The Waldorf Quantum Mk2 is the refreshed version of the flagship Quantum synthesizer. Its unique architecture, with up to 5 synthesis algorithms per oscillator, and its fast and intuitive workflow have gained many followers in the music world. In this new Mk2 version, the instrument has received an additional 8 voices (total of 16), a new FATAR keyboard offering polyphonic aftertouch, and significantly expanded memory, up to 59 GB!

The legendary Waldorf Quantum synthesizer technology now comes with new features.

Similar to the Iridium Keyboard, Quantum MK2 now features a new FATAR TP/8SK keyboard with 61 semi-weighted keys and polyphonic aftertouch.

While monophonic aftertouch makes all played notes respond the same way, polyphonic aftertouch provides modulation for individual notes.

This allows for even more precise modulation of envelope behavior or oscillator pitch, offering a completely new range of expression.

The internal flash memory for sample storage has also been expanded to 59GB.

The flexibility emanating from the powerful Quantum oscillators and their interactions with each other is breathtaking. Never before has it been possible to create such a wide range of sounds with a single synthesizer. Stretching from classic analog sounds with precise sample playback to raw or animated digital sounds, all the way to sound clusters and sequences that could only be achieved with a massive modular synthesizer system or modern plugins.

3 Waldorf Quantum Mk2 oscillators offer up to five synthesis algorithms each:

• Waldorf-style Wavetable with the latest additions from Nave, including speech synthesis and wavetable generation from audio samples.
• Classic waveform shapes with multiple waves for ultra-fat sound straight from the oscillators.
• Granular Sampler with multi-sampling and traditional sampling modes.
• Resonator for virtual sound sculpting.
• New Kernel synthesis with options ranging from classic 6-operator FM to innovative wavetable modulation at audio frequencies.
• The beautiful, ergonomic, and intuitive Quantum user panel supports the artist's work with previously unseen elegance. A carefully crafted array of aluminum knobs and encoders surrounds a high-resolution multitouch display. Waldorf's engineers spent hundreds of hours perfecting the interaction between the display and the physical control elements. The stunning display is a highly flexible extension of the previous synthesizer experience and outpaces any currently available synthesizer on the market by light years.

To make it easier to understand the functional correlations between one knob and another, each knob is individually illuminated by a multicolor LED. This makes it immediately obvious where related parameters can be adjusted quickly and efficiently when navigating complex settings and modulation settings.

Again, with the help of the central display, precise settings can be easily controlled, just like using the latest tablet.

When Waldorf decided to develop Quantum, they didn't realize that it would require several years of painstaking work. There were areas of Quantum where their many years of experience in sound generation became the most important element. However, Quantum is so powerful that it took them into completely uncharted territory, encompassing both sound and the way musicians interact with it.

Waldorf Quantum Mk2 was designed and developed in Germany. All significant components were designed, produced, and assembled in Germany and Italy. This allowed us to produce a synthesizer of unparalleled quality. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank world-class sound designers who contributed to the creation of the multifaceted sound set:

Richard Devine, Howard Scarr, Reinhold Heil, BT, Matt Johnson, Joerg Huettner, Kevin Schroeder, Sascha Dikiciyan, Kurt Ader, Mike Huckaby, Thorsten Quaeschning, and more.

Waldorf Quantum Mk2 Specifications:

• Hybrid digital-analog polyphonic synthesizer
• 61-key high-quality Fatar TP/8SK keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch
• 8 voices with analog filter, up to 16 voices with digital filter
• Bimbral: split or layered mode with separate stereo audio outputs
• 3 stereo digital oscillators, each capable of five synthesis algorithms
• Wavetable: Waldorf-style with the latest additions from Nave, including speech synthesis, audio sample wavetable generation, and new features.
• Waveform: classic waveforms with up to 8 simultaneous waves per oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard-sync, warp & PWM, as well as detuned noise.
• Particle: Sampler in traditional and granular mode using multi-samples or live input.
• Resonator: Exciter using multi-sampling plus bank of sound modeling filters.
• Kernel: Synthesis with capabilities ranging from classic 6-operator FM to innovative audio frequency wavetable modulation.
• Two analog low-pass filters per voice, each configurable as 24 or 12 dB with innovative link modes or alternatively two digital filters with multiple modes.
• Digital former: Additional digital algorithms per voice such as comb filter, high-pass, band-pass & notch (Nave, Largo, or PPG models), bit-crusher, drive, and more.
• Flexible routing system for filter and digital former order and individual oscillator routes.
• 6 polyphonic LFOs plus global LFO with a rich parameter set.
• 6 envelopes with looping capability.
• Complex: Multi-stage LFO/Envelope modulator.
• Extensive modulation matrix with 40 slots and easy assignment to controllers.
• Intuitive modulation assignment via panel elements and control LEDs.
• Master effect rack with 5 slots per sound, selectable from FX such as phaser, flanger, chorus, reverb, drive, EQ, and others.
• Compressor for the main output.
• Step sequencer with step recording, parameter automation, and scale quantization.
• Microtonal capabilities with scale import (scl files).
• Polyphonic aftertouch support via built-in keyboard or external MIDI input.
• Chord and latch buttons.
• Unison mode.
• Modular preset system for effects, oscillators, step sequencer, and Complex modulator.
• Single-function potentiometers and encoders for intuitive editing.
• Sound editing and visualization with context-sensitive high-resolution capacitive touch display.
• Spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope at various stages of processing.
• Capacity for up to 10,000 presets organized by banks, attributes, author, and preset number.
• Favorite lists for quick preset recall, e.g., for setlists, etc.
• Preloaded with a wide selection of patches from renowned sound designers.
• Keyboard MIDI output, wheel output, and panel-assigned control MIDI output.
• Sound parameter automation via MIDI CC learn.
• Sample recording from audio inputs or standalone audio recording.
• 4GB* internal flash memory for presets and wavetables, 59GB internal memory for samples.
• Preloaded with approximately 2GB of sample data.
• Onboard audio file editor.
• Preset and sample/wavetable import and export via SD card or USB drive.
• Import of Nave presets and selected FM .syx files.
• Modulation wheel assignable to any parameter modulable via the modulation matrix or quick assign.
• Pitch wheel assignable to each oscillator individually.
• Weight: 17.8kg
• Dimensions: 1006 x 401 x 131 mm

Sampling Capabilities:

• Each of the 3 oscillators of a single sound can be used in one of three modes using samples:
• Stereophonic Multi-Sampler with looping and backward playback capability.
• Granular Sampler with an extensive set of parameters.
• Resonator model using the sampler as an exciter.
• Samples are organized using keymaps and sensitivity, selection rules such as circular motion, random, etc., and individual pitch, gain, and pan settings.
• Samples are stored in the internal 59GB flash memory, which comes preloaded with 2GB of samples specially prepared for Quantum.
• New samples can be recorded from external stereo audio inputs or the Quantum's own engine.
• Samples can also be imported and saved to the internal flash memory via SD card or USB drive in WAV and AIFF file formats (sampling frequency of 44.1kHz).
• Quantum allows for a vast range of sound design possibilities based on samples, from classic synthesizer sounds to uncharted territories.
• It's worth noting that Quantum's use of samples is always in the context of the synthesizer's sound, and it is not intended to function as a sample playback keyboard like traditional sampling instruments or third-party libraries.
• The extensive arpeggiator capabilities include:
• 7 algorithms to choose from, such as up, down, random, etc.
• Octave range
• 7 sort orders
• 3 velocity modes
• Gate length
• Swing
• BPM
• Beat division
• Rhythm patterns
• Reset modes
• Keyboard latch (chordal and non-chordal)
• If this isn't enough, individual patterns can be created in the step sequencer, including transpositions and scale quantization.

Connections:

• 2 stereo audio outputs for main and auxiliary sounds
• Stereo audio input for sample recording and real-time processing
• High-quality 24-bit A/D and D/A converters
• Headphone output with separate level control
• Sustain pedal input
• Control pedal jack, also capable of accepting CV input (sensitivity 0-5V)
• USB host type A connector for MIDI controller connection or USB drives for sample/preset exchange and software updates
• USB device type B connector for connecting to a computer or other USB MIDI class-compliant devices, e.g., iOS devices
• SD card for sample/preset exchange and software updates
• DIN MIDI In, Out & Thru
• Integrated power supply