

[@ASAPJermz]

My lord! If only I could afford this thing 🔥

[@russellbutterfield1419]

I have recently bought one, and it is amazing.

[@eyesintheskies]

Have just been to see Pucifer (tool side project) and was trying to figure out how they where doing such complex stuff with seemingly so little. It turns out there where at least 3 of these (non keyboard) in use!!! It was an awesome show. 👌 So that’s why I’m here. They where making fine use of sending vocals and guitars through these incredible machines. So I’m trying to hold in my G.A.S !!! I should. Probably concentrate on getting to the next level with my elektron analog rytm but man these are impressive for deep sea dives.

[@Pintosonic]

This is far from being the first big expensive synth they make. In fact the iridium is a cost reduced version of the Quantum. The Iridium uses pretty much the same synth engine as the Quantum less the analog filters. I don’t think they will go under because of this synth, they know that at this price point it’s a niche product so they adjust their profit margin accordingly. Also Waldorf are constantly reusing and repackaging their synth engines to make various synths at different price points so it’s not as if every products they make was a completely new design.

[@gretareinarsson7461]

I´ve tried it and I´m definetely going to buy one but I will go for the desktop.

[@lafemmedevastation]

_hauntingly_ beautiful playing on the Iridium, thanks so much for showcasing it so well❕

[@OscillatorCollective]

Waldorf is really cool, never owned one, but they are something to aspire to simply because of the depth they provide. I love PPG, and a Waldorf is the next best thing in that category of synths.

[@wishusknight3009]

I love my Q. It is a go to when I am wanting something distinct and original.

[@bilonggrisimmeri]

In this video, they are lovely sounds, though I could neither see myself delving in deeply or needing such sounds. So Alamo are probably right saying the market is small, though in the entire World, is hopefully enough to keep Waldorf in business. German products are the finest quality, bar none.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

This is where my brain goes, buy a complex synth like the iridium and i never understand it but its amazing OR buy a juno/jupiter x and my pea brain can wrap around it

[@Kingstonlomusic]

simple is better, at least to me, it feels better having those limits rather than having all of those possibilities without knowing how to exploit them.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

@@Kingstonlomusic thats helpful advice and a good reminder

[@michaelwalston2438]

Don't sell yourself short. As time goes by you will learn and grow in the synthesis universe.

[@matthewgaines10]

Sounds like a great keyboard for a synth head or working professional. Maybe a must have for some of those types. For the rest of us, probably not a best option for the dollar. I hope it finds its audience.

[@WolfxxBite]

If I could afford this I would be diving so deep into it! I've got a Wavestate and OpSix, so those will keep me busy for now

[@wishusknight3009]

Waldorf is still very much alive. The original company went bellyup in 2004 and reformed a couple years later as waldorf music. And still produce hardware and software.

[@Motownisyourtown]

Well considering this was released, yea 😂

[@unclemick-synths]

The problem I have with synths is when they have lots of power but lack focus. I think that's the genius of the Juno-x - Roland have given it a clear focus even though it's no secret that it's their ubiquitous Zen-core with another skin.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

This

[@annother3350]

But if you can see through that and programme presets yourself you could end up with something unique

[@roggyo]

Man has to be really uninformed or unreasonable, or both to buy Juno X, while there is Jupiter X and Xm. Juno X is very limited synth, especially comparing to Jupiter X(m)! For 2000€ you get DIGITAL synth with ONE envelope and NO velocity sensitive keys and you get only Juno synth models (Juno 106, 60 and 6 WTF). All other Roland synth models (Jupiter 8, JX-8P and SH-101) you must buy if you want to have them on Juno X and it means extra almost 500€ for synth that already costs 2000€! For this money you can buy Jupiter X with all synth models in it and premium keys. Jupiter X synth model has not ONE but 3+2 (5) envelopes and velocity sensitive keys, comparing to Juno X synth model. I can’t believe that people are so naive! Roland could make something better instead of making 2 years later the same synth as Jupiter X(m) with less possibilities - Juno X, but they knew that many people are enough naive to buy it, including those who already own Jupiter X(m). I’m telling naive, because you must be naive to buy Juno X, especially if you already own Jupiter X or Xm. It’s the same if you would 2 years after buying a Jupiter X, buy one more Jupiter X, just worse. But you can do with your money whatever you want.

