Why I got a Blofeld in 2018

[@obowurx6625]

You’re not weird. The aesthetics totally matter. One of the main reasons that draws me to hardware when there are almost unlimited soft synth options now. Great vid. I’ve always been curious about Blofeld

[@michaelcooke]

This was the video that convinced me to buy a blofeld in late 2019

[@maciejlegowicz5834]

nice one. I'm considering this as an addition to my Virus Indigo, MS2000BR, and Akai MPC Live. I was thinking about Korg Minilogue XD, but new one costs as much as Bloefeld Keyboard. For electronic / minimal / techno kind of things would you recommend it ?

[@ToyKeeper]

This video wasn't why I got a Blofeld in 2019, but I did anyway... and I don't regret it. Got a desktop module brand new for $400, and it does as much as a whole table full of other synths. I should have gotten one a loooong time ago. Pair it with a decent sequencer, and it's pretty much everything I need to make complete songs without a computer.

[@daev3000]

I got a Blofeld four years ago and I'm still learning how to make the most of it. It's an amazing instrument.

[@silverqumera]

Common guys... The talk at the beginning was awesome! I have seen tons of videos about the Blofeld like for years and this one is really cool.

[@silverqumera]

Also.. for sounds just go to Jexus videos

[@danieldorrmensch8325]

I totally agree. Even the title is "Why I got a Blofeld" not "Listen to my Blofeld"

[@TROGULAR10000]

plus he did a listen to my blofeld video a couple of days ago

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

yeah he gave us his experience so at least he is not just blowing smoke

[@sauce_aux]

Totally agree...I dont understand why people don't want verbal context with the video. You dont watch the TV on mute do you?!

[@Deeplycloseted435]

Same story here. Plugins led me to modern analog, which led me to vintage analog, and now I just enjoy everything. Its a maturation process. I got a Blofeld a little over a year ago, and I love it. It is unashamed about its digital sound. It is a pleasure to program. The mod matrix and modifier section put it into another universe from any other polysynths. Great keybed! Also, if you order from Europe, they sell for a few hundred dollars less. Stereo filters, MSEGs, loopable envelopes, and a huge amount of THE Waldorf Wavetables. The only drawback for me are the FX, which are kind of weak, but I am covered with great guitar pedals and HW fx so its a lot of fun.

[@onceuponasynth]

Nice, we seem to have similar outlooks and journeys when it comes to synths. I live in Canada, so buying from Europe would probably cost more in terms of shipping/taxes/etc. even if the initial cost is less.

[@KiR_3d]

Plugins led me to making my own plugins :)) Then a good friend pointed to how cool C64 6581 SID sounds... I've spend some bit of nerves and money... and about few months to get it connected to my monitor, my PC and (that's important) midi-cized (what's the word for that?). And C64 led me to the analog synth building... in a parallel process actually. C64 is in my build-in wardrobe with three joysticks and one (useless basically) mouse controller :))) I put it out very seldom. Because the "custom mono-synth" (on breadboards+protoboard modules that looks weird) is practically ready. And sounds like nothing I've ever heard before... Somewhere (in sound) It can be compared to CS-80 but it has sine only on the filter (self-oscillating) and the filter is MS-20 clone actually... But this pure analog FM gives really naturalistic experience in tweaking different patches. Now I'm about to buy Pickit3 to make PIC based envelopes and LFOs :D It will save a lot of space further. And I'll stop when a motherboard PCB will be formed and made (after voice PCBs of course). Yes, I want my own polyphonic pure VCO synth. Tiergrinder is the best inspiration to me about DIY polyphonic.

[@HotStrange]

Kevin Harris Have you tried the StudioLogic Sledge? It’s halfway a Blofeld (has a Waldorf engine) but is a little beefier and slightly better at VA synth sounds.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

Haut Strange I have bot tried it, but was seriously considering the black on black, “murdered out” Sledge. The only things that held me back was not having two filters per voice, and no modulation matrix. If money was no object, I’d probably get one anyways. It definitely sits alone in the market, as the poky VA/wavetable synth that is basically knob per function. Does the Sledge have all of the Blofeld’s distortion algorithms? Thats one feature that was pleasantly surprising. Normally not a fan of digital distortion, but in this case, applying a little bit of different algo’s to each filter, and then again at the output, can really open up some sounds and at interest.

