Waldorf Blofeld - IS 2020 STILL A YEAR TO BUY A BLOFELD?

Waldorf Blofeld, super synth or useless bad gear? With the synth market so vibrant now, can a 12 year old synth still cut the mustard in 2020.
Monstrumfeld, Bigglesworth are 2 editors you can use. I’ve now put user wavetables on mine thanks to Audioterm.
Also M1,M2 etc refer to mod slots rather than modifiers that I state in the video (thanks Mark Pigott!). Finally, most folk aren’t having issues either encoders.
Part 2 : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHOvXpujnc99p80
Please do all the usual KZbin stuff of liking and subscribing. Your lives will be much richer and fulfilling as a result. Honest.

[@mrz80]

Still strikes me as relevant late as 2024. Right on about 300 used, in nearly-unused condition. Just got one and I'm pretty stoked.

[@dancarter5595]

This is the best demonstration of the Blofeld on KZbin. I've had the module for nearly a year and still learnt a lot from this. Nice one!

[@ikarugamoo]

Thanks Dan, much appreciated. Check out my sound design video as well, it's not going to win any awards but it looks essentially at different ways to modulate.

[@Avesta.]

I've had a Blofeld for years, bought a new one this week because the old one finally kicked the bucket. I hope they never stop making these, no synth collection is truly complete without one.

[@ikarugamoo]

Ha, love that! I would absolutely do the same. Maybe buy a spare one and leave it boxed up?

[@Avesta.]

@@ikarugamoo That's actually an excellent idea!

[@anonymoushuman8344]

I still want one. But I want a well made one without bugs and with good effects -- one that will work for decades to come with normal use. They could make them that way, raise the price accordingly, and people would buy them.

[@alexsicko]

@@anonymoushuman8344 its a waldorf, it has to have bugs. i think these are called a "feature" in their vocabulary xD but yeah, the blofeld is one of those gear i will never give away, my gas stopper. maybe if someone gave me an access virus snow at the times, but that thing was a different league, mostly regarding price.

[@ennayanne]

they're getting twice as much money from you by making a product that breaks lmao

[@andreibes]

Great video for us who just started with Blofeld!

[@nigelrogers8690]

Good walkthrough thanks, I've really put off digging deep into sound design on my Blofeld. You've motivated me to get stuck in rather than just tweaking patches, cheers

[@ikarugamoo]

Nigel Rogers great stuff Nigel! Have a look at my sound design video to see if that helps that tweaking mentality. Nothing wrong with preset tweaking especially if you can take them into different places. E.g remove all mod matrix assignments and make your own, or change the filters completely. Try different oscillator types etc. All good fun. This hobby is all about fun.

[@mattkaz9604]

Good all-round review, well done.

[@SouthShoreSonics]

Never bought a Blofeld in 2020 but I bought my first in 2013 (keys) my second in 2015 (keys) a third (module) in 2016 and a spare 4th (keys) in 2017.

[@elliotramsay1]

Epic mate! I’ve had a blofeld for a year and love it but get so lost when trying to make my own sounds from scratch I usually just turn heaps of knobs until something sounds cool but these tutorials are great to learn

[@ikarugamoo]

Thanks man! I’m planning to do some more so hang tight... hopefully within a year 😂

[@ikarugamoo]

Nothing wrong with your method tho. Happy accidents that way.

[@jdanielcramer]

True, it’s amazing that it’s still relevant. I bought mine only a year ago because I needed a small form factor poly. Lots of fun to program👍

[@ikarugamoo]

Agree, very good fun. Too many people worry about the workflow. Just get in and create noise 😄

[@treyvisqueux7973]

Great overview! I got my Blofeld secondhand but so far have had no problems with encoders.

[@ikarugamoo]

Thanks for the complement! Nice to hear Trey. I may have to retract that part of the video at some point as it seems less of an issue than I’ve read.

[@Claidheambmor]

Trust me, you will. Sounds great but the Blofeld encoders were not made to last. That is reflected in the price though. Well worth it.

[@nigelbutters6761]

Interesting Matt. I'm looking forward to Part 2. I bought a used Blofeld a couple of years ago but as it didn't seem to fit in with what I was doing at the time I passed it on which I later regretted. Having seen the error of my ways, I picked up a brand new one a couple of weeks ago and am starting to get to grips with the programming so any help is useful!!

