Waldorf Iridium first impressions from Flux

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

This synth has so many options that you could use it for like 20 years and still not get bored with it.

[@michaels8607]

exactly why I see no point with 98% of the rest of them...

[@Jegkedermigmega]

Lovely video :) It's nice to have you do a run through of the Iridium, seeing that I've already watched countless HS videos by you. You know how it's sometimes lovely to see a certain artists' take on a synth, and the sounds they can make with it? - it's sort of the same when you geek out about features, and architecture; it's nice to have a reference, so to speak. I hope you'll do more videos like these in the future :)

[@SoundsAndGear]

Yeah bro, this thing is looking good. I dismissed it previously. The stuff you're showing here makes me rethink it for sure. Dope vid!

[@MrThebald1]

Fantastic video, would like to see you do more on the Iridium. I just picked one up and I’m blown away.

[@Schilliebillie]

Thank you. Always great to hear a really knowledgeable synth freak talking! And the Iridium is a truly flagship.

[@just_pierre9730]

Great video, Ken! I ordered a Iridium, have to wait for it about 6 weeks. The Hydrasynth is made for the Iridium as a companion. Not only to control it but also for layering patches. I already own the HS keyboard and the HS desktop, they can make such crazy patches(like the ones you created), but the Iridium will add so much more. Can't wait. Hoping more videos will come?

[@Fluxwithit]

Just_Pierre for sure. I only make videos on gear that inspires me. And this sure has.

[@robertfischer1895]

How is the "state-variable" filter here different from any other filter type? I'm used to "state-variable" meaning that a filter can gradually interpolate between LP-Notch-HP states, like the Sequential OB6, or maybe LP-BP-HP states. Does the Iridium do this? If not, how are its state-variable filters different from any other filters? Thanks!

[@suitandtieguy]

Great run through. I'm so looking forward to mine!

[@chriscopeman8820]

Did you get?? Still like it??

[@suitandtieguy]

@@chriscopeman8820 YES! It's amazing.

[@chriscopeman8820]

@@suitandtieguy Thanks. Good to know, and enjoy!!!

[@donkeevney]

Best video on the iridium for me.

[@JGW-im3nf]

Can this be used as a effect instrument? Like run a MPC into it to apply the effects from from waldorf to the MPC?

[@ZAYAZOfficial]

If you are looking for effects, you should check out an Eventide H9 Max. It’s 1/3 the price.

[@eyesintheskies]

It can but if you simply want the effects and touchscreen playability check out the latest kaoss pad (replay) If you don’t plan on diving deep into the iridium’s synthesis capabilities it would be an expensive choice. Although it does also sample, and granular is a load of fun.

[@jhdrummer4815]

I see you have a Hydrasynth behind, what are the main differences between these two, considering the half price for the Hydrasynth compared to the Iridium? Thanks

[@Fluxwithit]

Hydrasynth is a much more direct workflow. Feels more like one connected instrument whereas iridium is more a jack of all trades. They both sound very different from each other with the iridium sounding more clean and controlled and hydrasynth more like a raw synth. If you have an iPad , load up NAVE to get a rather close feel for how iridium can sound. Obviously it can do much more than nave but it’s a good start. One of the big differences is the filters on the two units sound nothing alike imho. Also the way saturation and drive are handled is very different. Where the iridium has the filter saturation at basically 3 fixed positions (clean , sat, dirty) the hydrasynth has filter drive on a sweepable / modulatable knob. Then both have distortion/drive fx post filter also (on the iridium this can be placed pre filter so more flexibility on top) For both being extremely deep wavetable synths , they have surprisingly little overlap imho (obviously I’m just sticking to wavetable/va aspects here as hydrasynth doesn’t do the sampling and granular stuff) also the fm in the two units are very different.

[@jhdrummer4815]

@@Fluxwithit Thanks for your accurate answer!

[@christopherwalker3285]

Great upload, what's the midi cc implementation like

[@Rez311]

Hi Ken…. Have you looked into the Waldorf M? What are your thoughts on it? I’m flip flopping between the Iridium and the M, M is much less versatile but the sound of it really speaks to me.

[@Fluxwithit]

If i am honest... since this video I have had a number of issues with the Iridium..very sadly as its engine is so deep. I am on the fence now as to what I decide to do. the M looks great. If the iridium was working perfectly with no bugs I'd still say go Iridium no doubt as it has lots of lofi modes etc and the filters sound plenty close enough to analog.