[@jkonrad]

I just got a Blofeld. I didn't actually know it's age lol. I had been listening to various synths on YT for quite a while, wondering what to get next, and when I heard the Blofeld I ordered mine the next day. Just really liked the sound. It was that different from the usual.

[@desktorp]

Waldorf Blofeld is like Access Virus; it doesn't get old-- _just more experienced._

[@datcupcakequeen]

The sounds of the Blofeld are Exquisite, Unique and Otherworldly. Beautiful instrument!!

[@HotStrange]

The Blofeld is my favorite synth I own. Absolutely love it.

[@mikaa.a.hyytinen9176]

As we all know, a good synth stands out easily even after twenty years.

[@hectorkyson6625]

I guess I'm pretty off topic but does anyone know of a good place to watch newly released movies online ?

[@harlankingston841]

@Hector Kyson I would suggest flixzone. You can find it by googling :)

[@devonnelson9708]

@Harlan Kingston Yea, been watching on flixzone for since april myself =)

[@hectorkyson6625]

@Harlan Kingston thank you, I signed up and it seems to work :) Appreciate it!!

[@harlankingston841]

@Hector Kyson no problem =)

[@trevor4835]

I am glad he talks about the phases, i'm going through a 90s digital phase currently

[@dicefall9]

I got my Blofeld from Moog Audio around 2016, when I first played with it, I was really impressed, I can get sounds that are similar to those crisp lush pads from the prophet 12. It quickly became my favorite synth. I was also pleased with the high built quality , all metal with black painted wood ends underneath each sides. My only downside is that I noticed one of the rotary encoders is loose and has almost no mechanical resistance to it, I like when you have to apply a certain amount of force to turn them.

[@thomasmoran1211]

Encoders known issues. Changed manufacturing in 2017. Can be replaced, no not "by user"

[@apache5098]

I got my Blokey 3 days ago ... perfect!!! I'm very happy.

[@niktonpanaflex7831]

I picked up a desktop Blofeld a year ago. Wanted a polyphonic digital synth with a lot of functionality. Great synth. Tons of fun. Extremely versatile. I still feel like I've barely scratched the surface. It's overall potential is kind of mind blowing. Glad to hear your take on it.

[@craig_z]

Same here, got the desktop Blo in April 2017. My love of it has only grown as I've learned more of the indepth capabilities. I'm working on a web based patch editor / librarian for it now, as all of the current options suck IMHO.

[@jasonmcgary]

Right there with you.i would like to be able to have an input to plug other instruments into it (guitar)

[@alternatingbitmusic]

Your exact words from your intro speak my mind exactly as to why I'm looking into getting this keyboard now. I went through the same vintage analog road, have tons of Moog-sounding mono-synths, modular, etc. but I now want as you so perfectly put, something "unapologetically digital." I do own an Access Virus KC and like it but I to me the Blofeld seems consistently beautiful for ambient string, icy cold sounds. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@michaelx9079]

On the looks things.....the white keyboard looks fantastic.....suits it's icy digital heart

[@christopherfarrell-artist3557]

Pleased to announce the new firmware V1.25 has fixed the encoder issue ( I had two encoders that would freeze or freak out ), I have a 2018 model - Waldorf are still developing fixes for this which means there is mileage in this module 11 years on. This synth is deeeeep and now all interactions are smoooooth! Thought I should share the good news.

[@onceuponasynth]

Yeah I was surprised to see the very recent firmware update, I updated mine as soon as I got it.

[@bgoodism]

Awesome!!! That seals the deal for me. I'm going to order one very soon.

