Manufacturer's description
Iridium Desktop MK2 is the new generation of the highly acclaimed Iridium Desktop synthesizer, originally launched in 2020. Used and embraced by countless artists and sound designers since its release, Waldorf Music is now, six years later, taking its sonic success story even further.
Based on the legendary multi-engine design of the Quantum and Iridium product line, this new generation innovates even further, fitting perfectly into Waldorf’s forward-looking synthesizer design philosophy.
The MK2 features a new design and an upgraded CPU board with expanded RAM and flash storage, allowing for larger sample capacity and opening a whole new world of synthesis capabilities.
What's new?
Per-Note-Parameter-Locks (ft. Aphex Twin)
In this MK2, users can enjoy a very special feature called Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, which is the result of a collaboration with legendary Aphex Twin, a long-term Iridium Desktop user. With this feature, each of the 128 notes can be assigned up to 16 individual parameter variations by simply holding a note and turning knobs. This system allows each note to have a different set of parameters. Users can even change the synthesis mode of oscillators for each note or change effect parameters. Per-Note-Parameter-Locks are saved with each patch and can be inspected and edited on a dedicated page.
"Seeds": The Sixth Synthesis Sense
The added RAM further allows a new sixth synthesis method for each of the three oscillators. Inspired by wavetable synthesis, in which each wavetable represents a timbral journey, Waldorf has found a way to base these timbral journeys not only on static waveforms but also to dynamically synthesize each waypoint from sub-oscillators called "Seeds." These can be controlled and recombined using techniques like Ring Modulation, Frequency Modulation, Wavetable and Partials, and enriched with noise and other non-pitched material. Similar to wavetables, while a set of predefined timbral journeys is included, users can also edit and create their own.
Protein’s "Flavour" Knob
The new knob called "Flavour" adds sonic liveliness using Waldorf's new concept of micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch and a whole set of additional parameters, which we recently introduced with Protein synthesizer.
Expanded Universe of Sound: More Memory, More Layers
With the increased memory capacity, changing the multi-timbral layer count from 2 to 4 is now possible. In addition to the layered and split modes, the new MK2 also features more advanced multi-timbral modes, such as round-robin and random-robin. These additions bring greater timbral richness and variety, letting users build deep and complex sonic landscapes. A dream-come-true for all sound designers, sonic explorers and cinematic artists.
Specification
(New MK2 features marked in bold.)
- Compatible with the Waldorf Quantum synth engine
- Software: Waldorf Synthesis Platform OS 4.0 or later
Oscillators
3 Oscillators each capable of 6 synthesis modes:
- Wavetable
- Waveform
- Particle in Multi-Sampling and Granular mode with extended Sample RAM
- Resonator
- Kernels (up to 6 sub-oscillators which can be interlinked through FM, AM or Wavetable-position
- at audio rate)
- Seeds: Waypoint synthesis providing timbral journeys using sub-oscillators based on various methods like Ring Modulation, FM, Wavetable, Partials and various Noise/Dirt Types.
Dual Stereo Filters per voice
True stereo path Dual Digital Filter with independent modes:
- 12/24dB LP/HP/BP in all combinations
- Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum and StateVariable models
- Analyzer displayed in Filter view
- Filter curve animation when modulated (optional)
- Sophisticated filter routing options with modulatable panning and levels
Digital Former
- Filter models like State Variable, Raiser, Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG in HP/LP/BP/Notch
- Comb filters, Bit-Crusher, various Drives, Ring-Modulation, Formant Filters
Modulators
- 6 Envelopes
- 6 LFOs
- Komplex Modulator (LFO/Envelope combination with user-definable shape and morphing)
- Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, allowing individual parameter variations per note inspired by Aphex Twin
- ‘Flavour‘ control for micro-variations in timing, pitch, and timbre
Mod Matrix
- 40 slots
- Fast assign mode
- One additional control amount per slot• Identical Sources and Destinations can be used multiple times until the matrix is full
Effects
- 5 slots per layer
- Various parallel and sequential routing options
- Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Drive, EQ, Compressor, Tremolo
Performance features
- Advanced Arpeggiator
- New polyphonic Arpeggiator modes
- Step-sequencer with up to 64 steps for notes and parameters
- 4×4 silicon pad matrix with RGB backlights assignable to notes, scales or chords
- Favourites screen for quick patch recall
- XY control on touchscreen
- Wheels touchscreen for MIDI controls like mod wheel, pitch bend, aftertouch and velocity
- MPE capable
Screen
- Industrial-grade highly responsive touch screen with Brightness control