[@ikarugamoo]

Good to here Nigel! I recorded part 2 at the weekend, just got to find the time to edit it. It covers concepts & possibilities that should hopefully set you on your way a bit more. A nice little trick to get stereo widening of the sound without using up an FX slot. Looks like there’s a desire for some programming vids so I’ll make some more.

[@Dzumeister]

when is it not a year to get a blofeld

[@ascendwithgorb]

Just stumbled on this now, great overview. If you have a very early Blofeld, you may have pot issues. Replacements are Mouser part PEC16-4020F-N0024, $1.50/each, fairly straightforward surface mount solder job. But before that, make sure you're on >= v1.25. The cutoff knob specifically has a bug in v1.24 that zeros the value. simulating a bad pot. 1.25 fixes this, it's not a hardware issue!

[@Jdinrbfidndifofkdndjoflfndjdk]

I bought it in 2020 no regrets love it

[@R3VICTION]

Do you or anyone know if the arpeggiator outputs midi when active and furthermore, is it able to target user defined midi channels? I don't have a blofeld but am thinking of picking one up. It would be nice to use the arpeggiator for other synths on a midi network, but still play a blofeld patch without arpeggiation. I guess similar to a "Local - off" but only for the arpeggiator..? Thanks!

[@markluljak4846]

Excellent and thorough review! You just swayed me to get one. I was already wanting one based on how they sounded, but the sheer feature set... It's going to be my baby Quantum for the bed. (Yeah, I have a Quantum, and there's overlap, but I don't have to get out the 39.5lb beast to use this on the bed when my back is killing me, and it fills a niche neither Wavestate nor OpSix fill. Still waiting on the just-announced Wavemod from Korg, so...this will do quite nicely!) Should pair quite nicely with my MPC One as a controller. The Waldorf Streichfett sure does!!! (Really starting to love Waldorf!)

[@ikarugamoo]

Thanks Mark! I’ve got a One as well, works nicely with the Blofeld. Using it on 1 input, so it’s mono but a small amount of MPC reverb or delay brings back the stereo. Have another synth on the other input. If you’re using the progressions in the One, careful of voice stealing on the Blofeld on complex patches. Other than that, they work nicely together. I’m also sniffing around a Wavestate. Later in the year I suspect.

[@markluljak4846]

@@ikarugamoo Wavestate is totally worth it! It is, however, one which will take a while to get mastery of. It's just so deep...

[@Kissed1982]

The Blokeys are well built and have stiffer encoders. I'd recommend those over the modules if you have the room.

[@robbieswain]

You think better to go used blokey or new blofeld

[@7177YT]

Thank you! Very comprehensible overview. I resent the rude tone of the comment below but share the sentiment: Can we have a short preset tour and/or sound design demo as well? Cheers! I'm searching for another affordable multitimbral polyphonic synth since I bought my Digitone, and haven't found one packaging the same amount of capability for a similar price. /: That's what brought me here. Interesting machine but a bit long in the tooth, no?

[@ikarugamoo]

My aim was always to get a sound design demo out quicker than I have. There are plenty on YT already but I do know I can show off some of the Blofeld’s still unique abilities. I’ll get something done in the next few days. Long in the tooth? I’ve just got a Hydrasynth and have had an Argon8. I genuinely believe the BF is better than the A8 and can stand tall & proud next to the Hydrasynth,

[@johnrichardson3297]

Matt Uncertified Can ECS Faderfox be a solution to the Potentiometers?/// and MIDI Parameters

[@ikarugamoo]

Any midi controller will be I suspect John. Just be mindful that Oscillator FM is not controllable by CC, but I believe it can be by Sysex - no idea how to achieve that though!

[@dougjamesberwick2625]

Great vid Matt, thanks for creating. Do you still feel the same now? Been a lot more synths come out since you made this. Cheers

[@ikarugamoo]

Thanks Doug appreciated. Good question. It’s easy to get bored with a synth and seek the next greatest synth - which I do a lot!! Buy & sell, buy & sell - rinse and repeat. But which synth still remains? The Blofeld. It’s a beast. If you can get on with programming it and it’s quirks (should we say) it’s still almost every bit as current as the day it was released. I think this & the Mininova represent 2 of the biggest bargains out there. If you can snare a good quality 2nd hand example, it’s really amazing what this thing can achieve.

[@dougjamesberwick2625]

@@ikarugamoo Brilliant, thanks mate 👍

[@istefk]

hi, as a method of 'preserving' the pots/encoders, have you ever considered using a patchEditor or have you not found these as useful ?