[@christopherfarrell-artist3557]

Do it!!!! for the price you get a lot of synth, especially in multi mode where you can build your own deep sound. I have the desktop module and it has no midi out which is an issue. For big/phat trance sounds this is perfect.

[@jasonmcgary]

I am with you on the elegance of the look

[@seanspartan2023]

I love my Blofeld. I had a good midi controller already, so I just purchased the sound module. It's great. I like that I have the ability to go in and tweak all the parameters.

[@karl9411]

A lot of gear has passed through my studio over the years .The Blofeld has always remained ,even today it stands the test of time .

[@datcupcakequeen]

The Blofeld synth has an exquisite otherworldy sound to it. I have the desktop version and it is truly one of my favorite synths. Nice video.

[@onceuponasynth]

Thanks! Agreed.

[@soultrekcentral]

After watching this video and almost every demo on YT.. you made me buy one!

[@javiceres]

Here once again to celebrate this box of wonders for musicians.

[@PoulLarsenmusic]

02:25 yes.. everything matter.s, the look, the feeling, the touch, the sound, the aesthetics, the color, the smell, the size, the psychological effect.. everything matters and it brings up the whole experience in a totally different level

[@pathogenocide01]

I am kind of an analog purist..I have an SCI Pro One, Moog Sub 37, Moog Minitaur, Waldorf Pulse +, and a DSI Evolver in my studio and the Waldorf Blofeld is still my digital synth of choice that gets just as much attention as those others mentioned. It's one of the best digital polysynths out there along with the Q.

[@WingHouseCup]

I got a the desktop version a few months back. Its an amazing and deep synth. If you love synthesis and sound design you can nerd out on this thing for hours and hours. The amount on synthesis you get for the money is really incredible. Even though its several years old, theres no modern hardware synth that really offers as much for the price, and the thing just sounds amazing in my opinion (if you take the time to program it). There's some good presets in there, but I will eventually delete a big chunk and just program my own. I have it hooked up to my Digitakt. The Digitakt has 8 midi tracks to control whatever you want. And the Blo can be split into 16 separate part each on its own midi channel. It takes a little bit to set up the multi parts, but once you're done those two make for a perfect endless jam machine. I highly recommend anyone that has both machines try this out. Think 8 sample tracks, 8 separate instruments from the Blofeld, and the Elektron sequencer to put it all together.

[@onceuponasynth]

Nice! I have a Digitakt and I was actually planning on trying this out too! 8 synth channels + 8 sample/drum channels seems very powerful. I still need to figure out how the multi patches work.. one step at a time.

[@WingHouseCup]

I scratched my head a couple of times getting it set up, but a flip through the manual cleared it up. Once you run through it a couple of times youll wonder why you thought it was confusing to begin with. :)

[@craig_z]

I have the same combination, it is indeed great. The next thing I want to try with my Blofeld is setting up a multi with 11 drum sounds (of which Blofeld has surprisingly many presets, some of which are pretty good) and using my Drumbrute as a sequencer for Blofeld drum sounds.

[@onceuponasynth]

Craig Z: That's an awesome idea!

[@craig_z]

I'll post a vid if it turns out good. Need to set up a mapping from the notes the drumbrute produces to each of the separate channels of the multi, but that should be pretty simple with my MOTU device.

[@geebake]

I just found a great deal on a Blofeld and was looking for a serious overview of what the thing can do. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@MathHammer]

I had a module early on, played with it a lot, then sold it for about $500. I found a new black module from a vendor in the UK a week or so ago for $350 shipped and it spoke to me. It arrive today and I just finished playing with it for about an hour. I like it because it is small, familiar, and really easy to program. I have a nice controller already. It filled and killed my GAS for a Quantum. One thing the Blofeld (and the Q) have that Largo does not is a decent PPG filter model, and it is my favorite filter model on both units. Of course you can always buy a license for Waldorf’s PPG emulator.