- 1024x600 pixels
Voices
- 16 voice polyphony
- Multi-Timbral with 4 layers
- Advanced multi-timbral modes such as round-robin and random-robin
- Mono, Legato and Unison
Patches
- Over 1750 factory patches
- Capacity of 7000 patch memory slots (numbers 0000-9999 can be used)
- Patches from Quantum and other Iridium variants can be loaded and vice-versa
- Category filter for patch list
- GB sample flash memory preloaded with 2 GB factory samples
- ‘Mutator‘ patch randomizer
Connections
- Stereo Audio Out: 2x TS jacks
- Stereo Audio In: 2x TS jacks
- Headphones TRS output with level control
- DIN MIDI In, Out & Thru
- USB Type B (device) for MIDI connection to computer
- USB Type A (host) for storage media and MIDI devices
- MIDI 2.0 compatible
- MicroSD slot
- 4 high-resolution CV Inputs which can be used as modulation sources in the Mod-Matrix
- Analog clock In & Out with clock divider settings
- Analog gate and start inputs
- Kensington® compatible lock
Overall
- Sturdy metal case with aluminium knobs
- Dimensions: 440 mm wide by 305 mm depth by 85 mm height (including controls)
- Weight: 4.8 kg
- VESA 75 receptacle on the bottom (mountable on a monitor stand using the VESA standard)
- 19″ rack assembly parts available
- External Power Supply: Input 100-240 V / AC 50-60 Hz, Output 12 V DC / 3 A
What’s In the Box?
- Iridium Desktop MK2 Synthesizer
- Power Supply
- Printed Quick Start Guide
- Dimensions: 440mm wide x 305mm depth x 85mm height (including controls)
- Weight: 5.4 kg
How much is my shipping?
Shipping is automatically calculated before you submit your payment information. Simply add items to your cart and proceed to the checkout page, where you'll be offered shipping options and their prices. In the UK, 'next working day' shipping is free if the order value is over £150, and £5 otherwise. We can also ship on a 'next working day before 12pm' service, which costs £6 for orders over £150 and £7.50 for orders under £150.
Shipping to mainland EU typically costs between £7 and £20, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the order.
Do you ship to my country?
Almost certainly - the site will give you an estimate of shipping costs if you add an item to the cart and then enter your country and postcode. If you have specific requirements (such as if you prefer UPS over FedEx, for example) then let us know in advance and we'll try to work something out for you.
Shipping methods
We use a combination of DPD, Royal Mail and Parcelforce for the UK, and for international orders it's either DHL, FedEx, UPS, Royal Mail or Parcelforce depending on where you are in the world. If you have a particular preference then try to let us know BEFORE you order so we can look into it for you. Please note that there may occasionally be additional shipping charges if you live in a remote area, depending on what surcharges are applied by the shipper. We'll get in touch to discuss this with you in such cases.
Dispatch times
For UK orders, we aim to dispatch the same working day if we get the order before 16:00. If you have a really urgent situation then of course drop us an email before ordering and we'll always do our absolute best to accommodate you.
For international orders, we normally dispatch the same day if we get the order before 13:00 but again, occasionally it might be the next day before we can send it out, and sometimes the couriers may come to collect a little earlier than scheduled which would also push an order into the next day.
Saturday/Sunday shipping
If you're in the UK and you order before 16:00 on a Friday then we can send something for a Saturday or Sunday delivery with DPD. This is FREE for order values over £350, £5 for order values between £75 and £250, and £7 for order values under £75. (NB: this applies to UK mainland addresses only). Please note that any orders placed after 16:00 on a Friday will ship on the Monday.
International shipping times
Since April 2020, the couriers we use have suspended guarantees for shipping times, so even though we're paying them for priority services - 24-48 hours for most of the world - in practice it's often an extra day on top and sometimes it can be longer. There is absolutely nothing we can do about this, unfortunately. If you are outside the UK and it's a life-or-death situation where you absolutely MUST have that passive mult for the next day then... it may be better to find a local supplier.
Pre-orders
If a product is listed as a pre-order, it means we've ordered it from the supplier but it's not physically in stock yet. The product listing will include an estimated shipping date based on the best information we have from the supplier, but do bear in mind this is subject to change and is not a guaranteed date.
If you place an order containing a mixture of in-stock and pre-order items, we'll normally hold off on shipping anything until the pre-order item(s) have arrived, rather than splitting it into multiple shipments. If you need the in-stock items sooner, we'd recommend placing separate orders. As always, please get in touch if you have questions.