[@ikarugamoo]

Sort of defeats the object for me. While it's not fun to program on, I'd rather wear out the encoders than use a mouse! I get very little inspiration from soft synths and equally Blofeld editors. No happy accidents. Staring at a screen doesn't do it for me. However, editors are good for reverse engineering sounds I like to learn the techniques used as you can see everything on one screen.

[@istefk]

@@ikarugamoo yep, agree about the mouse,.. I was thinking more iPAD editor. I'm thinking of trying iPAD editor myself, but was wondering if you had any experience/pref. cheers.

[@nrmnmx190]

i love mine, we have two units in the studio

[@geofff6671]

I love my Blofeld too. Will never sell it and would buy again if it packs it in. I wish they would bring out a markII. All it needs is a better screen and better encoders. Multimode is awesome for complex sounds.

[@fulge0903]

Is the Blofeld compatible with old Microwave's patches?

[@mod3l]

Hey, so this synth caught my eye recently, because the form factor and some features would fit perfectly in my system and especially my live setup. Unfortunately after some research I stumbled upon quite a lot of comments saying that this synth suffers from something they call an ''LFO bug'', which basically means that some (if not all) tempo synced (midi clock, bpm) will not sync to the tempo you're sending into it from either your DAW or other midi clock sources. How true is that? Did you (Matt) experience this? Or maybe did some of the viewers get the same problem? I've also seen some comments saying that is untrue for them and/or that you can make it work with some proper routing (which I can do and tinker about, but don't know if I want to be bothered, really). If this is true I will definitely not buy this because using this live is my priority.

[@ikarugamoo]

Hey Gipsy ;) This doesn't personally affect me as I generally sample in from the Blofeld to use inside projects. I've just a little test from the Polyend Tracker, through the Modal Skulpt into the Blofeld (to add an extra device in the chain) and direct into the Blofeld I do indeed get that issue. Arps and LFOs simply don't always clock. Big shame. Interestingly, some of the output was quite pleasing - in a sort of syncopated manner - but other times just sounds plain wrong. So I would steer clear if this is your MO however if you want to use it as a sound module for sampling, or even without the clocking and use the powerful multimode then it's still great value.

[@mod3l]

@@ikarugamoo looks like I'm on the other end. I don't really sample, I love designing sounds and then having the ability to play them, because I was a performer first and producer later. I'd love to have a machine that would enable me to program and recreate the sounds I made in the box (even if they don't sound exactly the same) and the synced arp and lfo are a must for me. The thing is that the reports over the internet are often explained from the perspective of the system an individual owns and is hard to pinpoint what exactly is the issue, because it does work for some people on some systems. So far it seems that it's a problem when the Blofeld gets a few clock messages (start & rate) and fails to calculate them properly (in time at least). Last 2 days have been quite emotional for me, because it seemed like I found the solution but now I have to be responsible and force myself not to impulse-buy this :D ...but some features on this synth are out of this world. I've been looking at the Micromonsta 2 ...but... it only has 1 filter..... :,( ....ahhhh the search continues....

[@jasonkranzler]

Still good to buy in 2021... and will be for a few more years.

[@dfreeman120]

Without question. Check out the Don Solaris Analog Voltage sound set at the Waldorf site.

[@julianhigginson5946]

I have a blofeld it’s incredible value for money it still out specs synths 8 times it’s price. Only issue I have is I can’t send it to much cc data it freezes and the excellent arp still won’t clock properly

[@ikarugamoo]

Yes a couple of issues do exist but you know what some happy accidents can happen without true clocking. Four Tet used to trigger stuff live on stage with no clocking, and it could give music a slightly staccato & unique feel.

[@straighttalk2069]

I have that problem if it's connected via usb but no freezing via midi din.

[@nickkablokje]

Tip: There is a Free editor for the blofeld called SOFTKNOBS.

[@ikarugamoo]

Thanks! Have been looking at Bigglesworth recently. I’m still more into using the hardware however lacking fun it is to use that way. Want to keep away from big screens! I’ll mention this in my next video.

[@BrokenOpalVideos]

They should have called it FLACID aha

[@mattkaz9604]

Limit wavetable snips off the last waves in the table which will be your basic analog shapes. If you don't limit it, you will hear a discontinuity when you sweep right to the end and suddenly there is a random square/ saw/ sin/ etc at the end.

[@phoenixsub7072]

Ohh thankyou ,,tell me more Master ;P

[@benbeazley2974]

I brought one second-hand and the top left encoder was loose when it arrived. It had been knocked in transit, they aren't soldiered strong. If you buy second hand I would pick it up and check it in person.