[@nichttuntun3364]

Hi. Why I still love this thing in 2019? It's sooo versatile and has all the goodies from the micro Q and micro wave on board. Sounds awesome and the mod matrix is fantastic. The sound design possibilities are bottomless. Have joy.

[@durplehaze6484]

Good to hear the updates have fixed bugs! This piece of gear sounds great I may just buy it.

[@LokidMusic]

Nice video, bought this synth ten years ago, still my main/master keyboard.

[@DEADLINETV]

Awesome video and a very clear explanation of the different synthesise forms and options! This has rekindled my interest in this synth again!

[@austinlenear-liston7171]

This is awesome, I was just looking at getting the desktop synth yesterday! Now I definitely have to get one!

[@LukaszBieliz]

Great. Just great and I cannot wait for the tutorials you hinted in the video. I will for sure use them to re-discover my unit.

[@onceuponasynth]

Thanks. I will post some tutorials shortly, maybe even tomorrow!

[@johnpaton9587]

@@onceuponasynth i have looked, can't seem to find

[@Gillesmassin]

really looking forward to this series, fresh blofeld owner as well right here

[@onceuponasynth]

Nice!

[@easycoding8255]

"Why did I pick up an 11 year old synth" ...... because that's what we do, we're synth enthusiasts! If it sounds nice, we buy it!

[@julianhigginson5946]

The blofeld is superb the desk top is £350 it’s so cheap and yet power full 3 oscillator 2 stereo filters lots of filters including coombe loopable envelopes fm mod 2 lfo multi fx multi mode x 16. Great arp ring mod lots of wave tables lots of over drive and distortion it’s built like a tank it almost feels surgical to the touch it’s in your face digital very solid in its sound and punch great modulation matrix with unique modules- £350 it’s a no brainier

[@chrisstrobel3439]

Yeah I got my Blofeld last year myself. Got a white one ..... reminded me of a Fairlight 😁 I went from all analog i.e. Jupiter 8, Minimoog D, Elka Rhapsody, DynoMy Rhodes, B3/Leslie 900. Then to the modern analog stuff like Voyager, Mother 32's, Minilogue, MS-20, Arp Odyysey, Dave Smith, etc., and now I'm big into the iPad synths and VST synths on the computer. If I was being exiled to the island of Patmos and could take only one rig from my past 40 years of gear it would definately be the computer and Novation SL61mkII keyboard ..... that or my folks Steinway 😁

[@takemetoyonk]

I was so upset that you were second-guessing your extremely relatable feeling of instrument aesthetics being important to you. :3

[@pizzamanmep]

The Blofeld actually was the best VA synth I've ever got, what killed it and made me sell it was the stupid encoders who stops functionning/skip values after only a couple of months. Google it you'll see plenty of thread about this issue! They need to release a Blofeld 2.0 with better hardware and firmware.

[@fantasyproduct1042]

meparadis you can get solid replacements off eBay

[@geluix69]

I solved the problem by simply plugin my ipad directly via USB and using an editor. By VA do you mean (virtual Analogue) ? because the blofeld is a wavetable synth.

[@fantasyproduct1042]

jean luc Dubinator it's also VA

[@fantasyproduct1042]

jean luc Dubinator it's also VA

[@crominion6045]

I have both the keyboard and desktop models. I've had both for about 2 years without any issues. If the encoders do go south, like Fantasy said, higher end replacement sets aren't that pricey (as long as you're up to doing the install yourself). Also, some of the encoder issues can be addressed via software. Both my units have the latest firmware, and a couple other people I know have fixed their encoder issues by updating.

[@nichttuntun3364]

I own one and this thing is total dope :) Your video is great and in depth. Joyful modulation

[@vladimirussachevsky1315]

Thomann out of germany sell them new for $722 because Waldorf is German, about $800 delivered. Bought mine from Thomann in 2015 and it was delivered in 8 days! Thomann is a great company!

[@WavetableMetaphysics]

One of the baddest ass synths made.