[@DaveS-Ace]

@@Fluxwithit Hi Ken what issues did u have with ur iridium, has the latest software update sorted them out?

[@Fluxwithit]

@@DaveS-Ace I ended up needing to send it in for a SOM board replacement. It’s now back at home and working well.

[@johan9187]

Amazing video, how is it after one year of using it? Still rocking it?

[@gossamyr]

"It gets weirder though..."

[@Fluxwithit]

Thanks for the kind words

[@thaexception3406]

That oscillator save feature sounds nice! First time I’ve heard anyone mention that

[@dovepaige]

I didn't realize that it did grainular as well!!! I haven't figured out how I'm going to pay for it yet but it this NEEDS to become the centerpiece of my rig!!!

[@MadelnMachines]

What is the multi-sample import and mapping process? Do you have to assign each sample to a specific key? Loopop suggested it was a long and painful process. I'm absolutely blown away with what this synth can do. It's almost too much! Do you see yourself starting to prefer it to the Quantum? It is nice to have dedicated pots for 3 envelopes, 3 LFOs and Digital Former though. Do you have any info about the Quantum 3.0 update? If they allow you to plug in an SSD and read kontakt files with all your multi-samples it could be a one stop shop for everything synthesis. With the Quantum do you get dual digital filters if you bypass the analogue filters or do you just get the 1 digital filter plus the digital former? An direct - A/B with the quantum filter would be great. Sorry too many questions!

[@Fluxwithit]

Made In Machines I’ll be doing follow up videos. It’s not as bad as loopop made it sound, you can import a folder at a time (not just single files) and you can auto map them . Kontakt files would not be read as that is a proprietary format, I am using the raw samples I used to create my Kontakt instruments.

[@thechoiceisyaws]

Ken Flux Pierce Fluxwithit good to know, hope to see big breakdown of all the sampling capability

[@davidsteffens3952]

Made In Machines very easy to map. I’m not sure what was going on in the loopop video. He does incredible videos, but that was bad info

[@davidsteffens3952]

Also, yes in the Quantum you can select digital domain rather than analog and use stereo filters into the digital former. It’s not in the manual, on purpose, but you can do it.

[@robertfischer1895]

I've seen the Iridium described as having "up to" 16 voices. My Blofeld has "up to" 25 voices, but when I use two wavetables and a comb filter the polyphony drops to 3 actual voices. Can you tell me what the REAL polyphony of the Iridium is? Thanks!

[@richardsmithson4453]

Definitely 16 voices.

[@michelegammarota4492]

fantastic video

[@Fluxwithit]

Thank you

[@Zinfidel1]

Wicked! Really cool synth. Didn't realize this version had double the polyphony! I have a question about the wavetables: It looks like all the waves are displayed on screen, does it scan in a linear fashion? Like from wave A to Z and back? Or can it scan in like a XY vertical and horizontal morph? The scanning seems smooth, are there options to make it less smooth? Also, 22:00 wow! That sounds great!

[@Fluxwithit]

Yeah you can morph in either direction. I’m sure you can make it step using a step lfo or modulate the wave. I’ll have more in-depth content on it soon

[@17cortland74]

If you watch the sections where he uses the wavetable oscillator you’ll notice a “stepped” tab with “smooth” written above it. You can change it to 4, 6 or 8 steps if I’m not mistaken (I’m not sitting in front of mine right now). You can also change the playback from clear down to harsh.

[@Fluxwithit]

17 Cortland thanks much :)

[@Zinfidel1]

@@17cortland74 Cool thanks! I watched on a tiny screen and can't see any of the menu stuff. But it looks robust. Glad to hear it. Smooth transitions are great but sometimes I like glitchy sounding morphs especially with some fx. The Cloud Terrarium has a 'Phase Interpolation' setting to sorta emulate old wavetable synths and it's neat.

[@Zinfidel1]

@@Fluxwithit hell yeah! Looking forward to it. Both the Quantum and Iridium have a very cool futuristic look to it. Very awesome.

[@thechoiceisyaws]

Gonna use microfreak poly AT to try this

[@alanwomack9948]

Think this thing could replace my Blofeld?

[@christopherklein4203]

Bro, you obviously are joking, right?

[@alanwomack9948]

christopher Klein of course 😂

[@christopherklein4203]

Alan womack 😂 just checking. I knew you were. I thought it was a funny tho.

