Waldorf's recreation of their 1987 flagship synthesizer arrives as a meticulously engineered plugin that captures the harmonic character of hybrid wavetable synthesis at a critical moment in electronic music history. The original hardware paired a custom Waldorf ASIC with Curtis filter chips and a 68k-based controller, generating a distinctly aggressive yet musical palette that defined early techno and acid production. Version 2 represents a multi-year analysis and digital modeling of the original circuitry, including detailed emulation of the proprietary integrated circuit architecture that Wolfgang Palm helped design.
The sonic signature remains fundamentally uncompromising - jagged wavetable modulations, punchy transients, and resonant filter sweeps that sit assertively in a mix rather than blending. The character works particularly well for bass synthesis, where the filter exhibits the muscular coloration absent in purely software-based competitors. Pad textures demonstrate notable smoothness due to the specific harmonic content encoded in the original wavetable set, while rhythmic sequences benefit from the snappy envelope response.
Experienced producers seeking authentic 1980s-90s electronic textures will find Version 2 delivers convincing results without the circuit modeling artifacts that plague some digital recreations. The plugin functions best as a specialized tool rather than a generalist synthesizer - its strength lies in specific sonic territory rather than universal applicability. For engineers working in acid house, industrial, or vintage electro aesthetics, it provides documented historical accuracy combined with modern workflow integration, making it a legitimate alternative to hardware ownership or sample-based approximation.
Never Miss a Deal
We score every deal so you don't have to. Get the best ones in your inbox.