From Manufacturer
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.
Envelopes and Modulation: Intelligent Motion
Organic modulation meets precise control. Every envelope, source, and target connects fluidly. Protein responds intuitively as if it understands the language of your music.
Presets: Inspiration for your Music
Protein comes with over 150 factory presets of huge variety and is capable of storing up to 250 presets. With the 4-layer concept, you can mix and match from the existing library and create new combinations with the easy-to-use Load Layer feature. Build rich and surprising sonic complexity from simple parts within seconds.
Pitch: Total Command of Every Tone Cell
Shape pitch with meticulous precision. From various scales and chords to smooth, fluid glides, Protein responds instantly to every nuance of your performance.
Everywhere You Go
While being a true power synth, Protein can carry you away into new and surprising worlds of sound. With its portable form factor you can take Protein with you everywhere you go, so you can be creative whenever you feel like it.