Waldorf 16 voice all-digital Iridium Keyboard

$3799.99

In a nutshell the Waldorf Iridium Keyboard Synthesizer is everything a Waldorf Iridium Desktop is, with a 49 key Fatar semi-weighted polyphonic aftertouch keyboard instead of the pads (which can still be accessed digitally on the touch screen).

Good move Waldorf! With the Waldorf Quantum Keyboard cruising over $5k with tax, I am sure a lot of people will elect to save $1000 and grab the 49 keys digital Iridium instead of the 61 keys hybrid analog/digital Quantum.

Personally, I’m still seeing the extra value in the Quantum, but I am certain a lot of Quantum users are going to be hoping they can replace their monophonic aftertouch keyboard with a 61 key polyphonic aftertouch keyboard.

Notably the Iridium Keyboard, like the Iridium Desktop has CV, and a little more panel real estate, and the same touch screen as the Iridium Desktop. The side panels are also reminiscent of the Iridium Desktop.

Firmware progress

We don’t know yet which version of firmware will ship with the Iridium Keyboard, but if it is OS 2.5.x, the following applies.

In my opinion, until recently the Iridium was more of a studio synth than a gigging or performance synth. Most of all, OS 2.5.x, the newest ‘official’ OS release isn’t fully performance stable and never will be.

OS 2.5.x is a huge improvement over previous development efforts, wonderful, a joy, rather amazing, but it is still capable of an occasional loud digital pop/bang. A very minor nuisance in a studio synth but unacceptable for a gigging or performance synth. The OS 3.0 Beta 12+ may have fully overcome that hurdle though.

Currently I am running OS 3.0 Beta 12 (Quantum), which is publicly available for Iridium/Quantum by asking Waldorf to add you to the Beta. If you are waiting for the official release of OS 3.0, don’t. OS 3.0 Beta 12 is much more stable, bug free and feature rich. There are also many great patches that require OS 3.0. There is no downside to running the Beta, none. Running OS 2.5.x massively cheats you out of the very best Iridium has to offer. Have I said this clear enough? Ha!

Thanks!
-Yehuda

Manufacturer’s website
https://waldorfmusic.com/en/iridium-keyboard

Facebook user groups

Waldorf Quantum & Iridium Synthesizer Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/184475775419027

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