[@jeffc1753]

It can’t replace mine.

[@ginoco]

Great video! love the genuine excitement as that is why we all get into this stuff. I pre-ordered and waiting 4-6 weeks to get one. Are you going to do any follow up videos? I’m really curious how the audio input works, as I need to route another synth through it (not just for sampling, but regular pass-through).

[@Fluxwithit]

Yeah just been super busy

[@chriscopeman8820]

Did you get your iridium?? Still like it??

[@ginoco]

@@chriscopeman8820 Yes I did, and I love it!

[@chriscopeman8820]

@@ginoco Thanks, and enjoy!!

[@synkuk]

Superb intro , thanks

[@Rightly_Divided]

Why don't I have the presets... Like I have just the very bare bones basic... few wavetables and can't figure out how to get to patches NVM Hit Load And here is the comment for when I first watched it :/

[@ranzee]

right there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3-kmmqQZ9aeoLM bam! ... if you ever distrust digital ... now it is time for you to start believing! Digital just levelled up.

[@EclipseSound]

never used hardware synth - wonder if they are more convenient to use - setting things up on little monitor and panning through menus looks like pain in the ass.

[@Fluxwithit]

Completely depends on the synth. In this aspect, a plug in might be easier just for the fact this can do so much it’s hard to put it all there InThis UI . But on the flip side you have more direct controls so it feels more immediate than mapping a controller.

[@Rareos]

The audio in this video is mono

[@keithbarnhart6952]

One thing. Its spoken that one of the advantages of digital filters is the ability to have a stereo path, yet this entire video is in mono.

[@Fluxwithit]

Hmmm I’ll have to check the upload info as it was show and exported in stereo. Though I did not show much panning in this video. Side note , this would not be the first time I’ve had this issue with KZbin uploads.

[@achalacoengineeringg8463]

But is it really more, than a computer with a built in controller and some kind of software? because if it is not I am waiting for the vst

[@synkuk]

All digital synths are effectively 'software' however.. may things are more efficient and cheaper to get the same results from in HW.. I personally hate trying to tweak 1000 knobs with a mouse.. and have a real love of being able to touch the synth and adjust multiple things at once with my hands. feels way more engaging

[@achalacoengineeringg8463]

@@synkuk that may be true, but if you have a good midi controller you do not have to. The point im trying to make is : Why not pair all this great digital technology with analog and tubes and analog filters and make all parameters cc programmable.. noW thats something id shell a few bucks out for. (edited)

[@synkuk]

@@achalacoengineeringg8463 Hi Chaco, I disagree.. you see the number of controls on these synths .. automapping to a real synth like omnisphere is a good compromise but doesnt solve all problems.. I have a Access Virus Ti2 and it has a VST connection .. which I love .. but when wanting to actually create a patch I tend to use the synth controls directly .. and for analog stuff like the matrix brute .. no way any midi controller can have over 150 controls and mapped and give the immediate feel of a real synth .. but each to their own .. do what makes you happy :)

[@synkuk]

I must admit I have both real and vst synths .. use the HW a lot more .. but in some cases like Maschine I blend both .. I also love the fact I have something tangible .. that also has a resale value .. unlike a lot of VST's

[@achalacoengineeringg8463]

@@synkuk Of course having something tangible is great, but for me its all about sound.I started with a lot of vsts also a few digital or virtual analog synths, but I always found the sound to be lacking even compared to old analog gear. so now I am concentrating on replacing everything I can with analog gear from effects to synths only keeping digital vsts and synths that cover areas where analog is not affordable or can not keep up. And where I can I try to filter or amp everything with something that has tubes or anything that gives my sound more texture.

[@chriscopeman8820]

Checking your channel, it looks like you're into the hydrasynth, but this is the only iridium video you made. Did you give up on it?? Why??

[@Fluxwithit]

Give up on it ? No. But I will say I find for wavetable and VA stuff I tend to prefer the hydrasynth as programming is more immediate and the sound is a bit more raw which I enjoy. I use the iridium more for layered strange experiments with the samples and granular. I’ll do some more on the iridium eventually.

[@chriscopeman8820]

@@Fluxwithit Thanks. So many choices and this helps my choice very much.

[@OperantSound]

14:24 is all.

[@MrAnselm77]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🇨🇦🇨🇦🙏🏿👊🏿

[@AcidTechnoMan5000]

No bass eh?

[@Fluxwithit]

Eh?