Waldorf Quantum - Does it Have an Achilles' Heel?

[@CuriousDroid]

After owning the quantum for about 11 months I finally sold it a few weeks ago. To me it just didn't represent value for money any more, yes it does a lot of things but i find myself using Arturia Pigments more which is a bit of a strange thing to say but I could get just as interesting sounds with a much more useful Arp/Seq/Mod section. The upgrade as we go way of doing things does leave you thinking about the next upgrade rather than using the synth, it never feels finished and that is just a gnawing distraction. The analogue filters are the centrepiece are OK but a bit characterless, they could have just given you a couple of digital ones and you'd probably have not really noticed. They just don't have a character of ones like the Moog, Oberheim, SEM, Roland, Korg analogues, you don't think, wow that's great-sounding "Quantum" filter and they really missed a trick not making them true stereo though they have a pseudo-stereo effect. The FM update is interesting but the UI is poor and the granular is just overrated, there are much better VST's that do both of these better. Finally, I just thought it was time to get rid before the prices started dropping, then within days of selling the Hydra and Argon8 are announced both of which cover a lot of the ground the Quantum does, I will get both for half the price of the Quantum. In the case of the Hydra it offers the Poly aftertouch keyboard and massive ribbon that the really should be on the quantum for the price. There becomes a point where having so many bits in a synth that its a distraction rather than a benefit and you end up using only a fraction of its full capabilities, then its time to just get something which is simpler but in the end much more usable and now cheaper. And yes I did have issues with the screen too but by then I knew it wasn't going to be troubling me much longer.

[@TimShoebridge]

Curious Droid Thanks for taking the time to write that comment. I very much appreciate what you are saying, and what you are saying is a balanced view, though of course there will be the Quantum fanboys who fervently disagree. It’s a very large sum of money to invest in one single piece of equipment, so you really need to feel that it is going to serve you well in the long term. The quantum is 99% computer algorithms so is always going to need to compete with VST’s, and it will never be able to move forward as fast as individual VST developers can. I have only had my quantum for a few months so am still in the honeymoon period, but I am just a little concerned that the appeal will wear off, I hope it doesn’t but time will tell...

[@Wagoo]

"The upgrade as we go way of doing things does leave you thinking about the next upgrade rather than using the synth, it never feels finished and that is just a gnawing distraction." What's the alternative to this? Either have the hardware abandoned and never get any OS updates or be stuck in limbo for 5 years hoping to glimpse the Quantum at a tradeshow while every possible feature is added to the OS prior to release, without the help of user feedback. I do think the OS was essentially feature complete at release, things being added to it are very welcome bonuses rather than some sort of psychological impediment to enjoying the synth.. it's just weird to think about it in that way

[@indiefilmcomposer]

It does seem to be complete and the updates are icing on the cake but I wish the granular engine could do more like the GR1...not a fair comparison but it’s very basic as is......those analog filters don’t sound anything like other synths .....I guess it just sounds like a quantum sort of a neutral cool digital palette that can be clean or very gritty but warm not so much and this is where we see buyers remorse I think for those expecting something more traditional and warm.....the fx are top notch .....I will keep mine until something comes out that can replace all it can do the Hydra looks appealing but I would need to pair it with. GR1 , a stereo sampler and then I wouldn’t have the resonator which I like a lot and will feature in my final quantum review next week ....my screen is fine so far ...price drops are just crazy right now on reverb if you are looking to buy it’s good timing I haven’t seen a drop like this so fast for a newer synth ever...

[@josephfelice601]

Can you please list some VST's that do much better Granular?

[@samprock]

Seems like i will like fish in a water coming from my fav Pigments. When I saw Iridium (can't/don't want to pull off price of Quantum) i thought it just like 3xPigments in a hardware :) still hope so, but seems like only personal experience can tell. TNX!

[@JohnDoe-xv1se]

Really appreciate the screen tech review. Just so happens, I'm looking at a used Quantum, Kronos and the MPC live (or keys) right now. I'm now fully informed regarding the Quantum's screen "peculiarities" and the great screens on the Kronos and MPC Live and I'm much obliged. I'm going to get all three of these babies. Thanks for "2 in 1" the video.

