Waldorf Blofeld

A virtual analog synthesizer module equipped with a graphic display and, most importantly, the unique Waldorf sound. Beneath the robust metal casing with high-quality buttons and an elegant polar appearance lie the cores of the most successful synths from the brand's past.
The synthesis base is identical to that used in the ancestor PPG Wave (developed by the German company PPG in the late '70s with the help of the guys from the band Tangerine Dream).

Two of the three oscillators are equipped with wavetables entirely taken from the Waldorf Wave, Microwave II/XT series and partially from PPG Wave. The modulation possibilities are varied: FM modulation across all three oscillators via the white noise generator or LFOs, ring modulation between oscillators 1 and 2.

The two filters (with switchable characteristics between 12/24 dB/octave for all possible types: LP, BP, HP, and notch) are extensive and include a "comb" filter first introduced in the Waldorf Q.

The effects section includes an overdrive/distortion section that can control both filters from saturation effects to harsh digital distortion. The remaining effects can be set on two slots. In multi mode, the first slot is unique for all 16 parts, while the second slot is global. The effects list includes: chorus, flanger, delays, reverb, and a special effect called "Triple FX".
The envelopes and various types of triggering are also more extensive than standard: extended ADSR with adjustable attack level and two positions for decay and sustain, 2 loop modes, and the possibility of "one shot" triggering, ideal for percussive sounds.

The number of 3 LFOs was not enough; additional features were added to their control: switching for monophonic or polyphonic synchronization, scaling the oscillation frequency according to the played MIDI notes (keyfollow), and various types of fade in/out through which unique effects can be created. The upper frequency limit of the LFOs is already in the audible range, allowing the LFOs to be used as additional FM sources. The modulation matrix is complex. 16 slots allow interaction between sources and destinations, even allowing recursive routing.

Interface

Preset selection

Seven infinitely rotatable steel buttons offer in-depth exploration of the power of the Blofeld. Browsing through the preset sounds is done by rotating the knob above the play button. Changing the bank used is done via the left button under the screen. The button to the right filters the sounds browsed by their category.

Oscillators

Selecting one of the oscillators displays the corresponding oscillator type page on the screen. Each oscillator, the ring modulator, and the noise generator can be freely mixed into the input of the two independent multi-mod filters.

A special overview page shows the routing, levels, and waveforms of the generators.

Filters

The two filters can be routed in series or parallel, the latter mode allowing independent panning of the two filters.

Envelopes and LFOs

The envelopes can be classic, ADSR, looped, or without the Hold and Release stages (one-shot). However, we have 5 types of envelopes.

The three low-frequency oscillators (LFO) offer separate parameters for delay and fade in/out. Here we have an example.

Modulations

What can we do with all these envelopes, LFOs, and other control sources? Instead of using them as direct modulation sources, we can easily connect them to other modulation destinations in the matrix.

And if all this is not enough: we can create new modulation sources by modifying an existing one through algorithmic operations. Sounds complicated? Maybe. But it’s fun even if you don’t understand what you’re doing.

The modifier in the image creates a gradual modulation based on the continuous waveform of LFO1, whatever the waveform may be.

Last but not least, let’s not forget one of the most fascinating arpeggiators in VA synths, first introduced in the Waldorf Q. In addition to standard possibilities (measure division selection, shuffle variations setting, range of up to 10 octaves, directions), different notes lengths with different accents can also be set. But it opens up the maximum area of possibilities through the added step sequencer for editing arpeggiator patterns.

Spectre

Spectre is a tool for creating and transferring samples into the Waldorf Blofeld with the License SL extension and Waldorf Blofeld Keyboard. This application is compatible with Windows and Mac and is available for free to anyone from the official Waldorf website.