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

I will never sell mine, unless it craps out. I also have the upgraded SL license, which is really sweet. My first knob is also bad, but I live with it.

[@bluecliffsynthesis6685]

Try upgrading the OS. The first knob was buggy for me, but after I updated the OS it was fixed.

[@snakeindigo7085]

What happened to the previous three Blofelds you owned... Did you wear their knobs out?

[@ikarugamoo]

As I say, I kept selling them. Once because I gave up with hardware, the other times to fund another purchase. Lesson learnt. Nothing about the encoders. I’ve never had an issue - even with my first one back in 2010 in the early production days.

[@snakeindigo7085]

@@ikarugamoo , sorry I missed that bit. I own both a black and a white Blofeld (they don't sound different it's just aesthetics) and plan on keeping both. Blofelds provide authentic Waldorf flavour wavetable synthesis goodness at an affordable price!

[@ikarugamoo]

@@snakeindigo7085 Agreed Colin, so much power on offer. :)

[@rguezmunoztomas]

Thinking about getting one. Could anyone tell me a bit about DAW integration?

[@mattiusfba2544]

I’m afraid there’s none at all.

[@rguezmunoztomas]

@@mattiusfba2544 If I connect it to the computer with the USB cable and assign it to a MIDI track in my DAW, would I be able to use the Blofeld as I would use a virtual instrument?

[@Sentientfx1]

It's a classic synth alright. BTW check out 'Edisyn' for a mac based editor/librarian - cheap as chips and very well programmed - you can use it to upload your won wavetables too

[@inperfectsequence7840]

Waldorf blofeld is not a VA synth, unlike waldorf Q and micro Q, this one added oscillators with authentic analog modeled waveforms, and the wavetables of Waldorf Wave and the entire Q series. It can be said to be a synth wavetables, sample player, FM based on wavetables, samples, AM and FM. It has 3 oscillators 1 white noise and 1 ring modulator, making a total of 5 sources outside the mixer and filters, it has 2 routable multimode filters for serial and parallel mode and within these filters, there are 14 types of distortions and FM. (there are very few synths with 2 complete filters like these) and the PPG filter is also analog modeling. The filters of this synthesizer are very good quality and are very deep and unique in the market. But not only with that, the 3 LFO's can be used as 3 additional oscillators to create very rich harmonics in the source sound, because they sound at the pure sound level, with the bonus that the s&h and Random waveforms are great. to generate different additional noises to add to a white noise. This machine is very unique, and I say it with all my knowledge, I have very expensive machines that cannot reach a blofeld, this model from the Waldorf brand is the widest with polyphony and multitimbrality in its catalogue, because it has 25 voices of polyphony and 16 parts (like having 16 blofelds, twice as many as a waldorf wave) And the first two oscillators are multi-oscillators, they have 3 modes of operation, analog modeling, wavetable, FM and samples. it has 16 mod-matrix + 4 modifiers. I have the keyboard version and I am clear that it is not to search for it with the controls, it is more of a synthesizer to play with keys and the knobs can be used to simply program. Great video, thanx and greetings

[@mattwoodman3017]

Blofeld or wavestate/Modwave???!!! someone help!!!! (btw i AM steering towards the blofeld because of your awesome review here!)

[@ikarugamoo]

I wouldn’t like to say as I’ve never used the other 2. The Wavestate is a very different beast, and with the latest firmware has seemingly made it more accessible to program it easy plus sample upload. A very interesting possibility. Modwave I’ve read & seen very good things about. I’d probably look at that more as a direct comparison. Lots more controls front & centre too plus some very interesting modulation. But it’s double the price of the Blofeld. The Hydrasynth has seen a drop to close to £600 uk pounds recently. Now THAT is a bargain. I’m a massive fan and the more I use it the more I fall in love with it. Thanks for your kind comments as well Matt! Sorry I can’t sway you either way, some serious power whichever you go for, I guess just be mindful the Blofeld is a 07/08 device with a few little quirks to be mindful of. It’s sound generation is still epic though and a useful multi mode if you use it carefully.

[@mattwoodman3017]

@@ikarugamoo THANK YOU!! I didn't know you can upload your own samples into the Wavestate !!! That could be a game changer for me!! Wow! I'll assume the MODwave could do the same when it is released. I recently bought the Cobalt8 by Modal. I like it Alot!

