Waldorf M: New Firmware Adds Algorithmic Oscillators & MPE Support
Classic Wavetable Synthesis and Beyond!
4,8 / 5,0 | 
A new Release Candidate of the Waldorf M firmware has been released, adding Algorithmic Oscillators based on Mutable Instruments Braids and MPE support!
Waldorf M Firmware 1.10 RC3 Update
[June 11th, 2024] Although not officially announced or available on Waldorf’s website, a new Release Candidate firmware for the Waldorf M has been made available. Posting on the Gearspace website, the developer, Vladi, made the announcement that includes three major changes.
First up is the now obligatory MPE update that many manufacturers are adding to their gear. There are certain limitations to this update but MPE support will be expanded and updated in subsequent firmware updates.
Probably the most exciting update is the addition of a third oscillator mode called “Algorithmic Oscillators”. Originally discussed by Vladi and Martin Stuertzer, this mode utilises Emilie Gillet’s open-source oscillators from the Mutable Instruments Braids module.
The four algorithms are M Virtual Analog, CS-80 Saw, Wavefolding and 3x Sawtooth. Whilst not 100% identical to the Braids algos, The M can run what amounts to 16 Braids in the 8-Voice model and 32 for the 16-Voice!
The third main update is added modulation capabilities for the extra parameter of digital filters. There have also been some minor fixes to performance issues.
Remember, this is a release candidate and not officially available at the Waldorf site. Vlad has shared the firmware via his Google Drive. Proceed with the usual caution applied to uploading beta firmware.
Waldorf M 16Voice
[March 13, 2023] The Waldorf M is the natural successor to the legacy Microwave synthesizers. It’s a four-part multitimbral, wavetable synthesizer with two oscillators, an analogue filter and an analogue VCA for each voice. It can pull in classic Microwave modes as well as Microwave II and XT, giving you a different experience with every mode.
Originally an 8-voice machine, Waldorf has now built in an extra 8 voices and slapped a big orange “16 Voices” sticker on the front. As far as I know, there are no other additional improvements.
The Waldorf M 16Voice will be shipping for €2,308. The original M is still available for £1,499.
What about existing Waldorf M customers?
You can’t add extra voices to a hardware synthesizer with a firmware update. However, Waldorf is making the 16 voices available to existing customers in the form of the M Voice Expansion. This does require you to take the back off your synthesizer and install the voice expansion board. It fits onto a couple of sockets that are already inside the M synthesizer and doesn’t seem too taxing.
The M Voice Expansion is available from Waldorf for €699.
Backpack
Armed with your 16 voices, you will want to go gigging with your newly expanding M. Very handily Waldorf has a new “Waldorf M Backpack” that will also fit the Iridium and Kyra. Available now for €135.
Waldorf M
[Sept. 14, 2021] The synth behind the teasing of the red knob has been dramatically revealed with M, a classy looking wavetable synthesizer from Waldorf.
Waldorf M is a 8-voice, 4-part multitimbral wavetable synthesizer in a metallic blue case with a scattering of solid-looking black, silver and red knobs; you could almost call it breathtaking to look at and shattering to listen to. This is nice, really very nice and that’s just the trailer.
Each voice of Waldorf M gets 2 wavetable oscillators, 2 LFOs and 4 envelopes which then gets poured into a fully analogue filter and VCA. The oscillators are pulled from both generations of the Microwave synthesizer and can switch independently between Classic Microwave 1 and Modern Microwave II/XT modes meaning that they act and respond differently depending on the mode.
You’ll find all the original factory content as well as PPG Wave 2.3 sounds converted for the original Microwave. Hard sync is on offer for mode II/XT and there’s an advanced arpeggiator with 16 preset patterns and chord mode.
On the back you get 6 outputs for routing your parts, MIDI In/Out and Thru, USB and an SD card slot for saving data and transferring wavetables.
The sound demo sounds fantastic. There doesn’t appear to be any gimmicks or special wavetable stuff going on like sequenced modulation or crazy mighty morphing waveforms. There’s something wonderfully pure and exciting about these sounds – this is distinctly Waldorf. They are somehow warm, edgy, classic and modern. This is one elegant wavetable synthesizer.
Waldorf M is available for $1,499.00 / £1,429.00 / 1,649.00€ here at Thomann (affiliate).
More information from Waldorf
Video
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