[@wishusknight3009]

@@roggyo Juno 6. That is why the JunoX is what it is. To embellish it, would no longer be a Juno. Then you might as well call it a jupiter. Which they also make. The Juno X fills a small niche that many like myself will go for.

[@roggyo]

@@wishusknight3009 Go ahead and buy it. So or so it’s made for consumers, not for professionals. There will not be new legendary albums made with Juno X. It’s OK to have products for consumer market, but Roland with so rich synth history could have products for both typical consumers and for professionals and for nostalgic people with reissues of their legendary analog synths. But they focused only on market for consumers. They don’t dare to make proper reissue of Jupiter 8, although many people want it and market was never so good for real analog synths as now. And too many KZbinrs sold themselves and they don’t dare to talk about it. All what they do is praising every single synth that comes out and making the reviews, where they are telling that every synth is good, including Juno X. Just compare what Dave Smith did alone for synth community in recent years with Roland. Or compare what Korg did for synth community in recent years with Roland. Even Behringer is becoming serious competitor, especially if they release UBX (OBX “clone”). Why Roland didn’t reissue their TR-808 and 909 instead of Behringer? Roland is loosing millions because they let others to make millions from Roland’s history. It’s nice that they made Jupiter X and Xm for nostalgic people and consumers that can’t afford all those synths that come with Jupiter X and Xm and I’m one of them. But instead of Juno X, they should come with something different and competitive with others, that are making serious synths. Juno X is not competitive with any synth on the market. I’m telling this because I like Roland synths more than any other, but they lost their focus! Many synth professionals can’t believe what are they doing in Roland. P.S. When I say many KZbinrs sold themselves, I don’t mean about this YT channel.

[@boldstandard]

Where is y’all’s showroom for synthesizers? I’ve been to a couple of Alamo Music locations in San Antonio, and have only seen one or two synths.. mostly guitars and acoustic pianos..? I brought up the KZbin channel to people in the store and they had no idea what I was talking about.

[@josuezacahua8331]

I’m saving, I wet dream about the sound design you can achieve with this

[@tjordulf]

Yep, gotta say, I've not played one yet, I would love to demo one. But after hearing many YT reviews, I'm definitely planning on getting one for my studio rebuild after my move to another country. Often is the case a new piece of gear comes out, a guitar, a bass, a piece of analog rack gear, a plugin, a synth etc. and I get the "oh I'd quite like one of these!" However, with this, my visceral reaction is "Oh my God, I must have one of these immediately, or life just won't be worth living!!!". I need a really good hardware synth, as I only have my RD2000 Roland stage piano, my trusty JV2080 rack module, and still got my old Korg Wavestation EX. Of course I have a few decent to ok VSTi synths. But I really need something special. This is it. I've got some projects coming up, which require it. So I'm investing in this and a Solar 42 Ambient Machine, from Elta music. I think with THAT combination, anything is possible. So thanks for further confirming my compulsive buying obsession. 🙏🏻👍🏻😁, with a good review.

[@White-Yellow-Music]

Mine was delivered yesterday, and it's incredible. Typical high level German engineering and technology. Hans Zimmer has four Waldorf Iridium keyboards!

[@spdycar13]

Recently got the Iridium and wow, it’s amazing! It’s on my can’t part with it list already. No way would I give this up for a Jupiter X. No comparison.

[@issiewizzie]

It doesn’t matter how complex the synthesiser is. To me, it’s what does it sound like. Does it inspire?

[@midialchemy]

You should do review the Studiologic Sledge Black side by side with it from just a aspect of creating the same sounds where the same options are available. I think it might surprise you audience.

[@GizzyDillespee]

And then a Blofeld to compare wavetable aspects, and maybe an opsix (Korg distributes Waldorf in the US?) to try and match kernel and resonator (from Iridium, which does more than VA). Plus granular - IDK what would be similar enough to Iridium there - nothing else by Waldorf but on the cheap.

