Description
The Waldorf Protein is New Delivered to all areas of the UK using our roadie delivery service.
The Waldorf Protein is a compact and expressive eight-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesiser that blends classic Microwave heritage with modern sound-shaping flexibility. Designed for musicians who value immediacy and tactile control, it offers a hands-on interface filled with inviting knobs and performance tools that encourage experimentation. Under its colourful and portable exterior lies a powerful engine featuring authentic recreations of the original Microwave ASIC oscillators, complete with their characterful eight bit charm, gritty aliasing and distinctive digital sweetness.
Protein provides up to four independent layers per patch, allowing richly animated textures, intricate splits or playful round robin voice assignments. Its modulation architecture, complete with envelopes, LFOs and an intuitive matrix, makes expressive shaping straightforward, while poly aftertouch support ensures nuanced musical phrasing. A host of built-in effects, an advanced arpeggiator, step sequencer and chord modes further expand creative potential.
Whether used on stage, in the studio or on the move, the Protein delivers authentic Waldorf wavetable sonics in a portable format that invites deep exploration without overwhelming the user. With over one hundred factory presets and generous storage, it is an accessible entry to the distinctive world of Waldorf synthesis.
Key Features
- Authentic Microwave Oscillators:
Recreated ASIC-based oscillators match the original sampling behaviour, offering true eight-bit grit, aliasing character and a full catalogue of classic wavetables. - Four Layer Architecture:
Create complex textures with stacked layers, splits or round robin assignments, and quickly recombine elements using the intuitive Load Layer function. - Expressive Modulation System:
Three envelopes, two tempo-synced LFOs and an eight-slot matrix provide ample shaping possibilities, with poly aftertouch enabling refined performance dynamics.
Layered Sound Design Flexibility:
The Protein’s four-layer capability encourages creative sound construction, enabling users to blend contrasting timbres or build evolving textures with ease. Each layer operates independently, meaning parameters, modulation and effects can be tailored to suit its sonic role. The Load Layer feature simplifies experimentation by allowing layers from different presets to be merged instantly, opening avenues for rapid sound exploration. Whether used for lush pads, animated sequences or multi-timbral arrangements, the layer system offers a powerful way to add musical depth without complexity. This flexible architecture makes the Protein equally suitable for live performance setups and studio sound design.
Classic Digital Character with Modern Control:
At its core, the Protein revives the unmistakable tone of the original Microwave, complete with faithful models of the ASIC oscillators and CEM-inspired analogue filters. This combination yields a unique blend of digital edge and warm filtering, further enhanced by optional de-calibration for added hardware realism. The Flavour control introduces organic instability ranging from gentle movement to noticeable digital disturbance, bringing life and unpredictability to patches. While the sound engine nods to its heritage, the interface remains contemporary, offering immediate access to essential controls without relying on deep menu navigation.
Creative Performance Tools and Effects:
Designed for expressive musicianship, the Protein includes an advanced arpeggiator, a versatile step sequencer and chord and scale modes that encourage melodic experimentation. Two effects slots provide access to reverbs, delays, modulation effects, drive and more, allowing polished or atmospheric finishing directly within the instrument. Poly aftertouch support ensures that performances feel responsive and nuanced, capturing subtle variations in pressure. Whether crafting rhythmic sequences, shaping ambient soundscapes or performing dynamic leads, the instrument’s performance features make it a versatile companion for a wide range of musical styles.
Specifications
- Eight-voice polyphony
- Four timbral layers with stack, round robin and MIDI split modes
- Two Microwave ASIC-based oscillators per voice
- Algorithmic, speech and classic Microwave wavetables
- Digital noise generator
- Analogue modelled CEM filters with adjustable de-calibration
- Three envelopes and two tempo-synced LFOs
- Eight slot modulation matrix
- Poly aftertouch support
- Two onboard effects slots, including reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, drive, EQ, compressor and tremolo
- Advanced arpeggiator and up to thirty-two step sequencer
- Over one hundred factory patches with space for two hundred and fifty
- Stereo audio output and headphones output
- DIN MIDI in and out via mini TRS adapters
- USB Type C for power and MIDI
- Firmware updates via USB
- Dimensions: 252 mm × 170 mm × 48 mm
- Weight: 0.9 kg