[@ikarugamoo]

@@mattwoodman3017 I don’t believe the modwave has sample import. It may be capable of it but I suspect they’ll be putting distance between the 2 products. Blofeld is the only true wavetable synth with sample import however don’t get excited about that as it’s very rudimentary & real pain in the backside to upload samples. Basically don’t buy a Blofeld for it unless you’re willing to spend many frustrating hours!

[@mattwoodman3017]

@@ikarugamoo thanks for your advice. I am looking for a Wave table synth, Mainly Now a desktop module, I really like my Cobalt8, so I may now look towards the Argon8 M. I have heard the Blofeld STILL exceeds to this day, even past the Argon8! Which I am kind of surprised. Argon8 has the APP, which relieves the frustrating menu diving aspect, but the Blofeld doesn't,and like you said, it's rudimentary...

[@willswitchcraft]

I dumped my beloved Blo because of the shit encoders. I bought a MWXT, which I loved, but once again - after a lot of steady use, the main encoder started to fail, so I sold it about bought something else. Too bad, because I loved the sonic characteristics of both machines.......Good upload bro, very imformative....

[@mrz80]

It'd be worth it to grab up another Blofeld. The encoders are just a few bucks each, and not that difficult to replace.

[@willswitchcraft]

Good to know.....and I know I could control those parameters via MIDI as well........

[@burger659]

i love waldorf but don't you think this is possible with good softsynths like Largo or Nave or Absynth ?

[@Bass_Levelz]

Largo is basically the software version of the Blofeld. I have both, but they both have distinct sound. The Blofeld definitely has it own character. Both are great.

[@burger659]

@@Bass_Levelz yes true ! can't decide haha

[@burger659]

@@Bass_Levelz i found this on the waldorf forum posted by the administrator ! waldorfmusic.com/en/forum/faq-blofeld/52-what-are-the-differences-between-the-blofeld-and-the-largo-softwaresynthesizer#52 .. so the only major difference is the ppg filter..is that possible that this is the only reason blofeld sounds better? i don't think because many patches don't use that filter ! so they should sound same !!

[@Bass_Levelz]

@@burger659 Awesome find. The Blofeld is a different beast. Honestly it can sound like no other synth out there. I'd take it over Largo any day of the week. But if you're on budget, get Largo or Dune 3 for a couple more bucks. But to be honest, you'll still want a Blofeld.

[@burger659]

@@Bass_Levelz i have both too and also Microwave xt... largo is better than blofeld in many parts.. only ppg filter isn't present. what do you find better in blofeld , heavy modulations ?

[@mastermachetier5594]

Curious how it compares to a hydrasynth if you have had a chance to mess with one

[@ikarugamoo]

I’ve got one 👍🏼 so let’s talk just sound here as the HS is far more enjoyable to program. In terms of sound, the Blofeld still holds its own, still has some trump cards up it’s sleeve (2 filters that are the same) and still sounds great. Plus it has a certain sound that the HS can’t achieve. Hard to quantify. However, I see the HS as a sort of Blofeld 2. Hugely powerful, way more powerful than its price suggests and the ability to go from warm, to cold, to digital, to analogue territories.

[@mastermachetier5594]

@@ikarugamoo i own the hydrasynth and the one thing that disappoints me are the filters they just aren’t that great. Would you say the blofeld has decent filters comparatively ?

[@ikarugamoo]

@@mastermachetier5594 I love the HS’s filters, 1 pole especially, so tangy! The Blofeld filters aren’t lush and may disappoint you if you don’t like the Hydra’s. I really like them, very flexible, FM’able, nice drive models and do their job nicely. Particularly like the PPG low pass and comb filters. You can mimic a comb filter on the Hydra though via the Phaz Diff mutant.

[@Kwantummeekanniks]

To get more mileage out of your Blofeld (before you inevitably get encoder issues) I'd suggest doing the "capacitor mod" , haven't had any problems since.

[@ikarugamoo]

3 years on from the video; still going strong. Not sure I want to dabble with any mods with my electronics skills (almost zero!) and I’ll just risk the possible encoder fader. I know plenty of heavy users who don’t have issues like myself.

[@Kwantummeekanniks]

@@ikarugamoo Yeah I think mine was an early one. Bought in 2014 second hand. It started out fine but after 2 years or so it started developing problems. Maybe the new ones use better encoders.

[@anonymoushuman8344]

I still want one. But I want a well made one without bugs, one that will work for decades to come with normal use.

