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HomepageCatalogueSound Module/ Tone GeneratorTabletop Sound Module/ Tone GeneratorWaldorf Rocket

Waldorf Rocket

Tabletop Analog Synthesizer

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Waldorf Rocket
Waldorf Rocket
180.00 street price

The Waldorf Rocket is a compact, monophonic synthesizer that combines digital oscillators with an analog filter. Released unexpectedly in 2012 after the announcement of the Pulse 2, this tabletop synth packs impressive sonic capabilities into a small, affordable package.

Weighing less than 1kg and measuring just 185mm square, the Rocket features a sturdy black plastic housing with green lettering. Its straightforward interface consists of nine knobs and eight switches in a clear, functional layout. Despite this apparent simplicity, German engineering efficiency allows the Rocket to produce a surprisingly wide range of sounds.

The synth's oscillator section offers remarkable versatility, allowing users to create everything from classic TB303-style acid lines to rich, detuned timbres. The square wave setting provides pulse-width modulation options, while the sawtooth setting offers sync sweeps and unison capabilities. Most impressively, the Rocket features an eight-voice paraphonic mode that enables chord playing—unusual for a synth in this price range.

At the heart of the Rocket is its 12dB state-variable analog filter with low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass modes. The filter delivers smooth resonance that can self-oscillate when pushed, effectively becoming an additional sound source. A "Boost" switch adds satisfying harmonic distortion.

The synth includes a combined LFO and arpeggiator section, with the LFO offering three waveforms and automatic MIDI clock sync. The arpeggiator provides up, alternate, and random directions across four octaves, plus eight rhythmic patterns.

MIDI implementation is thorough, with almost every physical control transmitting and responding to MIDI CCs. The Rocket can be powered via USB or a universal adapter and includes MIDI In/Out (no Thru) ports. An iOS app called Rocket Control allows for patch storage and programming.

While the Rocket has some limitations—fixed attack time, no main volume control, and some wobbliness in the knobs—its sonic capabilities and affordable price make it an attractive option for both novice synthesists and experienced musicians looking for a capable analog-digital hybrid.

Technical Specifications

Physical Characteristics:

  • Dimensions: 185mm x 185mm (square)
  • Weight: Less than 1kg
  • Construction: Black plastic housing with green lettering
  • Controls: 9 knobs, 8 switches

Oscillator Section:

  • Digital oscillator with square and sawtooth waveforms
  • Pulse-width modulation for square waves
  • Oscillator sync capabilities with sawtooth waves
  • Multi-oscillator capabilities (up to 8 oscillators)
  • 8-note paraphonic mode with sawtooth unison
  • Glide function (activated with legato playing)

Filter Section:

  • 12dB state-variable analog filter
  • Three filter modes: low-pass, band-pass, high-pass
  • Resonance with self-oscillation capability
  • Filter tracking options: 0%, 50%, 100%
  • Boost switch for harmonic distortion/overdrive
  • External audio input for processing external signals

Envelope Section:

  • Shared envelope for filter and amplifier
  • Instant attack (fixed)
  • Adjustable decay
  • Switches for sustain on/off and release on/off
  • Single-trigger mode when both sustain and release are on

LFO/Arpeggiator Section:

  • LFO with three waveforms (triangle, sawtooth, square)
  • LFO range: 0.05Hz to 50Hz
  • Random value generation at minimum LFO rate
  • LFO targets: pitch or filter cutoff
  • Arpeggiator with four-octave range
  • Arpeggiator patterns: up, alternate, random directions
  • Eight rhythmic patterns (some with glide)
  • Automatic MIDI clock sync

Connectivity:

  • 1/4" audio output jack
  • 1/4" audio input jack
  • 3.5mm headphone output
  • MIDI In and Out (5-pin DIN)
  • USB port (for MIDI and power)

MIDI Implementation:

  • MIDI channel assignment via recessed button
  • CC control for almost all parameters
  • Transmission of controller values via USB and MIDI
  • Controller burst feature for patch storage
  • Hidden LFO for vibrato (controlled via CC80 and mod wheel)
  • Aftertouch routed to filter cutoff
  • Fixed pitch-bend range (±1 octave)

Power:

  • USB-powered
  • Universal adapter compatible

Software Integration:

  • Rocket Control iOS app for patch storage and programming

Country of origin / production: Germany

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More info
 
Usage area
Sound Module/ Tone Generator 
Usage Design/ Form Factor
Without Keys, Desktop 
Archetype
Analogue (A) 
Polyphony
Monophonic 
Voices1
Multi Timbral Capacity
Monotimbral 
Tone Generator / Sound Synthesis
Synthesis Method Analog Subtractive
Waveform/ Spectral form (main generator) Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
Waveform/ Spectral form (main generator) Triangle
Waveform/ Spectral form (main generator) Saw
Filter
Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) 
High-pass Filter (HPF) 
Low-pass Filter (LPF) 
Band-pass Filter (BPF) 
Multimode 
2-pole 
12dB 
Resonance 
Amplifier
Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) 
Envelope Generator (EG)
ADSR 
Modulation
LFO: LFO Count1
LFO Waveforms
Square 
Triangle 
Saw 
Arpegiator/ Portamento
Arpegiator 
MIDI in/ out
IN 
OUT 
Audio out
Mono 
Analogue: 1/8" (3.5mm)1
Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm)1
Audio in
Analog 1/4"1
Computer Interfaces
USB USB PC Link
USB MIDI through USB
Power
Power Supply External, USB
Case/ body
Metal&plastic 
Color
Black 
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