[@SandyZoop]

Finally, my gross skin came in handy for me. That explains why I haven't been as bothered by it as many. I'm surprised the screen is the biggest thing other people noticed. I've mostly heard about the destruction of stereo information when the sound goes through the analog filters. I agree wholeheartedly with your suggestion for having the main rotary encoder default to whatever you've selected. You can file a feature request in Flyspray if you're using the beta. Otherwise, post it on the GS thread or the sadly neglected Waldorf forums on their site.

[@danielpirone8028]

I would love a follow up video to see how things have changed.

[@downpatmusic]

Your video (s) are great because you report to us real world issues with working with these synths. How frustrating for a hobbyist let alone professional to have these types of problems slowing them down. A strike against dedicated hardware and a plus for computer based-DAW based work flow with its various smooth ways to input and interact with the applications.

[@DonSolaris]

Great video! OS 2.0 adds exactly what you wished for at the end of the video - select a function, use main dial to change the value. Make sure you review OS 2.0 once it becomes available to the public. Keep in mind it will make some of the information posted in this video, obsolete and in error

[@TimShoebridge]

Don Solaris Hi Don, that’s good to know and I look forward to v2. As to the impact on this video, obsolete yes, in error no :)

[@DonSolaris]

@@TimShoebridge Hello Tim! Display issues existed in the early units. Waldorf offered a fix for those by either updating display firmware or if more serious problem, replacing the display. So definitely contact Waldorf support they WILL make sure your unit gets repaired. The reason why the video is in error is because ALL of the newly manufactured Quantums have perfectly working touch displays! I have one of those, I can operate it with the tip of my pinky with no pressure applied whatsoever! So the video is definitely a bit misleading. It would make sense making it after your unit came from the service. Because right now it is a little bit unfair. I suggest you temporary set video to private, send the unit for service. If the problem persist after the service THEN re-publish it. However i ensure you they will fix it. And since you can get 2.0 via beta, you won't feel need to re publish it.

[@TimShoebridge]

@@DonSolaris I bought my quantum *new* just a few months ago. If this is an issue with early units then why didn't Waldorf recall them? Why didn't Waldorf post an official advisory notice? The fact is, if these are faulty units, then they are still in circulation and people can still end up buying them. So sorry but I believe my video still has a public use. Yesterday you called this a great video, now you want me to take it offline!! ;)

[@DonSolaris]

@@TimShoebridge Yeah because i contacted Waldorf staff and asked about your case and learned they offer a service if there is any issue with the screen. I had no prior knowledge of that and I assumed you already tried contacting the store that sold you the unit and they decided to do NOTHING about it. Because the way your display behaves clearly shows a serious malfunction. You know that XY performance thing? You should be able to play it with your pinky and no pressure at all. Visit a store and try some of their Quantums. Once you determine they are ok, call their staff, pull out your reciept and tell them your story. I should say that i am in constant contact with Rolf Wohrmann, Quantum's chief designer because I work for Waldorf as a sound designer. So if my word means anything, please contact the store to either replace or fix your unit (they will have to contact Waldorf tech support). I would appreciate you keep me updated on the case. Kind Regards! P.S. What i meant by taking down the video was that essentially it is all about the main dial not changing the selected parameter. Well in 2.0 main dial does exactly that. BTW the video quality is excellent. So yeah it is a great video!

[@Paul_Y_T]

the beta firmware (available to all quantum owners) has added a lot of changes, one being more parameters are controllable by the big encoder when selected eg the pitchvar you showed. and it scrolls the attribute list Also you can now change encoder resolution from normal to fine etc just by pressing the encoder which is a big workflow help. I'm glad you mentioned about tapping the big boxes, but the right hand screen issue is still a pain for the layer 2 box if not thinking about it.

[@TimShoebridge]

PaulOnYT Thanks Paul, glad to hear Waldorf are already on the case. I purposefully steer clear of beta firmware, but look forward to the release of v2

[@Paul_Y_T]

@@TimShoebridge I can appreciate that, but you are putting out a video that affects the long-term perception of this synth now. It's an open beta that any owner can participate in. That means the experience you are describing and criticising in this video is different from the possible/likely experience of an actual quantum owner. The beta software adds so much to the quantum experience beyond just being able to use the main encoder in-place of dragging - it seems a little off to me that you're not representing that in your videos or at least making it very clear that you've chosen to deliberately avoid the enhanced features, so viewers know that there is a knowledge gap they can fill via other sources.

