Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2 + Waldorf Backpack – a flagship synthesizer desktop module of the second generation, bundled with the dedicated Waldorf transport backpack.
The Iridium Desktop MK2 is a thorough platform upgrade, not a cosmetic revision. Waldorf replaced the CPU board, expanded RAM and flash storage, increased user sample capacity to 4 GB, and extended preset slots to up to 7000 patches. Multi-timbrality grows from 2 to 4 independent layers, adding round-robin and random-robin modes inherited from the Protein synthesizer. Each of the three stereo oscillators per voice now runs one of six synthesis engines: Wavetable, Waveform, Particle, Resonator, Kernels, and the new Seeds. Seeds dynamically generates intermediate waypoints between timbres using sub-oscillators controlled by FM, ring modulation, wavetable positioning, and noise structures – rather than interpolating between static waveform tables.
Per-Note Parameter Locks and the Flavour control
Repetitive sequences tend to sound mechanical because every note shares identical synthesis parameters. The MK2 addresses this at two levels. Per-Note Parameter Locks – developed in direct collaboration with Aphex Twin – let you hold any of 128 notes and turn knobs to assign up to 16 independent parameter variations per note, including oscillator synthesis mode or effect settings. All assignments are saved with the patch and editable on a dedicated screen. The Flavour knob adds a second layer of organic motion by introducing micro-variations in timing, timbre, and pitch across played notes, drawing from the same concept introduced in the Protein synthesizer.
Studio and modular integration
The rear panel is unchanged from the original Iridium – which means everything is already there: stereo audio in and out, four high-resolution CV inputs routable within the modulation matrix, DIN MIDI In/Out/Thru, MIDI 2.0, USB-B for DAW integration, USB-A as a host for external controllers and storage, headphone output with level control, analog clock I/O with divider, gate and start inputs for modular sync, microSD slot, and a Kensington lock slot for stage security. The 40-slot modulation matrix accepts CV inputs as sources alongside all internal modulators.
The bundle includes the Waldorf Backpack – made from 168D Polyester with 20 mm padding throughout, reinforced corners and edges rated for loads up to 7 kg. A front compartment fits a laptop or documents; side pockets hold cables and a power adapter; an internal strap secures the instrument. Dimensions are 550 × 400 × 180 mm, compatible with Iridium Desktop, M, and Kyra. Shoulder straps are padded and adjustable.
KEY FEATURES
- 16-voice polyphony; 4-part multi-timbrality with layer, split, round-robin, and random-robin modes
- 3 stereo oscillators per voice, each with 6 synthesis engines: Wavetable, Waveform, Particle, Resonator, Kernels, Seeds
- Per-Note Parameter Locks – up to 16 parameter variations per note across 128 notes (co-developed with Aphex Twin)
- Flavour knob – micro-variations in pitch, timbre, and timing, introduced with the Protein synthesizer
- Dual stereo digital filters per voice: LP, HP, BP, notch; models: Nave, Largo, PPG, state-variable, Raiser
- Digital Former section: drive, bitcrusher, ring modulation, comb filter
- 6 envelope generators, 6 LFOs, Komplex Modulator, 40-slot modulation matrix
- Arpeggiator, step sequencer, MPE support, 4×4 RGB pad matrix
- 1750+ factory patches; up to 7000 preset slots; 4 GB flash for user samples
- MIDI 2.0, 4x CV in, analog clock/gate I/O, USB host/device, microSD, headphone out, Kensington lock
- Waldorf Backpack: 168D Polyester, 20 mm padding, 550 × 400 × 180 mm, rated to 7 kg
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Polyphony: 16 voices
- Multi-timbrality: 4 parts (layer, split, round-robin, random-robin)
- Oscillators: 3 × stereo per voice; engines: Wavetable, Waveform, Particle, Resonator, Kernels, Seeds
- Filters: 2 × stereo digital per voice; models: state-variable, Raiser, Nave, Largo, PPG; LP/HP/BP/notch
- Modulation: 6 EGs, 6 LFOs, Komplex Modulator, 40-slot matrix with fast-assign
- Effects: up to 5 slots per patch (chorus, reverb, delay, phaser, flanger, parametric EQ, compressor)
- Preset memory: up to 7000 slots; sample flash: 4 GB
- Display: color multi-touch
- Pads: 4×4 RGB
- Connectivity: stereo audio in/out, headphone out, DIN MIDI In/Out/Thru, MIDI 2.0, USB-B, USB-A host, 4x CV in, analog clock/gate I/O, microSD, Kensington lock
- OS: Waldorf Synthesis Platform OS 4.0+
- Waldorf Backpack – material: 168D Polyester; padding: 20 mm; dimensions: 550 × 400 × 180 mm; max load: 7 kg