[@christinepaluch7967]

The other iridium supports MPE and has polyphonic aftertouch. So if your controller supports MPE, it's actually deeper than the keyboard version. I don't know if you just aren't fully informed on that or not.

[@tobiasphilippen7883]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have to say, the Iridium keyboard is really great. I wrote a review about the Quantum when it first came out, and while this also is a very unique synth, it is very expensive and not within reach for most people. The Iridium is certainly not inexpensive, too, but for what you get, I think it is fairly priced. This can definitely be the center of your studio, a workhorse synth capable of producing all the tones you would need. I have played dozens of synths, but the keybed of the Iridium blew me away. So maybe with the exception of having just 49 keys at your disposal, the Iridium really ticks all the boxes. Get it, learn it deeply, and you have all the bases covered. Then maybe get an all analog synth to complement, and you are good to go. I applaud Waldorf for making a deep, beautiful, fun and fast to use synth! I heard that at times it could be really difficult to get holf of an Iridium, so I do hope it is also a commercial success for Waldorf.

[@ewoutvm1]

This beautiful monster is high on my list. In my opinion the most versatile instrument today. I'd use it alongside a Digitone, TR8S, Nord Stage as a replacement of my current Nave softsynth, alongside Reason, Machine and Cubase to create my dark melodic complex hard techno. Waldorf is so good in creating that fat warm (hot) bass sound to colour the soundscape around multi rhythmic blasts. On stage, however, I don't like using my computer (too much, if t all), so this beauty would fit my needs perfectly. Waldorf rules!

[@DonLeino]

i sold alot of stuff to get this bad boy . soon!

[@ewoutvm1]

@@DonLeino Me too..., but: it's in my house! Love it! No disappointment.

[@DonLeino]

@@ewoutvm1 awesome bro enjoy

[@AdamsBrew78]

Iridium seems like a holy grail synth to me - probably the last digital synth I’ll buy if I’m lucky enough to obtain one. I’m just hoping its deep potential won’t be wasted on me, as I’ve little experience with most of the synth methods on offer. I bought Omnisphere and have barely touched the surface. Sadly, mostly using it as a Rompler so far. It’s been a different story with my Hydrasynth, since the interface just spoke to me in a way that other SW and HW synths hadn’t. The perfect balance of accessibility and depth makes me want to spend much more time learning its intricacies. I feel like Iridium could do the same, expanding my sound design horizons even further.

[@axs203]

I would be nice to see them go up against Hydrasynth's Explorer! Quite how they would do that looking at the above synth with all that tech might be a feat! Waldorf have always been associated with quality haven't they. This keyboard isn't too cheap eh....but then the top ones aren't ...so you can't complain. It looks most interesting and sounds great. Is it their Fizmo though? It's very attractive as well. Good luck to Waldorf ... We have Serum and those things now as well...........so it's not quite as clear cut like before. This is one Rolls Royce of a synth though. I also like the look of Solaris. That is another curious beast!

[@bushmann9272]

Waldorf is great! my Pulse MK1 will rip a speaker cone if the 3 Oscillators are at 100% volume

[@compucorder64]

I very much regret selling my Pulse MK1, a long time ago. An absolute bass monster. The second hand prices are still not that bad. Only 100-150 more than they used to sell for back in the 2000s. That's a bargain, considering how much other analog synth prices have inflated.

[@compucorder64]

Quantum might have been Waldorf's Cursed Holy Grail. And maybe they survived and learned enough, to give people what they want with this one. I think it could do well, given time. Because, It sounds very good, better than the Hydrasynth. It's a players synth, with the rare poly-aftertouch in a great form factor for most studios. Not too large and doubles as an excellent controller in front of DAW. The price is really not that high in these days of crazy inflation, especially relative to vintage gear or the OB-X8. Or, when comparing to the Polybrute, you get bi-timbrality and much better polyphony. Few competitors have granular engines, except niche Tasty Chips GR-1. Then lastly, it's one of the best looking synths currently on the market, or ever released actually. But still, already owning a Novation Peak, if I had to pick just one flagship polysynth, I lean toward Polybrute. For me, Pigments and OP-6 Native can cover most of what Iridium can, sonically.