[@TimShoebridge]

@@Paul_Y_T I do not believe there is anything "a little off" with presenting a video about a synth using current production firmware. Anyone seeing this video will immediately be aware of an impending firmware update by the comments such as yours. I stand by my decision not to use beta firmware, beta firmware by it's very nature is not considered ready for general public use, if it was it would not be beta. This general assumption that, to get the best from this synth requires you to use beta firmware, will ultimately put people off buying it. While we are having this dialog, I am going to say that there is a protectionist attitude on the Quantum FB forum by a small number of individuals which borders on fanboyism. My criticism in this video is very mild, my experience is not isolated to just me, and I offer practical advice for making the best of the synth as well as how it could be improved. If the v2 upgrade fixes enough of my concerns then I will be very happy to broadcast an update video, but if I am subjected to too much protectionist / defensive behaviour bordering on personal attacks to discredit me then why will I bother? Let's all stay nice, not be alarmist, and not be scared of criticism if given in a professional manner which I believe I have done. Thanks for your support.

[@Paul_Y_T]

@@TimShoebridge I'm guilty of fanboyism sometimes, but that's because the quantum is truly something special amongst the sea of synths I own (hardware and software). A big part of that, and the main draw for my purchase, was the way rolf is continually improving it via the open beta. My experience of this synth has improved enormously since I bought it in June thanks to that steady stream of beta updates. I was put off buying the quantum for a long time because I had read the sound on sound review which presented a number of things as fact that were not (or no longer) the case, and a big dollop of received wisdom from forum/youtube comments. I felt cheated that I held off. I think that is coloring my desire that potential buyers understand what the quantum is and isn't - and the beta is a part of that decision imo. I apologise if I've been an arse. Keep up the good work Tim.

[@MadelnMachines]

@@TimShoebridge Did V2 fix your issues Tim?

[@Paul_Y_T]

@Tim, I had my screen replaced and it's like night and day - completely eliminates the right dead strip and the whole screen is more responsive. It's a joy to use now. I have a samsung tablet screen protector on it as well which reduces friction too so it makes it easier to swipe. It's now usable with a cheapo squidgy tipped stylus.

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi Paul, Good to know. I have been in contact with Waldorf Support over the last month or so. They believe my screen is running latest firmware already due to the serial number. They said I can of course send it back for further investigation and possible replacement but to be honest I am a bit hesitant. First I don't want to pay the shipping cost to Germany (the retailer I bought it from here in the UK is the most unhelpful and intentionally obstructive **** I've ever dealt with), and second I don't want to lose the synth for so many weeks. I'm going to wait until v2 firmware is released to see how much I still rely on the screen at that point. Waldorf tell me I have two years warranty so can return the synth any time in that period if the screen really is an issue for me. So that's the plan so far, I will wait and see. Would like to see v2 publicly released very soon!!

[@Paul_Y_T]

​@@TimShoebridge Hi Tim, only just seen this. Waldorf Germany arranged for the UK distributor, Hand in Hand, to collect mine and send it to Germany - the retailer wasn't involved in that and I didn't incur a cost. It was way for 7 weeks total, although they were dealing with more than just replacing the screen (which behaved like yours on the right side prior to repair). The pain of that has been replaced with the joy of using it again, as it feels so much better to use now.

[@S1ph3r]

yeah, I have the MPC live and I love it. Although, thinking about moving to the MPC X just for the dedicated qlinks and buttons with the addition of the extra audio outs (waiting to hear if there will be a MPC X MK2). Make sure you are putting in a feature request to Waldorf on all of these topics you are bringing up. some, if not most of these changes might be done to the quantum/iridium through software patches.

[@cronenbergj]

Does anyone has any info when the the Touchscreen FIX will be available via regular SD card, instead of sending the Quantum to Waldorf HQ ?

[@markquavertune2003]

Thank you Tim .It is an expensive instrument .Why have a touch screen ? Why not have a viewing monitor capability and some sliders to adjust parameters ? The Roland MV 8800 had the capacity to connect a monitor that displayed everything . The new Roland fantom also has a touch screen .Would a solution for saving a patch be achieved with a PC software application ?

[@Paul_Y_T]

I don't find it as much of a hinderance as this video suggests. that may be because I added a tablet screen protector, as a number of people have also said that has helped them. I can't imagine accessing something as powerful as this without a touchscreen given the sheer number of soft-buttons and parameters.