[@crybo]

Love mine but those encoders!

[@mattkaz9604]

Yep - it's a remarkable unit, but those loose, skippy knobs will drive me bananas one day.

[@couchcamperTM]

@@mattkaz9604 as a beginner I wonder: wouldn't it be possible to assign the functions of the blofeld knobs to a midi keyboard controllers' knobs ?

[@mattkaz9604]

@@couchcamperTM Certainly. See if you can get a midi keyboard that lets you assign CC values to the knobs. That way, you just check what the CC number of each of the parameters on your blofeld, then you set your keyboard to send to that CC number, and your keyboard can be set up to control exactly the parameters you choose.

[@phoenixsub7072]

Waldorf might aswell release a perfected Blofeld 2. In the same pricebracket, would sell as BUTTER! ;P

[@dnlphlptt]

I MAKE LIQUID DNB CANT LIVE WITH OUT IT

[@SouthShoreSonics]

M1, M2, M3, M4 as mod destinations refer to mod slot 1 to 4 and not to the modifiers! On 99% of my patches I turn all my effects to the BYPASS mode. I use external effects. In regards to polyphony of alleged 25 notes, this is disingenuous of Waldorf. I run my Blofelds in monotimbral mode and generally fill all my mod slots and use all my modifiers. With unisono at 3 and using the operator 01WT/SMP I have patches with a maximum of 4 notes for the entire synth.

[@ikarugamoo]

I was ready to disagree with this comment when I saw it drop into my email. Then I saw who had posted it! Mark, I know you will be right and I’m wrong. I’ll see if I can modify it or at least make comment to it in the description. I knew I would have errors, which is fine as it grows everyone’s knowledge 👍 appreciate you posting. I agree and the more I’ve dug into the Blofeld the more I’ve heard voice stealing and limitations. But that just means making tighter decisions on sound design. If you’re using the synth as a MIDI instrument then pulling back on some of the design choices will reap extra polyphony. If you’re sampling in, then it’s way less an issue. In the context of a mix & arrangement then pulling back those complexities will only ever be known by you the creator of that patch. And I like that way of working personally.

[@SouthShoreSonics]

@@ikarugamoo Voice stealing can easilly be mitigated by using MIDI SOLUTIONS Event Processor Plus. In 2017 I set up a rig to double the poyphony of a Blofeld set (keys as controller, module as slave). The good people at Midi Solutions wrote some code to allow full cc, mod wheel, pitch, program change etc) between the master Blokeys and Blomod slave. Basically it set Blokeys with local off and sent the midi stream to alternate between midi 1 back to master or midi 2 to slave. Another way to double polyphony is to use a Midi Solutions router and split the keyboard at middle C, routing one Blofeld to below middle C and another to above and including midi C. This method does not require a midi through that the earlier mentioned method requires. I stopped at 2 Blofelds to polychain, but I have 4 for experiments, if required.

[@woodswalker88]

It looks like I'm not the only synthaholic who buys gear, sells it & later wishes they still had it!! I had a Blofeld & sold it because the knobs were wonky. Now I am exploring SMALL synths cause I'm tired of carrying BIG ones. looking back at the Blofeld once again!

[@mrz80]

I've got a hat trick of not-big synths - Blofeld, Alesis Nanosynth (it's like a pocket sized Quadrasynth :D ), and a Roland JV-1010 (JV-2080 in 1/4 the space, with an add-on card's worth of additional sounds thrown in)

[@duketranslucent3rd]

On the unreliable encoders point, Waldorf told me that models created post-2014 have better encoders so hopefully ones made after then don't have this problem.

[@testohtoby]

I can't decide between this and a Mininova cz they're both really nice digital synth... help meeee 🤣

[@messiahshow]

I would get the blofeld no doubt, great unique sound in this synth. It all comes down to taste and what music you want to make.

[@jeffc1753]

There’s a reason it’s still being made. It sounds better to me than the Iridium/Quantum. Perhaps at the time Waldorf knew they had better make it sound damn good if they scale down all the knobs. Blofeld over Iridium/Quantum for me any day.

[@snakeindigo7085]

Quantum/Iridium does seem to have a different character from Blofeld and is certainly a lot more money. I wonder whether Waldorf might do a Blofeld mark 2 with more powerful hardware but similar software and control matrix?

[@thedoublek4816]

@@snakeindigo7085 All they need to do is to squeeze the Iridium engine into a smaller, less expensive, blofeld-ish form factor, maybe develop an UI which could work without a touch screen (guess that's also pushing the costs upwards).