[@geoffk777]

Waldorf has been making the Quantum for at least 3 years. They released a major software update for it just in May, with another one coming soon. And the Quantum technology has been repackaged more cheaply in the Iridium line. So their "Cursed Holy Grail" definitely hasn't killed them and seems to be doing quite well. They don't sell as much as Lorg or Roland, but they have a solid professional market base.

[@compucorder64]

@@geoffk777 for sure, they pushed the envelope on the tech with the Quantum. And I suspect they will sell a lot more Iridiums, and make more profit, because keyboard prices are not that different, but I'd imagine Quantum manufacturing costs are higher, filters, components scarcity, calibration etc

[@varnishyourboard]

Great stuff. It's slightly misleading saying the original Iridium neglects aftertouch though. A compatible external keyboard that sends AT will modulate anything you tell it to. The one-velocity pads "are just a bonus" to a great "module" that saves room in the studio!

[@emdotambient]

I suppose the problem is "a compatible external keyboard that sends AT" ... how many polyphonic AT keyboards are out there? The Hydrasynth would be one ... but the original Iridium plus the original Hydrasynth would set you back $4,000 right now. And I suppose it's arguable that the Hydrasynth duplicates some of the Iridium's abilities. Don't get me wrong, I lust after both of these (Hydrasynth Deluxe model actually).

[@phoenix11-11]

@@emdotambient look out for an old ensoniq Synth. most of them got PolyAftertouch.

[@emdotambient]

@@phoenix11-11 I already have an Ensoniq EPS. The hard drive is bad on it, and fixing them is a pain in the a... Yes, you can get USB drives for them, but converting the old discs to the USB stick is even more of a pain in the youknowwhat ... and I really want my old homemade sounds. I don't advise anyone getting old Ensoniq gear even if it's been fixed up. Parts are just going to become harder to come by and qualified people to fix them are few and far between.

[@phoenix11-11]

@@emdotambient Well - I got a SD1 32 Voice and everything works fine. Just needed a new battery. It`s a great feeling to play the CS-80 VST from memorymoon with the SD1.

[@zoralkia]

Le meilleur achat que j'ai réalisé depuis le Kurzweil K2500 RS est l'IRIDIUM ( ainsi que mes deux XT Waldorf ) . Cette machine est fantastique effectivement , même si, comme souvent, les presets d'origine sont nettement en dessous des sons que l'on peut obtenir en programmant la machine soi- même . ;-)

[@claireika]

The Iridium is the best synth I have ever owned (Prophets included) especially in terms of having it's own sonic signature and logical and well laid out architecture.

[@septembersoul5938]

I hope to get an Iridium some day. I really like the type of sounds that it makes. I have a Hydrasynth 49, and there's similarities in the sound, but the Iridium seems to carry more weight than the Hydrasynth. I would probably get the desktop, due to having a limited income right now. If I ever get extra money, the Iridium will be in my collection.

[@kovelli6711]

Asm hydro synth as a first synth? If so explorer or regular.

[@septembersoul5938]

@@kovelli6711 I'm not really a synth pro, but I like the Hydrasynth 49, due to the extra features, like the ribbon controller and AT. I know some people have said that it sounds too digital, but I'm okay with that, and I don't feel that too digital means poor quality. It sounds great to me. The Hydrasynth makes a lot of nice sounds. I've never used any of the Hydrasynths, except for the 49 key, but they all have the same engine, the Deluxe has two of the engines, but the rest of them just have one. Like I said the 49 key has extras, so that's why I got it, but if you don't care about having the ribbon controller, after-touch, and extra knobs, then I would say to just save the money, and buy the Explorer or desktop. Ultimately, if you're looking for a first synth, there's a lot of options, but I was between the Novation Peak and Hydrasynth, and I personally like the Hydrasynth 49 features a bit more. Supposedly the Peak has a lot of great sounds out of the box, but I've never used one, so I can't really give my opinion. If you want more of an analog sound, and you're on a budget, the Minilogue XD is a good affordable synth. You can even poly-chain two of them, and have 8 voices. I wouldn't buy a Minilogue XD if you want super low analog bass, but it still does bass, and has a nice analog sound, as well as FX built in, plus a sequencer, that records knob tweaks.

