Waldorf Microwave
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Waldorf |
| Year released | 1989 |
| Synthesis type | Wavetable |
| Architecture | Digital (analog filters) |
| Polyphony | 8-voice polyphonic |
| Notable users | The Prodigy, Biosphere, Autechre |
| Known for | PPG's wavetable legacy in a rackmount with analog filters |
Overview
The Waldorf Microwave is a rackmount digital synthesizer released in 1989 by the German company Waldorf. It is a wavetable synthesizer with an 8-voice polyphonic architecture, combining digital wavetable oscillators with analog filters. The Microwave is notable for bringing the wavetable synthesis legacy of PPG to a more affordable and compact format. It was among the first products from Waldorf, a company founded by former PPG engineers. The instrument is housed in a 1U rack chassis and is controlled via MIDI, with a front panel that includes a small display and buttons for editing. Unlike many digital synthesizers of its time that used digital filters, the Microwave uses analog low-pass filters, which contribute to its distinctive warm character. The Microwave was followed by several revisions and expansions, including the Microwave II and XT, but the original model remains a classic in the wavetable synthesis category. Its sound has been used in various electronic music genres, from techno to ambient.
History & design
Waldorf was founded in 1988 by Wolfgang Palm and others who had worked at PPG, the company behind the legendary PPG Wave synthesizers. After PPG ceased operations, the team sought to continue the wavetable synthesis concept. The Microwave was their first product, introduced in 1989. It was designed as a rackmount module, making it more affordable and easier to integrate into existing setups than the large PPG Wave keyboards. The design philosophy centered on recreating the PPG wavetable sound but with modern components and analog filters. The Microwave uses digital wavetable oscillators, but the signal path includes analog filters, which was a deliberate choice to retain a warm, organic tone. The front panel is minimal, with a 2x16 character LCD and a few buttons, encouraging use with external editors. Over time, Waldorf released updates and the Microwave became popular among electronic musicians. Its success led to further models like the Microwave II and the XT, which added more features and polyphony.
How it works
The Waldorf Microwave uses wavetable synthesis, a method where the oscillator plays back short digital waveforms stored in memory. These waveforms are arranged in tables, and the oscillator can smoothly scan through them, creating evolving timbres. Each wavetable contains multiple single-cycle waves, and the position within the table can be modulated by envelopes or LFOs. The Microwave has two oscillators per voice, each capable of selecting from a set of wavetables. The digital oscillators generate the raw sound, which then passes through an analog low-pass filter. This filter is a 24 dB/octave design, similar to those found in analog synthesizers, and it can be modulated. The amplifier is also analog. The 8-voice polyphony means up to eight notes can sound simultaneously. The Microwave is multitimbral, allowing different sounds on different MIDI channels. Editing is done via MIDI SysEx or the front panel, and there are numerous parameters for shaping the sound, including envelopes, LFOs, and modulation matrix. The combination of digital wavetables and analog filters gives the Microwave a unique character that blends crisp digital tones with warm analog filtering.
Signature sound
The Microwave is known for its distinctive wavetable sound, which can range from glassy and digital to warm and analog-like. The analog filters add a smoothness and depth that pure digital synths often lack. Its sound is often described as 'metallic', 'evolving', and 'rich in harmonics'. The wavetables include classic PPG waveforms, which give it a recognizable character. The Microwave excels at pads, leads, and basses, and is particularly good at sounds that change over time due to wavetable modulation. The filters can self-oscillate, adding another dimension. The overall tone is often considered more aggressive and raw compared to later wavetable synths. The 8-voice polyphony is adequate for many textures, though it can be limiting for complex arrangements. The Microwave's sound has been used in various electronic music styles, from techno to ambient, and it remains sought after for its unique blend of digital and analog.
Notable users & recordings
The Waldorf Microwave has been used by a number of influential electronic artists. The Prodigy used it in their productions, contributing to their aggressive electronic sound. Biosphere, known for ambient music, has utilized the Microwave's evolving textures. Autechre, known for experimental electronic music, have also used the Microwave, incorporating its wavetable sounds into their complex rhythms and timbres. These artists are frequently cited as users of the Microwave, and its presence can be heard in various tracks, though specific recordings are not always documented. The Microwave's ability to create unique, shifting sounds made it a favorite for those exploring electronic music's more experimental edges. Its use by these artists has helped cement its reputation as a classic wavetable synthesizer.
Legacy & influence
The Waldorf Microwave played a significant role in keeping wavetable synthesis alive after PPG's demise. It introduced a new generation of musicians to the concept of wavetable scanning and digital oscillators paired with analog filters. Its success paved the way for Waldorf's later products, including the Microwave II, XT, and eventually the Blofeld and Quantum. The Microwave is often cited as a classic in the rackmount synth category and is appreciated for its unique sound. Its influence can be heard in the work of many electronic artists, and it remains a sought-after instrument on the second-hand market. The Microwave also helped establish Waldorf as a major player in the synthesizer industry. Its design principles, combining digital wavetables with analog filters, have been echoed in various later synthesizers, both by Waldorf and other manufacturers. The Microwave's legacy is that of a pioneering instrument that brought a niche synthesis method to a wider audience.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the difference between the Waldorf Microwave and the PPG Wave? A: The Microwave is a rackmount synthesizer that uses similar wavetable synthesis but with analog filters, while the PPG Wave was a keyboard with digital filters and a different architecture. The Microwave is often seen as a more affordable and compact alternative. Q: How many voices does the Microwave have? A: The original Microwave has 8-voice polyphony. Q: Can the Microwave be edited without a computer? A: Yes, it can be edited from the front panel, but due to the limited interface, many users prefer to use software editors via MIDI. Q: Is the Microwave multitimbral? A: Yes, it is multitimbral, allowing multiple sounds to be played simultaneously on different MIDI channels.