Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2

Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2 is the next‑generation 16‑voice, multi‑engine desktop synthesizer based on the Quantum/Iridium platform, upgraded with a more powerful CPU board, expanded RAM and flash memory. The MK2 version introduces 4‑part multitimbrality, the new Seeds engine, a Flavour control for micro‑variation, enhanced multi‑timbral modes (round‑robin and random‑robin) and sophisticated per‑note parameter locks developed in collaboration with Aphex Twin, turning Iridium into a deep performance and sound design instrument.

The synth offers three digital oscillators per voice with six synthesis engines (Wavetable, Classic Waveforms, Particle multisampling, Particle granular, Resonator, Kernels and the new Seeds mode), 16‑voice polyphony and four independent layers operating in layer, split, round‑robin or random‑robin modes. Each layer has its own stereo filters, full modulation section and five effect slots, so the Iridium Desktop MK2 can easily take the role of an entire synth rig inside a single box. A high‑resolution 7" touch display (1024 × 600), 4×4 RGB pad matrix, 40‑slot modulation matrix, six envelopes, six LFOs, Komplex Modulator, an advanced arpeggiator and step sequencer, plus MPE, MIDI 2.0 and CV I/O make it a powerful centerpiece for modern studios, live rigs and experimental setups.

KEY FEATURES

• 16‑voice multi‑engine desktop synthesizer based on Waldorf’s Quantum/Iridium platform
• Three digital oscillators per voice with six synthesis modes: Wavetable, Classic Waveforms, Particle multisampling, Particle granular, Resonator, Kernels and Seeds
• Four multitimbral layers with layer, split, round‑robin and random‑robin modes for complex textures and multi‑part setups
• New Seeds oscillator engine for dynamically evolving, sub‑oscillator‑driven timbral journeys
• Flavour control adding subtle timing, pitch and timbral micro‑variations for more organic, lively sounds
• Per‑note parameter locks with up to 16 parameter variations per note, stored inside the patch
• Powerful modulation engine with 40‑slot matrix, 6 envelopes, 6 LFOs and the Komplex Modulator
• Per‑layer effect rack with five effect slots, plus a master FX rack and master compressor
• High‑resolution 7" touch screen (approx. 1024 × 600 px) with XY controls and a 4×4 RGB pad matrix for performance and navigation
• Full support for MPE and MIDI 2.0, four CV inputs, clock/gate/start I/O and deep integration with Eurorack and modern controllers

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Polyphony: 16 voices
• Multitimbrality: 4 layers (layer, split, round‑robin, random‑robin modes)
• Oscillators: 3 per voice, engines: Wavetable, Classic Waveforms, Particle (multisample), Particle (granular), Resonator, Kernels, Seeds
• Filters: 2 digital stereo filters per voice, multiple modes (LP/HP/BP, 12/24 dB slopes, etc.)
• Modulation: 6 envelopes, 6 LFOs (Poly and Global), Komplex Modulator, 40‑slot modulation matrix
• Effects: 5 effect slots per layer with flexible parallel/serial routing, plus master FX rack and master compressor
• Arpeggiator: advanced, with new polyphonic modes and pattern options
• Sequencer: up to 64–128 steps (depending on mode), with parameter locks and per‑note variations
• Factory content: more than 1,750 factory patches, up to 7,000 user patch slots
• Internal memory: around 4–6 GB flash with approximately 2 GB of factory samples and ample space for user content
• Preset/sample handling: preset import for Quantum/Iridium formats, USB and microSD/SD storage for loading/saving presets and samples
• Audio outputs: main stereo out on 2 × 6.3 mm TS jacks
• Audio inputs: stereo line input on 2 × 6.3 mm jacks for processing external audio through the synth engines and FX
• Headphones: 6.3 mm TRS jack with dedicated volume control
• MIDI: DIN In/Out/Thru plus USB‑MIDI (device and host), with full MPE and MIDI 2.0 support
• CV / Gate: 4 high‑resolution CV inputs, analog clock in/out, gate and start inputs
• Construction: robust metal chassis, aluminium knobs, Kensington lock slot, VESA 75 mounting and optional 19" rack kit
• Dimensions (W × D × H): approx. 440 × 305 × 85 mm
• Weight: approx. 4.8 kg