[@klstay]

Personally I prefer a collection of focused sound architecture synths, but some want an all in one. Also, granular for me is something I would rather have as a plugin. It is too bad they did not go endless rotaries with LED surrounds IMHO.

[@etiennestehelin3171]

That would have been amazing a la Nord Lead 3

[@peterldelong]

Much more accessible if you buy one from Thomann and save $1000 which includes the shipping and import duty. Ridiculously over-priced from domestic dealers.

[@rumbepack]

Moog did survive both the memory Moog and the Moog one tho.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

For a holy grail €2700 isn't that bad, I like the sound and ergonomics.

[@philippines4448]

i sold all my synths to buy this synth and keep it as my only synth

[@denispolic2404]

In my honest opinion: sometimes the less is more. This includes the Iridium. And there is a question: how many people can use the benefits of this complexity, and how many use it just as preset monster? And whats the price tag for it? That is the answer how succesfull the product is. I´m sure that this is a awesome instrument, but how many people are ready to spend the money for it, when we have something like Hydrasynth on the market for less than a half price, with almost the same capebilities.

[@paulmolive1821]

The Quantum/Iridium interface is actually pretty easy and straightforward to program. I had a Hydrasynth for a few months and found it to be an obtuse preset machine. It also sounded kind of sterile and thin compared to the Quantum.

[@davlippo7]

The bad thing is, I have one BTW, is besides being too deep is that it can't seamlessly switch between voices. It has to stop and load every voice every time which is SUPER annoying. These days everything good must seamlessly switch to be useful in a performance environment or even in the studio. So sadly it's a one trick pony but its one trick can go really deep and do about anything. Maybe in a two voice layer setup you can fade one out and other in but that's all you'll get. Not enough power to seamlessly transition between voices. My YC73, Korg PA5x & M8x can all transition. With each press the voice or chord cuts off cold which is a big no no! At least they should be able to load up a set of voices such as a "live set" that can transition seamlessly between the active voices. Because it's too deep (Not really hard however) and no SSS it's not going to be used much in real musical settings. Maybe the module as a rompler where you don't need it to seamlessly switch because it's not your primary instrument.

[@VinylWave11]

I love my Waldorf Iridium Keyboard. Tis and my Moog are really all I need.

[@Fallingoverbackwards]

I am thinking of just buying and purchase presets from sound designers. I am never going to program this, at best I can learn the real time performance controls. Maybe use sample robot to import samples. Apparently it does real time granular effects on audio input, which is interesting

[@unemployablegraduate]

The problem for me with top-end Waldorfs is the price. If you are just a keys player, it might be justified, but I’m not just a keys player (and I know that lots of us bedroom synth-tweakers are also guitarists, bass players etc.). Last year I was able to buy a Japanese telecaster, a PRS acoustic guitar, a KORG Modwave and a KORG Opsix and collectively the price of those four very nice pieces of kit came in at less than one Waldorf Iridium keyboard model…

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

Yea, it's not really justifiable at 4grand. I like it though.

[@ge0rgeharris218]

They should have made it where you build the synth up as you add boards like 20 years ago!!! That way the muscian is building up the synth time wise!!!

[@JMLRecording]

Cs-80, matrix-12, Moog one…. All their holy grail synths launched them further into the stratosphere I’d say. Some hit, some miss I guess

[@_P_M_]

Honestly, it it sounds like a 90's Ensoniq or Emu. $4K will buy you a lot of synthesizers. None of them will be as powerful as this but all of them will cover more sonic territory.

[@Usul]

I simply don't know enough about digital synthesis. Why this instead of a powerful VST in a DAW with automation? When I think of something like Phase Plant from Kilohearts I start to get sweaty palms. You can get lost for hours just making one sound. The new software Eurorack simulators are incredible as well.