[@Digiphex]

There is a certain type of person who likes workarounds and tweaking and this will suit them. It is the nature of this low sales volume, high priced beast. I think I would like it!

[@TheEleventeen]

Wonderful video ! Awesome ending !

[@BecomingProductions]

I'd love to see some coverage of the arp and sequencing functions. I've watched near every youtube video on the Quantum and for some reason nobody is giving these features any coverage.

[@TimShoebridge]

Dave Kavanagh Hopefully I will revisit the Quantum and make more videos in January. I’m waiting impatiently for the v2 firmware update to be released...........

[@thehandoflenin]

Save screen is not great but I still have my screen film protector that came with the synth. Akai MPC X, Live and Force are great screens. But hey it’s Waldorf and overall the synth outshines a few niggles. Plus I do prefer it to constantly turning the encoder on the Korg Prologue.

[@audiolego]

Tim , honestly do you have /more productive/more inspired to use Quantum or Iridium. I ask because both are sooooo pretty looking/sounds sooo out of this world

[@steveelbows3797]

Your Quantum is faulty, the Quantum screen should not behave like that at all, in terms of poor touch response and completely dead touch area at right of screen. I feel bad for people who struggle with this problem - not all Quantums are like this, mine certainly isnt, you are missing out on a better experience! Its quite a common fault, and you should contact Waldorf support so they can get it fixed (I believe it requires a firmware update to the display itself, which cannot be done by users, unlike main Quantum firmware which can be updated by users).

[@Pacman1ac]

Tim, what about the durability of that screen? Will it really work after 10-15 years or we'll have to search for spare parts?

[@hillie47]

Why not take a drum stick for the homegrown stylus? Many different sizes, easy to shorten to a length you prefer, slip the conductive condom over and it should work. It's also a little more forgiving in case the "condom" wears out or slides off, instead of a steel nail. It's annoying that Waldorf has great technology, but just can't get their user interface hardware in order, looking at this and the well-documented encoder issue with the Blofeld.

[@neilloughran4437]

Another great video. Out of interest did you keep you Quantum? I have the Iridium keyboard and see very much the same problems... still have no idea why Apple iPad touchscreens are just so wonderful (and have been for 10+ years) yet touchscreens elsewhere are just not at the same level.

[@TimShoebridge]

I have an Iridium desktop now and ended up selling the quantum to a friend. I love the capabilities of these instruments 100% and I think it was a brave design choice to utilise a touch screen. But all that said I find the screen implementation slows me down. What I would LOVE for Waldorf to implement in firmware is mouse support. There's a USB connection already and having a mouse pointer available when one is plugged in would eliminate all my frustrations. I know that solution would make some people comment about "get yourself a pc" but they'd be missing the point entirely imho.

[@neilloughran4437]

@@TimShoebridge I think the filters in the Iridium sound incredible... looking forward to digging in... and your videos are really helping me do that. I'm struggling with importing some third party wav files atm but suspect I'm doing something wrong or that the format isn't quite right.. thanks again!

[@TimShoebridge]

@@neilloughran4437 Ah, the main constraint is the sample rate, but also check available memory if you have uploaded samples successfully in the past. I have a video on sample import if that helps, but if you're still stuck then happy to help 👍

[@neilloughran4437]

@@TimShoebridge many thanks! I think the sample rate is probably the issue... only bought this a few days ago so learning via videos like yours on youtube :D.

[@CybreSmee]

Thanks for this series, I've watched them all. I am in the market for a flagship synth, but the problem is they are usually special orders in my country so I can't test play one first. I have shortlisted this Quantum and Prophet X, what would you recommend? I mostly compose orchestral film type music, symphonic metal, and pop-rock stuff. Im looking for more soundscapes, atmospheres, textures and the likes, rather than analogue synthesis emulation. Cheers.