[@DataHotep]

You cannot beat the waldorf waveform libraries. There are many wavtable synths out there either in hardware or software form. But they just don't have the library that waldorf has.

[@hobbowizardanimations]

Thanks for clear introduction very helpful. Still such a versatile synth, I got for my main synth with a Roland sp404mkii

[@ikarugamoo]

Thanks for the comment, much appreciated. Glad it's still helping folk out :)

[@epigon1]

GAS mode on

[@Andreas-hp3se]

I got the keyboard model in 2015. I really want to like it but the encoders and foreverscroll UI are just a bad time. Even when the encoders work as they should they just don't feel good to use due to how they accelerate. Add crashes and audio pops to the mix and woof. My most regretted synth purchase by far.

[@ikarugamoo]

That’s a shame. I’ve personally never had a crash on the latest firmware. Encoders are fine, they’re not the most feelsome but I have few issues with them in usage. The fact they’re endless is a real bonus. I guess the 2 under the screen are the most strange in terms of how they change the parameters but again, easy to work with and not the only synth to do it. I’m forever shocked by how good it sounds so I have no issues with the quirks because of the sound. Other synths may work better but sound worse, so it’s all about compromise.

[@Andreas-hp3se]

@@ikarugamoo It *sounds* fantastic 99% of the time. That's what drives me nuts about it. It can sound so good but I'm having such a bad time actually interacting with it. It doesn't help that it sits side by side with a Korg Z1 and a Nord Modular G2, where everything feels rock solid all the way through. I do appreciate endless encoders, i don't like when they are nonlinear. Getting a smooth filter sweep manually feels almost impossible to me, i can even hear the stepping in the values.

[@ikarugamoo]

@@Andreas-hp3se Yes I understand totally! I've noticed the filter stepping with the encoders but fine on a modulation. Have you thought about pairing with an external controller? Behringer are teasing a new BCR, the BCR32 which will work a treat and will be alongside my Blofeld once it's released!

[@EdgardoPlasencia]

Are synths disposable ?

[@ikarugamoo]

Definitely. Chuck them in the bin. Get a new one. Just make sure it’s a Behringer.

[@girlinagale]

Years ago I was blown away by wave tables on Novation Circuit. Lately been learning piano and wanted a Prophet or Deepmind but have wanted a Blofeld keys for years and it's dimensions fit my set up neatly. I'd forgotten how lovely the Blofeld is but parachuted out of the KZbin demos of all the analogue synths and perfect landing on Blofeld.

[@5eZa]

go' a loicense for that blofeld mate?

[@toddperry9860]

Didn’t hear a thing from it, why?

[@user-cq9my5ju6k]

Deaf ?

[@ikarugamoo]

Check part 2 that’s always been linked in the description 👍

Nah I had one for a week on first release, tbh I'm stupid even looking at other synths having a collection of virus racks and an indigo , I'm only missing a darkstar grrr one day

[@ikarugamoo]

Sounds like you’re very fortunate enough to be able to afford most synths you want. The Blofeld offers folk who can’t the chance to get an amazing breadth of sound possibilities & unique capabilities for a fraction of the cost of those synths. 👍🏼

[@music-maker2505]

Let’s be clear here.. This is Not a beginners module/Synth. It’s extremely complex and that’s only if your one of the lucky ones, not to have encoder issues.. Yes, it is a fantastic unit, but one wrong click of a button and you can lose hours of work in a split second (with none of today’s undo or presave functions) I’m not talking this unit down as I have the Keys version myself and have had a lot of success with sound design.. I’m just saying, if your new to synthesizers.. Don’t make this your first one (even though the price might be tempting) You might find yourself getting very discouraged if you want to have a bit of fun writing your first few tracks, before digging deeper, into the never ending depths of the wonderful world of synthesis 👍🏼🔈🎶

[@Maulleygxxx]

A lot of the newer synths try to sound like this synth

[@bobcatt2294]

With the knowledge that this product is poorly built, why then purchase the Iridium?

[@ikarugamoo]

12 years of expertise since the release you’d hope most basic issues would be ironed out. Not a guarantee of course.

[@Claidheambmor]

Volvo used to make awful cars. Now they're rock solid.