[@plusgoodproductions1550]

The problem with complex synths is that most do not try to program it and rely on the presets. Many people are just "preset hunting" when they buy these things

[@trebleboost7]

I am absolutely the target market for a synth like this. In the hunt for a studio only poly-synth to support a 'songwriter suite tracking studio, to pair with a Sub-37 (and other sundry stuff). It sounds like it would be worth consideration. The key will be sound, how-quickly the sound creation process is (workflow), and how well it compliments the mix. Also prefer quick envolopes as well as the evolving pads which it seems these hybrid types have. The Prophet X has suddenly popped onto my list, which had included the Polybrute, OB-6, Prophet 6, Novation Summit, Jupiter X (as you mentioned), Hydrasynth, and now also keeping an eye on the OB-X8, and the 3rd Wave hybrid. I do LOVE pure VCO's .... wish the Prologue had aftertouch and more modulation....

[@bangmateo7481]

They go a bit overboard reminds me of the open labs Miko. To pay this much one can just buy a PC and the VSTs that this emulating being that its VA.

[@dbefore7165]

@@bangmateo7481 missing the point, it’s having that knobby interface and multiple engines all in one synth that makes it worth the money

[@bangmateo7481]

@@dbefore7165 It is overblown and way too tedious

[@davidknight754]

@@bangmateo7481 For you

[@bangmateo7481]

@@davidknight754 Its an expensive VST in a box no matter how you slice it....Im sorry VST's in a box since it has multiple synth engines.

[@aseomg]

The Waldorf tax is high for customers in the Americas, but if i lived in Europe...I would buy a Waldorf.

[@yeoldmedic7572]

cough cough thomann music website

[@hazedtape]

I am the audience for this monster but my wallet is saying Blofeld

[@RundFyrkant]

Jean Michele jarre gets two, Hans Zimmer gets three, Martin Gore gets two, Richard Devine gets three, Trent Reznor gets two, Kenny Larkin gets one etc and so on. It's like the Moog One and the OBx8 or Super6. Not made for the hobby and bedroom musicians. There always going to be a place for an upmarket and likewise there will be cheap chinese copies and plugins. I'm happy there still are companies that puts R&D for new instruments that the chinese copycats can not touch. The iridium will be one of the future classics.

[@ANTheWhizkid]

It’d definitely sell better for less than 2.5k€ - I’d love to have one.

[@pendago8484]

It sounds a lot like a Gem S2. Really a lot, I mean really.

[@jantuitman]

You scared me with the start of this video, I for a moment thought you came to tell that Waldorf was bankrupt😅 . It is a beautiful instrument and part of me wants to own this….. but it is really big (even the module version is so big I don’t dare to buy it because I would really need to come up with a plan where to put it first). So I kept away from it, but still the thought that the device really wouldn’t be buyable anymore would upset me.

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I was looking at the Iridium module but needed something with a keyboard. The version here with a keyboard was released but for $3500 which priced me out. I ended up getting the Juno-X. Which has been great! Now that I have keys, the module could fit nicely in my studio but do I need it…? That’s allot of coin for something I don’t need, and would just like to have.

[@davidsobel3303]

Very interesting sounds, kinda BOC @9:40

[@jm-vq4cm]

Thats what a synth should look like

[@manuelsalgado9855]

It would be a great instrument if it wasnt so unreliable, mine has a problem with the internal PSU and it just doesnt boot. It lasted less than 2 years. Expensive instruments soudn´t have this kind of manufacturin and design problems

[@VincentPresley]

