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Waldorf Protein Desktop Synthesizer - $300 (Lancaster, PA)
Marietta Avenue near Wilson Dr
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Linking back to the very beginnings of Waldorf's instrument makings, the Waldorf Protein is an affordable and compact 8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesizer based on the original Microwave 1 ASIC oscillators combined with modern features of Iridium heritage like the sophisticated arpeggiator, step sequencer, chord mode, effects and more. Protein is a true powerhouse packed into a portable new form factor that stands as the first statement of a new upcoming product line.
Overview
Oscillators
Two oscillators based on unique Waldorf Microwave ASIC chip.
Internally running with 250 kHz sampling rate to match original ASIC sampling rate.
Modeled digital-to-analog converters for each voice (DAC).
Unique digital noise generator based on ASIC technology.
Wavetables
All original wavetables of Microwave 1 based on original coding and bit-identical to original.
Including algorithmic and speech wavetables.
Beautiful recreation of 8-bit quantization and aliasing.
Full waveform catalogue of original Microwave.
Filter
Faithful modeling of CEM analog filters.
Adjustable decalibration of cutoff and resonance to model detuned hardware.
Cutoff and resonance modulations.
Additional dirty types: noise, crackle, click, geiger, and bursts.
Modulation
3 envelopes
2 LFOs with tempo sync and sample and hold
8-slot modulation matrix
Polyphonic aftertouch capable
MPE modulation sources
Effects
Two effect slots
Reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, drive, EQ, compressor, tremolo
Voices
8-voice polyphony
4 timbral layers
Stacked, round-robin, and MIDI-split layer-modes
Mono and Legato modes
Performance Features
Advanced arpeggiator
Step-sequencer with up to 32 steps
Chord and scale modes
MPE compatible
MIDI CC Learn
Patches
Over 150 factory patches
Capacity of 250 patch memory slots
Category filter for patch list
Import and export patches via MIDI sysex
Wavetable: Structure in Motion
Dive into wavetables that evolve like living matter. Control their movement and texture with envelope and velocity modulation. Each waveform shifts and transforms—vivid, expressive, and endlessly alive.
Filter: The DNA of Sound
Sculpt your tone with Cutoff Track, Resonance, Dirt, and flexible Envelope Amount. From crystal clarity to raw, earthy grit—Protein resonates at every sonic layer.
Layer: Dynamic Sound Structure
The 8 voices can be organized in up to 4 layers allowing for complex layered sonic arrangements, surprising round-robin modes, or simply split by MIDI channels for polytimbral operation. With the Load Layer feature, new sonic arrangements can be created in seconds by simply recombining existing layers from the whole preset collection.
Effects: Refinement on a Molecular Level
From subtle shine to cinematic space: reverb, delay, modulation, and more. Every detail can be shaped with precision. Amount defines intensity; Type defines character.
What's in the box
Waldorf Protein - 8 Voice Wavetable Synth with ASIC Microwave Oscillators, 4 Layers, Arpeggiator, Step Seencers, MPE, 2 Effect Slots, USB-MIDI, Compact and Lightweight
2 x 3.5mm TRS to MIDI DIN Adapters (Type-A)
USB-C to USB-C Cable