[@WavetableMetaphysics]

Circular Gates had a new virus 2 I was not that impressed. In my opinion its just a overpriced toy the Blofeld has crazy crazy hidden power I'm telling you this. The virus is most definitely "powerful" in the sense of processing power, poly, and 24 + the high end effects section. I think its modulation routing are redundant and certain gripes I just get let go it kicked that thing right out my studio. I'll be linking a pulse 2 to this desk top Blofeld of mine.

[@BenHayesDesigner]

Thanks for this, I found your explanations really clear and useful.

[@onceuponasynth]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@faamp]

A very honest video in my opinion. Thank you

[@PreciseSense85]

I found a new Desktop Blofeld for a really good price. I love the sound of it. Its a great hybrid synth that's unbeatable for the value. It works great with LPX.

[@synthplayer1563]

I very like your videos. Super that you got a Blofeld and that you will make some videos about it. I also got one as you as a "counterbalance" to my other pure analogue synths. I'm looking forward to your next videos. Keep your style explaining many things.

[@onceuponasynth]

Thanks man!

[@Cluless02]

Waldorf is one of the finest in synthesis and Blofeld is one the finest Waldorf.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

You are actually making me consider this. I too am stacked with Prophets, Oberheim, ARP, Moog, Tempest And really want to find a synth that can do those FM, PPG and VS type tones to mix with my analog stuff. Everything you said in this video I have echoed internally. Can’t wait for more videos!

[@onceuponasynth]

Nice, sounds like quite the collection! Glad you liked the vid. So far I'm really digging the blofeld, it's really refreshing to have so many modulation possibilities, especially after having played analog and mono synths for so long. Let me know what you end up going with.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

For sure man. I'm also looking at the Prophet 12 as well but I'm also waiting to see what DSI come up with next. If it's a new Poly Evolver then I'm going to jump on that the day it's announced. Of course the Waldorf Quantum also looks nice too. Just have to wait and see what the year brings.

[@onceuponasynth]

A new PEK would be sweet. Quantum looks like a powerhouse, but that price tag tho... 😱

[@EverettDudgeon138]

I was shocked that the Quantum was only bi-timbral and yet the much cheaper Blofeld is multitimbral.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Did you see the new DSI trailer? Prophet X! A freaking collaboration with 8Dio (KONTAKT) sampler synth!!!

[@mattkaz9604]

It's getting old in digital synth terms, but the deep modulations and the wavetables mean it can still sound wonderful.

[@istvantoth7431]

off topic: you described pretty well why I like my Yamaha Portasound MK-100 and why that will always be in my synth collection.

[@onceuponasynth]

Never heard of that one, I'll have to check it out.

[@istvantoth7431]

once upon a synth - it's a cheap ass synthesiser, but I love it.

[@danieldorrmensch8325]

Welcome to the Blofeld Club. I had the very same thoughts before deciding to get one. It definitely compliments an analog or virtual-analog collection and by now all the nasty firmware bugs are gone. You'll have fun with it, I promise.

[@Distortic]

I bought a virus Ti almost 8 years ago. It was alway very “digital” I sound, but the quality of it and being so easy to model with it’s been hard to move on past. The blofeld is very high on my list for the same reason you love fm and wavetable. Hats off to you though. This was very informative.

[@gossamyr]

Bought my blofeld in 2016, specifically for the pads. For me, versatility is a paramount factor in 'keeping' it, the blofeld does way more than pads to my surprise. I'm unabashedly anti-vst, computers are simply unreliable, fact(I do play with toys on my computer sometimes, don't get me wrong, but a toy is just that, not serious). Other synths I have that seem like cousins to the blofeld: Ion/Micron/Miniak, Ultranova, Peak. 3 osc's/voice is a lovely garden, you can grow really cool stuff. Cool vid.

[@alternatingbitmusic]

Omg - that voice... I know this guy from the 100s of times I've watched his MFB Tanzmaus demo which was basically my video MANUAL for it. you rock. As for aesthetics, you are NOT alone. I think we all feel it. I had a DSI Mono Evolver and it was like staring at a Christmas Tree. The Blofeld is minimally beautiful, yet sadly too much menu diving for my taste.

