Each voice has three oscillators that offer authentic circuit models of analog waveforms, while oscillators 1 and 2 feature the two wavetables that were introduced by the Waldorf Q. Control over the brilliance of these wavetables is available, especially important for waves with lots of harmonics in the bass end. Brilliance also affects the sawtooth and pulse oscillator models, delivering everything from warm and soft string pads, to the hard shapes needed for punchy and biting bass sounds. Four envelopes with different types and trigger modes affect any sound parameters.

Oscillators 1 and 2 can be ring-modulated, and a noise generator delivers white noise that can be filtered low or high pass, depending on the noise color setting. The three oscillators, the ring modulator and the noise generator can be freely mixed into filter 1 and filter 2. The two multimode filters per voice can be routed in series or in parallel with each filter having its own pan parameter for easy creation of stereo sounds. The unit offers a freely controllable "Drive" function behind each filter with more than a dozen curves.

Needless to say, the modulation possibilities in the synthesizer are huge. Dozens of modulation sources can be connected to all the important sound generation parameters using a sixteen-slot modulation matrix, plus all the pre-routed modulation destinations. Additionally, the modulators themselves can be modulated. Each of the three LFOs offers sine, triangle, square and sawtooth waveforms, plus sample & hold and random and all can be synchronized to MIDI clock.

The arpeggiator features variable clock divisions from 1/64 triplets to more than 1,000 bars, with variable swing/shuffle, a range of up to ten octaves with multiple trigger styles provided. On the effects side, two slots are available for a multitude of processors, including dynamics, EQ and time-based effects. Finally, the user interface sports a huge graphic display providing precise visual feedback. Seven endless rotaries plus a volume knob all made of steel help the user in exploring the depth of the synthesizer.

License SL is an optional license that can be purchased for those users who wish to play samples through the Blofeld sound engine. The license releases 60 MB of built-in sample flash memory for loading factory or user samples. The samples and multi-samples go through the synthesis engine just like oscillators do. Additionally, a range of optional Soundsets are available for purchase, featuring new patches, and in some cases MIDI files, extending the sonic capabilities of the instrument.
Sixteen-part multitimbral
Up to twenty-five voices
Three oscillators per voice
More than 1,000 Sounds
Frequency modulation between oscillators
Includes all Q oscillator models and all Microwave II/XT/XTk wavetables
Modulation Matrix with sixteen slots, freely programmable
Four modifiers for transforming modulation sources with various algorithms
Various pre-routed modulation destinations with selectable sources
Poly, Mono, Dual, or Unisono mode with selectable voice count
Two independent multi-mode filters per voice
Filter frequency modulation
Two drive stages per voice with selectable drive curves
Three fast LFOs per voice
Four fast envelopes per voice
Oscillator synchronization
Ring Modulator for oscillator 1 / 2
Noise generator with noise color
Arpeggiator with freely programmable pattern and up to sixteen steps per sound
Seven endless, stainless steel control dials
Five buttons
128 x 64 pixels graphic display
Stereo output
Headphone output
MIDI In with LED indicator
USB connector for MIDI In/Out

Waldorf Blofeld Specs
Sounds 1,000+
Multitimbral 16 part
Voices Up to 25
Effects Chorus
Flanger
Phaser
Overdrive
Triple FX (Sample & Hold, Ring Modulation, Chorus)
Delay (only available on global effect slot)
Clocked Delay (only available on global effect slot)
Reverb (only available on global effect slot)
Output 1 x 1/4" TRS Left/Stereo, unbalanced
1 x 1/4" TS Right, unbalanced
Headphone Jack 1/4" TRS
Controllers 7 x Dials, endless rotation, stainless steel
5 x Function/select/navigation buttons
USB 1 x USB Type-B
Uses standard USB MIDI drivers provided by the host computer OS
MIDI 1 x 5-pin DIN In
Display 128 x 64 pixel graphic display, b/w, white background LED
Power Requirements 12V DC via included external power supply
System Requirements Windows ME minimum, Windows XP or newer (recommended)
Mac OS X 10.2 minimum, 10.3 or newer recommended
Dimensions Not specified by manufacturer
Weight Not specified by manufacturer
Packaging Info
Package Weight 4.575 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 18.05 x 9 x 4.25"