Waldorf Blofeld Black

Black finish version of the virtual analogue synthesizer module, featuring a graphic display and, most importantly: the unique Waldorf sound. Beneath the robust metal housing with high-quality knobs and elegant polar design lie the cores of the brand's most successful synths from the past.
The synthesis engine is identical to that used in the ancestor PPG Wave (developed by the German company PPG in the late 1970s with help from the members of Tangerine Dream).

Two of the three oscillators are equipped with wavetables taken entirely from the Waldorf Wave, Microwave II/XT series and partially from the PPG Wave. Modulation possibilities are varied: FM modulation across all 3 oscillators via the noise generator or LFOs, ring modulation between oscillators 1 and 2.

The two filters (with switchable 12/24 dB/octave slope for all possible types: LP, BP, HP, and notch) are further enhanced with 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 hard digital distortion. The remaining effects can be assigned to 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 triggering types are also more advanced than standard: extended ADSR with adjustable attack level and two positions for decay and sustain, 2 loop modes, and one-shot triggering, ideal for percussive sounds.

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

General features

Interface

Preset selection

Seven infinitely rotatable steel knobs allow in-depth exploration of Blofeld's power. Preset sounds are browsed by turning the dial above the play button. The bank in use is changed by the left button below the display. The right button filters the browsed sounds by category.

Oscillators

Selecting one of the oscillators brings up its dedicated display page. Each oscillator, the ring modulator, and the noise generator can be freely mixed to the input of the two independent multi-mode filters.

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

Filters

Of course, the two filters have dedicated pages for displaying response curves. Here is an example of the 24dB low-pass filter.
Even the comb filter is graphically displayed.

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

Envelopes and LFOs

The envelopes can be classic, ADSR, looped, or without Hold and Release stages (one-shot). In total, there are 5 types of envelopes.

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

Modulation

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 algorithmically modifying an existing one. Sounds complicated? Maybe. But it's fun even if you don't fully 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.

Finally, let's not forget one of the most fascinating arpeggiators found in VA synths, first introduced in Waldorf Q. In addition to standard features (time division selection, shuffle variation, range up to 10 octaves, directions), you can also set different note lengths with different accents. The possibilities are maximised by the step-sequencer added for editing arpeggiator patterns.

Spectre

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