[@TimShoebridge]

You are very welcome. Hopefully I will continue the Quantum videos in January. Currently waiting for the v2 firmware to be released. Choosing between those two synths for me is very difficult, and I say that as someone who has had the luxury of owning and playing both! The Q is much more powerful, it has multiple digital sound engines, many effects, more modulation options, a far deeper user interface. But the PX sounds really great at what it does, very nice stereo analog filters, fewer effects but they sound fantastic. I'm not sold on the Q's reverb and chorus but there is room for improvement with firmware updates. They are both 8 voice poly's but the PX can switch to mono filters which doubles the polyphony to 16. In terms of sampling, you get a huge library with the PX and much less with the Q, but TBH I was not really wowed by 8DIO's library: Many samples are way too wet imho, and there are some strange sample choices and many obvious omissions. Getting your own samples into the Q is more flexible than the PX, you actually assign key groups and velocity groups yourself in the Q which is something I believe you have to do outside of the PX using software(?). But then again the PX has a lot more storage space for user samples than the Q. I'd strongly recommend trying them out before committing your money, it's a lot of cash to spend on an instrument. And I'd also factor in the possibility that either synth plays up and needs repair/replacement: From what I hear from owners here in the UK the turnaround time to return the Q to Germany for a screen replacement is over 7 weeks. Imagine what that would be for someone in the US or Asia? So make sure you buy from a retailer who guarantees a replacement or guarantees a lone unit if your synth does ever need to return to base.

[@CybreSmee]

@@TimShoebridge Thank so so much for your detailed reply. I was already a little off-put by PX's 8Dio samples, having not heard anything that really blew me away (I already have far too many Spitfire sample libraries, not sure I need any more right now). I'm a big fan of libraries like BT Phobos and the WQ has a similar vibe from what I've heard. I will need to pay to have a demo model shipped down to my town, so I might bite the bullet and go with the Waldorf. As much as that screen quirk will annoy me, I think the sounds you've demo'd are right on the money for my needs.

[@soupforare]

With synths this complex, I don't know why the Kurzweil or Solaris style of UI isn't more popular. They look less sexy at face value but it's so much faster to get around than touch. There's no tactile feedback vs softbuttons/numpad/wheels.

[@MarshalArnold]

Am hopeful the navigation improves (sounds like it my have in Beta firmware some what) I'm still running non beta on mine. Hope they will make it so that the touch is really a bonus but that you have a way to do almost everything without ever needing to touch it.

[@Paul_Y_T]

The beta firmware adds so much to the quantum experience, and a small part of that is being able to use the main encoder to change parameters values and scroll lists (only ones I've come across that it doesn't scroll - yet - are the presets). I often use the main encoder when trying to dial in a value that previously only used a touch screen slider, and I'll often use the main encoder to scroll the list then tap the item I want rather than dragging to move it. Being able to change the resolution of the 6 silver encoders from normal/fine/super fine by pressing them is a godsend for me too.

[@MarshalArnold]

@@Paul_Y_T very cool, I suppose I should snag the beta firmware and give it a go. How do I get ahold of it? I hadn't seen anything on the Waldorf website.

[@Paul_Y_T]

@@MarshalArnold just fill in the support form here asking to be added to it - you won't get it until the next release though: support.waldorfmusic.com/contact/ticketrequest

[@indiefilmcomposer]

in dual layer mode I can’t figure out how to play the arp on layer 2 and have it turned off on layer 1 ....it seems to be both layers or none, have you been able to do this? You can select the mod button and then touch a knob to set source and destination much like dave smith rev 2, the lights flash when you do this.....Touch screen doesn’t bother me at all for wave tables the big knob on the osc will move the position perhaps a touch too much , pun intended

[@barthvis]

To me (and to Tim too I think...) there are two very separate problems: 1: The quality of the hardware (the touchscreen) 2: The ergonomics of the User Interface. Nr 1. will probably be harder to solve (the only hope is the screen protector solution) or the Touchscreen hardware should be replaced with a better version. But Nr. 2 is a matter of UI design choices. We have seen a lot of progress in the latest firmware updates, so I relax in the faith that Rolf will address this challenge too. So the Archilles' heel is (to me) not as fragile as it seems... :-)

[@666JGNotts]

Are there more videos in series coming soon?

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi, There is a major new version of the firmware going to be released soon. It adds new functionality but improves on almost every aspect of the synth's existing functionality too. So I've decided to hold off recording any more videos on the Quantum until the new firmware is released, otherwise I would be describing functionality that will very quickly be out of date. Hopefully the new firmware will be out in a month...

[@666JGNotts]

Thanks. Looking forward to seeing more :-)

[@666JGNotts]

I don't own this synth but I know what you mean about the inadequacies of some touch screens. I agree with your summary, with more attention from the people developing the operating system of this, they could give the user more options than to just select by touching the screen. On my Yamaha MODX for example, if you touch a value then the rotary encoder switches to altering that value. I'm an ageing software developer myself (God am I really 58 :( ) so I understand where you are coming from with these gripes.

