The Waldorf Blofeld is a desktop digital synthesizer that marks Waldorf's return to hardware synthesis after the company ceased trading in 2004. Named after the James Bond villain, the Blofeld encapsulates the best elements of Waldorf's legendary Microwave 2 and Q/Micro Q series synthesizers in a sleek, compact metal chassis. The synthesizer features a striking white exterior with aluminum encoders and a clear graphical display, showcasing Waldorf's reputation for quality workmanship and stylish design.
Despite its small form factor, the Blofeld delivers impressive sound-generating capabilities through its wavetable synthesis and virtual analog modeling. The instrument excels at producing Waldorf's signature sounds - hard, biting basses, evolving wavetable pads, brassy leads, and experimental sound effects - while also demonstrating a new capacity for warmer, more fuzzy tones than previous Waldorf instruments.
Key Features
The Blofeld distinguishes itself with three oscillators per voice (two capable of wavetable synthesis), twin multimode filters that can be configured in series or parallel, three LFOs, four envelopes, and Waldorf's powerful modulation matrix. The synth offers over 1000 patch memory locations, organized into eight banks of 128 patches across 13 different categories.
Programming is handled through seven encoders and a two-tier matrix system with a sharp graphical display that illustrates oscillator and LFO waveforms, envelope shapes, and other parameters. The display also offers a "page of pages" area to help navigate through the extensive menu system. While not as immediately tweakable as synths with more knobs, the well-designed matrix system provides access to all parameters in a logical manner.
The synthesizer includes a programmable arpeggiator stored with each patch, built-in effects processing, and 16-part multitimbrality. Polyphony extends up to 25 voices, depending on DSP load, making the Blofeld extremely versatile for both studio and live use.
Sound Character
The Blofeld delivers Waldorf's distinctive digital character while offering more tonal variety than its predecessors. The wavetables (all from the Microwave 2 plus the two "Alt" tables from the Q series) are expanded to 16-bit and use the high-quality blend algorithm from the Q and Micro Q. The oscillator brilliance control allows users to adjust the character from smoother, cleaner tones to grittier, scratchier sounds.
The virtual analog waveforms demonstrate impressive warmth and "swimmy" character when detuned, which was not typical of earlier Waldorf instruments. The twin filters, especially the PPG low-pass filter modeled on the 24dB SSM2044 chip from the PPG Wave, provide exceptional sonic sculpting capabilities. Various drive curves dramatically affect the filter's output and tone, allowing for extensive sound design possibilities.
With its extensive modulation options, unison capabilities, and built-in effects, the Blofeld can produce everything from classic analog emulations to complex, evolving digital textures that cut through mixes with authority.
Technical Specifications
Physical
- Slimline desktop form factor in white metal chassis
- 7 encoders (6 smooth, 1 notched for selection)
- Matrix-based user interface with graphical display
- Dimensions not specified in the review
Sound Generation
- 3 oscillators per voice:
- Oscillators 1 & 2: Capable of wavetable synthesis or analog modeling
- Oscillator 3: Dedicated to analog emulation
- Wavetables:
- All wavetables from Microwave 2
- Two "Alt" tables from Q series
- 16-bit resolution with high-quality blend algorithm
- Analog waveforms:
- Square (with pulse width modulation)
- Sawtooth
- Triangle
- Sine
- Pitch range: 128' to 1/2' (before modulation)
- Oscillator features:
- Brilliance control
- FM capabilities
- Sync (between Oscillators 2 and 3)
- Balance control for routing between filters
- Unison options (up to 6x multiplication with detune)
- Portamento and glissando
Filter
- Twin filters configurable in series or parallel
- Multiple filter types:
- 2-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass
- 4-pole low-pass, high-pass, band-pass
- Notch filter
- Positive and negative comb filters
- PPG low-pass filter (modeled on 24dB SSM2044 chip)
- Drive curves:
- Tube simulation
- Pickup simulation
- Audio level modulation (by Oscillator 1)
- Rectifier
- Clipper
- Sine shaper
- Filter panning control
Modulation
- 3 LFOs (fully featured)
- 4 envelopes (snappy)
- 16-slot modulation matrix with:
- 29 modulation sources
- Extensive destination options
- Mathematical modifiers (OR, AND, etc.)
Effects
- Two effects processors per program:
- Effect 1: Chorus, flanger, phaser, overdrive, or "triple FX" (combination of chorus, sample and hold, and overdrive)
- Effect 2: All Effect 1 options plus delay, clocked delay, and reverb
- Delay features:
- Maximum delay time of 557ms
- MIDI-clockable (1/96 division up to 10 bars)
- Reverb parameters:
- Diffusion
- Size
- Shape
- Decay
- Damping
- Low-pass and high-pass filters
Memory and Organization
- Over 1000 patch memory locations
- 8 banks of 128 patches
- 13 different categories
- Category-based patch search
- Randomize function for patch creation
Arpeggiator
- Programmable per patch
- Standard up, down, and up/down directions
- 15 ROM patterns
- User pattern creation with:
- Glide
- Shuffle
- Pauses
- Accents
- Note list of up to 16 input notes
Multitimbral Capabilities
- 16-part multitimbrality (one per MIDI channel)
- Independent Effect 1 per part
- Common Effect 2 with mix level for all parts
- Note: At the time of review, Multi mode was incomplete (cannot save multi assignments, no keyboard splits or layering)
Polyphony
- Up to 25 voices (depending on DSP load)
- DSP power can be saved by turning off unused oscillators or filters
Connectivity
- Audio:
- Stereo outputs (2 outputs)
- Headphone socket
- Control:
- MIDI In (no MIDI Out or Thru)
- USB port (provides full MIDI I/O for patch storage and OS updates)
- Power: External power supply (wall adapter)