[@onceuponasynth]

lol thanks, yeah it's often a trade of between simple interface and feature set, hard to keep a good balance.

[@alternatingbitmusic]

Did you keep the Tanzmaus? I basically have to RELEARN it every time I get it out -.-

[@onceuponasynth]

Yeah I still have it, but I don't use it much for that exact reason lol. It's a shame cause it sounds nice.

[@rimascampe2035]

Yeah, I often just trigger it with an Electribe to at least enjoy its sounds.

[@amfimoll9428]

Thank you. Very interesting. I have a desktop version but never looked at it from this angle.

[@sauce_aux]

you got a blofeld cuz its a dope synth hahaha - I didnt get mine until the end of 2015, but damn! its bad ass. It actually has a great rich sound for how old the software is-but i'm sure there is much more that goes into "depth" and "warmth" than just software. Great vid!

[@Javigeee0322]

I totally get what you mean by the psychology part behind it. Some thing behind having a synth that lights up and you can touch it is just different.

[@vixstar46]

I’m watching this and thinking “why did I sell my Blofeld”. Really good information here and I wish I had seen this - even though you hadn’t made it yet!

[@onceuponasynth]

hehe, you can always get it back! The prices have been pretty steady.

[@HeadDress]

Nice to see this on my feed. I just pre-ordered one (my second) last week.

[@onceuponasynth]

Nice!

[@jasonmcgary]

I bought it to use with my Casio dg-20 and am glad I did.

[@JavascriptJack]

I just got the module version (already have a NI Komplete Kontrol 49 midi keyboard) - it sounds so damn good. It compliments the Streichfett too; both provide me that "something", which sounds good and sits atop the analog gear I have.

[@VCVRackIdeas]

didn't touch a Blofeld...but when I bought Waldorf Nave and setup it on iPad...its change the way that I produced, completely

[@dfreeman120]

Great piece of kit. Check out the Don Solaris Analog Voltage sound set.

[@FunkTree]

The most flexible budget synth on planet, wish they Waldorf upped the chip more knobs and fixed few bugs like multiple running arps in multi mode ...they would sell like hot cakes

[@cheetahlion79]

My second hardware synth was a Waldorf Pulse 2. It had a great build quality and sounded great. I sold it because I was trying to find something more "different" but if I do miss that one. I wish I could keep them all. I really liked the filter on it. Wish it didn't have the menus and more knobs though.

[@jamesmeeker6933]

The Blofeld is great if you want a digital synth in the PPG Wave vein. Tons of power for its price.

[@nokeechia]

Your patches!... the Blofeld community needs you! I bought one too 2 weeks ago, best decision in my synth repertoire.... I hope it gets a successor though, as the processing speed is the main problem for me

[@onceuponasynth]

Perhaps the Quantum.. but it's 4x the cost 😵

[@nokeechia]

I am keeping my kidneys.... For now... How about the Valkyrie?

[@cloudrun654]

I really appreciate your overview at the beginning. Selfishly wish the used prices would drop a little more so I could get one. Now there is the korg wavestate to investigate too.

[@Conforce]

nice explanation

[@smonuts2871]

I think this video is still relevant. Thinking of buying one. Can’t decide between white or black. Did you have a preference or was the black only available at the time?

[@ErichIzdepski]

Why I got a Blofeld in 2017? $575 with a soft case. Really good synth for great price.

[@wotzefak1983]

i own 2 x access virus ti2 (like a "blofeld" on steroids) and i can just congratulate to your decision! so much possibilities and capabilities.... these VAs are really hot stuff... and in addition you have multitimbrality... for me it was the perfect start and logical next step from the vsts...

[@RolanRock]

Blofeld also has multitumbrality.

[@wotzefak1983]

RolanRock I know. That’s why I like these Synths

[@RolanRock]

Realy sorry, misunderstood you. Regards.

