Waldorf Blofeld Black – compact wavetable synthesizer

The Waldorf Blofeld Black is a legendary synthesizer that has earned cult status over the years. Despite its long presence on the market, it remains highly relevant and inspiring. This small, elegant desktop module in a sleek black finish offers massive synthesis power and sound design capabilities, rivaling today’s modern instruments while retaining Waldorf’s unmistakable character.

Waldorf heritage and synthesis history

The Blofeld’s synthesis engine draws from Waldorf’s most iconic instruments – the Q, Micro Q, Microwave, and even the flagship Wave. It combines subtractive synthesis with powerful wavetable synthesis, a technique first popularized by the legendary PPG Wave in the early 1980s. This allows the Blofeld Black to deliver both warm, analog-style tones and futuristic, digital soundscapes.

Main features and functions

• 25 voices of polyphony
• 16-part multitimbrality
• Storage for up to 1000 sounds
• 3 oscillators per voice
• Wavetable synthesis from Microwave II/XT/XTk
• Full oscillator models from the Q series
• 2 independent filters per voice with multiple modes
• Filter FM and dual Drive stages per voice
• 3 fast LFOs and 4 envelopes per voice
• Advanced programmable arpeggiator
• Stereo outputs and headphone output
• DIN MIDI In and USB MIDI In/Out
• Durable black metal chassis

The power of wavetable synthesis

Wavetable synthesis is Waldorf’s hallmark. The Blofeld Black includes all the classic Microwave II/XT/XTk wavetables, opening the door to countless modulation options and creative sound design. It inspires experimentation and enables everything from vintage synth tones to modern, evolving textures.

Applications

The Waldorf Blofeld Black is a versatile tool for virtually any genre of electronic music – from techno, house, and trance to ambient, industrial, cinematic scoring, pop, and rock. With its multi-layered sound engine and advanced arpeggiator, it’s equally at home in the studio and on stage.

Design and build

Encased in a rugged black metal chassis, the Blofeld Black is built to withstand the demands of both live performance and studio use. Its compact footprint makes it fit easily into any setup, while its intuitive control panel ensures quick access to essential features. The black finish gives it a sleek, professional look.

Included in the box

• Waldorf Blofeld Black synthesizer
• Power supply
• User manual

Summary

The Waldorf Blofeld Black is the essence of German synthesizer design – a compact descendant of legendary instruments. With its powerful wavetable engine, extensive sound library, and endless creative potential, it’s the perfect choice for musicians who want to combine history with modern technology in an elegant black finish.