Product Overview
Manufacturer's description
Iridium Desktop MK2 is the new generation of the highly acclaimed Iridium Desktop synthesizer, originally launched in 2020. Used and embraced by countless artists and sound designers since its release, Waldorf Music is now, six years later, taking its sonic success story even further.
Based on the legendary multi-engine design of the Quantum and Iridium product line, this new generation innovates even further, fitting perfectly into Waldorf’s forward-looking synthesizer design philosophy.
The MK2 features a new design and an upgraded CPU board with expanded RAM and flash storage, allowing for larger sample capacity and opening a whole new world of synthesis capabilities.
What's new?
Per-Note-Parameter-Locks (ft. Aphex Twin)
In this MK2, users can enjoy a very special feature called Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, which is the result of a collaboration with legendary Aphex Twin, a long-term Iridium Desktop user. With this feature, each of the 128 notes can be assigned up to 16 individual parameter variations by simply holding a note and turning knobs. This system allows each note to have a different set of parameters. Users can even change the synthesis mode of oscillators for each note or change effect parameters. Per-Note-Parameter-Locks are saved with each patch and can be inspected and edited on a dedicated page.
"Seeds": The Sixth Synthesis Sense
The added RAM further allows a new sixth synthesis method for each of the three oscillators. Inspired by wavetable synthesis, in which each wavetable represents a timbral journey, Waldorf has found a way to base these timbral journeys not only on static waveforms but also to dynamically synthesize each waypoint from sub-oscillators called "Seeds." These can be controlled and recombined using techniques like Ring Modulation, Frequency Modulation, Wavetable and Partials, and enriched with noise and other non-pitched material. Similar to wavetables, while a set of predefined timbral journeys is included, users can also edit and create their own.
Protein’s "Flavour" Knob
The new knob called "Flavour" adds sonic liveliness using Waldorf's new concept of micro-variations in timing, timbre, pitch and a whole set of additional parameters, which we recently introduced with Protein synthesizer.
Expanded Universe of Sound: More Memory, More Layers
With the increased memory capacity, changing the multi-timbral layer count from 2 to 4 is now possible. In addition to the layered and split modes, the new MK2 also features more advanced multi-timbral modes, such as round-robin and random-robin. These additions bring greater timbral richness and variety, letting users build deep and complex sonic landscapes. A dream-come-true for all sound designers, sonic explorers and cinematic artists.
Specification
(New MK2 features marked in bold.)
- Compatible with the Waldorf Quantum synth engine
- Software: Waldorf Synthesis Platform OS 4.0 or later
Oscillators
3 Oscillators each capable of 6 synthesis modes:
- Wavetable
- Waveform
- Particle in Multi-Sampling and Granular mode with extended Sample RAM
- Resonator
- Kernels (up to 6 sub-oscillators which can be interlinked through FM, AM or Wavetable-position
- at audio rate)
- Seeds: Waypoint synthesis providing timbral journeys using sub-oscillators based on various methods like Ring Modulation, FM, Wavetable, Partials and various Noise/Dirt Types.
Dual Stereo Filters per voice
True stereo path Dual Digital Filter with independent modes:
- 12/24dB LP/HP/BP in all combinations
- Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum and StateVariable models
- Analyzer displayed in Filter view
- Filter curve animation when modulated (optional)
- Sophisticated filter routing options with modulatable panning and levels
Digital Former
- Filter models like State Variable, Raiser, Waldorf Nave, Largo and PPG in HP/LP/BP/Notch
- Comb filters, Bit-Crusher, various Drives, Ring-Modulation, Formant Filters
Modulators
- 6 Envelopes
- 6 LFOs
- Komplex Modulator (LFO/Envelope combination with user-definable shape and morphing)
- Per-Note-Parameter-Locks, allowing individual parameter variations per note inspired by Aphex Twin
- ‘Flavour‘ control for micro-variations in timing, pitch, and timbre
Mod Matrix
- 40 slots
- Fast assign mode
- One additional control amount per slot• Identical Sources and Destinations can be used multiple times until the matrix is full
Effects
- 5 slots per layer
- Various parallel and sequential routing options
- Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Drive, EQ, Compressor, Tremolo
Performance features
- Advanced Arpeggiator
- New polyphonic Arpeggiator modes
- Step-sequencer with up to 64 steps for notes and parameters
- 4×4 silicon pad matrix with RGB backlights assignable to notes, scales or chords
- Favourites screen for quick patch recall
- XY control on touchscreen
- Wheels touchscreen for MIDI controls like mod wheel, pitch bend, aftertouch and velocity
- MPE capable
Screen
- Industrial-grade highly responsive touch screen with Brightness control
