Introducing the Waldorf Protein: A Compact Powerhouse with Vintage Soul
🔴 UPCOMING LIVE SHOWCASE
We will be discussing the Waldorf Protein on the Synth Geekery show live!
When: Saturday 29th November 2025 at 1PM UTC
Where: Watch Live on YouTube
Overview
Waldorf Music has just unveiled the Protein, a compact desktop synthesizer that bridges the gap between vintage grit and modern performance. This 8-voice polyphonic wavetable synthesizer is a fascinating hybrid: it resurrects the legendary digital heart of the original Microwave 1 while encasing it in a modern workflow inherited from the flagship Iridium line.
Get one here (affiliate link): https://clickfi.re/cEQUqisj
At its core, the Protein features a recreation of the original Microwave ASIC oscillators, running at the classic 250 kHz sample rate to capture that distinct 8-bit quantization and aliasing that defined the sound of the early 90s. However, it doesn’t just look back. With a sleek new form factor, sophisticated modulation options, and a robust effects engine, it stands as the first entry in a new product line designed for portable creativity.
Whether you are looking to add some authentic “lo-fi” digital texture to your setup or need a powerful travel companion, the Protein packs a serious punch into its 0.9 kg frame.
Key Features
- Authentic Sound Engine: Dual wavetable oscillators per voice based on the original Microwave 1 ASIC chip, delivering bit-identical classic wavetables.
- 4-Layer Architecture: The 8 voices can be split or stacked across up to 4 timbral layers. The “Load Layer” feature allows you to instantly recombine existing presets into new complex patches.
- Advanced Filtering: A faithful digital modeling of CEM analog filters, complete with a “Dirt” parameter to inject noise, crackle, and other textures.
- Modern Modulation: Includes 3 envelopes, 2 LFOs, and an 8-slot modulation matrix per layer. Full support for Polyphonic Aftertouch and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression).
- Effects Suite: Two effect slots per layer featuring Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Drive, EQ, Compressor, and Tremolo.
- Performance Tools: Integrated arpeggiator, 32-step sequencer, and dedicated Chord & Scale modes.
- Ultra-Portable: Weighs less than 1 kg and powered via USB-C, making it ideal for mobile setups.
Technical Specifications Summary
| Feature | Specification |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
| Multitimbrality | 4 Parts (Layers) |
| Oscillators | 2x Wavetable Oscillators per voice (Microwave 1 ASIC recreation) |
| Filter | Modeled CEM Analog Filter with “Dirt” and “Flavour” controls |
| Modulation | 3 Envelopes, 2 LFOs, 8-Slot Mod Matrix per layer |
| Presets | 150+ Factory Presets, 250 User Slots |
| Effects | 2 Slots per layer (Reverb, Delay, Phaser, Drive, etc.) |
| Sequencer/Arp | 32-Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator, Chord & Scale Modes |
| Audio Outputs | Stereo 6.35mm Jacks (L/R), 3.5mm Headphone Out |
| MIDI | MIDI In/Out (via included Mini-TRS Type A adapters), USB-C MIDI |
| Power | USB-C (Power supply not included) |
| Dimensions | 252 x 170 x 48 mm |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Price | ~€329 – €379 / $499 USD |
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