The Quantum is built and designed better and Waldorf told me they are working on an update to put more filters in and increase the polyphony. But yeah, both great. I almost bought the Iridium Keyboard when it came out but decided to shop around and ended up finding a brand new Quantum for the same price. It is definitely in my top 5 synths ever made. The ability to combine all these different synthesis types in one patch is great and I find it to be a very straight forward machine to use. But I guess I've been doing this a while. I was just given about 24 hours to come up with something to play live opening a sold out Low show and I instantly went to the Quantum, PEK, and Polybrute for my over the top, super complicated patches. I just built a 30 minute set around that. Absolutely love the machine and think it's so much more worth the money than so many over priced vintage synths. I got a Quantum for the same money I got for selling my Juno 60. For what I sold my Moog Sonic VI for I could get a Quantum AND a Polybrute. Think of that.... It's crazy. The Quantum and the Moog One both came out in 2018 (along with some other great machines) and they really killed a lot of vintage gear for me. I don't know if it's because of the parts shortage or if all the big companies decided to focus on competing with Behringer but I see a HUGE decline in ideas and quality in the last couple years. Now it's all little plastic "portable" toys. I wouldn't buy a Moog Mavis for even $100. Quantum, One, Polybrute, Summit, Udo 6, Hydrasynth, etc. There were a couple really killer years with some really great new synths there.

[@JunkSoap]

Iridium is definitely the best synth in my studio right now... "Is there a big enough audience that want to go that deep in synthesis... " Clearly no. In 2022, the common audience wants a big name to be printed on the back. They're ready to spend 6k on a minimoog v2, a Sequential Trigon or an OBX8.... Well if people are stupid enough to spend as much for such a short list of features, brands are right to raise their prices higher and higher...

[@MarianoPerez]

Those patches sound really thin.

[@electrolytics]

$3700? I'll try out out a Novation Summit for $2000 first if I want a digital synth. This thing is nothing more than a VST in a box for $3700. They can keep it.

[@pubdigitalix]

I don't say is a bad synthesizer but 4k price for 16 voice of polyphony all digital oscillators and filters with 5 engines inside a 49 key-bed? I don't know where is the innovation. Maybe the desktop option with a price near 1.5k will be better sale, but this is an unnecessary luxury article. For example the Hydrasynth Deluxe version are selling very well and excels in any department with half of the price. The problem is the image of the company. The marketing is wrong. Waldorf is not a boutique vendor. People don't expect overpriced synthesizers with a lot of functions. Products like Blofeld was selling spectacularly well and never come with a second generation. They put a lot of ram inside and then block the functions to load samples by firmware. Some months later they ask the consumers to pay for a code to unlock what you have inside from the factory. After unlock the functionality users was shock by the time to transfer the samples because the interface is only good for midi. From the engineering point of view Waldorf always screw up the things in a big way more the one time. And the consumers always forget. A pattern here?

[@unc1589]

Problem with popularity is that techs like completely while customers like to hit the ground running. The first company to realize that will be in business for a nice long time. Presets win the day! This board should have 1500 presets ready to load. (I think it has like 83 on one model) Tweaking should be optional. It already sounds amazing why should I waste creative moments tweaking. (Group presets into real world lists like “lo soul, crunchy mids, High end ear candy”. Plug-in world is just beginning to get this. They’re abandoning the “make your plugins look like hardware” concept and simplifying the GUIs. Aw heck, the whole thing’s going AI anyway. Still, I’d buy this keyboard if I could find a good reason to. Then hide the purchase from my wife. PS. Stop making music equipment FOR dance music, electronica, EDM….. Make it for people who like the sounds period. It’s easy to make every company demo video include the top 6 genres . RnB- urban -hip hop -pop-church music don’t use a lot of buzzy saw wave sounds. Make presets for those guys. Then you’ll see preset tweak videos and people will learn the board.

[@Redneck_Wizard]

Boooooooo

[@watchaddicts1213]

Jupiter X id a jukebox. Sorry, that was ugly.

[@FullFledged2010]

I don't care about analog vs digital. What matters is how it sounds and this thing can do sounds the Jupiter can only dream of 😑

[@akibe7608]

Meh. These sorts of synths are for guys who do shows that are 98% male nerds and 2% ugly women nerds. Yes, it's deep - but listen to what the guy is playing. That is borderline depressing.

[@Redneck_Wizard]

So good music?

[@michaels8088]

will it have success???ONLY in the same niche mindsets...Maybe for REAPER/NUENDO/SAMPLITUDE/ ACID users..PD?MAX?CSound?SuperCollider?VCV?BEOS?