[@Aetila]

I just don't understand why Waldorf can't use proper encoders. I bought a white desktop and loved the sounds but it went fast into the encoder quagmire. I have 20 years old Yammy and Korg synths with encoders/pot that works perfectly, but not on the Waldorf. Sadly, I had to sell it for a lower price.

[@HotStrange]

Apparently they’ve fixed it on newer ones and a lot of the older ones never had this issue. I bought a used one years ago, loved it and never had issues. I sold it during a move and now own a new one, and it’s fine as well. Now saying the issue doesn’t exist, it’s just not as widespread as people seem to think.

[@burger659]

I love Waldorf .. but did you try Largo or Nave ? would like to have your opinion on those.. can't decide between blofeld and largo if they are similar or not..

[@smokymountainblogger5509]

LOVE Blofeld!

[@Gainn]

For the same reason I just (finally!) picked up a Roland JX-305. Cos Sexeh Synth is Sexeh.

[@1pauluzz1]

I've had one for a few years now. It's definitely a beast of a synth, but as someone who started out with plugins and absolutely loves Ableton, Ableton's Wavetable really takes the cake. Sound-wise I can get similar results, but Wavetable's workflow is much faster for me. I'll never get rid of the Blofeld though, if only for the amazing key-bed.

[@onceuponasynth]

Nice, I recently upgraded to Live 10, but I haven't properly explored Wavetable yet. Will have to do that at some point. Cheers.

[@alveydoug]

I often “kick around” having passed up a great sounding Blofeld on the “pre-owned” table at GC. I should’ve, but I didn’t know anything more than the name and that the presets sounded very nice. Your “features” list, in the middle of this podcast gave me Serious Remorse.

[@kaminokai]

Thanks for this!

[@todoslosgestosestanmedidos7329]

Great person and synth sound :) I'd like to buy one by second hand (of 2009) and I wonder if I will have problems because I read that old Waldorfs brings errors with the arpeggiator or the firmware, for example. Do you know something about this? Recommend the purchase?

[@onceuponasynth]

I haven't had any issues with firmware on mine, so I can't speak to that. I recommended it still. I think they released a new patch update not too long ago, so maybe that fixed what people were talking about.

[@anonymusum]

Never do what most users do - first think about the purpose and about your special needs. As much as I like analog synths, it´s clear that their sound character is limited. And if you want your arsenal to be as versatile as possible you can´t ignore wavetable synths. You even may consider to buy an old Yamaha FM synth as they have a very special character as well. And it doesn´t matter how old a synth may be - don´t let the industry and the music shops fool you.

[@thomasdinkelspiel1098]

Thanks for this! Looking for a flexible synth that has an actual nice keyboard to double as a midi controller and thos is what I've learned towards. You video made up my mind. Oh and netted you a subscriber!!! Thank you!

[@joaopaixao8078]

So does the blofeld work just as a midi controller, if you want it to?

[@phillix1]

Its 2024 and I'm considering one...

[@neoseyes]

You make a lot of sense

[@MorningStrategy]

Thanks for the vid. Did you end up exploring the sample loading in depth? What's your take on this synth almost two years later? Does it still have a place in your setup?

[@dennisristow2102]

I've been debating on picking up the desktop version of the Blofeld because of the MPE opportunity. MIDI sound modules that have a MONO mode or sometimes called GUITAR mode often have a chance to work with MPE to go with my Roli Seaboard. While the Roli a great controller, and can work with most synths set to a monophonic patch if you can make the pitch bend go preferably to at least 24 semitones, if you are looking for Poly After Touch, you really need to check the specs of the synth. You can sort of do it with VST software, but a hardware machine is often easier to edit even if it's only a few controls.

[@dustincassidy]

Never smashed the sub button so hard!

[@onceuponasynth]

haha, thanks, and welcome!