[@RileyGein]

So...yes? I was going to buy a Blofeld but then the Iridium caught my eye. Instead of buying a Blofeld and a Virus I’m leaning towards the Iridium

[@ikarugamoo]

Iridium will no doubt be a beast. Never used a Virus but their reputation is obviously amazing. But if I had the money I would most certainly be looking at the Iridium over the Virus. I love Waldorf’s sound.

[@Claidheambmor]

I have a Virus B and recommend it over anything else on the market. The Iridium is a massive investment, out of the league of most people who are after a Blofeld or old Virus. Hope you find your dream machine.

[@snakeindigo7085]

The Kyra is closer to a Virus than the Iridium is, especially because of its Hypersaw oscillator mode. Iridium is more like a Blofeld cubed. Both are a lot more money than the Blofeld and Pulse 2 generation though! The specific combination of features the Virus TI provides still look to be unmatched in any other product.

[@ikarugamoo]

Pico Ferret interesting you mention the B. That’s relatively affordable if one comes up. May try one out off eBay with the full intent of selling it again 😄

[@BappinProductions]

@@snakeindigo7085 the Virus has lots of issues especially the TI part and Access have all but abandoned it, there's still no official support for OS X Catalina. A Virus B or C is still quite attractive but I'd loathe to pay nearly £2k for a new Virus when the much more modern Iridium is available for much the same, with a butt tonne of features and proper support.

[@tiborvegh700]

I love these demonstrations of synth where you don't here a single sound. Why don't you just play it?

[@ikarugamoo]

There’s hundreds of other videos for that on KZbin 👍 I’ve got a couple of vids. Some people want to know about the gubbins of a synth architecture like a review.

[@tiborvegh700]

@@ikarugamoo I understand what you are saying but come on, only sound I found in this video is when you were knocking on the chassis. It is a darn musical instrument. xD

[@ikarugamoo]

@@tiborvegh700 what a sound it was though. Not many people do that with their Blofeld’s! 😂

[@tiborvegh700]

@@ikarugamoo Yep. One can argue that it is in fact an analog instrument for a certain extent.

[@ikarugamoo]

@@tiborvegh700 reckon you’re on to something there Tibor 👍 I’ll see what I can do in another video 👌

[@Conforce]

if you have programming skills it's time to get a blofeld, still in 2020. get the original encoders replaced and you are good to go.

[@ikarugamoo]

You've got the skills alright! Thanks for commenting :)

[@StefanFendt]

You don't per se need to get the original encoders replaced if the manufacturing date is after begin of 2017. Waldorf has switched the manufacturer of the encoders due to quality problems with the early ones.

[@aleksiaakko6830]

Everybody speaks of these encoders but what does that word mean? English isn't my first language 😅

[@dustinhaunt]

Aleksi Aakko Encoder is just a fancy word for knob.

[@StefanFendt]

@@dustinhaunt ... well, actually not quite. The "knob" is what you can see without opening the casing. The "encoder" is the electro-mechanical part underneath, which in case of the Blofeld was soldered onto the PCB.

[@MoonWalkersbin]

It freezes under load and ARP is broken. This is a broken product.

[@ikarugamoo]

May I ask why you still have one, if you do that is? I’ve never experienced a freeze on v1.25 firmware. V1.24 had an issue still without a doubt.

[@MoonWalkersbin]

@@ikarugamoo and is ARP fixed as well?

[@robertsteinberger5667]

It is not cheap and if I see the number of problems users have, I have my doubts....

[@ikarugamoo]

I would say it is very cheap for the power you're getting. I'm happy with the few issues that some people get for the sheer power & flexibility on offer.

[@UberSynth]

Dude, we still want and buy synths from the 1970's. Synths will always be in demand. Also when you service your equipment, it tends to last a long time.

[@ikarugamoo]

This is so true 👍🏼

[@jamesprisciandaro3144]

It's only the encoders that are problematic, AFAIK, and typically a cleaning will resolve the problem.

[@billmcloughlin1362]

Blah, blah, blah!! All talk, no patches.

[@ikarugamoo]

Bill McLoughlin all in good time my man. It was always going to be an overview rather than doing what can be found elsewhere on YT but a sound design video is in the works and I’ll play through some patches just for you Bill.

[@Claidheambmor]

@@ikarugamoo don't worry, not everyone is so rude and ignorant. It's nice to hear someone talk about the nitty gritty rather than just playing patches. There are plenty of sound demos on KZbin. Not so many videos of people discussing the synthesiser. I enjoyed listening. Thank you for sharing.

[@ikarugamoo]

@@Claidheambmor Thanks Pico! Appreciated.