Waldorf has announced the launch of its Protein wavetable synth (perhaps we’re a bit late to the party because it has already sold out!)
Protein is an affordable, compact eight-voice polyphonic Wavetable synth based on the original Microwave 1 ASIC oscillators combined with modern features of Iridium heritage such as a sophisticated arpeggiator, step sequencer, chord mode, effects and more.
Protein links back to the very beginnings of Waldorf’s instrument makings and interprets the original ideas in a contemporary and surprising way.
Measuring just 252x170x48mm and weighing under a kilogram, it’s compact and lightweight.
The movement and texture of wavetables can be controlled with envelope and velocity modulation. Waveforms shift and transform in vivid, expressive, endlessly alive ways.
Tones are shaped with filters such as cutoff track, resonance, dirt, and flexible envelope amount.
The eight voices can be organised in up to four layers, allowing for complex sonic arrangements and poly MIDI channel splitting.
Effects include reverb, delay and modulation.
There are over 150 high quality factory presets on board, with capacity to store up to 250. Pitch can be shaped with great precision.
Specifications
Oscillators
- Two oscillators based on unique Waldorf Microwave ASIC chip.
- Internally running with 250 kHz sampling rate to match original ASIC sampling rate.
- Modeling of digital-to-analog converters for each voice (DAC).
- Unique digital noise generator based on ASIC technology.
Wavetables
- All original wavetables of Microwave 1 based on the original coding and bit-identical to original.
- Including algorithmic and speech wavetables.
- Beautiful recreation of 8-bit quantization and aliasing.
- Full waveform catalogue of original Microwave.
Filter
- Faithful modeling of CEM analogue filters.
- Adjustable de-calibration of cutoff and resonance to model detuned hardware.
- Cutoff and resonance modulations.
- Additional „Dirty“ types: Noise, crackle, click, geiger and bursts.
Modulation
- 3 Envelopes
- 2 LFOs with tempo sync and sample & hold
- 8 slot modulation matrix
- Poly-aftertouch capable
- MPE modulation sources.
Effects
- Two effect slots
- Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Drive, EQ, Compressor, Tremolo
Voices
- 8 voice polyphony
- 4 timbral layers
- Stacked, round robin and MIDI-split layer-modes.
- Mono & Legato modes
Performance features
- Advanced Arpeggiator
- Step-sequencer with up to 32 steps
- Chord & Scale modes
- MPE Compatible
- MIDI CC Learn
Patches
- Over 150 factory patches
- Capacity of 250 patch memory slots
- Category filter for patch list
- Import- and export of patches via MIDI Sysex
Connections
- Stereo Audio Out with 6.35 mm jacks with optional mono and TRS stereo connections
- Headphones mini TRS output
- DIN MIDI IN & Out, mini-TRS Type A (two adapters to DIN MIDI sockets included)
- USB Type C for power supply and USB MIDI connection
- Firmware updates via USB
Overall
- Sturdy metal front plate on a colorful plastic case
- Dimensions: 252 mm wide by 170 mm depth by 48 mm height (including controls)
- Weight: 0.9 kg
- Power Supply via USB (not in the box)
What’s In the Box?
- Waldorf Protein Synthesizer
- Two MIDI adapters: mini TRS to DIN sockets
- USB C to C cable
- Printed Quick Start Guide