[@Paul_Y_T]

It's already done in the readily available beta firmware.

[@cronenbergj]

From what i read it comes with a Screen Protector installed. Did you removed it (it's not supossed to have a great impact on it, o think i read in Gearslutz...) ?

[@danielpirone8028]

I have several other Waldorf synths , and to be honest, while I love the design, and most of the sounds, they often feel unfinished or abandoned. For $4k - this one is not inspiring confidence.

[@jeffc1753]

Waldorf are notorious for abandoning their products. It took them years and years to work out bugs in the Blofeld. Pulse 2 is so cookie cutter and unfinished that there’s been a petition for years for Waldorf to fix it. When I asked them about it, they said “we’re too busy working on the Quantum”. Contrast that approach with Novation, who 6 years on recently released an insane upgrade to the Bass Station 2, and have been consistent with their updates. Will Waldorf get bored again and abandon the Quantum for the Kyra, or vice versa?

[@danielpirone8028]

Dark Horseman - 💯 agree . I think the kyrra is a different beast from a different inventor, but point well taken.

[@charlescowper]

I play sitar, I use a small pot of baby oil that I occasionally dab with my fret hand. This helps me move accross the strings. Could this be useful advice for quantum users? Make it part of the process of playing?

[@Wagoo]

Baby oil is just mineral oil with some perfume added, so it's possible that would help. But I would be a bit wary of it because I've seen cases where things are submerged in mineral oil for long periods (eg. computer hardware).. and it dissolves or makes soft *some* kinds of plastic.. and given the Quantum screen I think is plastic rather than glass.. I'd want to wipe the screen off after every session just incase

[@45rpm.]

The first time I saw the Quantum the screen worried me a bit. I think I would prefer a connection for an external screen and mouse rather than a badly implemented built-in screen.

[@samprock]

just right my size LOL should order one waiting for Iridium, but it could be fixed, maybe. I am washing/drying my hands every second (in California) that could be Achilles heel for my OCD :)

[@yehudarothschild]

Tim, I'm missing the continuation of your Quantum series, do you still have your Quantum?

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi. Yes I still have it. I thought I'd wait for the major v2 firmware update before shooting any more videos. But time is dragging on and that firmware update is still being revised. I'll revert back to making videos in January regardless...

[@yehudarothschild]

@@TimShoebridge OK phew! Good! Yeah I finally did jump to the Beta and I'm glad I did. It's clearly an improvement, more stable, and has better design. I can't really speak to the kernel oscillator portion, I haven't messed with that much, but the rest of it is fab.

[@MusicianParadise]

When I´ll have enough money to purchase quantum my fingers going to be very dry...

[@TimShoebridge]

Haha!

[@dyjomat]

My Korg Triton Pro has a touchscreen and its from 99 I think. Very similar to your Roland. Beeping and all.

[@crolodon8024]

The screen looks miserable to use. I'm a Waldorf fan, but I would rather use a Peak or Quantum in every single circumstance versus the Quantum, even though I know the Quantum has more avenues for sound design.

[@yehudarothschild]

And turn the LED on below the rotary encoder underneath the screen

[@barthvis]

I heard it's not wired...

[@mooseinbeesocks2700]

Well, Tim you said it yourself. You induced the issue by wiping your hand and the screen. What this says to me is it would be a bigger issue to maybe 50% of the population. For the rest of everyone, yourself included, it isn't as big of an issue. I can see how Waldorf could disable the function where the menu disappears when you lift your finger (or when resistance isn't sensed) as well. If enough people bring it up before the 2.0 is dropped, maybe they will throw it in the final version.

[@superprim12]

I have had this for over a month now and think the screen is workable... It does take some time to learn but, better than anything out there... Price is crazy..... ugh

[@edtotman2952]

I almost passed over the Quantum due to this video. The implication is that ALL Quantum screens perform exactly the same. Isn't it true that the problem with selecting items on the right of the screen has been fixed? If that's true, then the video is mislabeled since you got a defective screen and this is NOT a general "Achilles' Heel". From what I've read (I don't have my Quantum yet) many others do not have these problems.