[@qwe1231]

Blofeld keyvoard is pretty cool, sounds great. But I'd have recommended a Studiologic Sledge 2.0. Newer (original came out in 2012, but upgraded 2.0 came out 3 years ago), Waldorf-powered synth with better, more hands-on knobs. Crazy-tons of knobs!! the knobs are just so inspiring. Oscillators, wavetables, and samples too. And it's $100 less new than the Blofeld keyboard. Sledge interface is awesome. The Blofeld is a comparative nightmare to program with those tiny 5 or 6 knobs and the little screen and modulation matrix mean that you very quickly get lost and don't know why a sound is behaving the way it is. Also, 'User Wavetables & Samples' were always promised on the Blofeld and never properly delivered (there are some third party apps). Blofeld keyboard is weighted a bit more, might feel better.

[@samiam9059]

Solid steel frame. Semi weighted. Sounds that are totally original.

[@jespergummeson5606]

Still building on some of the waves from Wolfgang Palm and the sounds from the early ppgs, this synth is something special. The Kraftwerk synth! Wonderful video and I`m glad you share it with us. I wonder if Waldorf will release a bluefeld to celebrate over 10 years on the market with this model. Otherwise I will pick a white one in a near future. 😀

[@onceuponasynth]

hehe, a bluefeld would be cool.

[@welky177]

I just ordered one... in 2020.

[@ToyKeeper]

I've sometimes been tempted to get a Blofeld desktop module. It has a good and versatile sound, and lots of features. I think I care more about the ease of creating new sounds though, and it's a bit weak there due to the limited amount of physical controls and using menus instead. Same basic issue as my Microkorg XL, except the Blofeld is significantly better at everything. I'd probably end up using it mostly as a library of presets rather than a blank canvas. Still, as far as digital synths go, it's the top one I've pondered getting. Would be nice if I had gotten a Blofeld instead of a Microkorg.

[@MrStanley85]

Correct me if I am wrong but the newest Waldorf engine atm is within the Stu­dio­logic Sledge 2. It should sound as the Blofeld but has more knobs to directly play with.

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Very nice synth. Can't wait for the STVC (Streichfett+vocoder). Was to buy a Streichfett, but maybe I'll wait for the STVC to come out.

[@danielvinklar1105]

it is a very capable and somewhat underrated synth... yes, it has its age... but who cares... having spent a lot of time now also with an expensive DSI Prophet 12 and other prophet models... what is coming out of blofeld is in fact very comparable... at one third or one fourth of the price...! it has wonderful sounds for pads, ambient and drone stuff... yes, it has bad interface, only half baked and also buggy, and yes, the knobs are low quality and freeze from time to time... also there is a little hiss on the audio output.. and also, the keyboard sensitivity curves on some of the sounds are simply weird, making those sounds unplayable from the keyboard... but i play them from an external keyboard and the problem is gone... and on other sounds - the keyboard feel is actually quite nice... at such funny price, the blofeld is an incredible value... in addition, looks stunning, especially the white keyboard version... so i got one in 2019... and will get another one as module shortly... simply love this (not so simple) machine! :) thanks for your video, which anyway was one of the contributions to my search... :) long live blofeld!

[@J_Dubois]

these kinds of videos are great do more

[@onceuponasynth]

Thanks. Will try.

[@gaetanofrangella]

great channel!! that symbol on your hat is Montreal!

[@xmugrillox]

I am in LOVE with this synth sound, especially after seeing your "melodyic synth demo" on it (GREAT job). The only thing that keeps me from pulling the trigger on it is the thought that it's 10+ years "Old"... So my question is: what would be a "Newer" option that would "compete" with it? Thanks in advance.

[@Flohr]

I also recently picked one up. Got the desktop because that was in my budget but I kinda wish I had the keys. I agree with your overall take completely. I think it's a really unique and characterful instrument but it doesn't do everything well. But where it shines, it shines. Good to hear your thoughts on it!

[@onceuponasynth]

Thanks man and congrats on the Blofeld.

[@joefalchetto94]

What do you think are its best qualities (and worst aspects maybe)?