Iridium Desktop MK2 is a new generation of the highly acclaimed Iridium Desktop synthesizer introduced in 2020 by Waldorf Music, and since then used by countless artists and sound designers. After six years the time has come to advance the sonic success story even further.
Based on the legendary multi-engine design of the Quantum & Iridium product line, the MK2 innovates even further, thus fitting perfectly into Waldorf’s forward-looking synthesizer design philosophy. The MK2 features a new and fresh design, and an improved CPU board with more RAM and flash storage allowing for more sample storage and opening a whole new world of synthesis capabilities.
What’s New?
- Per-Note-Parameter-Locks (ft. Aphex Twin)
In this MK2, users can enjoy a very special feature called Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, which is the result of a collaboration with legendary Aphex Twin, a long-term Iridium Desktop user. With this feature, each of the 128 notes can be assigned up to 16 individual parameter variations by simply holding a note and turning knobs. This system allows each note to have a different set of parameters. Users can even change the synthesis mode of oscillators for each note or change effect parameters. Per-Note-Parameter-Locks are saved with each patch and can be inspected and edited on a dedicated page. - “Seeds”: The Sixth Synthesis Sense
The added RAM further allows a new sixth synthesis method for each of the three oscillators. Inspired by wavetable synthesis, in which each wavetable represents a timbral journey, Waldorf has found a way to base these timbral journeys not only on static waveforms but also to dynamically synthesize each waypoint from sub-oscillators called “Seeds.” These can be controlled and recombined using techniques like Ring Modulation, Frequency Modulation, Wavetable and Partials, and enriched with noise and other non-pitched material. Similar to wavetables, while a set of predefined timbral journeys is included, users can also edit and create their own. - Protein’s “Flavour” Knob
The new knob called “Flavour” adds sonic liveliness using Waldorf’s new concept of micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch and a whole set of additional parameters, which we recently introduced with Protein synthesizer. - Expanded Universe of Sound: More Memory, More Layers
With the increased memory capacity, changing the multi-timbral layer count from 2 to 4 is now possible. In addition to the layered and split modes, the new MK2 also features more advanced multi-timbral modes, such as round-robin and random-robin. These additions bring greater timbral richness and variety, letting users build deep and complex sonic landscapes. A dream-come-true for all sound designers, sonic explorers and cinematic artists.
A general update of the Iridium and Quantum operating system will be available soon. This upcoming version 4.0 will provide some of the new features for all existing Quantum and Iridium models, including the Mutator patch randomizer we introduced in the Microwave plugin, a new polyphonic arpeggiator, and new microtonal features saved in patches, among others.
Specifications
- Weight: 5.4kg
- Dimensions: 44cm x 30.5cm x 8.5cm (including controls)
