The Waldorf STVC (String Synthesizer & Vocoder) is a modern hardware string synthesizer that builds upon the foundation of the Waldorf Streichfett module released in 2014. Far more than just a keyboard version of the Streichfett with an added vocoder, the STVC offers expanded capabilities, enhanced features, and significantly more flexibility in sound design.

With its sturdy construction, four-octave velocity and pressure sensitive keyboard, and comprehensive controls, the STVC delivers classic string ensemble sounds reminiscent of vintage instruments like the Eminent 310U and Solina, while providing modern features like patch storage, a powerful modulation matrix, and digital reliability.

Key Features

The STVC combines two distinct sound engines with a versatile vocoder:

Strings Section

Identical to the Streichfett, the fully polyphonic Strings section generates rich ensemble sounds through additive synthesis. The Registration knob morphs between waveforms ranging from classic strings to vocal formants and pipe organs. Sounds can be shaped with ASR (Attack-Sustain-Release) contours and enhanced with the classic chorus/ensemble effect that offers three settings: Chorus, String, and a combination of both.

Solo Section

The enhanced polyphonic Solo section now offers 16-voice polyphony (double that of the Streichfett) and includes seven selectable Tones: Bass, E-piano, Clavi, Synth, Pluto, plus two new monosynth options called Mono and Full. Sounds can be shaped with either AD (Attack-Decay) or ASR contours, and feature a Tremolo effect that transforms to auto-panning in stereo mode.

256-Band Vocoder

The standout addition to the STVC is its flexible 256-band vocoder. Users can choose between different carrier wave types (F, N, J, F+) when using the Strings section, employ the Solo section as an additional carrier, or even use external audio as either the modulator or carrier. Advanced features include formant shifting, jitter modulation, coefficient generation rate control, and modulator signal leakage.

The innovative Freeze function captures filter coefficients from modulator audio, allowing them to be looped and manipulated during playback.

Effects & Modulation

Beyond the core sounds, the STVC offers three effects: Animate (which modulates the Strings' Registration), a gentle phaser, and a simple reverb. The surprising addition of a five-slot modulation matrix greatly expands sound design possibilities, offering 18 sources and 41 destinations, including hidden features like the Solo section's polyphonic low-pass filter.

Sound Capabilities

While the STVC excels at classic string ensemble and choir sounds, its capabilities extend far beyond these traditional timbres. Creative use of the modulation matrix and hidden features allows for unexpected lead synths, bass pedals, percussive keyboards, musical boxes, chimes, and a wide range of vocoded effects from classic "Mr. Blue Sky" sounds to complex, evolving textures.

Construction & Design

The STVC features a robust design with a thick steel case weighing 7.5kg, with convenient lips on either side for easy handling. The full-sized, four-octave keyboard offers velocity and pressure sensitivity with a firm feel. The control panel features physical knobs (though slightly wobbly) and a small but functional 128 x 64 pixel screen. Performance controls include pitch-bend and modulation wheels (positioned behind the keyboard) and an octave selector with a ±2 octave range.

Technical Specifications

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 740 × 280 mm
• Weight: 7.5 kg
• Case: Thick steel construction with side lips for easy handling
• Display: 128 × 64 pixel screen

Keyboard & Controls

• Keyboard: 4-octave, full-sized with velocity and pressure (aftertouch) sensitivity
• Performance Controls:
  • Pitch-bend and modulation wheels (positioned behind keyboard)
  • Octave selector (±2 octave range)
  • Expression pedal input (via dual-purpose TRS quarter-inch socket)
  • Sustain pedal input (quarter-inch)

Sound Generation

Strings Section

• Polyphony: Full polyphony
• Waveform Selection: Registration knob morphs between additively generated waves
• Octave Settings: 8', 4', or both combined
• Envelope: ASR (Attack-Sustain-Release) contour generator per note
• Effects: Chorus/ensemble with three settings (Chorus, String, or both combined)

Solo Section

• Polyphony: 16 voices (increased from 8 in the Streichfett)
• Tones: Bass, E-piano, Clavi, Synth, Pluto, Mono (monosynth), and Full (monosynth)
• Envelope: Switchable between AD (Attack-Decay) and ASR (Attack-Sustain-Release)
  • Attack with percussive thunk between 7 and 10 o'clock positions
  • Decay/Release with maximum duration of approximately 20 seconds
• Effects: Tremolo (mono) or auto-panning (stereo)
• Filter: Hidden polyphonic low-pass filter with resonance (accessible via modulation matrix)

Vocoder

• Resolution: 256 bands
• Carrier Options:
  • Strings section with five waveform types (F, N, J, F+, plus morphing)
  • Solo section (via Layer option)
  • External audio input
• Modulator Options:
  • Internal microphone (via XLR socket with 2.4V phantom power)
  • External audio input
• Special Features:
  • Formant shifting
  • Jitter modulation
  • Coefficient generation rate control
  • Modulator signal leakage
  • Freeze function (saves filter coefficients for looped playback)

Effects

• Animate: Modulates the Strings' Registration
• Phaser: Gentle effect applied to Strings section
• Reverb: Applied to both Strings and Solo sections

Modulation Matrix

• Structure: 5 slots with 18 sources (24 options with bipolar variants) and 41 destinations
• Notable Sources: Aftertouch, modulation wheel, velocity, expression pedal, MIDI CC, various LFOs, random values
• Notable Destinations: Vibrato parameters, filter settings, effect parameters, vocoder controls, pitch, and more

Memory

• Patch Storage: 126 user patch memories
• Freeze Storage: Single Freeze memory slot

System Settings

• MIDI Configuration: Customizable MIDI CC, control panel changes, program changes
• Tuning: Transposition, master tuning, pitch-bend range
• Microphone Settings: Input gain (0 to +30 dB), high-pass filter, phantom power toggle
• Utility Functions: Sound dumping, global settings storage, factory reset, firmware upgrade

Connectivity

• Audio Outputs: Unbalanced stereo quarter-inch jacks
• Headphones: 3.5mm output
• Audio Input: Quarter-inch TRS socket (switchable between expression pedal or audio input)
• Microphone Input: XLR socket for gooseneck microphone (2.4V phantom power)
• MIDI: 5-pin MIDI In/Out
• USB: Type B socket (MIDI In/Out and power)
• Power: Via USB (5V DC from supplied PSU)