- 1024x600 pixels
Voices
- 16 voice polyphony
- Multi-Timbral with 4 layers
- Advanced multi-timbral modes such as round-robin and random-robin
- Mono, Legato and Unison
Patches
- Over 1750 factory patches
- Capacity of 7000 patch memory slots (numbers 0000-9999 can be used)
- Patches from Quantum and other Iridium variants can be loaded and vice-versa
- Category filter for patch list
- GB sample flash memory preloaded with 2 GB factory samples
- ‘Mutator‘ patch randomizer
Connections
- Stereo Audio Out: 2x TS jacks
- Stereo Audio In: 2x TS jacks
- Headphones TRS output with level control
- DIN MIDI In, Out & Thru
- USB Type B (device) for MIDI connection to computer
- USB Type A (host) for storage media and MIDI devices
- MIDI 2.0 compatible
- MicroSD slot
- 4 high-resolution CV Inputs which can be used as modulation sources in the Mod-Matrix
- Analog clock In & Out with clock divider settings
- Analog gate and start inputs
- Kensington® compatible lock
Overall
- Sturdy metal case with aluminium knobs
- Dimensions: 440 mm wide by 305 mm depth by 85 mm height (including controls)
- Weight: 4.8 kg
- VESA 75 receptacle on the bottom (mountable on a monitor stand using the VESA standard)
- 19″ rack assembly parts available
- External Power Supply: Input 100-240 V / AC 50-60 Hz, Output 12 V DC / 3 A
What’s In the Box?
- Iridium Desktop MK2 Synthesizer
- Power Supply
- Printed Quick Start Guide
Technical Specs
Shipping Details
How much is my shipping?
Shipping is automatically calculated before you submit your payment information. Simply add items to your cart and proceed to the checkout page, where you'll be offered shipping options and their prices. In the UK, 'next working day' shipping is free if the order value is over £150, and £5 otherwise. We can also ship on a 'next working day before 12pm' service, which costs £6 for orders over £150 and £7.50 for orders under £150.
Shipping to mainland EU typically costs between £7 and £20, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the order.
Do you ship to my country?
Almost certainly - the site will give you an estimate of shipping costs if you add an item to the cart and then enter your country and postcode. If you have specific requirements (such as if you prefer UPS over FedEx, for example) then let us know in advance and we'll try to work something out for you.
Shipping methods
We use a combination of DPD, Royal Mail and Parcelforce for the UK, and for international orders it's either DHL, FedEx, UPS, Royal Mail or Parcelforce depending on where you are in the world. If you have a particular preference then try to let us know BEFORE you order so we can look into it for you. Please note that there may occasionally be additional shipping charges if you live in a remote area, depending on what surcharges are applied by the shipper. We'll get in touch to discuss this with you in such cases.
Dispatch times
For UK orders, we aim to dispatch the same working day if we get the order before 16:00. If you have a really urgent situation then of course drop us an email before ordering and we'll always do our absolute best to accommodate you.
For international orders, we normally dispatch the same day if we get the order before 13:00 but again, occasionally it might be the next day before we can send it out, and sometimes the couriers may come to collect a little earlier than scheduled which would also push an order into the next day.
Saturday/Sunday shipping
If you're in the UK and you order before 16:00 on a Friday then we can send something for a Saturday or Sunday delivery with DPD. This is FREE for order values over £350, £5 for order values between £75 and £250, and £7 for order values under £75. (NB: this applies to UK mainland addresses only). Please note that any orders placed after 16:00 on a Friday will ship on the Monday.
International shipping times
Since April 2020, the couriers we use have suspended guarantees for shipping times, so even though we're paying them for priority services - 24-48 hours for most of the world - in practice it's often an extra day on top and sometimes it can be longer. There is absolutely nothing we can do about this, unfortunately. If you are outside the UK and it's a life-or-death situation where you absolutely MUST have that passive mult for the next day then... it may be better to find a local supplier.
Pre-orders
If a product is listed as a pre-order, it means we've ordered it from the supplier but it's not physically in stock yet. The product listing will include an estimated shipping date based on the best information we have from the supplier, but do bear in mind this is subject to change and is not a guaranteed date.
If you place an order containing a mixture of in-stock and pre-order items, we'll normally hold off on shipping anything until the pre-order item(s) have arrived, rather than splitting it into multiple shipments. If you need the in-stock items sooner, we'd recommend placing separate orders. As always, please get in touch if you have questions.
