Waldorf Iridium Core

[ElmerJFudd]

https://waldorfmusic.com/iridium-core/
 

 

[David Emm]

Under "Modulation Sources and Destinations," the manual lists "Aftertouch ~ Polyphonic Keyboard Pressure Data" and then "MPE Y Axis ~ Second MPE parameter." It doesn't seem to cover all 5 MPE parameters at once, but its not at all underpowered. It offers modulations of almost everything, by almost anything. It feels as if it could be a great partner for a Korg Keystage controller, among others.  A desktop Quantum for that price is impressive, especially with a uniform framework across all three models of the synth. What a centerpiece. Gimme two.

[ElmerJFudd]

1 hour ago, David Emm said:

Under "Modulation Sources and Destinations," the manual lists "Aftertouch ~ Polyphonic Keyboard Pressure Data" and then "MPE Y Axis ~ Second MPE parameter." It doesn't seem to cover all 5 MPE parameters at once, but its not at all underpowered. It offers modulations of almost everything, by almost anything. It feels as if it could be a great partner for a Korg Keystage controller, among others.  A desktop Quantum for that price is impressive, especially with a uniform framework across all three models of the synth. What a centerpiece. Gimme two.

At some point they’ll all be motivated to implement midi 2.0 and any midi 2.0 control will shake hands with the desktop synths and we’ll play on! 

[Mighty Motif Max]

No 5-pin connectors this time, unfortunately.

[DmitryKo]

Iridium Core - Sound Demo | WaldorfMusicChannel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaTmLk2ZnJI

 

 

 

"Iridium Core" introduced by Panic Girl | WaldorfMusicChannel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zey62YqHEaY

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Mighty Motif Max said:

No 5-pin connectors this time, unfortunately.

 

What’s In the Box?

•Two MIDI adapters: mini TRS to DIN sockets

[johnchop]

For me this strikes the right balance of feature nerfs and price.

[johnchop]

Status update: I just got one.

 

It is indeed a metric ton of synthesis in a very usable small footprint. Haven’t gotten far past preset surfing and digging into oscillator menus… there is a lot going on. 

 

I know there were complaints about the build quality from some quarters, but I see zero issues. Buttons and knobs are all solid. The touchscreen display is crisp and responsive. I find it very intuitive to get around.

 

I’m also happy it’s got class-compliant USB MIDI and can talk to my BomeBox without issue.

 

Soundwise, I think it has its own vibe: clean, crystalline, a bit polite. As such, it’s a good fit with my Virus, which has more fizzy sheen and raw aggressiveness to it.

 

Not intending a full review here (not my strength anyway). I’ll just say that for me, it’s a keeper.  

[J.F.N.]

On 10/12/2023 at 1:35 AM, Mighty Motif Max said:

No 5-pin connectors this time, unfortunately.

 

Mini TRS with adapter cables included.

[johnchop]

Yep, there are two separate trs-to-DIN adapters. While not an hardcore roadworthy solution, they’re absolutely fine for the studio or a controlled gig environment. No quibbles here. 
 

Also worth mentioning: patch loads are not instantaneous or seamless. Non-sample-based sounds load in less than a second. Anything with samples waits on all referenced samples to load… somewhere. I don’t know if samples are stored compressed and can’t be streamed or what. For my use, it’s not a problem. It’s not a ROMpler.

 

 I’ve seen talk online about how Pigments does everything it does. It’s certainly close on a feature-by-feature matchup.  To me, they sound different.