[@TimShoebridge]

Ed Totman There is plenty of debate in the comments section as well as in social media as to the status of the screen issue and how widespread it is. Bottom line is no-one really knows, yet I hear of people still buying new and still having problems. Given how many people are affected, and given the lack of an official statement by Waldorf on the situation, I personally believe this video is very relevant. The title of the video poses a question, it does not make an emphatic statement. The video does not tell you to avoid making a purchase.

[@edtotman2952]

@@TimShoebridge Fair enough. Mine arrives today. I do enjoy your videos!

[@edtotman2952]

@@TimShoebridge I received my Quantum a few days ago. My screen is flawless. I strongly encourage you to reach out to Waldorf while your machine is still under warranty.

[@synthshoot1026]

Touch screens are never perfect for me even with best brand smart phones. I think Waldorf better make the whole screen experience workable from the knobs and push buttons without needing to touch the screen.

[@dbefore7165]

Put an iPad screen protector on it, actually works much better ( still not perfect though)

[@Paul_Y_T]

I felt mine improved when I fitted a film screen protector too (samsung galaxy tablet cut to size)

[@cronenbergj]

Doesn it come with a screen protector ?

[@Paul_Y_T]

@@cronenbergj it's just a blue film thing, that seems more designed to protect the glass until the purchaser removes it. Given what it does to the screen image colors, it wouldn't make sense to keep it on. A proper tablet screen protector is a different kettle of fish. For one thing, they're designed to be a surface that the finger drags along and it's a "slippier" surface than the glass.

[@cronenbergj]

@@Paul_Y_T Is there any specific "specs" of a Model of screen protetor that is "recomended" and doesn't impact the screen response and/or improves it ? (just orederer mine...and waiting for it to be shipped :) ) Was your Galaxy one, easy to apply ?

[@Paul_Y_T]

@@cronenbergj I don't think there's anything recommended as such. All I can say is I bought this and cut it to size: www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Screen-Protector-Galaxy-10-1/dp/B00IAA9WSI and I'm very happy with it. It was very easy to apply - just cut, place, use a credit card to push out the bubbles. It'll peel off extremely easily if/when I want, and there were 2 in the pack.

[@TrueToTheCraft]

I had the same issue with mine and gave it back

[@cronenbergj]

Did you tried to het it Fixed ?

[@TrueToTheCraft]

@@cronenbergj I knew the turn around would be long so I just sent it back plus I wasn't overly impressed tbh. I could tell from the presets that those called on to do sound design were struggling as they all sounded the same, so I'd have no hope

[@cronenbergj]

@@TrueToTheCraft ªWaiting for mine...hope there is no issues...

[@aloharay]

not bad information. but should have been said and demonstrated in 10 minutes

[@user-cq1zh6rd6d]

Navigation with so many options is really unbearable !!!. I have discarded the acquisition of Quantum.

[@MadelnMachines]

Eat some chips, Play some Quantum

[@inter-linked]

Love the finger condom. LOL.

[@briansherling5515]

The quantum’s biggest Achilles Heal is THE ASM HYDRASYNTH. I love Waldorf. My pulse 2 is one of my favorite synths I’ve owned. But come on, Just from the video demos of the HydraSynth I can say I kinda feel sorry for Waldorf investing so much in this synth. To be honest I think ASM has just kicked the floor out from under so many synth companies, based on the demos I e seen.

[@cronenbergj]

The Quantum does way more things than the Hydrasynth...you may prefer the Hydrasynth for what it does ...but the quantum does so much more.

[@uirehuigedkahds]

Waldorf does the same weird shit moog and DSI do : Create insanely overpriced synths that don't really do anything to justify the price. I buy their cheaper stuff, (Blofeld is an amazing synth and fantastic value, Moog Subphatty is reasonably priced for what it does, DSI Rev 2 is amazing too) but their super expensive stuff is just...not worth it.

[@TimShoebridge]

Hi, Sorry for the late reply. Yes I agree with you the synth is very highly priced, it is not justifiable for most people. But if you look at the "high-end" workstations from manufacturers such as Yamaha, Roland and Korg then maybe the Quantum price is not so out of line. For me, the Quantum is giving you a lot of great digital sound design capability that you could honestly replicate using a bunch of VST's for very much less money, but the Quantum gets you away from the PC keyboard and mouse, same as the Prophet X/XL attempt to do, I guess for some people that is worth paying a premium for...